The Flavor of Sin

I don’t own Naruto nor do I make money from it.



Warnings: incest, threesome, cursing, violence, mention of illegal activities

Betaed by: annieme



The Flavor of Sin



Chapter Fourteen.



The figure on the bed tossed and turned wildly, kicking the sheets and coverlets from his body as a dream of a time long since past was brought to life once more. Sweat drenched the tan frame as he fought to release himself from the nightmare, only to be pulled deeper. Here there was no Itachi or Sasuke. Here was what he feared reliving. His short reprieve from these memories had been brought to vivid, glaring life since that fateful day at the mall when his past and present collided in a horrible turn of fate. He could no longer fight the memories as they poured through his unconscious mind.



His body wouldn’t stop shivering. He could literally feel each drop in degree as the cold seemed to freeze even the blood in the veins of all who huddled together in the cold--seeking warmth from each other’s presence. Even Naruto felt the effects of the deadly winter chill. The numbness in his fingers made even fastening the barely attached buttons on his threadbare coat difficult.



He knew should go to the shelter. It would only get colder. Thankfully, they would be opening the doors to the homeless in two or three degrees. He halfway wondered who’s death he would hear about in the morning. On nights like these, there was always someone who died. Some he knew, some he didn’t. It was the toll of living on the streets.



The winters were the hardest, especially on the older people wandering the streets. Most weren’t willing to risk losing their things and would brave the elements in order to protect their treasures. The shelters didn’t let you carry your things inside--he supposed it was out of fear of lice or fleas and leaving them outside put them at risk to be taken by scavengers. Abandoned carts and objects were free game. Choices had to be made and sometimes the price to pay was one’s life.



“Naru…you had best be heading to the shelter soon before the beds fill up. Sleeping on the floor is no fun at all.” Izumo muttered, taking the hand of his friend Kotetsu. The two looked out for each other, and Naruto from time to time. He often wondered about their relationship. He’d never seen anything but other street people talked. Izumo and Kotetsu had been together for at least three years. They were a team, always taking care of each other. Naruto was grateful to have people such as them to be called his friends.



It was tough being a kid on the streets. The adults spat on you and the pimps tried to recruit you. Not to mention one had to be careful of being spotted by someone from child services. He was sure the foster care system worked for some people but it had always let him down until he finally gave up and took to the streets. It was a harsh life but he was free to do whatever he wished without fear of retribution from angry foster parents.



“I’m going to try to find some food first. You know they never feed us and I haven't eaten in a couple of days. Everyone is heading that way so there will be more of a selection in the cans. I won't be long.” Naruto waved off the two, ignoring the concern in their eyes. They really were good people but he just couldn’t pass up this rare chance. Even if it cost him a night on the floor as opposed to a bed, he would take it. Even the floor was better than freezing to death and he’d nearly forgotten what it felt like to have food in stomach.



“Don’t be an idiot. You’ll freeze to death tonight.” Kotetsu tugged on Naruto’s arm to no avail. They didn’t call him a determined hellion for nothing.



“I’ll be fine. Just give me fifteen minutes to dig up some food. I promise I’ll be right behind you and you know when I make a promise…”



“You never break it.” Both men finished the sentence with a chuckle. Laughter was of short supply in their situation but Naruto always seemed to bring a smile to the faces of those who society had abandoned and forgotten.



“Fifteen minutes…then we come drag your ass to the shelter. Food does you no good if you freeze to death shortly after eating it.” Kotetsu growled the warning, ruffling Naruto’s dirt caked hair. He really should see about a bath. The shelter offered those services but he didn’t like the looks they gave him. Half the time they called child services on him, forcing him to run and hide until it was safe once more. He didn’t like having to go through so much trouble just for a bath.



“Go on. I’ll be right behind you.” Naruto grinned despite the cold nearly freezing his skin in place.



The two men ambled off down the street towards the Northside shelter. Naruto watched them go before picking through the nearest trash can. Living on the streets was hard sometimes. He was a bit small for thirteen but malnutrition did that to a growing body. He’d stayed under the radar of child services for almost a year and planned to keep it that way.



