Broken Restraints

A/N: I know this is probably a way out there pairing but try to open your minds to the possibility. I love these guys on the show and have wanted to do something with them for awhile. Plus I've seen authors write for bad pairs, which these guys are not. So I had to get in on it myself. I've never done pov before so forgive me if its kinda weird I just felt it worked for this story. Please enjoy.

Summary: Hyuuga Neji has always been good at controlling his emotions it helps make him an excellent ninja. Being assigned to guard two prisoners might be the one thing that breaks the restraints on his mind and body.

pairings: Neji/Juugo/Sasuke

Broken Restraints (neji pov)
First Day

It was late in the evening, the sun had set completely but the sky was still light. Only a few minutes had passed since I'd returned to my apartment from a week long mission. A messenger bird was at my balcony door, looking impatient and heavily tapping its beak to the glass. I opened the door quickly taking the scroll from around its neck. Quickly reading I discovered that the Hokage had sent for me and it was urgent. Apparently something big had happened while I was away.

Thinking about it now, on my way into Konoha I thought the village seemed less peaceful. People were whispering, some seemed angry but I thought nothing of it, being too mission depleted to care. All I wanted was a hot shower and something to eat. I didn't have time for either. Picking up my anbu mask I placed it back on and rushed to the Hokage Tower.

As I walked down the dimly lit corridor I could hear screaming, yelling to be more exact, coming from a male. He sounded angry and desperate. The men trying to subdue him were shouting a mix of unheard things at him. As I approached the noise I could see two other anbu members trying to keep hold of a large man in a straight jacket. The chains attaching the cuffs on his ankles jingled as he flailed for freedom. I could only guess whomever this guy is was part of the reason for the village being in a quiet uproar and why I was summoned here. I very briefly caught the eyes of, who I could now see was younger than his size let on, the stranger before he was dragged further down the hall and around a corner.

I knocked lightly before entering the Hokage's office. My eyes quickly scanned the room to find others inside. Hatake Kakashi, looking very distressed which said something new for the usually stoic shinobi, standing close to the Hokage's desk near her assistant Shizune. He gave me a nod in return for the one I gave him. It was then when I noticed the reason for his distraught demeanor. Morino Ibiki stood to my left holding onto a restrained Uchiha Sasuke. At least I thought it was him because it had been years since I'd seen the other before he abandoned the village. I was thankful for the hawk mask hiding my surprised expression to see him here. The pieces were slowly coming together.

"You can take him now." Lady Tsunade instructed Ibiki and with that man I could only assume she meant take him to interrogation. As they passed, even in his seriousness, Ibiki nodded in my direction and I returned the formality. The Uchiha kept his eyes down but head held high. I could see and feel the frustrated anger radiating from him.

Once the two were gone the Hokage addressed me. "Hyuuga?"

"Hai?" I responded promptly as she stared at me hard and serious.

"I know you've just returned from a mission but I need you for guard detail." I questioned her words but not out loud. Why would I be needed for mediocre guard duty, any number of shinpbi in this village could have taken the job. "The message you received was vague so I'll fill you in quickly on what happened in the last few hours."

As she told me what transpired while I was away, Kakashi every now and then adding his own input to the story because he was a part of it, the puzzle finally came together. Apparently Uchiha Sasuke had become ally to the Akatsuki after having killed Orochimaru and after the death of his brother, Uchiha Itachi. He had formed his own team just months ago and they were found near Konoha's border for some unknown reason. Neither member had talked when they'd been discovered. A team of anbu managed to take them down and bring them in before they could carry out this mission. I wouldn't have believed it myself if Kakashi hadn't said so himself, apparently he was heading the team that found and brought Sasuke down. Now they were here, going through interrogations to find out who had sent them, why, and what their objective was. This was where I came in.

"Understood?" The fifth asked me and I nodded in response. "Good, Kakashi here will take you to the cells. Remember this guy is dangerous and we don't know much about him yet. We want you to talk to him, find out whatever you can within reason. Even though your skills are necessary for this assignment I don't want you taking any unnecessary risk. Don't provoke him, leave that to Ibiki. Dismissed."

I left the room with Kakashi in the lead, he sighed heavily once we were out of the Hokages earshot. He was also still in his anbu uniform, mask around his neck and plain black headband covering his sharingan eye. He looked worn and was sporting poorly taken care of wounds from the fight.

"Are you alright?" I asked just to fill the silence.

"I think I'm still in shock." He joked but I could hear the seriousness behind hid facade.

"Hm."

"I had always hoped deep down we'd get Sasuke back but not like this. He was ruthless and more skilled than I could have imagined. He was almost a completely different person. Probably have to thank Orochimaru for that." There was a small trace of spite in his words.

I could tell he felt hurt by his own words. That his prized student who he'd tried to care for, tried to teach and help had gone to another sensei and apparently become a better ninja for it. Kakashi had one thing over the snake sannin though, he was still alive.

"But what can you do. He's here now and... what can you do?" Reading between the lines I knew what he'd meant. Having Sasuke here now might be the last chance he has to save his once beloved pupil.

