Author Notes: Thanks to everyone who has read and left me a review. I really appreciate it :D

Pairings: SasuXSaku / SasuXNaru / NaruXSasu / HinataXNaruto

Ratings: M

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-- CHAPTER 2 -- SOMETHING'S MISSING

"I can't wait until we get there!" A young lady of 20 years squealed with delight. "I've never spent the whole summer in the country before." Her emerald eyes were glued out the passenger windowof a black pick-up truck. On each side of the four lane highway were numerous grassy knolls, hundreds of trees, and most of the flowers were nearing full bloom. "The scenery is breath-taking!" She called into the wind as her bubblegum pink hair whipped wildly around her face. "This place is heaven for a blossoming botanist like me." She stuck her head out the window; wanting to take in all of nature's glory.

"Would you stay in your seat, Sakura?" Sasuke muttered as he placed a pale hand on her thigh. "I don't want to start the summer out with a trip to the hospital because my fiancée was too zealous about the landscape." The girl turned toward the driver and smiled. She loved that word: fiancée.

"I'm not going to fall out." Sakura pouted before grudgingly sitting back against the plush of her seat. "It's not my fault that this place is perfect." She glided a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she lovingly took in the sight of the man she was going to marry. Sasuke was wearing a black hoodie with three quarter sleeves and, of course, the infamous Uchiha fan was centered on the back. His lean legs were covered by black, baggy jeans and on his feet were black sandals. The top of his ears sported two silver earrings and his hair was spiky in the back with long, straight bangs on each side of his ivory face. Sakura loved how Sasuke always dressed in black, but even after six years of dating, she still didn't didn't know why his left hand was tattooed with a light and dark blue swirl that was nestled on the soft flesh between his thumb and fore-finger. She had tried many times to ask about it's origin, but the answer she got was always the same, 'It's just a birthmark.' She knew there was more to the story, but didn't drone on the fact; however, every time she touched it, it felt cool and soothing like the ocean.

"Did I tell you how pretty you look today?" Sasuke asked. Pink instantly highlighted the girl's face as she glanced over her attire. She was dressed in a soft, pink sun dress and white sandals that tied into little bows above her ankles. Her outfit was playful, yet flirty as it left her shoulders bare and hugged snuggly against her breasts before flaring out until it stopped a little above her knees. "You really should wear more girlie things like that." He started to rub her thigh. "It's a nice change from the grass stained shirts and jeans I usually see you in."

"Well...I..." Sakura began. "I bought this dress just for today because I wanted this trip to start off right."

"It's going fine." Sasuke entwined his fingers with Sakura. "But after driving for five hours, who wants the last hour to take half the time?" He smirked as his pushed his foot further down on the accelerator.

"Sasuke!" Sakura shrieked. "Not so fast! Our stuff!"

Sasuke glanced in the rear view mirror and saw that the mid-size U-haul was still trailing securely behind them. "The trailer can handle the speed. Don't stress over it."

"I'll try, but..." Sakura looked over her shoulder to verify for herself that everything was still there. "I can't write my thesis paper without my notes and school books. Plus, there are a lot of other things back there too." She whispered into Sasuke's ear. "You know, things we both like." Sakura purred; making the raven's pants suddenly seem a few sizes too small. "Oh, by the way, have you decided on a topic for your thesis yet? There must be lots of things to write about in the world of marine biology."

"There are, but I haven't found the right subject yet." Sasuke turned off the highway and onto a two line county road. "So I'm hoping to find something interesting around the house. Speaking of, it should only be about fifteen more minutes until we get there."

"Hurray!"The girl replied happily.

OoOOoo

"How did I know I'd find you out here?" Hinata, now a grown Aquarion of twenty, stepped out of the cool waters of the grotto. Her dolphin tail was now separated into two slender, long, curvy legs. Sections of her dark purple hair were draped over her bare shoulders while the rest of it caressed her back. Pump, perky breasts were covered by a thin wrapping of seaweed and her bottom was hidden by the same means. The face paint which adorned her face as a child, now extended to decorate the tops of her breasts and the valley in between them. Her amethyst eyes which once showed the innocence and shyness of youth; were now replaced with fierceness and confidence. Around her neck was a gold necklace with a small charm on it. The charm resembled a raindrop and painted on its outside was a matching design to the tattoo on the blond's back. She wore this because, despite being mated to Naruto, she had yet to sport matching tattoos on her own skin proving that she was indeed a bonded female. Deep down it bothered her that her markings didn't change colors to match Naruto's, for she was extremely proud and happy to be mated to her best friend. The blond, on the other hand, seemed indifferent about the whole thing which annoyed her to say the least. "Why do you continue to torture yourself like this?" She walked gracefully towards her mate and sat besides him.