With his stomach gnawing at his backbone, the stench from the can could hardly detour him from his digging. He’d smelled far worse. The stink of unwashed bodies pressed together for warmth. The odor of vomit, alcohol, and blood mixed together in a putrid combination. These things and many others were much worse odors than the smell of day old food pressed into a dirty metal can.



He dug out a partial sandwich. There were a few ants crawling on the bread and the meat looked a bit dirty but it was a treasure of a find. This was enough to keep him going. Taking a bite of the sandwich, he figured he’d better catch up with the other two. Kotetsu and Izumo were probably fighting with each other about who had to walk back to urge him on towards the shelter. Those two looked out for him more than anyone else. He knew they’d considered calling child services about him. They didn’t like seeing him living from what scraps he could find from a trash can.



Being homeless was dangerous--especially for a child. Pimps could get a pretty penny selling his body to the highest bidder. Disease took as many lives as exposure to the elements. It’s true he would probably be safer in the care of the state but he’d experienced what living in foster care was like before he‘d taken to living on his own. The verbal abuse. The loss of one’s basic rights. The screams of anger. The pinches and bruises in areas where the social workers wouldn’t readily see. Yes…he knew what it was like and was willing to take his chances on the streets rather than go back to some of the hells he‘d lived in. So lost in his thoughts, Naruto didn’t see the three strangers approach until it was too late.



“What have we here…a little mouse digging through the garbage for scraps.” A brunet boy stepped into the light, followed by two others.



They weren’t much older than him, though their build was significant larger. It wasn’t hard to tell they weren’t street folk. Their skin and clothes were clean. A red armband wrapped around jacket arm of each on flashed like a red flag in his mind. Gang members. They were initiates in one of the local gangs.



“Leave me alone.” Words were futile but he whispered them regardless. “I’m leaving.”



“Come on now, little mouse. We were just getting ready to have a party. We’ll even buy you some booze if you play nice.” The redhead grinned, lifting an opened beer bottle to dangle before him.



The offer didn’t tempt him. Naruto had never drank alcohol. He just wanted away from them. Terror spilled through him. He shook his head, back stepping away from the three.



“He didn’t like your offer, Pete.” The leader stepped forward, his large teeth catching the light of the street lamp to gleam menacingly. “Come on, little mouse. Play nice or we’ll have to hurt you.”



He reached a hand to snatch at Naruto’s jacket. Naruto--terrified beyond belief--did the only thing he could think of. He slugged the boy. His body reacted without thinking, plowing a fist forward towards the arrogant face.



The blow landed true and the other went stumbling backwards against his cohorts. When he gained his composure, pure fury flared in shadowed eyes. Adrenaline flushed through Naruto, causing him to turn and race down the street. If he could make it to the shelter he would be safe from the boys.



Adrenaline can only take a person so far. His legs pumped as hard as they could but his severely malnourished body just couldn’t keep up the pace. His body began slowing while the three boys chasing him seemed to have limitless energy and stamina.



He stumbled to the ground, his chin landing so hard on the sidewalk pavement that his teeth seemed to rattle in his skull. He was fairly sure he’d skinned his face as well. A kick landed in his ribs before he could pull himself to his feet.



He gagged as his body was kicked continuously. There was a light cracking after one particularly painful kick. “Stop!” He screamed out but no one was around to stop them. If they were, they ignored the scene of commonplace in this part of town. Violence was disregared. The powerful and strong did what they wanted. The gangs ruled the streets with such an iron hand that not even the police dared interfere in their business unless necessary.



“You think you can dare strike me and get away with it, street scum? My brother is second in command. I can do anything I want and no one would lift a finger to help you.” The breath of the other wafted across his face as the other two tugged him into a nearby alley. He would never forget that smell. It was a mixture of garlic and peppermint.



“I’m going to teach you a lesson you won’t ever forget. Hold him good. I think we should give this little mouse whiskers.” There was the sound of a switchblade being popped. The silver metal caught the gleam of the faint light filtering into the darkened alley. Naruto struggled in earnest but the two boys bearing him down were like unmovable stones. He screamed as the blade sliced deep and unrelentingly into his cheek. He could feel the warmth of blood running over his chilled skin. Pain ricocheted through him as he flailed against the torturous actions. His movements were stilled by the two boys holding him down.



