Fading Scars

This is an Alternate Universe fic set perhaps a day or two after Orochimaru’s retreat from Konoha. A lot of liberties were taken from that point on in terms of time-line. This is also a very angsty (especially Naruto) and sexually graphic fic—just the way we like it!

This was written as a one-on-one RP, so the point of view of the story will change, usually with every paragraph. Scenes will also change abruptly and large periods of time will pass with little notice, though I’ll try to give some warning at the beginning of the chapter.

// = thoughts
* = emphasis

NOTE: This part takes place about a month later from the previous chapter. Warnings for sexual content. ^^

Please read and enjoy!

Fading Scars
Chapter Twelve:

Sasuke took a deep breath. After nearly three weeks of travel and another of gathering information, he and Neji had finally reached the gates of the Village of Hidden Stone. The walls were broad and made entirely of rock, taller and more impressive than anything he'd seen in Konoha. There were designs carved into most of its surface, which bore the appearance of seals--as if the walls themselves could be somehow utilized were the village to be attacked.

"Neji." Sasuke glanced at the boy at his side. "Think you're up to this?"

Neji was squinting along the top of the wall--though there were no obvious signs of watchers, he could still almost feel the eyes upon them. Hencednced at his companion, smiling faintly. "We've come this far," he reminded. He fought the urge to give Sasuke's hand a squeeze and instead started towards the large, gaping doors. He could see buildings just beyond, also stone. //It's rather amazing....//

The guards standing on either side of the entrance sent meaningful glances at each other as the boys approached, and one took a small step to the side--not enough to completely block their path, but enough that he couldn't be ignored. "Hey, you two. Can we help you?"

Sasuke, taking it upon himself to be their representative, stepped forward. "My name is Uchiha Sasuke," he introduced evenly. "And this is Hyuuga Neji. We've come from the Country of Fire to seek audience with Tsuchikage."

Raising an eyebrow, the guards again exchanged looks. "Fire, eh? That's quite a distance." He studied the pair a long moment as if gauging their intentions. "And why would a pair of kids like you want to see Tsuchikage-sama?"

"Our business is our own," Neji replied carefully. "We merely wish to speak with him regarding residence here."

"Oh ho." He crossed his arms. "All right then--I'll escort you to Tsuchikage-sama, but you will be required to leave all your weapons at the main door. Is this acceptable?"

Sasuke frowned, but he'd expected as much. "That's fine." //It's not like the best of our skills require weapons, anyway.// He removed the pouch at his side and tugged the shuriken out of his boots, armbands, and shirt.

Neji did the same easily. //This far North, they won't know about Byakugan or Sharingan.//

Nodding, the guard handed the gathered weapons over to his companion. "Stay with me then," he said, turning into the village. He led them easily through the streets, nodding or greeting someone passing them now and again. "You two come all this way on your own?" he asked casually.

"Yes," Sasuke replied. There didn't seem to be any point in lying. "It took us a while to find this place. You have an impressive village." As they went he took the time to take in the village: the houses were made of stone, mostly round, with small windows and tall chimneys. People glanced up as they passed, watching curiously. Most of them were dressed in pale leather or shades of brown, with light skin and hair--he and Neji must have stood out a lot.

"No stronger village, save maybe the capitol," the guard replied easily, hands in his pockets. "Additions can be difficult, though." He smiled faintly, glancing over his shoulder at the pair. "You both ninjas?"

//Pre-questioning, huh? To make sure we're not spies, maybe.// "We are," he answered just as casually.

"Heeeh, impressive. Can't be much more than genins, then, at your age."

"We're both drop-outs from this last chuunin exam," Sasuke admitted. If it let them rest easier, thinking they were mere genin, all the better. //We're stronger than that. We have to be.// "Things have been...strained in our village lately. So we left."

"Well of course, after what happened," he said, expression sobering somewhat. He caught the suspicious look on the older boy's face, and he smiled over his shoulder. "You have our sympathy for the loss of the Third Hokage. He was a brave man, so I heard."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed somewhat. "He was. And…we appreciate that." He glanced away. "But our being here doesn't have anything to do with that."

The guard nodded. "Of course." They continued on for a moment before he spoke again. "I'm Chidiwa, by the way. Excuse me for not introducing myself sooner."