"......" Naruto's gaze remained locked on the very place he saved Sasuke's life, so many years ago. He was lying, on his back, propped up on his elbows. His tail had also been replaced with legs that were out-stretched upon the damp, earthen ground. Seaweed wrapped around his groin, but the rest of his tanned body remained bare. A flat stomach led to muscular thighs and calves. The blonde's hair was kept wispy and still remained as vibrant as ever. Naruto's azure eyes had deepened in color, along with the hues in his face paint; which now extended down the length of his left arm. The tattoo on his back formed beautifully to the adult dimensions of his broad back and shoulders. His fingers and toes were slightly webbed, but appeared normal from a distance and his ears still sported those small fins he'd been born with. His elbows and calves had fins shooting out of them which matched the ones by his ears. Everything about Naruto's appearance was perfect in terms of his race, except for the scars on his ankles.

"I shouldn't be surprised by your silence." Hinata spoke bitterly towards the ground. "After all, you've been like this ever since that day."

"I don't get it." Naruto suddenly sat up and locked eyes with her. "You said that imprinting was suppose to connect Aquarions and humans. So, why hasn't Sasuke come back here?"

"Naruto....." Hinata cupped the blond's face with both hands. "..stop wishing for this stranger to come back into your life."

"I can't." Naruto averted his eyes.

"He isn't who you need." She leaned in to kiss him gently on the lips. "I am."

OoOOoo

"Great." Sasuke grumbled.

"What's wrong?" Sakura looked at a deep red Hummer that was parked on a dirt path and then back to Sasuke. Her brows scrunched in confusion. "Whose car is that?"

"My brother's." The raven muttered as he maneuvered his truck behind the monstrous vehicle.

Sakura's jaw dropped, "But I thought...."

"This is my parent's house, Sakura..." Sasuke explained. "...which means that Itachi has just as much access to it as I do." Sasuke put the truck in park and turned off the engine. "The house is too big for just him, so I called and asked if we could live on the bottom floor this summer."

"He better not bother us." Sakura crossed her arms and sulked like a child.

"He's not going to ruin our time together." Sasuke reached for her hands and then kissed them along the knuckles. "Itachi will be so preoccupied with Deidara that we probably won't even see him at all."

"Whose Deidara?" She raised a curious brow.

"His live-in boyfriend." The raven leaned in to capture the girl's lips. "At least I know he can't steal you away from me."

"That'll never happen." Sakura eagerly kissed him back. "Because I love you too much."

"Let's get our stuff." Sasuke said while opening the door and stepping out.

"Sasuke...." The girl grabbed the raven's upper arm. "When are you going to say it?"

"Say what?" The raven asked impassively.

"That...." Sakura averted her eyes. "...that you love me."

"Why should I tell you something you already know?"

"Well..." The girl bit down on her lip before answering, "...it's just that I say them to you all the time and I'd really like it if you'd say them to me."

"Um...well..I...uh...." Sasuke fumbled for the right words as he tried to free himself from Sakura's hold.

"I told you not to marry her." Itachi came strolling around his Hummer. He was bare chested and wearing low riding denim jeans and old gym shoes. His charcoal hair was pulled back into a low ponytail and his eyes glowed a ruby red. He wore a silver chain around his neck and was covered with grease. "By the look on your face, it seems she's asking for something you can't quite give her." He dusted off his hands. "I wonder what that is."

"It's none of your business." Sasuke glowered as he shook off Sakura and slammed the door.

"So this is your future wife." Itachi eyed the young lady skeptically as she got out of the truck.

"Hi." The girl extended her hand. "I'm Sakura."

"Itachi." The older Uchiha took the girl's hand. "Just follow the trail in front of my car to get to the house. I'll help Sasuke unpack." He headed towards the U-haul.

"O..kay." Sakura watched helplessly as the two Uchihas disappeared behind the trailer. "I suppose I should feel bad for not helping, but he did tell me to go, so...." She rounded the huge vehicle and quickly located the path.

OoOOoo

"Hinata....." Naruto pulled away from the kiss. "....I....."

"Shhh...." She pressed a finger to his lips. "Let me take your mind off him for awhile." She pulled at the tie of her seaweed bra; causing it to fall to the ground. A small bit of lust stirred in the blond's eyes as he glanced at her exposed flesh. "I like that look much better than the sad face you were portraying earlier. Besides, what kind of girl would I be if I couldn't get my mate excited?" She placed a finger into her mouth and then dragged in down her chin, neck and ended by circling her right breast. Soon her lips were covered by her mates. Immediately, she opened her mouth further; granting the blond entrance into her moist cavern. She gave a sweet moan as she felt the blond's tongue swirl around her own.

