Midnight Memories

I don’t own Naruto nor make any money from it



Midnight Memories



Chapter Seventeen



Sasuke continued to hold Naruto as minutes ticked by in rapid succession. They were finally alone. It was the first real time they’d had more than a handful of minutes to hold each other. It was probably more precious to Sasuke who didn’t feel whole unless Naruto was by his side. The darkness in him could never be fully cleansed from Naruto’s presence alone but at least in Naruto’s company, he never feared what would happen. He could protect Naruto. This time there would be no cosmic forces tearing them apart. He could finally do what he’d failed to do for nearly a millennia. He could keep him.



His arms tightened around Naruto, allowing him to savor the leanly muscled body in his arms. There were differences. A freckle here, a broader stretch of muscle here--they were minor changes to Naruto’s physique. It made no difference to Sasuke, though there were changes which had nothing to do with the makings of the physical form.



Since Naruto’s rebirth into the Watcher guild, he’d noticed a few things. Naruto seemed less a different person and more a mixture of all his previous life. The way Naruto held his head or the rolling of his eyes upward when thinking were all traits he possessed through the different lives. Now he was all of them, and yet none of them. He was reborn and all the previous lives seemed like shadows of who he was now.



The more precise changes were lost on Sasuke as he was unfamiliar with Naruto’s current incarnation. The differences from the last incarnation would likely be more noticeable by Itachi or one of Naruto’s human friends. He would still be their Naruto, only with much more depth the humans would never understand. Only he and Itachi would be privy to understanding the changes.



“Sasuke, what was it like?”



“Hmm?” he mumbled at the sudden question. “What was what like?”



Naruto sat up and stared at him with luminous eyes. “Watching me die. I can remember some. Not everything, just important things unless I dig deep but it feels like I‘m invading someone else‘s privacy even though I know it was always me so please tell me. What was it like?”



“Hell.” Sasuke sighed heavily at Naruto’s sad face. “It was like being in pitch black and the sole light in the darkness flickers only for a matter of seconds but in those seconds, you become dependent on the light.”



Naruto looked down, sadness flooding his features. He always was one to wear his heart on his sleeve, no matter the incarnation. It was in his nature. It brought back memories, good and bad. Those memories shaped both of them in ways neither could possibly understand.



Sasuke lifted a hand and traced his fingers over the thin scars slicing across Naruto’s cheeks. “I survived.”



“Why did you do it? Why didn’t you just forget me? It would have save you from being hurt again and again. Why didn‘t you?” asked Naruto.



Sasuke couldn’t stop the smirk curving his lips upward. “You wouldn’t let me. Such a tenacious moron you are.”



“Hey!” Naruto shoved Sasuke’s shoulder and crossed his arms across his chest. “Maybe you deserved it.”



Sasuke pulled Naruto back, loathe to not feel his body against his. The feeling of pure sanity and security was new. Without Naruto nearby, he felt adrift and unable to anchor himself. One could say Naruto was his safety net. Naruto kept him grounded. It was likely to be a while before he could bear to be apart from him for long. “My apologies. I didn’t mean to offend your sensibilities.”



Naruto mumbled under his breath and shoved Sasuke’s arm once more before allowing himself to be pulled into the embrace and pillowing his face in the curve of Sasuke‘s neck. “Just watch yourself next time. I have superpowers now.”



Sasuke snorted at the comment. Naruto might have new abilities, but he was still Naruto and it was Sasuke’s instinct to protect him as best he could. “I’ll take that into advisement.”



The room fell quiet and Naruto scooted closer to Sasuke so that his legs straddled the slender hips. “Do you feel different about me?”



“I feel,” Sasuke said with hope that would explain to Naruto. He felt something. After so long lost in the tempest between emotion, madness, and nightmares, he could feel with a clear mind unclouded by the madness which had taken hold of his sanity. It was a sensation he could not describe and wasn’t sure he would ever be able to.



