~A contaminated container~

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto series or any of the characters. And since no money is being made from this fiction I'm still just as poor -_-

A/N Alright, First of all I want to thank everyone who read the beginning and those who reviewed… *sniff* I'm really touched. Despite what everyone thinks, it's a big deal when your work gets opinions. Makes me all tingly inside XD But it's your reviews and opinions that make me want to continue. So thank you. ^^


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~Contaminated Container~

Chapter 2

"Never turn your eyes away from the enemy Sasuke." Itachi scolded his younger sibling by pointing one of his fingers and pushing it against boy's forehead. Sasuke didn't particularly mind, in fact, he seemed to enjoy the time Itachi took to train him. "Yes aniki." He replied quietly, following every movement of Itachi's lips with wide open eyes…

Sasuke climbed up the high rusty wall of his unconsciousness, clawing his way out of painful memories and dreams. They found a way to haunt his soul and mind while he was soundly asleep, unaware of the intrusion. Dark well groomed brows drawn together gave his usually smooth face an unattractive frown. Still drowning in the abyss of nightmares he clenched his fists into small tight balls of hatred, short muffled moans escaping slightly parted lips.

"Ngh..."

Something cool and soothing brushed against his forehead, lifting the heavy cloud of visions. Soft whispering voice murmured softly from above.

"Wake up Sasuke, rise and shine."

Well hidden sarcasm dripping from voice's tenderness forced Sasuke out of his endless nightmare, closed eyes slowly becoming narrow slits of annoyance. Even through the haze veiling his sight he could make out a tall figure looming over the bed, its hand outstretched and dangerously close to his cheek. Same voice added mockingly.

"Nightmares? I hope not on my account."

Stiff from the position he fell asleep in, Sasuke preferred to sleep on his stomach, and waking up on his back proved he spent all night without shifting, young Uchiha cracked one eye open, widening the gap. His voice, slightly hoarse after full night of undisturbed sleep rustled rather quietly.

"Not today."

Orochimaru chuckled. Sasuke's sleepy expression made his younger subordinate appear rather cute. And utterly sexy His inner voice added smugly, savoring the sight of Sasuke enthusiastically stretching out his stiff limbs and climbing out of bed. Unhidden grace of this young body, so pure and glowing with healthy strength made this morning visit worth the effort.

Younger Uchiha glanced towards the older nin, silently wondering what could possibly make him smile so early in the morning. The fact it was already morning could only be confirmed by his own biological clock, since no changes has been made through the night, and his room stayed barely lit and windowless. He felt uneasy with Orochimaru watching his every step but somehow another person's presence helped get rid of the last residue of his dreadful dream.

Charcoal eyes watched sannin warily as Sasuke prodded cold floor with the balls of his feet and pushed himself off the bed. "Do I have time to take a quick shower?" He shivered, making his way to the drawer and rustling through various pieces of clothing. Apparently everything was prepared for his arrival, garments looked fitting and to his taste. Pulling out a pair of dark blue shorts and a black tee shirt he turned around. The sticky feeling of being intently watched was confirmed by the yellow eyes, glued to every movement he made around the room.

Caught red-handed at the scene of crime Orochimaru smirked, obviously having no intention to get out. "Of course, you can take a shower. I'll wait." Sasuke cringed. He was in no position to argue with someone like snake, but being shy around this man won't help him either. Shrugging slightly young Uchiha turned away, concentrating on a bathroom door. "I'll be quick." He stepped into the room swiftly and shut the door, before some witty remark, like Care to join? would come out. Playing a smart-ass with someone so dangerous could soothe his ego of course. But it's the possible answer that made him hold his tongue. And the thought about hearing a 'yes' wasn't all that unappealing. Sasuke froze at the thought, blankly staring at the tiled wall with one arm half outstretched towards the shower knob.

"I must be insane…"

He turned the metal handle, activating the old rusty pumps to deliver the water streams into the shower head. Shaking head Sasuke laughed quietly, placing the clean clothes onto the side of the sink. The events of the past few days must've triggered some kind of bizarre reaction; he couldn't possibly want Orochimaru to share this room with him. Not today, not ever. Comforting himself with the list of excuses, conveniently offered by his terrified brain young male grasped on the rim of his shirt, pulling it up the torso and sliding the head through the opening. As if getting rid of the dirty clothes would rid him of the unclean thoughts rummaging carelessly through the maze of his mind. Shorts went down just as quickly and Sasuke hurried under the water in hope to cleanse his mind along with body.

Watching young Uchiha disappear into the small tiled room Orochimaru visibly relaxed, letting a soft chuckle roll off his lips. Young brat was so oblivious to the charms and vibes he was generating. That innocence was far more appealing than obvious hints dropped by a few other nins he took under his wing. Granted, Sasuke was still so very young to even begin to imagine just how tensed his body seemed when he caught snake's gaze. But it's the odd look he gave after discovery that made older sannin's blood rage. Almost as if Sasuke was pleased to notice the stare. Pleased and scared… Trying so hard to hide both.

