It was during these small hours that every unfamiliar, awkward thought he had pushed aside during the day flooded into his mind, disturbing the careful balance of their already strained partnership.

Sitting up, Hidan stared at the form only a few feet away, contemplating the network of scars on his back-- wondering when the urge to rip away every thread just to watch the other man fall apart was replaced with the desire to trace each fine line with his fingers and lips.

Hidan sighed, muttering countless prayers for forgiveness to his god, and turned away.