Naruto blinked a few times before grinning widely. “Good.”



Sasuke nodded and continued stroking his hands up and down Naruto’s back in a soothing motion. He felt the other begin to relax completely. If a war involving the Watchers was coming, either of them could perish. He knew if Naruto died, there would no longer be madness for he would follow him into oblivion. No one would keep them apart again–not Itachi, not some divine machine…nothing.



Wanting to touch skin to skin, he slid his hands beneath the shirt and began to tug the material upward. He needed this affirmation of their existence. It wasn’t a drive for sexual satisfaction but more a need to simply be with his most precious. He needed to claim him as he’d longed to do so for so long. Unlike before, nothing was forcing them together and then apart. They simply were.



Sasuke’s cool hands brushed the taunt abdomen, making Naruto sit back slowly and aid him by lifting his arms in a slow and lazy motion. The long tone abdomen was revealed, followed by a firm chest and strong arms. His Naruto was beautiful, though it wasn’t the physical attributes making him so but his simple existence and the knowledge that he belonged to Sasuke alone.



“Naruto…” he whispered the name like a prayer. To him, it was a prayer. It was a quiet invocation for everything Naruto had been, and was now.



Naruto wrapped his arms around Sasuke’s broad shoulders and placed a gentle kiss upon the soft lips. He might have only meant for the touch to be an innocent admittance of affection, but Sasuke would have none of it.



The touch upon his lips was his undoing. So much longing and suffering created a need in him which tore at his insides like a vicious monster. He forced Naruto from his seat upon his lap and down to his back where his lips ravaged the surprise slack ones belonging to the other.



His teeth nipped, drawing just the faintest droplets of blood to the surface. He didn’t question it. He didn’t ask how he could draw blood when all else passed through as if there was nothing. He didn’t wonder, only tasted. It was a flavor he knew all too well and it incited in him a need he would never satisfy. He would always want Naruto. He would always desire him above all others. Naruto was now ingrained into his very soul. There was no Sasuke without Naruto.



Naruto’s tongue darted out to stroke over the small hurt, making Sasuke’s desire flare painful throughout his body. His tongue stroked over the pink muscle, forcing its way past and into the warmth. Heat radiated from him and into his very soul.



His fingers were nearly claw-like, tearing at the remaining clothing so to feel more of the deliciously warm flesh. It heated the cold in him, forced it away from his light. He needed to own every inch–every thought. They were of the same soul, split into two bodies such as the old fable of man’s creation.



Such was the strength of their souls’ intertwining. They were a single creature, joined only through the thread binding them.



“Sasuke!” Naruto gasped, as the clothing was torn from his body. He wouldn’t deny him. Sasuke wouldn’t allow it.



His teeth bit down on the bared shoulder, sinking into the flesh and causing a rush of blood to fill his mouth. Naruto keened out a cry, his hips jerking upward. The pain only fed the pleasure.



Sasuke didn’t have the patience any longer for slow touching and stroking. The time for such was over. Naruto needed to understand the monster he’d been on the threshold of becoming.



He scooped his arms beneath Naruto’s knees and forced his legs upward, nearly bending him in two. His fingers stroked along the crease, pausing only for a moment at the pucker before working upward to cup and squeeze the tight sac at the base of the rapidly hardening erection. The body beneath him seemed to shudder and quake at the touch, fueling his lust all the more. Naruto was finally his. Nothing could separate them. All that remained was consummating their bodies.



“Naruto, I can’t…it hurts too much to be gentle.” It was the most he could offer him. He would give him gentle later, when the need wasn’t tearing him apart. The monster inside begged for release–to claim Naruto as his own.



Naruto moaned at his touch, arching even higher at the words. “It’s…alright…oh shit.”



Sasuke smirked at the shudder working its way through Naruto at the external pressure against his prostate. His erection seemed to harden even more, droplets pearling on the tip and slipping down the side to splash into blond curls at the base.