“Stop!” He screamed as the blade sliced again. His voice cracked as his screams died away. By the time the sixth and last ‘whisker’ was carved across his face, he no longer had the energy or will to fight. Death seemed imminent. The only sounds escaping from his lips were that of pain filled whimpers.



“Mikey…what are going to do with him?” Pete asked, releasing the limp arms.



Mikey spat on the blood coated boy. “Leave him. He’ll probably die. Not like it’s a big loss. One less street rat to deal with.”



Naruto whimpered as the three boys left him crumpled in the alley. They wanted him to die here. They wanted his death to be due to the elements and not their hands. They wanted it slow and painful--knowing full well the shelter was only a block away.



Tears trickled down his cheeks to mix with the blood pooling beneath him. He couldn’t even feel the pain anymore. He knew he was bleeding heavily--face wounds always did. Would he die here tonight? Would his name be remembered by those now warm in the heated shelter? Would anyone miss him when he was gone? There was a bit of noise in the street. If he wasn’t found, he would die. There was no way he would survive the elements in this shape.



“Help…” The words were barely a whisper. No one would hear them. “Help.”



His eyes widened as Kotetsu passed by the alleyway entrance. He had to get his attention. The determination he was known for on the streets flared up in his heart. Drawing every ounce of strength he could, he screamed out the name of the other. “Kotetsu! Help me!” Did he hear him? Please let him hear him. Please. Please. Please.



Naruto’s eyes flew open, tears spilling from the hazy blue depths. He was thankful the other two had already risen. He didn’t like them seeing him like this. The dream was still fresh in his mind, causing him to be more than a little shaky. His hands lifted to his cheeks. He felt the raised skin but halfway expecting his hand to come back bloody as it had in his dream. His body quaked beneath the covers. It felt so real. Was it a dream? Dreams weren’t supposed to feel like that.



No. It was too real to be a dream. The memory of that horrible day continued to haunt him like a shadow overcasting his entire life. He couldn’t sleep and when he did, the memory was displayed for him to witness. He was trapped, forced to relive that nightmarish night over and over again every time he slept. He was at the end of his sanity.



He’d thought the memory was forgotten. It had happened over five years ago but felt fresh in his mind. He’d almost been free of them until he’d seen their arrogant faces. They still walked the streets, probably terrifying any and all who stood between them and what they wanted.



Suddenly he felt very dirty. His stomach began churning as the smell of the streets remained in his nostrils, reminding him of the trials of barely surviving each day. He could still feel the blood and grime coating his skin in a layer of filth. Unable to bear the feelings, he stumbled his feet--barely reaching the toilet in time to expel what little he’d eaten the previous night. His knees gave out as he pillowed his face against the cool porcelain. The cool white surface felt heavenly against his cheeks. How much more of this could he take? Already his body felt as of it would soon give out from the stress of it all. “Please stop torturing me.”



Why did they have to come back? He’d thought it was over. His nightmares had ended after the first night in Itachi’s bed. He’d felt protected. Nothing could hurt him. His subjugated personality had begun to bloom under the freedom being with Itachi gave him. He’d finally been free. The memory began to fade in his happiness at being embraced by two intoxicating men.



His fingers shook as he turned the lock. The water hit him full force, reminding him of his first morning in Itachi’s shower. He’d been so enthralled by the space and heated water that never seemed to end. Itachi teased him often about his long baths but he couldn’t help but savor the feeling of having a private shower.



He reached for a cloth, creating a lather with the soap. It smelled like Itachi. He began scrubbing in earnest at his skin. He had to get the smell off him. He couldn’t let Itachi and Sasuke smell him like this. They wouldn’t want him. They would be disgusted if he smelled like the streets.



On a conscious level, he knew he wasn’t dirty and the only scent was that of his own clean odor. It didn’t stop the compulsion to scrub his skin raw. His eyes saw blood and dirt spiraling down the drain though to any other eye there would be nothing but suds and water.



