Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Dead By Eclipse ❯ Chapter 7

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer: nope, don't own Naruto.

A/N:
couple of things I forgot to mention in the last chapter... the incident Kira was questioning Sasuke about was the incident of Sasuke holding the needle shuriken up to Ryoko's throat- at which point Sasuke counters by questioning Kira about why Kira did not try to stop him when she was keeping guard. Kira of course had no choice but to drop the subject at that point.
I also forgot to credit Panic! At the Disco with a line I sort of borrowed from them in the last chapter. It was very loosely borrowed from them and it was only one sentence. I say this because it was not a direct quote and I put the lyric line into my own words... and I actually don't think anyone noticed cause no one jumped me for not creditting them. lol.


Warning: chapter contains references to sexual content and possible obscene language.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 7- Suspicions and Realizations

I creep open aniki's bedroom door and peak in. The morning light pours into the room in streams creating tiny light rainbows on the moulding of the window. Aniki's bed is perfectly made, with the bottom corners of the bed sheets folded in on the mattress creating perfect hotel room triangles of sheets hanging just above the floor. I giggle quietly, and steal one last glance on either side of the hallway before sneaking in and carefully shutting the door behind me.

I pause, taking in the much bigger bed of my aniki, before my six year old feet pad across the room to the bed. I push in on the mattress watching in awe as it quickly spring back into place. Aniki's mattress has always been so much springier than mine. I look over the bed sheets and find not a single crease out of place. At this point, I cannot take it anymore.

Eagerly, I rip off my pajama top and bottom until I am only in my boxers, and then I leap onto the bed. I stand, the mattress beneath me contorting every which way beneath my feet threatening to throw me off. I let out one last giddy laugh before I began jumping on the bed. I laugh hysterically, as the bed throws me high into the air, the feeling of freedom bubbling deep within me. I squeeze my eyelids shut, and take in the new feel of being weightless in the air, and I wonder if this is what my aniki feels when he leaps through the tree branches on a mission.

"Otouto..." A calm voice interrupts me.

I open my eyes in mid flight, caught off guard, as me feet give out beneath me upon landing and I fall onto the bed landing in a sitting position. I look to my calm, expressionless aniki with a surprised and caught expression on my face, and a thin blush creeps over my cheek. My aniki crosses the room to me and stops before me as he lightly crosses his arms in a relaxed manner.

"I just made it." He smoothly says. It is as if the words were meant to be scolding the way he crosses his arms, but the lack of emotion in his voice takes from it.

This did not stop me from pouting though, as I sat on my knees on the bed and jutted out my lip hanging my head down low. "I'm sorry aniki. Please don't be mad... It's not my fault your bed is so much springier!"

"No excuses." My aniki interrupts his arms still folded.

It is then an idea forms in my head and I giggle lightly. I stand suddenly and find that my height is indeed equal to aniki's. Eagerly, I stand on my tip toes and stretch my arms out above my head. My face lites up as my large dark eyes glisten looking deep into my brother's sharp dark eyes.

"Aniki! I'm taller than you!" I shout.

I watch, as his dark eyes trail down from my large sparkling eyes to my smooth hairless chest. My smile broadens at the attention he is laying upon me with his eyes, and I glow in it. I giggle again as I leap onto my aniki and throw my arms around him in a tight hug. I nuzzle him deep into the nape of his neck, as I breathe in deeply his scent. It is so warm in my aniki's arms, and I feel the safety they bring engulfing me as my aniki slowly wraps his arms around me preventing me from falling to the floor.

"I love you, aniki." I whisper to him.

And my heart leaps as my aniki's calm, strong voice whispers back.

"I know you do, Otouto."

But it isn't enough anymore, brother. It was never enough. Such a lie to believe it ever satiated this hunger. And this stranger is not enough. And this slow suicide is wasting me. And how much longer...

How long?....

Please answer me, just this once, answer me not with silence...

But how much longer...

Will I be staring down this hole...?

Pull the trigger.

I follow behind Kira and Ryoko jumping from branch to branch. This simple act which use to take so much focus is second nature to me now, and I hardly notice I am doing it as my mind wanders...

