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.

Italics for thoughts

Please read and enjoy!

Fading Scars
Chapter Two:

Sasuke stood at the entrance to Hidden Leaf Village for a long time. He knew it was dangerous to hesitate--someone would notice he was gone, and soon come after him. And it wasn't as if he had ever thought of this place as home. But something was preventing him from moving just yet. Maybe he was even a little afraid.

I just need a moment. Sasuke took in and exhaled a deep breath. And then I'll go.

Neji watched him a moment, hidden in a tree just beside the entrance. When it looked like Sasuke was finally ready to move, he leapt down into his path. Uchiha Sasuke. Who would have thought, he would end up just like.... "Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke straightened, and reached instinctively for the kunai holder at his thigh. When he saw who it was he paused. "It's you," he murmured, watching him carefully. If they really suspected, they wouldn't have sent someone like him.... "What?"

He crossed his arms, hoping the position would assure the younger boy that he wasn't about to go throwing blades around. "You're leaving," he stated plainly. "You're going after 'him.'"

Sasuke flinched. Shit. His fingers tensed. Can I kill him, if I have to? He tried to straighten, to look less guilty, but it was a wasted effort. "What do you want?"

Neji's eyes narrowed slightly. "That depends on you," he replied, chin lifting. He spread his feet as he met Sasuke's glare without. "You can try to run, in which case I'll stop you. Or...." Here goes. "I come with you."

Sasuke hadn't expected that, and this time his hand closed firmly around a kunai. "Why?" he demanded in a harsh whisper. "Why would you?" He’s just trying to follow me--to keep me under wraps until he can get others.

Neji stepped closer, and when Sasuke's fingers twitched around his kunai he spread his own arms in a peaceful gesture. When he was only a few paces away, he stopped. "They said you've been cursed by him--that he's a master of them." His jaw clenched for a moment before he was able to continue. "I want him to remove one for me."

"Remove one...?" Sasuke wasn't sure he trusted that, but Neji's eyes were serious. He let go of his kunai slowly but kept his hand close. "Show me," he instructed. "If that's true there should be a mark."

He frowned--he didn't want to expose such a thing to Sasuke, but...if it would convince him.... Taking a deep breath, Neji lifted a hand to push up his headband. He could almost feel the thin marks tingling against his flesh in warning, as if it knew what he was trying to do. "Satisfied?" he asked lowly.

Sasuke came forward, taking a long look for himself. It did look like a curse seal of some sort; just the sight of it made something along his skin crawl. "Do you understand what you're doing?" he asked softly. "What we're doing...is treason. The Hunter-nin will be after us, soon."

Neji smirked thinly. "Surprising attitude, coming from this year's number one rookie." He pulled his headband back into place and met Sasuke's gaze firmly. "I know more about treason than you, kid. What you really should be asking is whether or not they'll be able to catch us."

Sasuke grinned slightly despite himself. I don't know if I can trust him. But if he's serious…I could use the help of someone like him. "All right." He took a step past Neji, confirming his determination. "Then we go now. And no looking back."

Snorting, Neji made a slight gesture with his wrist, a thin wire pulling his small pack down from the tree. Catching it easily, he secured it to his waist before following Sasuke. "No getting homesick," he retorted.

"Not likely," Sasuke muttered as he picked up his pace and took abruptly to the trees. This isn't my home.

Neji followed easily, for now allowing Sasuke to lead. At least until we're away--I don't want him getting any ideas and trying to run off. "You know where you're going?" he called instead.

"To Wind Country," Sasuke replied, just loud enough for only Neji to hear. "He'll be waiting for me there."

"At least you're confident," he muttered, speeding up so he was even with Sasuke. This is going to take days. And I really have to spend it with this...guy....

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The first day nearly passed uneventfully. Sasuke knew better than to get cocky--someone would have noticed right away that he was gone. Kakashi may not have been much but he knew better than to leave him alone for long. It was then that it occurred to him that Kakashi had been onto him all along. He had known his soldier would leave. And he hadn't done a damn thing to stop him.

Well, that's his problem now.

It had just passed sunset, and Sasuke paused, taking a glance around to try and figure out where they were. He didn't know this part of the country as well as he would have liked, except that they had to keep going east to reach Wind. But they were near a river they'd be able to get fish from in the morning, and the trees were thick here, providing lots of cover. "Hey," he called to his travel partner. "We can rest here tonight."

