The young Uchiha shifted in his sleep, barely aware of where he was or how long he had been out.

His heavy eyes flittered open to see a beautiful brunette lying beside him, deep in sleep as her hair was tossed about. Sasuke groaned softly, heaving himself up on his elbows. His head felt like someone hit him with a stone or worse even.

As he shook his head around, he accidently toppled off the bed, groaning louder when he landed on his back. “Oh for Kami’s sake…”

He opened his eyes to find that he was in their hotel room. And based on the sleeping kunoichi on the bed, so was Tenten.

He sighed, holding his head as he tried to stop the pain from his forehead from getting worse. ‘Damn… What happened… I was..’

He recalled dancing with Tenten, gazing into her eyes as he held her too him, before picking her up and holding her to him. He then remembered Murosaki’s face, scowling. Whoever the man was, he didn’t want to see that face again.

As the pain in his head slowly started to ease, Sasuke tried to recall everything they’ve touched, everything they inhaled, ate, drank, and everyone they spoke to. Murosaki was close enough to cause damage to Tenten, but not to Sasuke, and he had a feeling that both he and the girl suffered the same fate from the same reason.

He then realized that it was the water they both sipped.

‘Impossible,’ he thought with a sigh, ‘we drank so little…’ But even as he thought about it, he started to wonder just how much a sip Tenten took, and how strong it could’ve been. But it still didn’t make sense for it to work hours later.

Was it trigger-based? Possibly, but he had no way of knowing. He was just grateful that Tenten was alright. The girl in question moaned softly in her sleep, causing Sasuke to pause for a moment. He then shook his head, slowly standing up.

What the heck was up with him and Tenten? Why couldn’t he just relax around her? He was acting as if he…

‘Not in the least,’ he thought with an aggravated sigh.

Tenten was his friend. His best friend. Naruto was his friend too, but he was too much like a brother to say best friend. Best was best.

Best meant that even though there were a few arguments here and there, that person was still there for you. Although technically Naruto… Sasuke shook his head and glanced down at her sleeping form. Best friend… But not sister. For some reason, he couldn’t bring himself to see her as a sister, and he didn’t understand why.

She soon stirred, her eyes cracking open. She glanced at Sasuke with the softest smile he had ever seen on her face.

His heart beat faster than he wanted, his adrenaline pumping fast enough to make Sasuke turn away from her.

What the hell was wrong with him?

He wasn’t in love with her, he knew that much. But he’d be lying if he said he didn’t care for her.
Tenten watched him, his form blurry enough for her to wonder if he was actually Sasuke.

“Ne… Sasuke…” Her voice was almost slurred, as if she was either drunk or experiencing a hangover.

She couldn’t recall taking anything that would create such an effect. She did remember being in Murosaki’s arms and then Sasuke’s, and then nothing.

Much to her relief, she immediately recognized the room as their hotel room. Sasuke jumped a little before turning slightly. He didn’t say anything, but he did glance at her.

She smiled a bit before sitting up shakily. “What… What happened?” He sighed softly and said, “I don’t know. But I have a strong feeling it’s because of Murosaki. We didn’t get dizzy until we came in close contact with him; that’s the only reasonable assumption I can think of right now.”

Tenten nodded, sitting up a little more. She was suddenly caught in a dizzy spell, tilting to the right with the unwilling intention of falling to the ground.

Sasuke was to her in moments, pulling her to him and holding her up. He then said, “Tenten, stay with me.” His voice was almost borderline panic. Tenten gingerly touched his arm and said, “I-I’m fine.. I’m just still a little tired.”

Sasuke exhaled, staring her down. Tenten blushed furiously as she stared up at him.

He was making it incredibly hard not to look away, at least to her. The worry was so clear on his face that she almost felt like she needed to verbally assure him that she was okay. But she felt so tired.

She let out a small yawn, which he found cute. “Sleep,” he said quietly, finding that it was pitch dark outside. Tenten impulsively leaned closer to him, curling up as she gripped his kimono.

Sasuke blinked at the action, not sure of how to react. She simply smiled at him before closing her eyes.

Moments later, nothing but her soft breathing was heard. Sasuke studied her for a moment, sighing softly. “You’ll be the death of me, Tenten,” he murmured softly, laying her down and prying her hand free from his garb.