He could see the clenching and releasing of Naruto’s anus. It was practically asking to be filled. It belonged to Sasuke. Everything belonged to Sasuke. Naruto’s hair. Naruto’s skin. Everything.



Naruto’s back arched high off the bed upon where he was placed. His skin glistened in the low light of the lamps; his fingers clawed at Sasuke’s arms while a plea formed on his lips.



Sasuke fingers drifted upward to swipe across the tip of the erection with a finger, bringing the glistening liquid to his lips and tasting the essence of Naruto. The taste across his tongue was much like that of Naruto’s blood. It was salty and strong, coating his tongue with amazing flavor. It was Naruto.



“Please, Sasuke…”



If Sasuke was a better man, he would wait. If he was a man, he would woo Naruto instead of forcing their bodies together in a union both desired. But, he was not a man. He was a nightwalker who had been denied unfettered access to his one true desire for too long. Even the longer lifetimes were a mere drop in the bucket. They seemed to last only the span of a blinking of eyes. No more. He would be denied eternity no longer. Naruto was his. He would protect him from the coming war, and from any who sought to separate them.



Forcing his fingers into the panting mouth, he leaned down to swipe his tongue of the amazingly healed bite. His teeth gleamed and he shoved his fingers deep into Naruto’s mouth just as his teeth sank once more into the tender flesh.



Naruto screeched around the fingers, his hips jutting upward and wetness spilling between them. His mouth went slack and a low moan rumbled from his chest as Sasuke withdrew his fingers and stared at the wetness splattered across Naruto’s abdomen.



A flush of embarrassment spread across Naruto’s cheeks, coloring them a dusky red against his already tan skin. “Sasuke…”



Sasuke dipped his fingers in the cum, spreading it slightly before lifting the damp fingers and tracing Naruto’s lips. “Taste yourself. You taste delicious.”



Naruto’s eyes widened and pulled away, only to have the fingers pressed passed his lips once more. He moaned around the fingers sucking faintly at the bitter-salty taste coating them before nipping at the tips.



Sasuke’s eyes flashed red and his fingers were withdrawn and forced inside Naruto’s body with a harsh push. Naruto’s body slammed down tightly around the intruding digits, making Sasuke release a snarl so to sound less civilized and more the animal he was.



This was not gentle. He couldn’t be gentle. All he could hope for was enough self control to insure he didn’t injure Naruto though the way the other’s body clamped and tightened around his fingers, such hope was becoming more and more fleeting by the moment.



“I’m sorry…” he hissed into the air around them, feeling the cool touch of breeze almost like a physical caress.



Naruto shook his head and wrapped his arms around Sasuke’s shoulders. “It feels good.”



Sasuke’s eyes narrowed at the lie, his mind forcing his fingers to gentle as much as was possible considering the state he was in. Naruto’s body was oversensitive after the orgasm. The touch was probably as much painful as it was pleasurable, most likely the former.



He needed to merge with Naruto. He needed to be a full part of him–two souls once again joined in heat and passion. His body. Naruto’s body. It was all relative when they were together for they possessed not two bodies, but one–a beast with two backs.



His hands forced Naruto to arch upward so that only his shoulders and head rested on the pillow beneath him, his body splayed out before Sasuke like a feast. Every inch was his. His balls ached along with the teeth in his mouth, a synchronized throbbing. Neither would be eased until they were both buried in Naruto. Only Naruto would satisfy him.



It was with those thoughts swirling through is mind that he pushed forward and was engulfed in the heat of Naruto’s body. Naruto’s cry wasn’t one of pleasure, but of pain. He felt the deep furrows Naruto’s nails created in his arms, yet Sasuke was unable to keep his body from continuing onward. If anything, the scent of blood now permeating the air fueled his lust all the more vehemently. It had been too long and his soul was still raw. It tore at his mind to hurt him but he was unable to allow for adjustment. He needed Naruto too badly.