"Let the training begin…"

He whispered almost unconsciously, listening to the running water behind the closed door. Possibly Sasuke was standing under the steaming streams right now, skin misted with pearly drops slowly sliding down the smooth surface of every curve, muscle and hairless patch. Steam veiling this young strong frame in its gentle embrace, egoistically hiding it from observation... Orochimaru growled. His imagination was clearly mocking him with images, torturing with possibilities and promises. A few drops of sweat formed on a flawless forehead of the older nin as he grit his teeth, greedily watching the door.

Sasuke was taking his time washing off the sweat and dirt of the previous night while Orochimaru sank in the row of delightful images. With a low sigh snake forced the latter out of his overly excited brain, along with the urge to knock down the door and claim what belonged to him anyway. Patience goes a long way. It's to this quality he owed so much. Was able to accomplish and achieve what he had. And doing something foolish wasn't in his plans. Letting go of a tension Orochimaru smirked, foretasting the upcoming training. If anything, it bound to be fascinating.

The sound of running water seized its liquid lullaby, followed by a few rustling sounds. Yellow eyes turned to the closed bathroom door. If looks could provide any kind of physical force there would be a hole in wooden exterior by now, the intensity of sannin's gaze sizzled upon the surface. A handle jiggled, turning slightly and Sasuke emerged in a cloud of steam, carrying his dirty clothes in one hand. To Orochimaru's disappointment he was dressed in a change of clothes he took earlier from the dresser. T-shirt clung to well defined muscles of boy's stomach, its edge tucked under the rim of loose shorts sitting low on Sasuke's hips.

Dropping the pile into a basket next to the bathroom door he lingered in a misty cloud for a minute, letting the cool air of a room settle on a surface of his heated skin.

"Feels like being born again."

He stretched a little, his muscles clearly needed some exercise and Sasuke was ready for action once more.

"So...are we going?"

Orochimaru snapped out of his dreamy state, eyes resting on the curves of Uchiha brat. The tight tee visibly flattered young body, its perfect fit left no doubts about its owner strength for it fitted well around every muscle. Sannin chuckled. Sasuke's enthusiasm was contagious and he could feel a splash of excitement filling his own blood, being in stagnant state for quiet some time now.

"Yes." He replied slowly getting up from the cozy comfort of bed. "I'll show you the training grounds."

Sasuke made it to the door a mere second earlier, swinging it open before his new trainer in respect to the handicap Orochimaru bared. This intuitive courtesy brought a sly smirk on sannin's face, while Sasuke almost bit himself, still standing by the door. Could his concern be taken as a weakness? The silence sannin granted him with wasn't too assuring and Sasuke cursed silently as older man passed by through the opened door. There was nothing left to do but follow, and so he did, keeping slight distance from Orochimaru's back. Last night lesson was learned and slamming into him was the last thing he wanted.

Corridors were brighter and friendlier today, without eerie atmosphere they looked rather presentable. Even though Orochimaru's pace didn't let Sasuke's sight wander around aimlessly, he was able to catch a glimpse of a few other doors along their way, securely shut, leading to unknown. Perhaps he'll be able to discover their secrets later…

"Our training ground is outside, I believe it brings out more potential."

Orochimaru broke the silence turning to a boy as they approached something remotely resembling an arch or light. Squirming charcoal eyes Sasuke approached bright opening. The view before him was breathtaking. As organized as Orochimaru was this kind of arrangement surprised him, for it was carefully located within hideout premises, surrounded by natural wall of trees. A large perimeter or grass soothed the sight, followed by a small lake. Green ocean seemed to flow into a blue one, complemented by a circle of trees around the calm water. Stepping into the light Sasuke sighed in awe.

"It's amazing."

Orochimaru chuckled. It took some time to build this kind of environment and he was clearly pleased with the result as well as Sasuke's reaction.

"Training without the restriction of the walls is important Sasuke, plus you have more natural surroundings to rely on."

He approached his younger companion from behind and placed a hand on his shoulder, urging boy to move on. A contact made Orochimaru flinch slightly, throbbing pain shot through damaged fingers as an unfriendly reminder. But the feeling of warm body under his palm and tense muscles made up for the jolt of unpleasant sensation in his hand and sannin let his fingers linger on Sasuke's shoulder just a few seconds more than what would be appropriate. To his amazement Sasuke barely noticed, yet along minded the gesture, mesmerized by the picture in front of him. First time for everything Orochimaru chuckled internally when Uchiha finally took another step forward. Captivated by the sight or not…Sasuke didn't try to avoid the touch.

Stepping onto the emerald carpet under their feet both men stood for a second taking in nature's beauty around them. This training session promised to be anything but dull. Taking a lungful of clean forest air Sasuke turned to snake, presenting him with questionable look on dark eyes.

"So, what should I start with?"

A glee Orochimaru's eyes greeted him with proved that sannin had an idea even before words left man's lips.

"Make the water boil."

"What?" younger male twitched, unsure if it was a test or a joke.

"Use your fire technique to make the water boil." Orochimaru was obviously amused at the uncertainty of his younger subordinate. "I need to see your own strength without tapping into the power of your seal Sasuke."