"What about Naruto, does he know?"

"Not yet, fortunately he and Sakura are out of the village but they'll catch wind soon enough. Its not gonna be easy on them."

"I can imagine it won't be easy on anyone." He nodded his agreement.

We turned down the same hall one of the prisoners had been dragged to earlier. Down a flight of stairs and into another hall full of tightly locked prison cells. This particular area was off limits to everyone, jounin, chuunin unless the Hokage herself instructed you to be here. It was located below the Hokage tower, an underground prison for serious criminals. Getting to the door where the person I was in charge of was kept we heard the commotion coming from inside. Apparently the guy was still struggling and screaming for the Uchiha. The men who escorted him were still trying to calm him down to no avail.

"Well this is where I take my leave." Kakashi announced.

"Going to the interrogation?"

He gave me a knowing smile, the best he could muster in the situation, before a cloud of smoke appeared and he was out of sight. Just as I'd turned to the cell door it opened and the two anbu came out sliding the heavy metal shut and locking it. When they noticed me even with the mask on I could tell that they seemed taken back that someone my age was sent for guard duty.

"The Hokage sent you?" One of them asked.

"Yes."

The same man shook his head and handed me a gray file folder, I quickly glanced the name written on the tab, 'Juugo' was all it said

"Well good luck with this one and stay alert." The other said before they both walked away. I could still hear them talking about this Juugo as they left.

"Man he's a big one."

"And angry, must be some leftover of Orochimaru's."

I mentally scoffed at the ignorance of their words and began flipping through Juugo's file, which didn't contain much information only being three short pages long. There were mentions of the alleged team Sasuke had put together, a four man cell much like the ones we have here, codenamed Hebi. There was also bits of information on Orochimaru's hideouts and labs.

A loud banging sound came suddenly from the cell and jerked me from my reading. Closing the file I use my byakugan to see through the thick metal door. The prisoner was sitting on the floor and he had apparently kicked the single chair in the room towards the wall. He started again on his calls for the Uchiha. Deactivating my kekkei genkai, I slide the little eye level door over to see into the room and catch his attention

"Causing a commotion won't get you anywhere."

He pauses and glares at me through the small door window. "Where's Sasuke?" I don't answer at first which only managed to upset him more. Growling inward he kicks the chair again.

"Uchiha Sasuke is in the interrogations room right now. I'm assuming the place you were just at yourself." This seemed to stop his violent acts. "It could take awhile so I'd try to relax if I were you."

He frowned and without the use of his arms to guide him down he sat heavily on the floor pulling his knees up. He looked angry and sad at the same time. An expression I was more than familiar with myself. In my private moments when I'd let myself remember a time that'd be better left forgotten or when I'd evaluate my life now and realize there was something missing. I'd look in the mirror and see that same sad and angry face staring back at me. The expression gave Juugo a look of innocence, it actually worked on him, despite his physical prowess.

"Why?" He spoke so quietly I had almost missed the question.

"Why what?"

"Why are they doing this to us? We haven't done anything."

"Sasuke used to live in this village, he went rogue with one of our enemies and now he's allied with the an even worse enemy of ours. Its only natural that they'd be cautious with you. Interrogation is a standard procedure for enemies and allies. Tell them what they want to know and the process goes faster."

"Why couldn't they question us together?"

I half shrugged though he couldn't see the movement as I stood outside the door. "Its a risk of influence on how you might respond or how much you cooperate." The prisoner looked like a kicked puppy, missing its master. I felt for him, knowing how it feels to lose someone important to you. His open display of emotions on the subject also piqued my curiosity as to how and why he seemed so attached to the Uchiha. Taking a chance I unlocked and removed the bolts on the door, sliding it over with a little effort to let myself in. I was assigned to this job for a reason, the Hokage believed I could handle the prisoner if he tried anything and I was more than capable, being a tokubetsu jounin and in anbu, of taking care of myself. Though for extra precaution I left the tiny eye door open so if anyone were to walk by they could hear or see us and intervene if necessary.

Juugo looked up in alert when I walked in, closing the door behind me. I picked up the small chair he'd been kicking earlier and placed it back under the tiny corner table and set his file on top. To show him I had no harmful intentions I removed my anbu mask, putting it beside the file, and turned to face him.

I noticed the momentary shock mixed with a bit of awe on his face when our eyes met. Both of which I'd become accustomed to when meeting people who haven't heard of or know the Hyuuga clan but haven't seen one in person. He looked down soon after but not before I noticed myself that he was actually a very handsome man as well. His own eyes were a stunning amber color that almost resembled his sunset colored hair. His facial structure was angular and sharp but not hard. His skin a light tan color that matched well with the rest of him. All creating an attractive package. I wondered briefly if the Uchiha had felt the same when he'd met Juugo for the first time as well.