His jaw clenched until he was certain his teeth cracked. Naruto was surrounding him in heat. Paradise couldn’t even begin to describe the sensation of completion he felt. His body slowed its movements now that he was enveloped in the heat. His lips opened, a low moan was the only sound he could produce. All capacity for speech left him as he shuddered in Naruto’s grip.



Naruto’s hands lifted to Sasuke’s face, forcing their gazes to meet. “I know. I understand what you need. I don’t mind.”



The words created a tremor in Sasuke’s very core, shaking what little remained of his control. His hand lifted to fist in blond locks, forcing the head back to reveal the pristine and amazingly unmarked throat. It called to him. He could already taste the blood upon his lips. He wanted it–needed it. It was desperation unlike any he’d ever encountered in his very long life.



The need drew him to swipe his tongue along the length of the throat. The shudder rocking Naruto’s frame created a resounding tremor in Sasuke’s body. His teeth scraped along the flesh, now fully extended. The razor sharp tips traced the veins pulsing beneath the smooth skin of the tan neck.



It was foreplay between them. He could feel Naruto’s renewed arousal at the touch of his teeth. The sensation was overwhelming. He could fight the need no longer. With a strike as quick as a snake, Sasuke buried his teeth in the vein calling to him and was immediately rewarded with warm rich blood.



Naruto cried out, but this time in pleasure. The sound forced an echoed growl of satisfaction from Sasuke. He withdrew his teeth and stared as the marks healed before his eyes.



That wasn’t what he wanted. His eyes flashed red and he growled in anger–in need. He wanted to mark Naruto. He wanted the world to see he was his. He desired to insure no other would seek to take him from him.



He lowered his lips again, this time kissing the skin before sliding his fangs through the flesh in a slow, drawn out motion, forcing Naruto to feel every instance of the pain. His hips followed the pace of his teeth and pumped inside the warm heat now liquid around him. Naruto’s body went taunt, his muscles clenched around Sasuke’s cock. Warmth once more flooded his mouth just as Naruto released low keening of pleasure. The sound caused an eruption between them of heat and madness. Their bodies moved like a machine–sweat, blood, and cum coated every visible inch.



The scent, sounds, and touches were too much for either. There was no love in this act. Possession and need ruled them. Neither minded for there would be later times for gentle words. What they felt surpassed anything as simple as love. It was complex and completely ruled them.



Sasuke screamed into the warm neck and reared back to once again pierce deeply into the waiting veins. Time didn’t exist. His body screamed out its pleasure as blood poured down his throat. He couldn’t stop it. His entire being was wrenched from himself and devoured by Naruto just as he devoured Naruto.



The heat exploded between them like a super nova. Nothing existed except each other and in each other’s arms they collapsed. They existed only in the world created by their heat. The lust spent and need sated; they cradled in each other’s arms and waited for the shudders to pass. Time was at its standstill. Their souls were complete once more, the missing pieces now returned.



“Sasuke…” Naruto’s breath finally calmed and he lifted a hand to stroke through the sweat soaked hair.



Sasuke lifted his head from the once again smooth neck with a growl. “Why won’t you mark?”



“What?” Naruto frowned at the question, obviously uncertain how to answer it when he didn’t fully understand. “What do you mean?”



Sasuke’s finger traced down the smooth unmarked skin. “I want to mark you as mine.”



“I’m not sure…” Naruto gasped as Sasuke pulled out his arm and sank his teeth into the vein pulsing beneath the surface. “Oww! Stop that you bastard. You’re going to drain me dry.”



“Hn,” grunted Sasuke. “Look.”



Before both their eyes the blood oozing from the punctures ebbed and eventually stopped. The wounds healed, scarred, and then faded to perfectly untouched skin. Naruto’s eyes grew wide and Sasuke’s grew annoyed. “See.”