Back to Itachi and my parents' bedroom, and back to outside of Konoha when it was our first time. How possessive he had been the first time with those eyes that were so much darker and daring, and how possessive he was this time wiht those blank eyes that hid all emotion. I think of those eyes full of discontent, and I wander when he changed so drastically, and when this new Itachi appeared with these new eyes... or was it me who changed, and Itachi has always been the same?

I find myself hungering for those eyes, and those flashes of warmth which shined through only for me, and those warm arms which would engulf me and hold me securely. And I think of what I would not give to have those arms back, and feel those three coveted words I so want to hear.

It's not enough anymore... take Naruto. The cold voice whispered from the past.

And I can taste it now, in the back of my throat, over my tongue, threatening to come up and spread throughout me... vomit, as my stomach turns with the notion.

"You okay, Sasuke? Your face is all red." Ryoko whispered to me, her golden eyes flashing with worry.

I looked to Ryoko, and Naruto was beside me now with his large blue eyes showing deep concern for me. You okay, Sasuke? I closed my eyes and shook my head, as I felt the past spin to repeat itself.

"I'm fine. Stop worrying about me." I clenched my fists tightly at my sides. Not again, I will not let it repeat itself. I am not killing another friend.

Ryoko scrunched her nose, her red bob cut hair blowing with each jump. Her golden eyes scrutinized me.

"You know, if you keep pushing people away, you're gonna end up all alone." She spat, a hint of concern still in her voice. "You can trust me."

Alone...

"I said I'm fine." I spoke louder now, more forceful, as my heart began to clench in my chest at the single word.

It was then Kira stopped suddenly in front of us, causing Ryoko and I to almost fall off the branch.

"It is near day break. We will rest here for a moment, then travel a bit further during the early morning hours before it becomes too hot." Kira commanded, standing tall with a single hand resting on her hip while she scanned the trees forward.

"Ryoko, you gather some branches for a fire, and Sasuke, you get some water to boil." Kira reached into her back pack and pulled out a large pouch of animal skin which she handed to me. "I'll gather some fresh fruit."

I looked from the pouch, then at the scenery around me and found I could not hear any water near by. Kira pointed to her left. "There is a river that way." I rolled my eyes and nodded.

"But isn't this a bit dangerous. I mean, you said there were people following us." Ryoko interrupted, sounding a bit unsure.

"I have not sensed them since we left the cave. They must have given up." Kira interrupted sharply.

I looked to Kira surprised. Given up?... No, that can't be right. Itachi never gives up.

Ryoko was staring at Kira in surprise as well. What kind of people track all the way outside of a town... and then just give up?

Kira was eyeing me suspiciously. "Well... you going to get the water, or just stand there all day."

I glared back at her. "I was going to ask you the same about the berries."

Kira hardened her glare back to me, while I iced mine over in discontent. Ryoko looked from one and then to the other, before holding her hands out defensively. "Okay! Okay! We will all go get the stuff now!" Followed by a nervous laugh.

"Whatever." I turned quickly on my heels and jumped into the bush, Kira's eyes following me all the while.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I dipped the pouch down into the cool stream and gathered up the water. The fatigue was beginning to set into my muscles from the travel, and I was surprised to find how far away the water was from our stopping point.

I have not sensed them since we left the cave. They must have given up...

"Hn. Yeah, right." I thought aloud as I watched the pouch slowly expand with the current of the stream.

I cannot even sense Itachi or Kisame... I've never been able to, but even so, I am positive they are still following us. But then again, she is able to sense them, so maybe...

It would lack pleasure. No, he is definitely following us, if not just for the simple fact that he wants to watch me kill them. What is she up to...?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ryoko dumped the firewood in the middle of the clearing, and Kira opened up three cloth bundles filled with fresh fruits. Kira dug into her back pack and tossed one bundle of aluminum filled with smoked meat beside each fruit serving.

"Why did you send him to such a far away stream? There is a closer one over there." Ryoko nodded her head to said direction.

Kira leaned against a tree and sat down while Ryoko mimiced her. "I wanted to speak with you."

Ryoko flashed Kira golden questioning eyes, as Kira met her with sharp violet ones. She narrowed her eyes and set her face in a much more serious tone. Ryoko blinked a few times at her seriousness before giggling contentedly.

"Don't try those eyes on me, Kira. You know they don't work." Ryoko smiled back brightly.

Kira sighed, her eyes remaining locked on her partner as she exhaled with face etched in stone. "Listen, the boy is plotting something. I don't know what."

