A/N: Heh, it's been AGES from when I last wrote something about Naruto. I guess I lost my spark for a while. (winces) But now this wanted to crawl out, whether that's a good thing or bad. (chuckles nervously)

WARNINGS: YAOI, language, sexual/adult themes, sadness, vamp-stuff… (grins sheepishly) Yeah, the usual lot.

DISCLAIMER: Me, own? (snorts) Yeah, the day you see horses flying I will… (sobs)

Awkay, before I change my mind… (gulps) Let's go – I REALLY hope you'll enjoy the ride!


Ephemeral Eternity


BITE ONE: Down into a Crimson Abyss


' A long time ago someone told me there's no such thing called forever. That everything in this world is ephemeral. '

Footsteps were heavy as they carried a lone figure through the woods, then stopped before a grave in the middle of an opening. Moonlight cast cold, long shadows on a wooden cross and the ground before it.

The figure stopped and shuddered, bangs falling to hide a pair of eyes.

' There are few things in this world I believe in. He was one of them – still is. And that's why I want to tell you his story. Because some stories in this life shouldn't be forgotten, shouldn't fade away into the dusk of time. '

The moon disappeared behind a cloud for just a second. When light reappeared there was a soul crimson rose on the grave. There wasn't a trace of the visitor.

' For I loved him – I'll always love him. And I won't let his story, our story, be forgotten. I owe him that much, at least. '

Dark eyes followed a cloaked figure as heavy steps marched through the tiny room. "Are you okay?"

He slammed the door of his room as a response.

One eyebrow was arched at the closed door. "Oh man, he's in one of those moods again."

The comment was rewarded with a sour look. "Focus on your tea."

' It all began in a isolated school that's probably been forgotten ages ago, in a time that doesn't really exist anymore anywhere else but in my mind… '

' The day I first saw him it was raining. Just like it was raining the day I screamed at his face that he meant nothing to me, the water disguising my tears. It was also raining the day he died. '


Forty Years Earlier


"Sasuke."

A pair of onyx eyes opened halfway slowly, peered through the car's window with little interest. Sasuke watched with a tiny shudder inside when they drove through huge, metallic gates that gave him chills. As the car stopped the rain that was falling like a carpet was the only sound he heard.

He folded his arms to his chest and took a deep breath. The medication he'd received and hammering rain made thinking impossible.

Sasuke didn't know how long the two of them remained in silence until a knock on the car's window made them both shudder a little. The arrival's umbrella was the first thing he was as the person opened the door next to him.

Stood outside the vehicle was a man with long, black hair and strange, snake-like eyes. The man smiled politely at them while nodding. "Good evening. I'm Orochimaru, this school's principal." The man looked at him as though able to see right inside his head. "You must be Sasuke. Welcome to Konoha."

Sasuke chose to dignify that with no response.

His uncle Madara, the only person aside him in the vehicle, gave him a look that would've chilled most. "I apologize for my nephew's lack of manners. I'm afraid he's quite a handful."

Orochimaru smiled once more. "We knew to expect as much based on your letter. It's quite alright – I'm sure he'll find this place… interesting." The man focused on him once more, and he could've sworn those eyes could see every single one of his thoughts. "Now come along. Let me show you around."

Without saying a word Sasuke climbed out of the car. He didn't care at all when the rain soaked him to the bone as he walked over to the trunk of the vehicle and took his bag, blatantly ignoring the offered shield of Orochimaru's umbrella.

On his way towards the huge and chilling, mansion like building Sasuke took a one more look backwards towards the car. He could've sworn Madara's single remaining eye flashed red before the man started the vehicle and drove away, abandoning him.

Most likely sensing his desire for silence Orochimaru didn't speak a word while leading him through eerie hallways. The first thing Sasuke paid attention to was the lack of windows. The few tiny ones were covered, as though no light was allowed to enter the building. All the walls were made of grey stone, and with the building's barely noticeable tiny windows it was a bit too shadowy to his liking. The hallways were long and drafty, decorated here and there with eccentric paintings he found disturbing. Somewhere along the way Orochimaru led him upstairs, using wooden stairs that couldn't possibly be safe anymore. The second floor wasn't the slightest bit more cosy than the former one. Sasuke lost track on how many turns they took and how many visibly heavy wooden doors they passed by before they suddenly stopped in front of one.

"This is your room", Orochimaru explained in a pleasant, almost sickly sweet tone. "If you have any questions, I'm in my office in the first floor. I suggest you go to sleep – we'll be busy soon enough. Have a good rest." With that the man turned and walked away, not taking a glance over his shoulder.

Feeling unnerving chills inside him Sasuke watched the man's distancing back until this strangest sensation washed over him. He lifted his gaze towards the third floor, almost sure that he'd felt someone or something observing him. He frowned when seeing nothing.

This place is going to drive me insane, he decided.

With that thought he braced himself and opened the door. He felt like groaning when seeing his room. It was rather cool and extremely dark, and the only pieces of furniture he could see were a bed, a desk and a chair that looked uncomfortable.

This definitely isn't a motel. With that thought he entered, still feeling eyes on his back. He was almost sure he wouldn't get any sleep that night.


As soon as Sasuke had closed the door of his room there was movement in the shadows of the third floor.

Naruto's blue eyes flashed to red and something inside him shuddered as he looked at the closed door, shuddering a little.

That spirit, that untamable creature… He'd never met anything such.

"So… I suppose he's enough of a challenge for you." Orochimaru's voice was close a purr. "I see you find him satisfactory."

Not managing to look away from the door Naruto nodded, a flame coming to life inside him. "Yeah…", he murmured, his fangs sharpening free of his will. "Very."

At the moment he didn't have the slightest clue of what he'd gotten himself into.


TBC, OR NOT?


A/N: Sooo… What are your thoughts – was that any good, at all? Perhaps even worth five more chapters?

I already have the four first chapter written, so I'd be able to update fast if you'd want me to.

PLEASE, let me know your thoughts! It'd seriously mean a lot and help me decide whether this lil' thing's worth continuing, so… Pwease…? (offers cookies along with puppy-eyes)

GAH, I've gotta start tuning out. (pouts)

Thank you so much for reading this!

Until next time, folks – with whichever story that may be!

Take care!