“Whoa, that is so cool. Pein didn’t tell me I could do that.” Naruto ran a finger over the skin where Sasuke had bitten. “It still tingles.”



“Stop doing it and allow me to mark you,” growled Sasuke as he lowered his face to Naruto’s shoulder, preparing to deliver another bite when he was shoved off the other.



“No fucking way. You’ve bitten me enough.” Naruto moved to roll off the bed only to be pulled back with a jerk of Sasuke’s hand.



“You’re not going anywhere.” Sasuke buried his face in Naruto’s neck once more and lapped at the skin while dragging his fangs along the flesh.



“Stop that!” Naruto struggled to free himself. “I just wanted to go clean myself.”



Sasuke moved away, sitting back to stare at the mess that was Naruto. His skin was covered in dry sweat, blood, and cum. He couldn’t help but close his eyes and breathe in the aroma of their mixed essences. It was delicious, far more than ever before. His eyes opened to reveal brilliant crimson orbs staring at Naruto with a mixture of lust and possession.



“And stop looking at me like. Geez, you’re going to be one of those who keep me barefoot and well…barefoot. God forbid watchers are able to become pregnant.” Naruto shuddered at the thought.



Sasuke wrinkled his nose. He didn’t even want to think about impregnating Naruto or how the infant would be brought into the world. It was a revolting thought and successfully enabled him to push away the burgeoning lust. “I won’t keep you barefoot…I’ll keep you nude.”



“Chauvinist,” barked Naruto as he shoved Sasuke again, this time making it from the bed and towards the room off to the right.



Sasuke chuckled darkly. If only Naruto knew just how possessive he could be. He swiped at Naruto only to have his hand pass through the area of his hip. The both froze and stared at the now solid patch of skin.



“Whoa,” murmured Naruto. “I wasn’t even thinking about it.”



Sasuke continued to stare. “Indeed.”



“Pein was teaching me about it but I was having some trouble.” Naruto flushed and scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.



Sasuke’s lips twitched at Naruto’s embarrassment. “You just need the right motivation.”



“Pervert!” Naruto stomped into the bathroom and slammed the door shut with a resounding thud.



oOo



Itachi carried the surprisingly light form through the long maze like corridors. The long haired man leading him kept turning back as if to insure he was being followed. Looking down at the man, he looked so different when unconscious. The hard lines around his eyes and lips transformed.



Seeing him, a memory lost in the ocean of time surfaced. It was a strange thought of a gray eyed slave who looked at him with near adoration. He shook his head and forced the memory back into its place. This was no time to recall the regrets of the past when the future of the world hung in the balance.



They entered a large room. The light flowing through the crystals nearly blinded Itachi and he stumbled before gaining his footing. His kind was meant to remain in the darkness of night. Such bright light was uncomfortable even after he adjusted; forcing him to push aside his discomfort and focus on transferring Pein to where Neji led.



“Lay him there,” instructed Neji, gesturing towards the large clear slab of quartz crystal forming a type of alter.



Itachi did as instructed, his eyes scanning the area. It was created nearly completely of crystal. It seemed almost like a church cathedral than an underground hideaway and the light was nearly blinding. “What is this place?”



Neji was silent for a moment. “I’m not sure I should speak of it. You intruded into our home without an invitation…”



“Your master taking of Naruto was our invitation,” growled Itachi, the light making him irritable.



Neji returned the glare with one of equal force. “He isn’t my master. He is merely one who we look up to as a leader. Especially now with Konan gone.”



“If you don’t wish to tell me, it is only a matter of time before I question him. So tell me now, or he tells me later. It matters little to me.” Itachi could wait. He possessed a wealth of patience having been ruler of his people for more than a millennia.



Neji frowned and seemed to consider his options. He was loyal, Itachi would give him that. He seemed to truly care for the man laying unconscious on the clear crystal slab. The question of what sort of caring wormed its way into Itachi’s thoughts. It was rather shocking to be suddenly overrun with thoughts of jealous as a result of the annoying Pein. The need to inquire about their relationship ate away at his craw, making him all the more irritable.