He then double-checked the windows and front door before turning off the lights and getting back in bed.

He managed to get both of them under the covers, holding Tenten to him for that extra warmth. He was pretty sure it would start snowing soon.

It had to; it was insane for the temperature to be so low with no frozen water falling from the sky.

With another soft sigh, he impulsively snuggled his chin into her soft, chocolate brown hair.

Without another thought, he fell asleep, once again with no nightmares to recall.

~*~

Tenten shifted in her sleep, hugging Sasuke’s frame close to her without even realizing it.

Of course, that was until he groaned in his sleep.

Tenten’s eyes snapped open in surprise as she looked up at him.

Her voice hadn’t caught up with her yet but her thoughts were running wild. ‘Sasuke was holding me-! Again?!’

Oh no, no no no, not good. Sakura would have her neck for this.

Tenten tried to sit up, but she found that his arms were wrapped around her waist.

She sighed in irritation before poking his cheek. “S-Sasuke… Wake up… You’re clinging to me again…” To her surprise, he mumbled an, “I know.” Tenten frowned. “Then let me go.”

He shook his head before pulling her closer; close enough to where her chest pressed up against his. The kunoichi’s heart raced, beating up against his, drowning the beat of his out easily.

Sasuke opened an eye, glancing down at her before saying, “It was cold last night. Didn’t feel like risking you hogging the blanket in your sleep..”

Tenten raised an eyebrow, not exactly believing what he was saying. If she didn’t know any better, she’d say he just wanted to be close to her.

She shook her head and tried to shift and turn from facing him, only to freeze. “S-S-S-Sasuke…” She stuttered, blushing hard, too hard.

She felt like she was going to faint again. Sasuke glanced down at her in confusion, only to blush as well and sit up suddenly, letting her go before turning and looking elsewhere.

He opened his mouth to apologize but nothing came out. Tenten hugged her chest, blushing hard.

A few minutes passed before Sasuke could mutter out, “I’m sorry about that. I didn’t think neither morning wood nor the cold air would be an issue.”

“It’s fine,” Tenten said quickly, getting out of bed and standing up shakily. “A-Anyway, what should we do about that Murosaki guy? I don’t feel like running into him again. He freaks me out.”

Sasuke almost felt inclined to tell her to pull out a kunai, but they didn’t need to blow their cover just yet. “Nothing,” he said quietly, “And frankly, I’d rather us not focus on the mission right now.”

Tenten give him a curious glance, confused by his statement. He sighed in annoyance and stated, “Tenten, I need a bath and so do you. Let’s wash up, relax, and then go eat something. It seems like at this point, we won’t find who we’re looking for.”

Tenten pouted a little but nodded, sighing. She did not like the idea of having to go home without any info.

Sasuke watched her for a moment before grabbing her wrist. “You think too much; come on,” he said rather bluntly, pulling her away from the bed.

“H-Hey, wait a minute!” she protested, trying to wriggle her wrist free of his grip. He was headset on just leaving the room, not willing to admit to Tenten that he just wanted to relax under the covers with her.

~*~

Despite wanting to question him, Tenten was more tempted to just wash and relax for a minute. As she washed her bare body, she thought about earlier when they woke.

A blush crept onto her face, causing her to shiver and mumble, “Wrong topic to think about.”  She made sure her buns were up and in place, rising the soap off her body before dying off and wrapping a towel around her, from chest to thighs.

She then made her way to the onsen.

Knowing that Sasuke wouldn’t be in the group onsen, she made her way there, grateful that no one was in there yet. With a small groan, she dipped her toes in the steamy water, stepping in completely with her towel still on.

The tile walls surrounding her made the area feel enclosed, despite there being two entries. She leaned up against the edge, relaxing in the water as she inhaled the thick atmosphere around her. “This hits the spot,” she murmured softly.

Tenten decided that she needed to visit the springs at least once a month; it felt too good to just do every once in a while.

And with her teammates driving her insane, she needed to relax.

A chuckle caused her to open her eyes, only to shut them again, a blush crossing her face. Murosaki was there with only a towel to keep his body from being revealed.