Walking away from the door I went into the semi dark cell, being an underground prison meant no windows for outside light to come through. There was one florescent light built into the ceiling but the bulb was dimming from having not been changed recently. The room itself was made of stone and big enough to fit possibly ten normal sized adults. The small bed sat in the top left conrner against the wall. It was covered with a flimsy sheet, worn pillow and thin blanket all off-white in color. Across from the bed on the other side of the wall was a normal sized urinal with a roll of harsh looking toilet paper coming from the wall above it, I could't imagine having to use that even being alone. Right bside that there was a tiny sink with a bland bar of soap perched on top. A small wooden table and one chair sat on the opposite wall at the bottom left corner, diagonal from the bed and closer to the door. The door was off center of the room more to the right and wide enough for two people if they stood in the doorway side by side.

I stopped a few feet away from the prisoner and introduced myself. "I'm Hyuuga Neji." He looked up again staring at me for a lenght of time as if he were memorising the name and face. Then he spoke.

"Juugo."

I was momentarily confused until realising he was introducing himself in return, forgetting that he didn't know I already knew his name. "I know." I titled my head towards his file that was sitting on the table. "Nice to meet you Juugo."

"Hn."

"I was assinged to monitor or guard you and Uchiha Sasuke for the remainder of your time here. Or until the Hokage decides what to do with you." He appeared to be listening while staring past me at the door as if he could see through it himself. He looked a little twitchy or uncomfortable so I tried to reassure him that he'd be safe with me. "I'm not your enemy Juugo. Inspite of the situation. I'm not here to hurt you." His expression was withdrawn, as if he were fighting something off within himself. His head came back up against the wall hard and his eyes were glazing over. Something was wrong.

"Are you alright?" I asked. He looked at me like he'd forgotten I was in the room.

"I need... Sasuke."

The air felt different suddenly and I could tell his chakra was becoming erratic. Activating my byakugan I could see the spasmic behavior going on inside of him. Something dark was developing in his chakra. "Listen to me Juugo, I can help you if you'll let me." Whatever was wrong with him would be easy for me to stop before it gets any worse.

"Only Sasuke can stop it." His voice was lowering and sounding more rough than it had before. Deciding not to take any chances on things getting worse I acted quickly. Going over to crouch before the man I tried to touch my two chakra laced fingers to his forehead but he nervously thrashed stilling my movements. "No, get away!"

Pressing one hand to his chest to keep him still as best I could, I quickly pressed above his temple and again on his neck. He jerked a bit with each touch before slowly relaxing. Once his breathing calmed I backed away and his eyes returned to normal and they looked past me with an empty gaze. Both of us were silent for minutes until he finally spoke.

"What... did you do?" He looked at me with wide eyes.

I let my posture relax releived that he seemed to be ok. "I stopped the chakra from getting to your brain. A trait of my clan." He looked thoughtful for a moment. "That chakra was very dark, what happened to you?"

He took a few minutes before answering, maybe not sure if he should be giving me any information. But he did reply after a minute or so. "I get these... urges sometimes, to hurt someone or kill." He glanced up at me almost with a playful expression. "Didn't you already know, wasn't it in my file?"

I could tell from the semi playful expression hidden under his nervousness that he was making a joke. "Funny." I gave him half a smile in return. "I didn't get to read the entire file yet."

He shifted uncomfortably. "You shouldn't have done that I could have killed you."

"Maybe if I didn't have the technique to stop you but considering the condition you're in I don't think you could have hurt me tot badly."

"The restraints wouldn't have held. I've broken out of things stronger than this in that state."

"Hm."

Still looking confused about the whole ordeal he spoke but more to himself than me. "I thought... Sasuke was the only one who could stop it."

I responded anyway. "With his genjutsu? Well now you can relax a little. For the time being if it happens again I'll help you instead."

He nodded uncertainly before going back into his head. I let him contemplate everything that had just happened and took the time to finish reading his file incase there was something important mentioned.

There was no mention of Juugo's condition in the file. Just the fact that he'd been held captive and used for testing by Orochimaru's right hand man, Kabuto, for years. Its hard to say for sure that what just happened was a result of being a guinea pig or something Juugo was unfortunately born with. He had no clan to speak of and his village origin was unknown. Interrogation hadn't gotten much information out of the man either. There was nothing to go on for any special abilities, techniques or his fighting style. I closed the file feeling a bit of disappointment. In the few moments I'd been around Juugo I was already finding myself intriguid with the strange man.

"You remind me of him."

I turned my attention to the voice, happy to hear that he sounded calm again. "You mean Sasuke?"

"Mm. Not exactly physically but..."

Standing I returned to my spot in front of the door to face him. Juugo stood as well with some difficulty because of the limited movement he had with the chains around his ankles and the straight jacket holding his arms back. I had read his measurments in the file but was still slightly taken aback by seeing his full height and body mass before me. He was big and in a good way. My mind briefly wandered down the inappropriate path but was immediately dismissed. This wasn't the time or place.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" He asked suddenly. "I'm your prisoner."

Crossing my arms I raised my head to try and meet his eyes. "You're a prisoner of Konoha, not mine personally. I don't know you well enough to judge whether you're good, bad or in-between. That and you haven't given me any reason to dislike you. Quite the opposite actually."