Neji dropped down beside him, glancing around for himself. "There doesn't seem to be much around here--I doubt there are any large animals. Though one of us should stay up," he added. "In case they send someone."

"We can take turns of three hours. Six is plenty. Right?" Sasuke moved closer to the river, but it was difficult to determine how deep it might have been in the dark--if it was enough to hide a body. They could come from anywhere.

"That's fine; I've made do with less." He glanced around the trees, wondering if it wouldn't be smarter to take to them instead of the ground. "Hey, why don't we--"

Neji cut off as his sight abruptly flared in a blinding white. Pain ripped across his skull and down his spine so his whole body tensed and convulsed. He cried out, choked, and fell to his knees, clutching his head.

Sasuke jerked a kunai out of its holder as he spun, expecting an attack. But he couldn't detect any chakra around them--it couldn't have been one of the Hunter-nin. He hurried back to Neji's side. "What is it?" he demanded. There's some strange chakra around him--but there's no one around. What's going on? He's going to wake up everything in the forest! "Neji!"

Shuddering, Neji finally fell silent, and with a low moan fell forward onto his hands. His stomach lurched, and he vomited. Damnit--damn him! When he gained a little more control, he pounded a fist into the dirt. "Shit...."

"Neji...?" Sasuke, having lurched back when Neji vomited, scooted around to his side. "What is it?" he asked again, his hand shaking a little around his kunai. Shit, what is it? He pressed his hands together in a seal--if it was some kind of genjutsu he should have been able to dispel it.

Neji shook his head, panting softly. "S...seal," he managed to get out, before he felt something rising around him again. He pulled out his own kunai and thrust the handle between his teeth. When the second wave of pain came, he was able to bite down and keep from crying out. This time was worst than the first, but didn't last nearly as long. Shaking and sweating, he finally dropped onto his side as his balance gave out. Damn you, Hiashi. Damnit....

"Neji!" Finally it occurred to Sasuke what was happening. His curse. I don't even know what kind it is--what can I do? He grimaced as he reached to cradle Neji's head against his knees, keeping him and his hair away from the puddle of vomit. If he wants Orochimaru to take it from him, there's probably nothing I can do. "Is there anything I can do?" he asked more quietly than before. His hands were shaking a little. If he dies right here…do I just leave him? "Do you want water?"

Neji took a few deep breaths before trying to answer, just to be sure he didn't throw-up again. "Yes--please." His kunai fell to the dirt, and he raised a hand to press it against his forehead. "They know we've left."

Shit. But Sasuke had expected that by now. "Just lie still," he said, lowering him carefully back to the earth. He moved to the riverbank, filling his canteen with fresh, cold water. After a moment of debate he unwrapped his arm and dipped the bandages in as well. If it's anything like mine, it probably hurts like a bitch. He returned to Neji's side and began to remove his forehead protector. "Can you sit up?"

It took more effort than he thought it should have, but Neji stubbornly got himself upright. His balance was still shot, and he had to rely on Sasuke to keep from toppling back over again. The water was a welcomed relief as he drank.

As he drank Sasuke folded the soaked material he'd brought, covering it over Neji's curse seal. He shivered a little as the thick chakra emanating from it seemed to crawl up his arm. That really is some curse. When did this happen to him?

Neji set the canteen aside, keeping his eyes closed to better let the cool cloth ease away the remaining ache in his head. I can't believe he's doing this. Though it was against his pride, he was grateful for Sasuke's help. "Thanks," he muttered.

"Sure." Sasuke tugged Neji's hand up to replace his over the compress, though he still let the elder boy lean against him for support. He won't want to tell me, but if this is something we're going to have to deal with I need to know. "It's your curse, isn't it?" he asked, keeping his voice low. "Do you know what set it off?"

I guess I should tell him. "It doesn't get 'set off'," he replied softly. "Hyuuga did it. He controls it." Neji pulled the cloth aside, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "That was just a warning."

"Hyuuga...?" His…own family? Sasuke frowned. "Your own family cursed you? But why?"