"Well, duh. I could have told you that." Ryoko giggled, her smile widening.

"I said listen!" Kira hissed sharply.

Ryoko turned to her surprised, eyes wide from the sharpness of her tone. "Did... something happen last night that I should know about?" She asked curiosly.

Kira met her bright golden eyes, her violet ones narrowing to sharp slits as she whispered harshly. "No, of course not. I was standing guard, wasn't I?"

"Right..." Ryoko whispered, then her bright smile returned. "Then relax, Kira. Everything is under control."

"Think about it. I mention two strangers following us, and yet he still goes outside the cave? And did he not seem a bit too relaxed when I mentioned their presence? I am willing to bet those two are his partners. He must be planning to attack us." Kira spoke low, eyes set in a serious stare with Ryoko's bright calm eyes.

"I doubt it, Kira. He has no reason to attack us. We have no bounty on our heads, we are not wanted by anyone, and plus he is traveling with us to collect a bounty. Besides, didn't you say they were no longer following us." Ryoko answered confidently listing off the reasons her partner is wrong.

"I lied. They are still following us. They never left." Kira answered. Surprise set in on Ryoko's face. "Don't you find it strange one of them would attack the boy and then leave when when we arrive looking for him?"

Ryoko blinked a few times contemplating it. "The person must have sensed how strong you are... I mean, you have a pretty massive amount of chakra, Kira."

"You really cannot sense them, can you?" Ryoko shook her head confirming Kira's thoughts. "The two following us are among the strongest shinobi I have ever felt. I have my doubts about either of them running from a couple of kids." Kira smirked a bit at the last word, the smirk contrasting with her serious eyes. "Right, Ryoko?"

Ryoko giggled, her golden eyes flashing with excitement. "Right. Sasuke would flip if he knew you were twenty-one!" Ryoko stopped giggling for a moment, and met Kira's eyes. "You don't think he knows what we are up to, do you?"

Kira closed her eyes for a moment, her eyes furrowing in deep thought. "Your point is valid... the boy has no real reason to have his partner's following us, and there is nothing he could gain by attacking us. I am sure he suspects something, but I doubt he knows what we are up to. My real concern arises from this; we were all divided just now, and yet his partners did not attack us. Why. It was the perfect opportunity."

All the joy and giddiness melted from Ryoko's face. "It's kind of frightening when you put it like that. I almost feel like I'm being hunted now." Ryoko scrunched her face in thought. "Perhaps he is waiting until we get the bounty, and then he plans on stealing it from us?"

Kira chuckled under breath as she opened her eyes, doubt showing through her serious eyes. "I doubt shinobi of that caliber would waste their time on small bounties."

"What do we do?" Ryoko asked a bit worried, as she bit down lightly on her bottom lip.

"We wait. It is all we can do. Just keep seducing the boy... you are doing a magnificient job, Ryoko." Kira smirked, her eyes flashing dangerously.

Ryoko blushed lightly. "Right... but I don't think it is affecting him as much as you think, Kira."

"It got him out the bar, didn't it." Kira closed her eyes, the smirk still riding her face. "All men respond to two things... an insult to their pride, and women. I couldn't get him out the bar by challenging him with a bounty, although that was no surprise. But we did get him with you."

Ryoko looked off to the side. "I don't know Kira... I don't think he likes me."

"He kissed you, didn't he?" Kira pointed out harshly, her eyes filled with annoyance. Ryoko's blush deepened. Kira watched the blush spread across her cheeks, as her eyes narrowed with each spread. "You are faking it, aren't you Ryoko?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I leap down to the base of the tree and hear the two girls whispering to one another. I look to each of them and notice the malcontent easily in Kira's eyes, as Ryoko's blush grew deeper and deeper. I focus my hearing, but their whispers are too low for me to hear.

My eyes lock onto Ryoko's lips, as she forms the words Of course, Kira, I remember. I won't let you down.

I watch as Kira's eyes widen a bit, then narrow again. "Sasuke, you are back early."

I feel the focus on me, as I slowly move out of the shadows watching Kira closely, as her sharp eyes follow my every move. She is definitely up to something... I slowly sat down to the ground, my eyes burning into hers harshly.