Juugo seemed satisfied with my reply, nodding slightly that he understood. Part of me was hoping he'd take my example and give me the same courtesy in return. He took a seat on the bed that already looked too small for him.

"Do you need anything? Food or drink?"

"Not really... " He paused in thought as if weighing a decision before continuing. "I guess, you couldn't take this off." He slightly raised his bound arms to show that he was referring to the straight jacket.

"I'm assuming because of your... condition they put that on you for the safety of anyone around you and yourself." He looked disheartened by my words and I felt bad for him. According to his file he's already spent the better portion of his life bound and confined. I knew how that felt, even if I wasn't locked in a cell. Having the Hyuuga clan seal at such a young age and for the rest of my life was the worst kind of prison. No change in fate, no way to escape without putting my life on the line and being easily tracked down. All because of the seal, my personal prison. No right to make my own decisions would ever change that, no matter how sweet it sounded coming from Naruto that day he'd opened my eyes at the Chuunin exam. So I had to help Juugo even if for the briefest moment.

"If I take the jacket off now, because I believe you won't try anything, you have to let me put it back on before I leave or if anyone comes down here. That way neither of us gets in trouble."

Juugo nodded. "Okay." He stood from the bed and turned his back to me, so I could undo the latches and buckles of the straight jacket. As I did so, I mentally readied myself for anything he might try once freed. Just because I found him attractive and he seemed nice didn't mean he wasn't still dangerous and I couldn't let my guard down.

Once he was free I went back to stand guard in front of the door, protecting my back at the same time. He lifted the straight jacket over his head. I couldn't help but stare as the garment lifted the pale blue t-shirt he wore underneath, revealing tanned skin and his enviously toned abs and well sculpted chest. This Juugo really was piece of work. Once the shirt fell back over his skin I looked away trying to ignore the sudden warmth engulfing the room. Juugo tossed the straight jacket onto the bed and began stretching his arms out.

He looked at me and said, "Thank you." Giving some sort of smile, an expression I assumed he wasn't used to, like myself. He continued to flex his wrist and work the tension out of his shoulders. Still giving off that good guy vibe and I hated admitting to myself that I was starting to fall for it.

Juugo sat back on the bed and I went over to pull the little chair to the center of the room, still blocking the exit, to sit a few inches away from him. Remembering why I was here I decided I might as well take his good mood as an opportunity to do my job. I couldn't report in to the Hokage without having gotten some information. That, and I wanted to sate my own curiosity about him.

"May I ask you some questions?"

He gave me a wary look, probably aware of what I was doing. "I guess." He spoke after awhile.

"How old are you?" I decided to start with something personal and less threatening hoping he'd still be at ease enough to answer my other questions.

"Eighteen."

"Really, so am I."

"Hm."

"Do you have any food preference?" The look he gave me was priceless. He was clearly thrown off by my questions expecting them to be more information oriented.

"...Not really."

Now was the time. "What were you doing in Konohagakure?"

"....."

"Don't want to say or don't you remember?"

"I don't really know myself. We were following Sasuke." He finally said.

"And he didn't tell you his plan? Isn't that strange?"

"Not really. I think in his own way he trie to protect us by not giving all the details. I don't always care either."

That wasn't exactly what I'd been hoping to hear but it was better than nothing. So Sasuke did still have a caring bone in his body after all. "Alright then can you tell me what happened when you were caught?"

"..Some guys, dressed like you, did something to keep us from running and then the others trapped us in some barrier. The last thing I remember before blacking out was being separated fromthe others and taken into a dark room barely lit by a candle surrounded by men in cloaks wearing a mask."

"What happened after that?"

He shrugged. "I came to and they were strapping me into that thing," He tilted his head at the straight jacket. "cuffing my ankles. Then they pulled me into a woman's office, I saw Sasuke but only for a second before they dragged me down here.... You said Sasuke was in interrogation right? How long will that take?"

"Depends on his cooperation, or how much information they want before letting him go."

His face sunk from my uncertain answer. He was getting frustrated again and I hoped he wasn't about to have another episode. Before I could question him further I sensed someone nearby. Quickly activating my byakugan I could see a small group heading this way. Consisting of the very person we'd just been discussing.

"Someone's coming, put this back on." I stood and he stared at me hesitantly, a little confused at how I knew someone was approaching. "Clan technique, please hurry." I half explained and after a moments hesitation he grabbed the jacket and slipped it over his head reluctantly. Sighing inwardly with relief I strapped him back in deciding not to tell him exactly who was coming just yet. It would only cause trouble at the moment and probably get him riled up.

Once Juugo was returned to the way I'd found him, I slipped my anbu mask back on and went for the door being stopped by his voice.

"Will you be back?"

I was thankful that my momentary surprise by the question was hidden beneath my mask and I managed to keep my voice even. "Its not everyday a captive wants to see their guard. If that's what you meant."

"..You're not so bad." Was the simple return. No real feeling behind the words so I couldn't tell how he'd meant the words to be taken.