The sight had him scrubbing harder at his arms, legs and torso. Tears poured even heavier down his cheeks, mixing with the warm water. The soap and cloth fell limply from his fingers as he buried his face in his knees, sinking to the tiled floor. Sobs were ripped from his body. He wanted to scream out for Itachi and Sasuke but his voice felt lost once more. He could do nothing more than sit crumpled in the shower as the feelings of despair rocked him.



~*~



“Should we wake him?” Sasuke was curled on the sofa beside Itachi, his hand holding the television remote.



“Let him sleep. He was fairly restless last night.” Itachi’s reading glasses were perched on his nose as he scanned some documents his office had sent over--much to the annoyance of Sasuke who was attempting and failing to make his brother rest. The wound on his shoulder was less than a week old.



Sasuke rolled his eyes. “We need to get him on a schedule. He’s fucking us both over with his insomnia. You won’t sleep unless he’s in the bed. You need your rest if you want to heal properly. He needs therapy.”



“He needs us to be supportive of him. I’m handling the rest. He doesn’t feel safe anymore. When you come from his sort of background, safety is a big part. You and he were assaulted by the same boys who scarred him. He won’t rest easy until he is sure those boys won’t come after him again. It doesn’t matter if I sealed this apartment up like Fort Knox. He would never feel safe as long as he thought those boys would come after him.” Itachi closed the folder he was reading. “Go wake him up if you must but don’t blame me if he’s grouchy.”



A devious smirk crept across Sasuke’s face. “I think I can live with that.”



“Sasuke…” Itachi arched brow as an innocent look crossed his brother’s face.



“I won’t be mean.” Sasuke chuckled as he crept towards the bedroom, slamming the door open. “Wake up!”



The empty bed told him the blond was already up and about. “Looks like he’s up already, Itachi.”



“Ask him if he wants breakfast.”



“He’s in the bathroom.” Sasuke walked into the room. The covers were a mess, more so than when he and Itachi had left the bed three hours earlier.



“Naruto?” Sasuke listened to the sound of the shower for a moment before knocking. No answer had him frowning, turning the knob. It wasn’t like they hadn’t seen each other naked before. Locked. “Naruto, let me in.”



“Is something wrong, Sasuke?” Itachi asked as he watched his brother glare menacingly at the closed bathroom door.



“Naruto has locked himself in the bathroom. He won’t open the door.” Sasuke knocked again, calling out for the blond.



“Hmm.” Itachi twisted the knob, shoving on the door.



“I told you it was locked.” Sasuke glared at his brother.



“Naruto, open the door.” Itachi kept his cool more so than Sasuke who’s worry was rising.



Both listened carefully for a response. Muffled sobbing was their only answer and it was enough for both. Itachi slammed his shoulder into the door, wincing in obvious pain as his barely healed wound was strained.



“Let me do it. The last thing we need is Naruto blaming himself for you injuring yourself again.” Sasuke plowed his shoulder into the door several times before it gave a little. Drawing back, he kicked at the area near the lock until it burst open. The sound of splintering wood gave them only the slightest pause.



Itachi was in the bathroom instantly, turning the taps and stopping the flow of water. Naruto sat crumpled in the corner, actively weeping into his knees.



Sasuke watched as Itachi pulled him into his arms, not the least bit concerned with the water soaking through his clothes. “Naruto, baby? What’s wrong?”



Naruto only buried his face in the other’s soaked shirt, bawling all the more loudly. His hands gripped Itachi’s shirt as if it was a lifeline keeping him safe. He didn’t feel the towel Sasuke wrapped around his waterlogged frame before the two escorted him from the bedroom and to the bed.



Itachi meticulously wiped away every trace of water from him, kissing his shoulders and neck periodically. Sasuke cradled him against him as the towel was tossed away. “What happened?”



Naruto shook his head, burying it once more in Itachi’s chest as the two men cradled him. “They hurt me, 'Tachi. I can still feel it.”



Itachi reached a hand to touch the scars marking the other’s cheeks. Despite their age, the stood stark against the other’s pale face. Sasuke’s hand joined the other. He felt Naruto flinch underneath the touch before relaxing slightly. “They can’t hurt you if you’re with me.”