"I'll explain it later," he replied shortly, taking a deep breath before pushing to his feet. Neji wavered a moment, stumbling to a tree for balance. "We can't stay here with only a day's head start. And the further I am from him, the less it will affect me."

Sasuke stood as well, considering their options. "Can they track you with it?" he asked seriously. "Do they already know where we are?"

Neji shook his head, though he regretted the action a moment later. He tugged his headband back on and pushed away from the tree. "It's just a defensive seal," he muttered darkly. "To keep us in line."

Is he not really a Hyuuga then? Sasuke wondered as he watched the elder boy. Is he some kind of…servant to them? But there wasn't any point in trying to figure it out on his own, until Neji told him. If they can do that to him at any time, I won't be able to depend on him in a fight. He might even slow me down....

"How are you for chakra?" he asked suddenly, his eyes drawn to the river.

He snorted. I know what you're thinking, Sasuke. "I'm fine," he replied, turning to start walking again. "They won't try it again so soon--they'll expect me to stop for the night, at least, after that. We should keep on until morning and then hide." It might even be a better idea to travel by night--our powers would be more effective then.

"All right." Sasuke moved to the river's edge again, then strode smoothly out onto its surface. "If the Hunter-nin are after us they'll be able to track us at least this far," he said, wincing a little at the foul smell. "We'll take the river. It might throw them off for a while if they can't follow our tracks."

Neji raised an appreciative eyebrow, and he followed without reply. He is pretty smart.

They kept with the river until it threatened to take them too off course. Both began to grow exhausted as the night wore on, and finally the sky began to lighten faintly. There had been no more pain from his curse, and Neji was somewhat reassured. They finally came upon a overgrown thicket, and a quick check proved there were no dangerous animals prowling about. "Let's stop," he suggested. He pulled his coat a littler higher on his face--the weather had a faint morning chill on it. It'll get colder, the closer we get to the coast.

"All right." Sasuke breathed a quiet sigh as he jumped from the river, careful not to make any imprints in the mud. He was more exhausted than he wanted to admit, having used up so much of his chakra through the night. He wiped cold sweat from his brow as he took a long drink from his canteen. It's cold. And I feel…a little faint. He leaned against a nearby tree trunk for support.

Neji glanced at him, but he said nothing as he searched around for an appropriate hiding place. He finally decided on a tiny space between some thick, prickly bushes. Nodding, he started gathering some fallen leaves to add to the shelter, hopefully to keep out light and better hide them. "Come over here, see if you can get inside."

Sasuke followed, and though the space was small and gave him several small scratches in the process--none of which drew blood, thankfully--he was able to nestle himself inside. "It'll be cozy," he said with a weary smirk.

"Then they won't look at it too hard." Neji crouched down, not entering just yet--they wouldn't be able to move much in there. He pulled out some small, flat bread that he'd packed, offering some to his companion. "Once we're further away, we'll have to start gathering or hunting--I don't have enough to last us the whole way."

"Oh. Thanks." Sasuke accepted, thinking that he should have thought of bringing some food. He ate the bread eagerly; exhausted as he was it tasted amazing. "You must have really been planning on this," he remarked lightly.

Neji shook his head. "I move fast when I have to," he replied simply. "I saw a chance and took it." He glanced to the sky, judging the shapes and colors of the clouds, the thickness in the air. "It may rain in a day or two," he murmured, almost to himself. "That should get rid of any tracks, as well as slow them down."

Sasuke watched him. He is good. Maybe…it was a good thing he came with me. He reached thoughtlessly to rub at the mark on his neck--with his chakra all but gone it was starting to sting a little. "We just have to get close enough," he murmured. "He's waiting for me."

Neji looked down on the boy, watching his movements and hearing the faint tremor in his voice. "You're sure about this?" he asked quietly. "How do you know he'll help you?" If that's even what he wants--I don't know his reasons for this any better than he knows mine.

"I...don't." Sasuke glanced away, and though he'd suddenly lost his appetite he forced himself to finish the last few bites of bread. "It's not like I trust him. But he can make me stronger--that's all that matters."

Neji considered that a moment. "That's all that matters"…huh? Sighing, he finished off the last of his own meal and bent down. "Move over a bit--I'm coming in."

Sasuke stretched out, pushing up against the bush behind him to make room. It really is going to be cozy, he thought with a frown. But already...it was a little warmer, so he could put up with it.