The response had me surprised again and maybe a bit elated that he might have actually enjoyed my company but again I didn't let my voice relay it. "I told you before I was assigned to monitor you. So yes, I'll be returning." I left quickly after, not waiting for him to speak again, re-bolting the door behind me. I took one last look in the cell. Juugo was sitting in the chair I'd left in the middle of the room with the same solemn expression he wore the first time I saw him. I slid the small eye door back over just as the others rounded the corner. I stood in place semi relaxed against the wall as if I'd always been there on guard. I gave acknowledgement to the other anbu members as they approached me with a cuffed and bitter looking Uchiha Sasuke.

One of the anbu began unlocking the cell next to Juugo's where they'd be keeping the Uchiha.

"That was fast." I said to Kakashi as he stood in front of me.

"Well, not too much cooperating going on today." He sighed and waited for Sasuke to be escorted into the room. "His mentality is stronger than we thought. Getting in there to do a thurough interrogation might take some time." He ran a hand through his mess of silver hair. "We need the Yamanaka's special skill but unfortunately we have to wait for Inoichi's return before we can try again." He turned to me with a thoughtful look. "Unless you can find a way to get him talking."

I had to stifle a snort at that. "Don't hold your breath but I'll try."

"Good. So how did things go with this guy?" He jutted a thumb behind me at Juugo's cell door. "Sasuke kept asking for a Juugo I'm assuming he meant him."

"Hm. It went as well as you could imagine on the first meeting. He talks, just not much. Apparently without Sasuke around he's not sure what he should or shouldn't say."

"Quite the duo aren't they." The copy nin frowned crossing his arms over his chest. The anbu left Sasuke's room and nodded to Kakashi. "Well they'll be in your hands for now," He placed a gloved hand on my shoulder. "Do what you can." before going into the Uchiha's room.

"Wait," I called for Kakashi to stop and he half turned to me. "Why weren't you assigned to Sasuke?"

He paused a moment. "Conflict of interest I suppose but I'll be monitoring him and stopping in every now and then. Don't worry you'll do fine." I nodded my understanding as he disappeared into the room. The anbu member handed me Sasuke's file and key to the cell then disappeared into a cloud of smoke.

Sighing I waited there trying not to hear the harsh whispers coming from the Uchiha's cell. Kakashi was quiet about his anger, speaking in harsh but muted tones, whereas Sasuke raised his voice in response and didn't care who heard. He was obviously angry for having been caught and dragged here, especially by his former sensei. He should have expected this though, that's what happens when shinobi cut all ties to those close to them. Nothing else matters but the job. Atleast that's how it should be but there were so many that still held hope for the Uchiha's return, for him to go back to the way he was. Kakashi being one of them. If I'd have realised that earlier I wouldn't have asked Kakashi why he wasn't assigned to watch the rogue-nin. They chose me because I had no close ties, no personal knowledge or previous relationship with the young sharingan user. I didn't let emotions get in the way of work. This was my advantage, but as far as making the stubborn teen talk I wasn't sure if I could. Juugo, maybe but Sasuke might be harder to break.

A moment later after the bickering had died down Kakashi solemnly emerged from the cell. Looking much the same as he had when I'd first seen him in the Hokages office.

He sighed heavily. "No luck. He's just too...."

"I'll do what I can but what makes you think he'll open up to me?"

"Well, don't take this the wrong way Neji but you remind me of Sasuke in alot of ways. If anyone might be able to understand him even a little.. I think you could." He gave me a genuine smile then. "Plus you're very good at reading people. You'll do fine."

"Hm." He gave me one last look that I couldn't quite read despite his words of praise on my abilities to do so, then he walked away taking his time as he went.

Both rooms were quiet and I wasn't sure what to do now, just stand here, tell Juugo his partner is in the next room, or go in and size up Sasuke to see how far I'd get with him. There was a sudden loud crash breaking me from my thoughts. This time the sound came from Sasuke's room which made choosing the latter option easier.

I opened his door just as he was retrieving, what else but the chair from the floor. He glanced at me briefly and shoved the chair back under the table. "Who are you?" Sasuke faced me with his air of superiority even though he was the one restrained and in prison. It was hard to be threatened when he was cuffed, hands separated slightly by a bar to keep him from forming any seals. It wasn't visible but I was told a seal had been placed above his brows, much like the one I was forced with from the Hyuuga clan, by the Hokage herself to keep him from using his sharingan.

"Hyuuga Neji." I pulled the anbu mask off again to sho whim my face. His eyebrows rose barely noticeable but I saw the action before he put on his bored expression.

"Hn. I must be really special if they sent one of you."

"I'll take that as a compliment, however it was meant."

Sasuke walked away then sitting and then lying back on the bed probably getting ready to ignore me. I took the previously thrown chair and pulled it out to sit down myself,leaving the files and keys on the table.

"Seems like you've been busy in those few years that passed after you left the village." His expression grew sour. I guess my mentioning the village hit a sore spot and probably not from fond memories. Atleast it was a reaction, letting me know he wasn't completely shut off yet and that encouraged me to press on. "You've gotten yourself a new team... I've had the privelage of meeting one of them.... Juugo." He visibly stiffened at the name but tried to relax himself to hide any emotions. "He's been asking for you."