“I still feel dirty. I was supposed to die that night. If Kotetsu hadn’t heard me…I screamed so loud that my voice broke. I can’t stop dreaming of them. 'Tachi…make it stop.” Naruto buried his face all the deeper into Itachi’s chest as Sasuke continued to stroke and kiss his shoulders and neck.



“You’re exhausted, Naruto. It’s no wonder you’re having nightmares. You need to sleep.” Itachi moved to pull away. The action only set Naruto off. He clawed wildly at the other, wrapping his arms and legs around him in desperation.



“Don’t leave me! It isn’t so bad when you’re here with me.” Naruto appeared so desperate, it tore at Sasuke’s heart. He’d never known the other had suffered so much. He was almost ashamed of the way he’d treated him when they first met.



“I won’t leave you,” murmured Itachi, his own arms reaching up to embrace Naruto before forcing him to release him. Laying them both on their sides, he pulled Naruto into his arms. Sasuke, understanding, slid behind the shivering blond--offering his own comfort as well.



Naruto continued to shiver for nearly a half of an hour before his breathing became deep and his eyes slid closed. Itachi didn’t release him. Instead, his arms tightened, pressing him close to his chest. Sasuke nuzzled the soft skin at the nape of Naruto’s neck, earning a mumbled purr from the other.



“Thank you, Sasuke.” Itachi closed his eyes to hide the worry in them.



“We’ve got to do something, Itachi. He’s killing himself. How long do you think it will be before he actually tries to hurt himself?” Sasuke hissed, his voice low so not to wake Naruto from his much needed rest.



“I know him. He wouldn’t. But you are right. Something needs to be done.” Itachi was careful as he untangled Naruto from his body. The other was deep enough they could move from the bed without waking him. “Stay with him. I have some calls to make.”



“Itachi…”



“I don’t want him waking up alone again.” Anger swirled in dark depths as Itachi turned from Sasuke for his home office.



Sasuke nuzzled closer, savoring the feel of the two of them. He didn’t think he would ever feel this strongly for another person other than Itachi. The bond Naruto forced on them defied all logic. It was still tenuous. Naruto was uncertain of his place with the Uchihas, just as Sasuke was. It was a strange experience, sharing each other. There were times when he was unsure where he fit in the equation. Naruto probably had similar emotions running through him. The stress of their relationship most likely compounded on the already frayed nerves revived from his encounter with his assaulters.



“What’s going on in your head, Naruto?” Sasuke whispered, running his fingers over the scars before trailing down the nude body. There were little scars here and there, most so minor, he paid them no mind. How could he have had survived on the streets for so long? He’d heard the story of Naruto’s childhood and youth. Itachi had also revealed Orochimaru’s flesh trade business. All of it seemed strange that their fates became so intertwined. What if Itachi hadn’t bought Naruto that night? Where would his blond be?



He couldn’t hold in the possessive growl rumbling through his chest. Just the thought of anyone but he and Itachi touching the slender, firmly muscled frame had him wanting to lock away Naruto from everyone. He wasn’t even sure how he was able to share him with Itachi--or how Itachi shared Naruto with him.



His hands paused as they ran over protruding ribs. He didn’t like that. Naruto had put on a nice amount of weight in the last few months. Sasuke didn’t want him to revert back to the nearly emancipated youth he’d seen the morning Itachi had sent him for pastries.



“I’ll protect you.” He murmured, not knowing how, but he would.



“Mmm…S’uke” Naruto turned into him, cuddling close. In his sleep, he could still tell Sasuke was with him. The sight opened up a part in him belonging only to Naruto, sending a calm through him. Even though he wasn’t tired, the contentment Sasuke felt at Naruto’s trust lulled him into a state of relaxation from which sleep soon followed.



~*~



Itachi opened the safe, pulling out three files. He laid them side by side across his desk. If looks could kill, the three faces staring up at him from the pictures would have burst into flames and their owners along with them.



These three men--boys really--were the cause of Naruto’s nightmares. They’d scarred him for life and not only upon his face. His very soul was marked by the scars left from the experience. He’d pried the events from him not long after bringing him into his home. It was a miracle he hadn’t died. If his friend hadn’t heard him…or if they had decided to finish him off with the blade--Itachi didn’t want to think of what his life would be like without Naruto. It would be the same as before him. He would still be burying himself in his work, fantasizing about Sasuke.