And I feel foolish again, weak and naive, and I am certain Itachi must be laughing now at how foolish his little brother is, how easy he divulges his trust to people. And this made me glare are the harder at the girl. Perhaps I should run away while they are all asleep. No, what would Itachi do if I ran? Fear pumped through me at the thought.

A strong sense of betrayal washed through me, and I thought about Naruto and how his face twisted into pain at the realization, as shame entered me once again. This is what it feels like, remember? Remember the night Itachi betrayed you? And the feeling melted into the rage like a long lost friend.

"Well, boy, aren't you going to eat." Kira asks, her eyes flashing at me.

So this is it? I am stuck waiting like Kira's dog until she acts on her betrayal? Until she makes a fool of me? What kind of game is this, Itachi... And his cold words reverberated throughout me... The games ended in the bar.

He knew this was going to happen. And I shook deep inside with rage.

"Boy? You are only fifteen, little girl." I shoot back venemously, my fists slowly closing in on a clump of dirt.

Kira's eyes flash, a sense of satisfaction settling in them. And it was then that my blood ran cold. I can see it clearly now, I cannot help but wander how long it has been there because the resemblance is chilling. The cold, satisfaction gained in those eyes from the suffering of others, the pleasure shining from them from playing others as puppets. These are Itachi's eyes watching me from Kira, and I can feel my soul tremble beneath them.

And as Ryoko wiggles slowly into a comfortable position beside her, I can see her shoot Kira a small smile before she reaches down for the fruit... and I no longer see Ryoko or Naruto sitting there, but a small child with dark hair and large dark eyes who bestows all the trust in the world on those maliced eyes with faith it will not be misused. I can see the child, sitting there in naivety, wanting nothing more than to gain the older one's praise and acceptance.

And I felt my body shake, as my heart clenches inside of me, and my heart beats like a warning drum in my ears begging me to just run now, run away from it all, before this hole I've been staring down decides to pull me under.

"Sasuke, are you okay... you are trembling." Ryoko asks, looking at me with concern, with those large golden youthful eyes.

"I'm fine." My voice rattles, I did not realize how quickly I was breathing, and the words come out in a forced gasp.

I can feel the ground vibrating beneath my hands now,... or is that me shaking so terribly bad. I watch as the ground creates small spots in the presence of my sweat dripping from my body. And Itachi and I watch from across me, the young child sitting beside him and the seasoned killer, the brightness and naivety of youth and the poisonous wisdom of age, the unquestioning love in youth and the conditional love of age.

And I ask you Itachi, what are the conditions of your love? And if it is conditional, then is it even love?

I feel an arm around me now, and I instinctively lean into it. I can smell you now, Itachi, as your scent over powers me and spins my head with its intoxication. You are as warm as I remember you, and your heat radiates into me chasing away the chill from my blood, as it begins to flush my skin in the heat of your presence. Your soft hand cups my head gently, as it brushes the matted hair from my sweat laced face.

And as you spoke, I longed for your smooth, silky voice. The calm that lines the air when you speak, and the authority that envelopes your presence. And as you spoke, disappointment shot through me at your voice.

"I think he has a fever. He feels so warm. I knew we shouldn't have kept him outside while he was unconscious. The air chilled him." The tone was full of concern, and slightly scolding to her partner.

Of course, such a fool, I am wearing Itachi's clothes, aren't I?

"Fine then. We'll sleep here... I'll lay out the blankets." The tones was harsh, full of disappointment.

"It's okay, Sasuke. We'll rest here. Just go to sleep." Such a soothing sweet voice.

I could picture mother smiling to me warmly, such a bright smile full of no conditions or demands. And as the weight of fatigue overcame me pushing me into a deep slumber... I could have sworn...

I smelled lilacs in the air.

A/N: Sasuke smelled Itachi cause he is wearing his clothes. I posted chapter six yesterday... and either fanfic.net is slow at updating or the chapter just wasn't any good. I usually get the largest bulk of my reviews in the first 24 h and then hardly any at all after the first 24 h. Its been about that long and no one has reviewed... which kind of surprises me cause I thought chapter six was my best chapter yet.

It is partially obvious where I am going with this, so I doubt there will be much surprise over what happens next,... but I think only a few of you will have suspected what happens after that, although I have hinted at it more than once.

Oh well, anyways, please review and let me know what you think. :)