Without moving from his place on the bed he asked. "Where is he?"

I smirked at his attempt to stay cool and disinterested when he was clearly worked up and concerned for the other. "He's right next door, in the cell to your left." I was taken aback when he jumped up from the bed suddenly and went over to the adjoining wall. Sasuke used his fist to bang on the wall and began calling Juugo's name to see if he'd respond. After a minute of realising it was useless he stopped and looked me square in the eyes. I could tell he was sizing me up, thinking up plans or ways he might get past me. He glanced at the keys I'd left on the table but I snatched them up before he could make any moves.

After a brief stare down he told me flat out. "I want to see him." I could only raise a brow in fascination, he really was upfront or very bold. "What do I have to do to be able to see Juugo?" He tried again after not getting a response from me. This time I could tell he was forcing the anger from his tone and I truly could hear his concern for the other.

This might be exactly what I need to get them both talking, if their need for one another was truly genuine. There was no mention in the handbooks stating that bribery was against the rules of gathering information.

"What would you be willing to do to see him?" I questioned him in return trying to make sure he knew I was dead serious about this. Apparently he didn't get it, I could tell from the way he was looking me over that his mind was going in the wrong direction. Then he answered confirming my suspicions.

"You want sex?"

I scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself. I don't know how things worked with Orochimaru but I'm not like that." Though as I said the words aloud in the back of my mind I knew if the offer were genuine and the circumstances were different I would have agreed to it. I'm not blind by any means and the Uchiha is very attractive. If he and Juugo were more than partners it'd be understandable as to why.

"Then what do you want?"

"Information. Just.. to talk."

It was his turn to scoff at me. "About what? I told those pricks in interrogation everything they need to know."

"Apparently not enough, they plan on taking you back, you know. Unless you tell me what you've left out and I'll pass the information on for you. No torture, no shinobi trespassing in your head, reading your thoughts, seeing things you might not want them to."

"That stuff doesn't bother me."

"Well it bothers Juugo, he said so and if they're taking you back to interrogations he'll probably be going again as well. And the less you two cooperate the worse the interrogations get."

I could see him working this over in his head debating on what to do and wondering just how sincere I was about letting him see his partner.

"Fine. What do you want to know?"

I half smiled at his quickness to comply, following with my eyes as he walked over to lean against the table. I turned a little in the chair to face him. "Tell me why you're team was in Konohagakure."

His eyes lowered and I knew he didn't want to say, so I decided to make things easier for him. "Listen Uchiha, its nearing dawn and I've just returned from a long missions not two hours ago. I'm hungry, tired and need a shower."

"Not my problem." He was flexing his hands making fist and releasing them, probably itching to move freely, the same way Juugo had been in the straight jacket.

"Its going to be your problem if you don't work with me. Maybe you'd rather I personally give any messages you have for Juugo to him myself. Or I could say nohing about you being here at all. Maybe even tell him your dead."

He said nothing but I knew he didn't want that by the way his lip twitched.

"So lets make a deal then. However many questions you answer, and honestly- I'll know if you're lying, I'll allow you that number in minutes with Juugo. Sound fair?"

He straightened up and stared ahead at the wall in front of him before turning back to me. "Deal."

"Good, now answer my first question. What where you doing in Fire country?"

"I wanted to come here." He spoke matter of factly as if he were going on vacation and just happened to pick the village he'd betrayed to relax in.

"I'm serious Uchiha. You have to be more elaborate than that. Why did you want to come here?"

He inhaled and let the air out sharply. Turning twisted eyes on me. "To exact revenge on those assholes responsible for the end of my clan." His words came out dry and clipped. I wasn't completely sure if I understood him.

"I thought... wasn't Uchiha Itachi responsible for that?"

"There's more to it than anyone knows. Its complicated." His head dropped and his whole demeanor changed. It was as if he were a child again lookin gup to his older brother, and sad for the end the nuke nin had met, even though it was by his own hands. Whatever happened between him and his brother must have been big.

"Why don't you make it simple for me then." I coaxed him on. I could tell he was struggling with the subject but if Itachi had anything to do with why Sasuke was returning to the village it was important information.

"...My brother wasn't working alone. There was someone else...." His voice began to rise slightly with the anger filled memories. "They all used him! they made him..." He shut himself off then, putting the restraints back on his emotions. A skill I had also mastered over time but seeing how fast the Uchiha managed to block off his anger even I was impressed. He spoke again just as calm as if he'd never spoken of his brother at all. "I've said enough, take me to Juugo."

Sighing I stood. This was going to be more difficult than I thought, especially with the Uchiha in this frame of mind. No wonder Kakashi had no luck with him. I took a moment to go over any other options I had. Forcing him to talk now would only waste my time but there was also no time to wait for him to come around. The only option was to give him what he wanted and hope that it'd be enough to make him cooperate.

"Well!" His annoyance showing he cut through my thoughts. "Do Hyuuga's lie about keeping their word?"