Itachi could respect him for seeking the welfare of his people over that of a virtual stranger but the sensation of jealousy made his temper all the more shorter. “Tell me.”



“This is our sanctuary. We return here to rejuvenate ourselves. The earth provides us with energy. She is our life. Truly we don’t need to eat or drink, though the pleasure of such things make doing so an unnecessary pleasure. Pein showed his mourning for Konan’s loss by refusing to replenish himself. It took its toll on him, especially with his intense training of the young one.” Neji frowned in Pein’s direction. “Something’s not right.”



Itachi glanced towards where the red haired man lay. He appeared younger than he’d first guessed, though his actual age was far older. If one went by appearances, he didn’t look much older than twenty. “What’s wrong?”



Neji began to remove Pein’s clothes, revealing more piercings through his nipples and navel. Itachi fought the urge to flush at the sight of the slender toned body before him. It was beautifully carved, each muscle standing in stark relief beneath cream peach colored skin. As Neji slid the tight leather pants from slim hips, he saw even more piercings forming a ladder down the underside of a nicely shaped penis. He mentally winced at the sight, wondering how much pain such things had caused. An equally unwanted thought of how much pleasure they could give him during sex. Did such things mean he enjoyed pain? Itachi could show him how delicious pain and pleasure could mingle.



He immediately clamped down on the thought, pushing it aside and away from his thoughts. There was no reason for such thoughts. There wasn’t time for such things. Only Pein seemed to understand the reasons for this confrontation with the nightwalkers and if at all possible, Itachi wanted to prevent a division amongst his people. Needless death was a result of his father’s rule, not his.



Fugaku Uchiha had been a great leader. He’d inspired devotion in his people but Itachi wasn’t foolish enough to believe in the purity of his rule–not any longer. He knew the true face of his father was one of force and strong handed leadership–a trend Danzou sought to bring back to the night walker rule and a reason Itachi would never allow it as long as he breathed. His kind had come too far to allow such a backslide.



“He’s not drawing forth energy,” stated Neji with frustration. “I didn’t think he was so depleted.”



Itachi arched a brow. “Wake him up. Tell him to take in the necessary energy.”



Neji shook his head and glared at Itachi. “It’s an automatic response. We don’t need to be conscious to draw from the earth in these sacred places. In fact, it is easier if we are unconscious. All barriers are down and our bodies accept the gift offered. The quartz facilitates our union with earth and glows with our bond.”



“But?”



“But, he’s not doing so. He’s not drawing forth as he should…at all.” Neji flattened Pein’s body onto the slab, letting as much of his skin touch the quartz as possible but to no avail. Pein’s body seemed to be rejecting the very essence he was created from. “Shit. Ever since your brother and his mate came into our lives, there has been nothing but trouble. Your kind is destroying us.”



Itachi approached the alter and stroked his fingers along the cool stone. The motion caused the slender digits to brush against the pale skin, creating a shock and forcing him to flinch away. It wasn’t unlike a charge of static electricity.



Neji frowned and stepped away from the alter. “It can’t be…he already accepted the earth.”



Itachi frowned and stared at Pein’s limp body. “He looks better.”



It was true. There was more color in his cheeks than previously. He still looked overly pale but at least now he didn’t look near death.



Neji shook his head remorsefully. “He was one of two watchers whose other was not human. We assumed it wouldn’t make a difference and when he accepted the offered gift of earth’s energy we were convinced of it. We assumed Naruto was a fluke. Apparently we erred.”



“Stop speaking in riddles,” growled Itachi.



Neji focused his pale eyes on where Itachi stood. “It appears you are one who demands a visible example. Take his hand.”