"Oh right." Absentmindedly Sasuke brushed his fingers along the left side of his neck, caressing the mark with just a slight touch. It pulsated mildly, returning to its undisturbed state. Eyeing the nearby small patch of water carefully he folded arms on his chest. "You better stand back then."

"Oh really..?" Orochimaru didn't bother to hide an obvious sarcasm his words were soaked in. "Thank you kindly for your concern Sasuke, I'll be fine." Cockiness would never dissolve in Uchiha's blood; it was simply a part of it. He could ignore the remark and just stand back to enjoy the show. For the time being

Sasuke already turned his back to the snake, palms pressed against one another in preparation. Taking a deep breath he leaned back slightly, fingers formed one seal after another almost automatically without pausing. Behind him Orochimaru admired the level of concentration and a sturdy flow of chakra surrounding young male in a glow of confidence.

" Katon, Goukakyuu no jutsu!!"

A large ball of liquid fire seemed to escape from the depths of Sasuke's body, streaming from his lungs into the smooth surface of the crystal clear water. Its motionless exterior arched inwards under the enormous pressure of the fiery blow, resisting the steady flow of the flames for a second or two at first and then bending to the will of young ninja. Loud hiss acknowledged his victory, however incomplete. The water surface was obeying the technique, vaporizing right before their eyes in a matter of seconds, however refusing to let the fire disturb the temperature of the whole lake.

An extra series of seals and even larger fire bird slammed into the waterbed, forcing the previously peaceful fluid out of its rightful place and sending a small tide over to the green pool of grass. Sasuke's eyes sparkled angrily; he took another deep breath fully prepared for a new attack. A hand on his shoulder almost made him choke on a lungful of oxygen. The grip was firm and assuring.

"Sasuke, that's enough."

Orochimaru's fingers slid higher to the curve of Sasuke's neck stroking the seal, by now throbbing painfully under the softest of touches.

"Let its strength flow into yours naturally without transforming. It's a gift from me, you can let it help you now."

Pleasant shiver ran through every nerve in Sasuke's body. The touch of Orochimaru's bandaged fingers was surprisingly comforting and soothing. He sighed, still flustered with frustration. His whole body ached silently under the pressure of the bruised ego. The man chuckled, leaning into the baby smooth skin of boy's neck, tickling it with the softest of murmurs.

"Relax, don't think. Just let it flow."

Placing another hand on the opposite shoulder sannin leaned into Sasuke, brushing his lips along the mark softly. It pulsated eagerly against his mouth, yearning for more power. Barely aware of what was happening Sasuke arched into Orochimaru's caress, breaths hitching in the depths of his chest in short intervals.

"What are you..?"

Merely a whisper rolled off Sasuke's lips, rustling along with the quiet sounds of undisturbed nature around them. Sannin only smiled, encouraged by the slight tremble of boy's body resonating against his own. A tip of snake's tongue prodded the skin, outlining the mark on Sasuke's neck with a gentle stroke.

"Try again."

Soft laughter bounced off the heated surface of Sasuke's arched neck, leaving the boy flushed and disturbed by the inability to do anything about the whirlwind of emotions swirling within his body. Clearing his throat Sasuke straightened, separating from the welcoming heat of the snake's embrace. Anger and arousal? splashed more color on boy's pale cheeks, making his face appear fresher, healthier, and even more attractive. Shaking off the trembling sensation he drew the eyebrows together, collecting a large chunk of chakra in his lungs along with the deep breath. Concentration stilled the features of the beautiful face, fingers working in harmony with the words.

"Katon, Goukakyuu no jutsu!!"

Sasuke seemed to leap forward, sending another powerful luminous ball of fire towards the lake. The water exploded with thousands of diamonds, glowing red in a fiery light. Fire consumed every small drop, penetrated every sight of moisture trapped in its circle. The phenomenon continued for a few seconds, accompanied by the loud hiss and a misty cloud that wrapped both men. When the foggy veil subsided there was a small patch of water left on the bottom of the lake, still boiling and steaming under the sun. Orochimaru smirked.

"You failed Sasuke."

Irritated growl parted boy's lips as he turned to his mentor swiftly clenching fists by his sides. Black eyes flickered dangerously. "How so?"

"I told you to boil the water, not get rid of the lake." Orochimaru's grin widened. He was undoubtedly enjoying himself. "I guess you need to practice more. I will see you later. Try to impress me next time."

Lifting an arm to pat Sasuke's cheek he smiled despite the pain jolting through his hand. The training session was a success, even though Sasuke looked like he was ready to follow the water in explosion.

"Practice Sasuke. I trust you can find your way back."

With the soft chuckle Orochimaru turned around, his robe swishing around the ankles, and walked back to the arch leaving his younger companion next to what used to be a small peaceful lake. Today's training was over.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N Mwahahaha I know I'm evil, but I swear it took all of my restrain to keep Orochimaru from doing all those naughty things to Sasuke *sweatdrop* …Can't promise I'll be too obedient in the next chapter XD
Also I want to thank D, my special muse. *mauls* I love you baby <3