His abs were mouth watering and those eyes of his- She inwardly cursed herself. This man was suspicious and to not be trusted, regardless of how gorgeous and friendly he seemed.

Murosaki glanced her way and said, “Oh hey, Usagi. Nice to see you again. How are you; you didn’t look so well yesterday.”

“I’m fine,” she simply stated. Tenten wanted to keep conversation between them as small as possible.

He chuckled and said, “That’s good to hear. Where’s your fiancée?” “In the Men’s onsen. He doesn’t like group baths.”

“And you do?” He questioned, easing his way closer. “You seem like the wild one of the relationship. And he seems overprotective of you.”

“Why wouldn’t he be?” She asked him, opening a damp eyelid. “He loves me and I’m his newlywed wife.”

“And yet he ignored the warnings of this village?” He asked, now a few feet from her. She felt the water ripple but did her best to ignore how close he was.

Then, what happened next sent chills down her back. Murosaki placed his hand on her lower back, leaning his head towards hers as he whispered, “If you ever feel like a change in ‘pace’, I’m always here.”

Tenten forced a smile, gently nudging him away from her. “Thanks, but no thanks. I love Kaito-Kun and I’m not wild like that.”

It seemed as if the man was going to push the issue, but someone had walked in and said, “Last I recall, group baths were to relax, not to have perverted sessions.”

Tenten opened her eyes, looking up to see Sasuke. “K-Katio…” His onyx eyes pierced her chocolate ones. She blushed immediately, tensing up under his gaze.

His eyes spoke a level of anger she couldn’t quite understand, but she at least hoped he didn’t think she was going to do anything with him, especially with two other witnesses in the onsen.

Sasuke gave a small smirk before his face went blank. Murosaki looked like he was scowling as he backed up, watching Sasuke as he stepped into the semi-hot water, slowly walking towards Tenten’s way. She watched him with a small smile, becoming increasingly aware of his shoulders, his chest; how damp and low his hair was.

The extension had been removed however, and she dared to ask, “Kaito-Kun. You got a haicut?” He nodded softly, sitting next to her. “You knew how much long hair bothered me,” He stated softly, leaning over and kissing Tenten’s shoulder.

Sparks ignited in her stomach, causing her to feel almost dizzy. Wait, since when did Sasuke have that kind of effect on her?

“K-Katio, y-you knew I l-loved your hair…” Her words were surprisingly shaky.

Sasuke chuckled softly before rubbing her back gently. “Long hair means a lot more mess to clean. Don’t be so surprised.”

Tenten exhaled, turning around and leaning up against him. Personally, she was hoping that the pretend affection would make them leave.

And it worked well, as after a few minutes of Sasuke leaning up against Tenten’s shoulder and rubbing her other one, Murosaki cleared his throat. “Well, this has been nice, but you know, there’s always something to accomplish.”

Tenten nodded and smiled at him, the blush on her face oh-so clear. Murosaki seemed like he wanted to scowl again before quietly exiting the onsen.

She watched the other two follow him, not looking all that happy. Just when they were out of sight, she could hear the man say, “Be seeing you.. Usagi.”

Tenten tensed up, turning her head only to see an empty space behind her. She sighed softly, waiting a moment before saying lowly, “I think they’re gone. You can get off now.”

He didn’t respond however; instead he kept his forehead pressed up against her shoulder.

She pouted a little before hissing, “Sasuke, get off.” He grunted before suddenly slamming a hand on the other side of her; his right hand positioning itself to the left side of her body, right next to her shoulder.

Sasuke then hovered himself over her by a few inches.

Tenten blushed furiously, staring up at him. “S-Sasuke?” He scowled, staring her down as he asked, “Why didn’t you go to the female side?”

She blinked before saying, “I didn’t think it was an issue.”

“Well it is for me,” he responded lowly.

She scoffed and said, “I think you’re too into your role, Katio-Kun. Calm down, I had it handled.”

“Is that why his hands were all over you?” He asked, although it sounded like more of a growl.

She glared up at him and said, “Hey, he placed his hand on my lower back, and I wasn’t going to let him go any further, you hear?”

Sasuke didn’t seem convinced. Suddenly, he grabbed her arm, spinning her around. Tenten yelped, gripping the edge of the onsen before turning her head to glare at him.