Neji pulled himself inside, pausing a moment before lying down. It would be awkward if they had to face each other, but otherwise he'd have his face in the branches.... Sighing in resignation, he settled himself on his side, closing his eyes so he wasn't staring into Sasuke's face. "Do you have enough room?"

"Yeah, sure." Sasuke edged down a little, so that when he opened his eyes at least he was seeing Neji's coat instead. It's not so bad. Though it is a lot closer than when Naruto, Sakura and I had to sleep together in the exam.... He sighed softly. Oh well. "Goodnight. Sort of."

"You too." Neji glanced at the other, watching his face as bits of sunlight began to seep through the leaves. I could be traveling with worse, he thought, smirking lightly. He closed his eyes and settled at last, grateful that the ground wasn't too hard.

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Sasuke hadn't expected that he'd be able to sleep very well in broad daylight, but he was so exhausted that he had hardly any trouble. By the time his eyelids fluttered open it was nearing sunset. And…he was warm. It took him several moments of lazy confusion to realize that it was because he was pressed up against Neji's chest.

Shit. Sasuke froze, gulping back a thick lump that had suddenly risen in his throat. Maybe he…moved in his sleep? If he moved he would undoubtedly wake the other, and…he had no idea how Neji would react. It's warm…shit.

Neji started to wake when he sensed the sudden tension in their hiding place, though he was careful to remain limp and still as he pulled his senses back. When he realized where Sasuke was...his eyes slowly opened. Somehow, his arm had moved to drape over the younger boy's shoulders, and he could easily feel exactly how still Sasuke was against him. Sasuke.... He sighed. Well, at least I know he's awake. He closed his eyes again. "It's still a while before dark," he said quietly. "Go back to sleep."

Sasuke tensed. Just…go back to sleep? Like this? "Um...." He gulped, but asking Neji to move back would be just as embarrassing as staying. Gradually he relaxed. Whatever. If he’s scared or something, I can stay. But his voice still came out softer than he'd intended when he finally said, "Okay."

Neji sighed, relaxing as well. Seems like he's never slept next to someone before. He shifted faintly, adjusting Sasuke so that he wasn't putting too much pressure on his lower arm. I didn't think he was quite this small before.

Sasuke tensed again when Neji moved, but then forced himself to relax. You could use another hour of sleep, after all. Licking his lips Sasuke finally settled, even daring to press his face into the front of Neji's jacket. It's his doing anyway. And…at least he's warm.

Neji didn't sleep again, only dozed lightly as he listened to the forest around them getting ready for night. He heard what sounded like a rabbit moving about a few yards away. When he tipped his head just a bit, his face was half hidden in soft, dark hair. After everything he did, he's still a kid. And yet he's going after one of the Legendary Ninjas....

Sasuke slept for about another hour that way--slept maybe even better than he had through the rest of the day. But when he woke up this time it was with greater clarity, forcing him to realize how compromising their position really was. With a tiny frown he pushed against Neji's chest, only to find...the space behind him was empty. I guess I was the one that moved in my sleep. Blushing in embarrassment he quickly pushed back and began to crawl out of their hiding place.

Neji waited patiently for the other to leave before following. He stood and stretched, and to his surprise was not quite as sore as he'd imagined he'd be. The sun had just set, and the sky was only partially clouded over, leaving enough starlight for them to see by. He pulled out some more of his bread, offering Sasuke some. "Ready?"

Sasuke kept his eyes lowered as he accepted the bread and gulped it quickly down. "I, uh, gotta take a piss," he said abruptly, and he turned to jog back to the river.

Neji gave him a few minutes, wandering a little further to take care of his own needs. When he was finished, he took to the top of a large tree to scan the area--it seemed safe enough. Though they will send someone eventually. I wonder who....

Sasuke glanced up at him once he'd finished. I guess it was nothing. "See anything?" he called up at him.

Neji shook his head, not answering aloud, just to be safe. A moment later he hopped back to the ground and joined Sasuke. "Let's go. We're a bit south of the quickest route, but I think that will keep them off us if they think we're just running."

"All right." So, he's not going to mention it. Sasuke relaxed a little. Good. With a deep breath he took to the trees, waiting just a moment for Neji to join him before starting further into the forest.

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