Neji bowed his head slightly in response. "It's fine. Are we almost there?"

Chidiwa grinned faintly. "Nearly."

Sasuke glanced up, and his eyes widened faintly as the Village's main building rose before them. It was tall, and sloped, made of stone like the rest and covered in more designs. He felt a tiny tremor in his gut--there was no way of knowing how Tsuchikage would react to them and their request. //I've never heard of this, after all. Ninjas defecting to other villages….//

Chidiwa led them inside, past several more guards as well as other, wandering ninja. Each took a good look at the visitors before passing on. At last they reached a pair of large, ornately carved oak doors. Sasuke clenched his fists. "This it?"

"That's right." Chidiwa pushed one of the doors opened and gestured inside. "He's expecting you."

Neji turned to him sharply. "Expecting us?"

Chidiwa chuckled and tapped the side of his forehead protector. "Ninja," he reminded lightly. He nodded towards the interior. "Go on."

Though he was still worried, Neji led the way inside. For a moment he was startled--the room seemed to spin a moment with bright, moving colors. He realized quickly enough that the chamber was covered from floor to ceiling with thick, tightly woven carpets. It took him a second to even spot the Stone ninja leader, seated easily on a likewise covered chair. His fingers curled.

Sasuke followed Neji inside, marveling himself at the odd designs. Tsuchikage wasn't much of what he'd expected: the man seated before them was a short, stout man with thick muscles and pale, curly hair and beard. He was watching them with calm curiosity. It was a different feeling than Sasuke remembered from the Third--already he could tell he was formidable.

Tsuchikage lifted his head, watching as the pair cautiously approached and each dropped to one knee. He snorted. "Ninjas of Konoha. What brings you to this village?"

Neji took a deep breath--they would have to speak carefully. "We are no longer of Konoha, sir," he replied respectfully. "We are genin who chose to leave of our own wills." He glanced briefly at Sasuke, wondering just how much they could safely offer without bringing more suspect. "To be blunt, sir," he continued slowly. "We are seeking assistance."

"Assistance," Tsuchikage repeated curiously. He folded his hands. "And what might that be?"

Sasuke bit his lip. //No. I don't want anyone to lie to me anymore--I have to be honest here.//

Hoping he was doing the right thing, Sasuke tugged the collar of his shirt down, exposing his curse seal. "Lord Tsuchikage," he said evenly. "I have been cursed by Orochimaru. I need to become stronger, to protect myself and, someday, defeat him. My...former village can't help me anymore with that." He lowered his head respectfully. "Please, allow my companion and I to train here in your village."

Tsuchikage's eyes narrowed, any humor he might have borne vanishing. "I see." He looked to Neji. "And you?"

//Sasuke....// Reaching up, he likewise pushed up the bandages he'd wound around his head to hide his own seal. "My clan has a history of...slavery," he explained quietly. "I left to hopefully gain freedom from my family's curse." He bowed his head as well, feeling the elder's eyes heavily upon them--a small shiver went down his back. //It is even working? Is he just going to turn us out?// His breath felt strained. "We understand our requests areatreat, and we have little to offer in turn for your kindness."

Tsuchikage was silent for a long moment, watching them, waiting to see theythey would react. But both were silent, bowed, and respectful, and he appreciated that restraint given their youth.

"I see," he said again. He titled his chin up. "That is quite a request. The Country of Fire has never been our ally. But then...I have no reason to suspect you of spying, considering the state of your village. If the rumors are true." He relaxed in his chair. "Name yourselves."

"Uchiha Sasuke," Sasuke answered obediently. His fingers tightened. "The last of my clan, Sir."

"Hyuuga Neji." //I wonder if he will recognize our names, being the most powerful clan in Konoha...and the former....// He wanted to look up, to see what expression was on the elder's face, but he managed to remain as still as Sasuke.

"I see." //The Hyuuga clan is Konoha's strongest. I didn't know they kept slaves, but…it's not surprising. And Uchiha….// He watched Sasuke closely. "Your clan was killed four years ago. I remember the rumors."

"Yes." Sasuke cringed a little, licking his lips.

"I see. Well, then…." Tsuchikage tugged lightly at his beard. "I can't see any reason to cast you out," he said easily. "Though I should warn you, becoming a successful ninja of Hidden Stone is not quite like that of the Konoha you're used to."