"Even though you hardly kept up your end of it," I remained calm. "we made the deal and I intend to keep it." Standing away from the table he seemed surprised by my response. Truthfully so was I but it was too late to go back now. Plus for whatever reason I felt bad for Juugo and wanted to make things easier on him. "I'm almost positive prisoners aren't allowed to see one another, so I'm risking myself along with you two possibly being separated permanently if we get caught. So you'll have three minutes tops. I'll be with you the entire time of course. Try anything and I'll make sure you regret it." Standing I motioned for him to follow me to the door. As I was unlocking it I wondered if I was making a big mistake. Apparently Sasuke was woondering something similar himself.

"Why would you do this then, if it could get you in trouble?" He asked just before I pushed the door open.

Pausing in my actions I turned back to face him. Not sure what to tell him I gave the only answer I had at the moment. "I'll tell you the same thing I told Juugo. Outside of needing information from you because its my job, I'm not your enemy Sasuke. I have no reason, yet, to dislike you and I don't know you well enough to judge whether you're good bad or in between. You're Konoha's prisoner not mine."

Once again we were engaged in a staring contest. He looked at me hard with searching eyes. I had nothing to hide so my face remained controlled and relaxed. "That's awfully noble of you," He said after a time. "and a dangerous way to think."

"I'm aware of that. However, just because I'm not completely against you doesn't mean I trust you." He smirked. "So do we have an understanding?"

"Alright, I accept your conditions." He extended his cuffed hands to me and I shook one, sealing the deal that might cost me my place in anbu or worse as a shinobi in general.

"Lets go before someone shows up or before I realize what I'm doing." He scoffed at that and followed as I walked out the door. I reached back and grabbed his wrist firmly incase he tried to run and to let him know that I was serious about reprimanding him if he tried anything funny. We took the short steps to Juugo's cell and still holding onto Sasuke with one hand I worked the door open with my other.

I looked in on Juugo quickly before actually opening the door. He was still sitting in the same spot he'd been in earlier on the floor. Gently rocking back and for the looking like a lost child waiting for their parent to find them. Sliding the door open I let the impatient Uchiha in first so I could close and lock the door from the inside. As I stood by in my guard mode, watching and waiting to see how they'd interact it occurred to me that a number of things could go wrong having them paired up, even with the restraints on. Juugo was big enough alone to have me pinned down, or Sasuke could knock me senseless with his cuffs. Shaking the bad images away I kept reminding myself that I was assigned to them for a reason and I could handle whatever they threw my way. Right now I needed to focus on their conversation incase any important information slipped out.

So far neither had said anything, Juugo was still too gone inside of his head to notice we'd even entered the room. Sasuke seemed to be mentally berating himself for letting this happen to them and couldn't brin ghimself to speak up. So I chose to help them and myself out.

To try and get his attention I cleared my throat. "Juugo, you have a visitor." My voice out of nowhere seemed to have startled them both from their thoughts. Juugo looked at me shortly and then over to Sasuke showing both surprise and elation.

"Sasuke?" He quickly stood towering over the other unable to touch him in whatever way he might have wanted to, had the straight jacket been off.

"Hey." Was the Uchiha's slightly awkward reply. He was too aware that I was in the room and it was making him cautious or uncomfortable. Unfortunately there was nothing I could do about that. "Are you alright?" He then asks Juugo.

"Fine, except for this." He was referring to the jacket and ankle cuffs. "They got you too I see." He was looking at Sasuke's own metal trinkets.

"Hn, its not too bad," The Uchiha responded then spared a quick wary glance back at me. "Did you tell them anything?" He half whispered to his partner, knowing it'd be pointless to try talking without my hearing since we were in such close proximity

"Not really."

"Mm," Sasuke looked thoughtful. "Listen Juugo we have to cooperate... for now. I don't want to risk you getting hurt being here from acting out."

"What about you?"

"I'll be fine, you just worry about yourself until we can get out of here."

It took everything in me not to make a sound at that comment. Still, he has the audacity to think this is a temporary thing. Even if he cooperates I highly doubt the Hokage or village elders would let them go. Especially once they find out why they were here.

"Where's Suigetsu and Karin?" Juugo asked. The names were only briefly familiar as I heard them. I'd only seen them written in the files.

Sasuke was silent a moment then responded with his bland uncaring tone. "Karin's dead." I couldn't see his face but I'm positive it was mimicking his tone while Juugo was momentarily affected by the news. Whomever this Karin was must not have been very important to the team.

"What about Suigetsu?"

"I don't know." This time they both looked at me. Sasuke with a questioning brow. "Maybe he knows."

"If you mean the Mist nin that was metnioned in your files, he's been detained and returned to Kirigakure for them to decide what happens to him."

"But why isn't here with us?" Juugo asked.

Straightening up from the door I gave him a straight answer. "That's usually how it works between village Kages. If a shinobi from another village is apprehended they're sent back to where they originally came from for punishment. Unless the Kage of that village says otherwise and lets the captors do as they please. Because we aren't sure where you're originally from Juugo, you remain here."