The frown remained on Itachi’s face but he did as asked. The instant he cupped his hand around the limp one, color immediately infused through Pein’s entire body. His pallor began to fade away, leaving an attractive healthy flesh color. His nipples darkened to a dusky color, drawing Itachi’s eyes and creating a stir of arousal in him. The sensation left him floundering for control. He didn’t like having his control ripped from him in such a manner.



He released the hand, only to have it latch onto his wrist. Pein’s body convulsed up off the quartz table and colors of brilliant red shot through the crystal. It was near blinding. Even Neji was forced to turn his eyes away from the light.



Pein released a gasping cry, his eyes wide and his hand tightening to the point Itachi felt the bones in his wrist crack. Though pain shot up his arm, he was unable to look away as life returned to the red head’s body. He vaguely noted the sudden diminishing of his energy and the added hunger he thought he’d controlled.



In such a state, he couldn’t control as his eyes lost their darkness and flared crimson. He could literally feel the blood coursing through the body lain out before him. His fangs lengthened in tandem with the erection suddenly tenting his pants. And still he remained, allowing Pein to suck him dry while his body screamed for him to replenish what was taken.



The pulse in Pein’s throat thrummed rapidly, telling of the crimson liquid flowing in the blue veins visible beneath the warm skin. The stunning gray eyes fluttered open and stared up at him, hazy in confusion.



“You,” Pein whispered, loosening his grip on Itachi’s hand.



Neji moved in immediately and broke the connection between their bodies. The action had Itachi’s eyes flaring dangerously red. He shook his head and fought back the urge to kill the man where he stood.



With the connection broken, Pein’s eyes darkened slightly. “Neji, what happened?”



Gone was the seeming adoration, making Itachi feel a wave strange remorse for the loss. “You collapsed,” answered Itachi.



Pein turned his eyes angrily towards Itachi. “And what is he doing in our sanctuary?”



“I’m sorry,” Neji bowed. “He sort of…invited himself.”



There was a look of hope quickly tamped down by incredulity. “And you allowed him?”



“Perhaps the better question is why haven’t you been taking care of yourself? You speak of war but if you are barely able to support yourself, you certainly can’t take on invaders.” Itachi crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against a crystal pillar.



“You should leave.” Pein quickly accepted the formerly removed clothing from Neji and began dressing without the slightest shame.



“Not until you answer questions,” Itachi rebutted.



Neji looked decidedly uncomfortable as he leaned to whisper in Pein’s ear. “You fed from him, refusing the earth energy.”



Itachi didn’t show any change in facial emotion despite having heard every word spoken. Pein glanced towards him with a startled look, knowing very well Itachi heard Neji’s words. “W-What?”



Itachi’s lips turned upward in a smirk, the looking only serving to incite Pein into a furious anger. A red flush spread across high cheekbones, matching the red hair almost to the shade. Itachi found himself enjoying the shocked and embarrassed look.



Pein shook his head to dispel the emotions and stormed towards the exit. Itachi arched a brow at Neji before following at a more leisurely pace, though he was glad to leave the room. The light was killing his eyes.



Pein prowled through the halls, not stopping until he reached his rooms. Itachi followed easily, using his sense of smell whenever he lost visual. The door was open. Itachi was cautious as he entered, closing it slowly with a click.



“Would you care to explain?”



Pein walked to his desk and snatched Konan’s book from the engraved wood. With a glare, he threw it at Itachi’s head. “Read for yourself if you like. It doesn’t matter anymore.”



“What am I going to find in this book?” asked Itachi as he turned the journal over in his hand to admire the leather bindings.



“The truth, or rather, one watcher’s version of the truth. I would believe her over any other.” Pein lowered himself to a chair before the fire, his hand waving to create a blaze from embers.



Itachi frowned and opened the book to the first pages, reading the inscription dedicated to Pein. A sense of foreboding washed over him. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know what lay within the pages of the ancient book but he would read and he would understand. And so he read.



To be continued…



Sorry for the wait. Only like two or so chapters to go. Thanks for being patient with me. XD