"We are prepared for t Sir Sir," Neji quickly replied, his hope restored. "Neither of us are strangers to hardship. We...." His eyes darted briefly to Sasuke. "If you have some task for us to prove ourselves, we are willing to take it."

Tsuchikage chuckled. "No worry there, Hyuuga. Hidden Stone has plenty of opportunities for testing strength and loyalty. There is nothing here we value more."

Sasuke's lips parted slightly. //Loyalty....// It…sounded nice, that was certain. To think that therre nre ninja who actually believed in such traits anymore…. He nodded weakly. "If we might have some time tot, ft, first...?"

"Ah, of course. You've come a long way." Tsuchikage smiled faintly. "Chidiwa will find a place for you. If you like, we can discuss your placement into our Academy in the morning."

//Academy?// Neji felt a stirring of protest at that, but kept it down. //If anything, it will give us a chance to see their training methods.// He bowed his head low, nearly toug thg the floor. "Thank you, Tsuchikage, sir," he said with real gratitude. "We are grateful for your time and kindness."

Tsuchikage tapped his knuckles against his chair, and a moment later the chamber door opened to reveal Chidiwa once more. "Chidiwa will see to it that you are given food and bathing water. Come see me in the morning."

"Thank you, Master Tsuchikage." Sasuke could nearly hear Tsuchikage's smirk at his address, but to Sasuke it was only natural--this was to be his leader, from now on. Until he found reason otherwise. He pushed slowly to his feet.

Neji did likewise, for a moment meeting the elder's gaze--Tsuchikage's expression didn't waver, and he was relieved to see no displeasure at being looked at directly. It spoke more to Neji than his words had. He bowed again once he was upright before turning to leave. //This is going better than we could have hoped.// They followed a faintly smirking Chidiwa out of the building once more, down a few streets to another tall building.

"It's not much," Chidiwa explained, opening the door to a small apartment. "There's only one bed, but there's a closet full of carpets and blankets that could make for equally comfortable sleeping." He urged them both inside before following, setting a basket of food he'd picked up on the way on the small table. "There's some fresh meat rolls in here, bread and fruit. Bathing room is just over there." He ted ted to a doorway off to the right. "You're lucky--this place is a bit old, but it has a hand pump to bring up fresh water from the springs." Chidiwa glanced between the two. "I'll come pick you up in the morning, and for now it would probably be best if you two stayed here until then."

"That's fine," Sasuke assured, eyeing the room. "We're tired from traveling, anyway. We're not going anywhere." He turned to Chidiwa. "Thanks for looking after us. Are you…a jounin here?"

His mouth stretched in an easy smile. "You could say that." He set a hand briefly on Sasuke's shoulder. //This one....// "Rest up then. You'll have some catching up to do." Chidiwa nodded towards Neji before heading out the door.

Neji shut it behind him, and was relieved when he saw there was a lock. He hesitated a moment before throwing it. //If they really want in, they'll get in. But better to be safe.// Sighing, he turned to face his companion with a tired smile. "Well?"

"I guess...it worked?" Sasuke wandered to the table, tugging out one of the meat buns. The first bite reminded him how hungry he really was, and he set into it quickly. "I don't like the sound of joining some Academy, but I guess we'll just have to see."

Nodding, Neji moved to do the same, choosing a piece of strange fruit to test for himself. "They may just want to see our level. I'm sure if we're beyond their students, they'll move us up." His face lit up a bit at the taste of the fruit--the sweet flavor was quickly winning him over. "We may learn some new tricks, in any case. And we can prove we aren't going to do anything harmful."

Sasuke gathered up an armful of buns and fruit, taking it with him to the bed. He sat down with a grateful sigh. "Yeah, you're right. Tsuchikage...seems strong, doesn't he?" //I think I like him already.//

"You noticed that, too?" He watched Sasuke a moment before copying him, though he took to the floor instead. The stone was hard and cool beneath him, and his eyes widened a moment as he realized just why the other room had been so covered with fabric. //It must get cold in the winter.// "I think he will give us a fair chance, don't you?"

"Seems like it." Sasukok aok a huge bite of a large red fruit, and was surprised by how much it squished in his mouth. He quickly wiped the juice from his chin. "We'll have to play nice for a while, but it might not be so bad. This...is really good." He took another hungry bite.