"So he's still alive, atleast." Juugo gave his attention back to his leader.

"Yeah but for how long." Sasuke glanced at me again as if I knew the answer.

"So what do we do Sasuke? Are we getting Suigetsu back?" Sasuke returned his attention back to Juugo. I could tell he was slightly frustrated that Juugo was speaking so freely about a matter that was meant to be private.

"We do nothing for now. Just hang in there until I think of something, don't do anything to get yourself in trouble."

Juugo nodded. Even without a clock in the room I could tell Sasuke's three minutes were nearing an end. I was already pressing my luck by letting them see each other, the last thing I needed was for them to start plotting an escape. It was also obvious that no further information was coming out of this conversation so I decided to end it.

"Times up Uchiha." Juugo looked at me with a silent question and I answered. "I'm breaking the rules by letting you two be together. So to be fair the amount of time depends on how well your friend here cooperates. If you haven't guessed by how short this visit was, he didn't do so well."

Sasuke glared at me again but then softened his features as he looked at the other. "Try to stay calm ok. I can't help you if you get out of control." I wondered to myself what the Uchiha was referring to.

"Its alright," Juugo cut through. "Its already happened."

"What? and you're o.k." Sasuke sounded concerned and confused.

"Mm, he helped me." His head nodded in my direction. The Uchiha once again turned his gaze on me this time with more confused surprise than anger.

"You? How?"

Not wanting to rile the teen up I answered simply instead of holding it over his head that I had done something useful for his beloved teamate."Just simple chakra blocking nothing more. No drugs or needles. It was painless." We were engaged in yet another stare down. I wasn't sure if Sasuke was relieved or upset about what he'd just learned.

"Its fine, Sasuke. I'm alright and... he's ok."

We both looked at the taller man surprised by his words. Was he defending me?

"If you say so." Was the Uchiha's emotionless response.

"Time to go." I said before the situation became anymore awkward. I waited by the open door, looking out first to make sure the area was clear. Finally, though relcuctantly Sasuke followed me I let him out first once again holding onto his wrist. Before I closed the door Juugo called to me and I paused looking back in.

"Thank you."

My eyes had gone a bit wide hearing this but I knew he only thanked me for letting him see Sasuke. Either way I appreciated hearing it. "Hm." Not being able to really resond I nodded before sliding the door closed on his much calmer self wondering if he'd be so thankful if he knew I was just using them both. Still the simple words made me feel good and guilty at the same time.

I avoided eye contact with Sasuke as we went back into his cell but he'd kept his eyes on me the entire time. Probably not happy with what he'd just heard.

"So you can really stop Juugo's episodes?" Was the first thing he said after I'd le thim go. I was surprised again not having expected it. I was ready for him to yell at me and tell me to stay away from Juugo. I hid my reaction though and answered.

"I can if I catch the signs early enough. I'm not one hundred percent sure what will happen if his condition is further along though. Honestly I'd rather not find out."

"Either way its good to know." He went to sit on the bed, hands resting on his thighs. "Juugo seems to like you." He spoke with more self realization than saying the words to me.

"You think so?"

"Hn, and he doesn't usually take to people so easily or this soon." He went to sit on the bed, hands dangling in front between his parted legs.

"I'm no one special, so don't worry about it."

"I'm not worried, its actually a good thing. Better he have you watching over him than anyone else I guess."

"You two seem very close."

"He's been through enough bullshit his whole life. I don't want anything worse happening to him espeically if I can't be there." The honesty of care in his voice took me off guard. It only furthered my curiousity to just how close the two really were. Then his relaxed open tone changed back to the dark threatening one he'd usually use. "So you'd better be careful Hyuuga. If anything happens to him-"

"No need for threats Sasuke." I held my hands up in defense. "I understand where you're coming from, maybe not personally but you can trust me," He gave me a skeptical look. "As far as taking care of Juugo goes. I have no intentions of harming either you unless you give me a reason to of course."

He smirks then. "Of course."

The air in the room had gone to a more comfortable one as a brief silence fell over us. I hated to admit it but talking with the Uchiha this way was alot more pleasant than berating him with questions. I wondered if he felt the same but didn't get my hopes up that he was. Realizing this only reminded me again of why he was here and it was probably morning by now, though you couldn't tell from the windowless room, so I had to leave.

"I have to go. I'll be back in a few hours though. This is my first time on this kind of monitor duty so I don't know if they'll be bringing you food or not. If so it should be soon." He didn't say anything just barely nodded before putting his head down. I picked up the files and keys again waiting for anything but he didn't acknowledge my leaving.

Once out in the hall I stared at both doors for a minute. Two completely different people were trapped behind them. They deserved to be there of course for threatening the village, I told myself yet I couldn't help but feel sympathy for them.

Frowning, I made my way out of the corridor and headed for the Hokage's office to make my report. As I went I tried to focus on what I'd heard and learned from both men to tell my superiors, instead of listening to the doubts rising in my head of whether I was truly the right person for this assignment.