Pull a cellphone from his desk he stared at the number he’d long since memorized. Taking a few deep breaths, he dialed a number. After the third ring, an annoyed voice answered. “Fucking Itachi! I know it’s you. Can’t you call at a decent hour…like after three p.m.”



Itachi smirked a little at the miffed voice. He’d forgotten Kisame and Sasori were generally up until dawn. It made his call a little sweeter--icing on the cake if you will. “Are you ready for the job I promised you?”



“You serious?” Excitement rolled through the line in an almost visible wave. Kisame was definitely happy.



“Is this line secure?”



“You know it is. Sasori checks it daily. He’s a bit paranoid,” Kisame grunted.



Itachi‘s eyes went cold. The only thing saving Bernadette Michaels was the fact that it was good business to keep her husband around. These three weren’t as fortunate. “I’m going to be sending you three files. I want you to collect these three boys. Don’t hurt them too much until I get there.”



“Can I hurt them a little?” Kisame pleading was almost humorous.



“Fine, but I want them lucid when I get there.” It was better to relent a little when dealing with Kisame. He could be as annoying as a dog with a bone. Better to throw him some scraps than fight with him.



“Fine, Fine. Where am I taking them?” Itachi could practically hear Kisame salivating. Since Sasori went somewhat legit, Kisame’s more violent nature had been subdued. The other wasn’t particularly fond of going solo and Sasori was anal about staying out of the eye of the government. This little opportunity was a win-win for both men.



Itachi hit send. His computer had probably some of the most advanced defenses in the world. He wasn’t worried about being caught. Even if Kisame were taken in, he wouldn’t talk. To him, this was a gift. He would take knowledge of it to his grave. That’s one reason why he liked the brawny man. Not to mention he was a fantastic lay. Of course, their interludes had been purely physical and ended long before he’d taken up with Sasori.



“Sent. I need discretion on this, Kisame. Sasuke and Naruto can never know. Take them to the old warehouse district. Lot seven. Call me when you have them. This number is 706-4562.” Itachi replaced the files to his safe and scrubbed them from his computer. It had been a long time since he’d made a request such as this. It felt both surreal and horrifying. He was giving Naruto the peace of mind he needed.



“I got them. I’ll be in touch.” The line went dead. Itachi smirked a little to hide the niggling of guilt worming through his conscience.



He ran a hand through his long hair before walking to the window overlooking the city. Kisame was prompt. It was likely he would have all three before night fall. He tried to dredge up a small drop of pity for the boys. Kisame knew how to play. He would torture them without hurting them so much to make them less than one hundred percent lucid.



He was doing this for Naruto. He was ruthless. He’d always been willing to do what needed to be done to protect what was his. The less savory part of his nature had remained dormant for many years--now rearing its head. He wouldn’t let it get too strong of a hold on him. There was a fine line to walk when dealing with the less desirable parts of the human psyche.



He could have gone to the police. He could have played the good boy as he had for the last several years. His contacts would have supplied the police with all the evidence they needed to convict the boys of assault and attempted battery. They would have gotten probation. That was what irked him. They threatened his Naruto and they would have gotten off with a slap on the wrist. The statute of limitations on the previous assault had expired, leaving them free and clear to do whatever they wished.



No. This time they wouldn’t get the chance to hurt Naruto more than they already had. He was taking this into his own hands. He needed them to pay for what they did to him. He would watch them suffer in Naruto’s place. His beloved Caramel wouldn’t be forced to watch their penance.



Walking through the rooms, he leaned against the doorframe--watching the two on the bed sleep. The peaceful look on Naruto’s face brought happiness swirling through him. They fit well together despite their differences. What he had was more than he could have ever hoped for.



Curling up behind Naruto, he smirked as the other curled himself against the warm chest. A leg threw itself over Sasuke’s hip while a hand found its way into his, linking their fingers. Sasuke grumbled in his sleep--mumbling something about silly morons. Of course he would dream of Naruto. Who wouldn’t?



“I’ll take care of you, Naruto.



To be continued