Neji couldn't help grinning. //Maybe it won't be so bad, living here.// "At least we know we like the food." He turned his attention to eating--it had been days since they'd had a real, full meal, and he was already looking forward to a warm, soft bed.

When he finished, he carefully threw away the small pits he'd found in the red fruits, checking the basket to see that there wasn't much left for the morning. //Hopefully that Chidiwa will have some more.// He pulled off his jacket. "I'm going to try this pump he was talking about."

"Okay." Sasuke licked his fingers clean as he tossed the remains of his meal away. He watched as Neji moved toward the next room. //I'm glad we're here together--even if this place seems all right, it's not like I really trust them yet.// He lowered his gaze. //And there's only one bed….//

Neji found the bath surprisingly easy to use, though it got a bit tiring pumping in enough water to fill the tub. But the water was steaming invitingly, and there was the tang of metal in the air as proof of its hot springs origin. Suddenly every ache on his body was making itself known, and without thinking Neji stripped down and slipping into the water. It was blissfully hot, and he sighed heavily. "God, that's good...."

Sasuke glanced at the room. "Neji?" Though there really was no need to he ventured to the door and peeked curiously inside. Just seeing Neji emerged in the water, looking so relaxed, made him envious. "Is it warm?"

He smiled lazily, eyes closed as he rested his head in a carefully carved dip in the stone. "It's wonderful," he replied. Nejied aed a hand through the water, pulling his knees up slightly. "If you don't want to wait, there's enough room."

Sasuke straightened, his face coloring as he imagined…. He shook his head. "No, that's okay. Really." Though...he didn't leave right away. "What do you want to do about the bed...?"

//Ah well.// "You can take it, if you want," he replied, sinking a little lower. "I don't mind making up something on the floor." //It'll be better than the forest, though....// His fingers curled beneath the water. //It'll be strange, not having him near me.//

"Actually…." Sasuke glanced away in slight embarrassment. "It's big enough to share, if you want. The floor's solid stone so it probably won't be that comfortable."

Neji glanced up, smile softening. "If you don't mind, I'd appreciate it." He stretched, sighing thickly. "I won't be too long."

"All right." Sasuke continued to watch him a moment, his mind spinning. Though they had traveled so long together they hadn't...been as close as that day before Naruto's group caught them. For his part Sasuke had spent most of his time when he wasn't worrying about Hidden Stone trying to figure out how to react to Neji. It was…embarrassing and awkward, just thinking of how to breach the subject.

Sasuke licked his lips, stepping forward to kneel at the side of the tub. He was close enough that he could dart forwardsteasteal a sudden kiss.

Neji blinked his eyes open, surprised by the other's actions. //He's still so timid....// His smile returned slowly. He reached up a hand to brush lightly at Sasuke's cheek. "It's been a while," he murmured.

//I didn't know how to ask.// "So?" He braced a hand against the tub edge as he sought another kiss. "I'm in a better mood." //It feels like there's finally time for me to…really figure out what I'm doing.//

//Good to hear. Maybe...my bath can wait.// Neji gently urged the other back, starting to sit up. "I'm getting out then," he stated, "If you're not coming in." He leaned over the edge to find a small pile of towels, snatching one as he began to stand Sas Sasuke leaned back. "You don't have to," he offered, averting his eyes as Neji stood. He dipped a hand into the water, and was surprised by how warm it felt. "Maybe I'll just take a minute...to clean off."

Neji wrapped himself in the towel, marveling at how soft the fabric was. "Go ahead. I'll see if there's something clean we can wear until we can wash our outfits."

"All right." Sasuke stood, waiting until Neji was out of the room before stripping out of his outfit. His cheeks felt warm and he figured it was the steam from the bath. As he slid inside he quickly understood how Neji was able to look so relaxed, just now. He sighed heavily in contentment.

Neji wandered through the small apartment, but there was nothing in the way of clothing. Sighing, he pulled on his own undershorts, deciding to leave just that as he started to make up the bed. It was small, but the two of them would be able to fit. //The blankets are incredible.// He lifted up each layer on the bed, marveling again at the different textures. The last sheet was incredibly light but was almost too soft--it didn't feel real. When he let it go, it rippled as it fell.