Her face softened; a hint of fear in her eyes as Sasuke stared her down in a way she didn’t understand.

His hands suddenly placed themselves on her lower back as he asked, “What if he put both hands on you?” He asked quietly.

Tenten said, “It’s just my lower back, Sasuke.” His hands trailed up her back, his breath almost hot on her ear. “And if he went higher?”

Tenten tried to elbow his ribs, but he caught her wrist, twisting her arm almost painfully and pressing it up against her back.

“H-Hey!!” she cried out in surprise, glancing over her shoulder to look up at him. “And what if he did this? What then? What if…”

His voice trailed as his left hand slowly caressed its way to her side, and then her waist, stopping dangerously close to her left breast.

“Please stop,” she demanded, although it almost sounded like a frantic plea.

“And what if he didn’t listen?” Sasuke questioned, his hand slowly caressing towards her rump. “What if I didn’t listen?” She held her breath, almost trembling below him. Sasuke suddenly removed his hands from her body, taking a few steps back to let her turn.

Tenten couldn’t move; didn’t dare move. ‘Sasuke… Sasuke just..’

Without warning she spun around and slapped his cheek hard. Sasuke spun, plunging into the hot water below him; his towel unraveling itself.

Tenten gasped but didn’t dare move, angry, shocked, and amused all at once. The water stopped rocking back and forth, finally settling where he plunged.

Moments later, Sasuke rose from the water, shaking his hair wildly. He then stared he down through his black hair. “…I don’t recall ever asking for a dive,” he stated flatly.

“And I don’t ever recall asking to be touched,” she hissed. “ESPECIALLY in such a public place!”

He simply chuckled softly, grabbing his towel and wrapping it back around him.

It didn’t occur to her that he was stark naked moments ago. Her face lit up in a light red. “I’m ready to get out now,” she stated suddenly, pushing through the water to make her way toward the stairs and rail.

Sasuke watched her as she clutched her towel like it was life and death. He shook his head, his right cheek burning lightly from the smack. “Going back to the hotel?” He questioned.

She scowled, not looking at him as she grabbed a dry towel. “No, I’m going to eat. On my own.” Sasuke was about to protest, but she made her way into the women’s restroom.

He sighed and shook his head. “Sensitive girl,” he muttered, getting out and grabbing a dry towel as well.

~*~

Tenten sighed, nibbling on a meat-filled bun. “Dumb, dumb Uchiha,” she muttered under her breath.

What right did he have to touch her like that? She blushed softly, doing her best not to think about how rough yet gentle his touches were.

Tenten hit her still-damp head, sighing. ‘Mind out of the gutter. This isn’t like you, Tenten!'

She pouted a little, wishing she could’ve stayed in the onsen a little longer. Her body protested, wanting to just shut down.

She sat on her own in the restaurant, eating a late lunch when someone sat beside her. Figuring it was Sasuke, she said, “I don’t feel like talking to you right now. Just go away.”

“Whoa, trouble in paradise already?” Tenten choked on her food, turning to see Murosaki looking at her in amusement. She blushed a little before muttering, “Maybe..”

He smiled sympathetically and said, “I remember what it was like being with someone. It didn’t really end well.”

Tenten nodded a little, not really wanting him to get into it. After a minute of eating in silence, Murosaki said, “Say, why don’t you come with me tonight? They’ve got a few fireworks down the way starting soon.”

She shook her head and said, “Thanks but no. I uh, I’d just rather get back to the hotel. We’ll be leaving out soon.”

‘Thank goodness for that!’ she thought. He simply shrugged before saying, “Alright, suit yourself. Well, if you ever feel like it, there’s a good opening in the woods north of your hotel. Standing there gives you a sight of the big fireworks they’ll be releasing later on.”

Tenten nodded a little, finishing up the rest of her food before standing up. Murosaki simply smiled at her until she left the restaurant, scowling moments later.

Damn, that woman. He shook his head, shrugging off the irritation.

There was more than one way to lead a horse to poisonous water.

~

Murosaki, I don't trust you XD
Sorry this update took me so long. Writer's Block is a beach.

Until the next Update!

~ Nimo #IFanonNotCanon