Sasuke didn't stay too long in the bath, fearing he would fall asleep. Once he was clean he quickly dried, replaced his undergarments, and rejoined Neji in the main room. "Find anything?"

He shook his head. "Just more blankets, but there's already plenty out." Neji finally crawled across the mattress, sliding his legs between the sheets. His eyes widened. "These things are incredible, though. I've never felt fabric like this before." //It feels...really good.//

Sasuke tested the feel of it for himself. "It's slippery." Though he frowned a little at how little each of them were wearing he slipped beneath the blankets, and sighed happily; the fabric was cool, but with so many other blankets it was strangely warm. "It's nice."

Neji smiled faintly. //He looks so much better when he's relaxed.// Reaching out, he ran his fingers over Sasuke's clean skin, trailing down his spine. "Enjoy your bath?" he asked softly.

Sasuke shivered, his shoulders hunching a little. "Yeah. It's...been a while..." The sun hadn't quite fallen yet, but the thick curtains made the room seem otherwise; Neji's pale eyes gleamed in the dark. "It was good."

"It was." He leaned closer, rubbing the tense muscles in Sasuke's back and shoulders. "It will be nice, having a bed and a bath, won't it? Especially if they all have sheets like this."

"Yeah…." A little distracted by the feel of Neji's touch Sasuke let his eyelids flutter shut. "Nice…." He licked his lips.

Pleased, Neji set into his massage with both hands--for once, Sasuke was at ease, and he was willing to wait before attempting more. When the boy finally seemed relaxed, Neji leaned to press soft, slow kisses to his left shoulder.

Sasuke took in a slow breath, and though at first his shoulders crept up in embarrassment he forced them to relax. //It's just…my shoulder, but it feels good.// He curled his fingers lightly against the sheets. "Nice…" he murmured again, without realizing.

Neji smiled. Good. He gradually moved his attentions higher, trailing along Sasuke's neck. //He's so innocent, but...I like it.// His hand slid lower to press into the small of Sasuke's back.

Sasuke stretched his neck to make it easier on him, without thinking. //It really does feel good, all these things he does....// He gulped as he reached out, and his fingertips slid along Neji's chest. "Neji...?"

"Hmm?" His lips found soft flesh at the base of Sasuke's jaw, and he sucked on it gently. "What is it?"

Sasuke shivered, suddenly unbearably warm trapped between the blankets and Neji's body. "Um, how…." He sighed quietly as he pushed a slightly onto his side. "How did you learn all this...?"

Neji sat up a bit, head tilting. "Well, mostly it's just...trying different things," he replied honestly. "You just see what feels good, what you like." Smiling, he took Sasuke's hand, guiding it to the side of his head and into his hair. "I found out I like it when...someone touches me here."

Sasuke frowned curiously, flexing his hand so that his fingernails scraped lightly against Neji'alp.alp. "Like this?" //How will I know, when I....// He blushed, holly lly unseen in the darkness. //Everything he does feels good.//

He grinned. "Don't think about it so much," he murmured. Neji leaned closer. "Just do what feels natural." Before Sasuke could reply, he brought their lips together in a drawn out kiss.

//Natural…?// Sasuke shivered as he did his best to keep up with Neji's warm mouth, and unconsciously his fingers tightened around thick hair. When he shifted closer their thighs brush, making him flinch.

Neji hummed softly, breaking their kiss. "That's it," he whispered. He ran his own hand down Sasuke's side, rubbing at his hip. "Just relax. Follow that feeling in your stomach." He pressed his hand against Sasuke's lower abdomen. "Right here."

Sasuke shifted slightly against his hand, humming softly. //It's still so strange.// Drawing within himself greater confidence he tugged Neji into another kiss, twisting both hands in his hair to keep him close.

//He's getting the hang of it.// i kei kept his hand where it was, urging Sasuke's lips to part further so he could explore the boy's mouth with his tongue. //Feels good....//

Sasuke's hands tightened as he forced himself not to shy away. It didn't feel quite as odd anymore, and he quickly found that if he sucked lightly on Neji's tongue it felt even better. Hoping suddenly to feel more he pressed tightly against Neji's body so that their thighs rubbed.

Neji moaned softly, and he finally shifted to kneel on either side of Sasuke's body. His hands moved against the boy's waist, massaging lightly. He was enjoying the feel of Sasuke's hands in his hair more than he wanted to admit, and he finally lowered himself to press their hips together.

Sasuke separated their mouths with a gasp. He could feel Neji's hardening flesh pressing into him, and that his own body was reacting in kind. //Is this…too much?// he couldn't help but wonder as he panted softly. But it felt good, and something inside him was desperate to keep going. He dragged Neji quickly back to his lips.

Starting to lose some of his own sense, Neji kissed him with equal desperation. //God I...really want him.// He pressed down harder, rocking slightly in an attempt to create some kind of friction. //Sasuke....//

//It really is too much, but...God….// Sasuke tried to arch his back, to rub more firmly against Neji's body and grant himself some release. When it wasn't enough he pressed his thighs up between Neji's and forced them to spread further.

Neji shuddered--he hadn't been expecting that, and he pulled back with a thick groan. "Sasuke...." //We need to....// He reached down between them, curling his fingers around the bulge beneath Sasuke's underpants and rubbing firmly. His head fell against the boy's shoulder astrietried to bring his companion to his release.

Sasuke's head fell back, but he bit his lip hard to keep his voice from seeping free as he pushed into Neji's hand. He knew he should have granted Neji the same, but his body wasn't obeying him; he couldn't get his hands to loosen from Neji's hair.

//God, just finish!// Neji whimpered against the other's sweat-dampened skin, shuddering. His hand strengthened. "Come on," he hissed. "Sasuke--"

"I--" But when Sasuke allowed his voice even that much he abruptly climaxed, and he moaned thickly against Neji's temple. Gradually, his pulse and breath began to recover. //But he's still…I should….// Finally managing to relax his fingers he slid his hands down, over Neji's chest and stomach. //I want to….//

Neji rolled onto his side, still breathing hard against Sasuke. He tugged him closer. "Sasuke...." Moaning, he arched his back, voice thick with want. "Co…come on...."
am. am..." Sasuke dropped his hands, hesitating a moment before pressing them into Neji. //Just like how he did, right? It's not like I haven't tried it before....// Swallowing hard he rubbed him firmly, watching his face for his reaction.

//Thank God.// Neji groaned in relief, though a moment later he had grabbed Sasuke's wrist. He opened his eyes just slightly as he urged the other's hand into his shorts. "Touch me," he hissed, stealing a biting kiss. "Sasuke--"

Sasuke bit his lip, but when he closed his fingers reflexively around Neji's length, he realized...this was all right. He shouldn't have been this nervous. He kissed Neji back as he stroked him in earnest. //He's shaking. It feels good, and I did that.// Feeling bold he moved faster.

His voice rose in a moan, clutching Sasuke closer. "More--" //God, more!// When Sasuke complied, Neji couldn't hold out any longer. He came suddenly, pressing his face into the thick pillows to try and stifle his groans.

Sasuke shivered at the sound of his voice--he'd never heard him sound like that before. "Neji...." He drew his hand back, frowning at how sticky it now was--he didn't want to get it on the fresh sheets. "I'll...get a towel," he offered. He grinned, suddenly and breathlessly. "Alright?"

Smiling, Neji could barely manage a weak nod. "Please." //He...really was good.// He stole a quick kiss before Sasuke could get too far. "You're pretty good."

Sasuke snorted as he crawled off the bed and quickly sought the towel he'd just used. "I didn't really...do anything...." He wiped off his hand, and after a moment's frown tugged his underwear down far enough to clean the rest of him.

Neji shifted closer to the edge so he would be able to do the same. "You did plenty." When he was clean enough, he frowned at his dirtied shorts, and with a sigh tossed them aside. He returned to the warm blankets eagerly.

Sasuke had been about to follow him, but paused when he saw what Neji had done. He frowned at him. "You're...sleeping naked?"

He shrugged. "Better that then dirty shorts," he pointed out, dropping onto his back. "And I don't have anything else to wear."

Sasuke considered that, and finally shed his own before crawling back into bed. //It's weird.// He twisted onto his stomach and folded his arms beneath his head. "Um...goodnight, I guess."

Neji touched his back lightly before settling. "Goodnight, Sasuke," he murmured. //Let's hope tomorrow...will bring us more luck.//

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