"You're so beautiful." Naruto murmured into her ear while kneading her saliva coated orb.. "You deserve better than me."

"I don't want anyone else." She pushed against the blond's chest, knocking him towards the ground. "And I'll prove it to you." She bit down gently onto one of his nipples while a hand snaked down his chest to his growing arousal. "But first, I'll have to get rid of something." She hooked her fingernails under the rim of the seaweed covering his length and then with a flick of her wrist, his cock was set free. Naruto gave a quick intake of breath as he felt Hinata's hand wrap around him. Hinata looked up seductively before beginning to pump Naruto in a very tantalizing motion.

"Damn, Hinata." Naruto stated huskily, his eyes halfway closed. "Keep that up and I won't last very long."

"Is that so?" She licked at the neglected nipple and then returned to kiss him once more. "Well, then...if that's the case....." She tugged on his bottom lip. "...I don't want my hands doing all the work." Hinata spread the tanned thighs, lowered herself to Naruto's cock and proceeded to run her tongue up and down his entire arousal while one hand fondled his balls. The blond hissed in pleasure as her skillful hands worked him. "I love you." She blew across his tip, making the blond shudder as the first signs of cum appeared. Then she took him into her mouth resulting in a throaty moan from the blond. After only a few minutes of Hinata's hot mouth around him, Naruto was dangerously close to cumming. Instinctively, he twisted his hands within her plum locks, forcing himself deeper into her wet cavern. Shortly later, Hinata was swallowing her mate's seed while Naruto steadied his breathing.

"Mmmm..." She licked at her lips and then crawled her way back up the blond's body until she was face to face with Naruto. "You taste wonderful." She kissed him transferring some of Naruto's taste into the blond's mouth. Next, she placed butterfly kisses along the blond's jawline and neck; sometimes she'd nip and suck at his skin, leaving red marks in her wake. Naruto's arms wrapped around Hinata's smooth back pulling her closer. "I'm not finished yet and neither are you." she cooed into his ear.

OoOOoo

On her way to the house, Sakura walked by flourishing plant life. The trail was wide enough for four people to walk side by side. Sunlight filtered through the leaves giving the pathway an enchanted look. She smiled while envisioning her and Sasuke walking hand in hand everyday down this very path. "What am I doing?" She did a double blink. "I can't stand here all day day-dreaming. I want to see the house." She raced down the rest of the path until it opened up to reveal a historic two-story plantation home.

Black shudders surrounded large, rectangular windows while the rest of the house was painted white. There were decks on both levels and a new addition on the right side of the house that looked to hold an indoor pool. Two chimney's graced the black shingles on the roof and stone steps led to the front door. Gardens of every size covered the front lawn instead of a driveway and further behind the house on the left was a stable.

"Horses too!" Sakura clasped her hands excitedly. "Why hasn't Sasuke talked more about this place? It's like this house just popped right out of a historic romance novel." She gave a dreamy sigh taking in the imagery. "I have to see the inside!" She ran toward the front door.

OoOOoo

"I have to say, I was rather shocked by your call about wanting to spend the summer here." Itachi leaned casually against the U-haul.

"Yeah...well...." Sasuke unbolted the lock and pulled open the door. "...my independent study requires me to be emersed in nature, something mom and dad don't have much of since they live in the city. Plus, I'm 20 years old and engaged."

"Valid reasons." Itachi glanced over the contents of the U-haul. Inside were rows upon rows of stacked cardboard boxes. Smaller dressers and desks were wrapped with specially designed packaging tape, along with a hologen lamp, a t.v., and two bookcases. "I wouldn't want to live at home either. Mom and Dad would certainly disapprove of Deidara, but I don't care. This is a good place to keep secrets."

"I'm not hiding anything." Sasuke grabbed the first box. "I just thought that Sakura would like this place.

"So, you're only here because of her." Itachi raised a brow before talking a hold of a box. "Nothing else?"

The raven paused to glare at his older brother. "Yes. That's it."

"That's bull shit Sasuke and you know it!" Itachi gritted out causing Sasuke to flinch. "You're here because of what happened fifteen years ago."

"Just what are you getting at, Itachi?" The raven spat.

"You're here because of that blond dolphin."

"I knew I shouldn't have told you about that." Sasuke mumbled.

"Well, you did." Itachi lifted a box and the placed in on the ground. "And for some strange reason, I feel like I have to talk to you about it."

"There's nothing to discuss." The raven clipped.

"Oh, I think there is." Itachi continued to unload the boxes. "Starting with why you have that tattoo."

"I've learned to deal with it and so should you." Sasuke replied icily.

"You don't fool me, little brother, that blond dolphin is affecting you, and now, before you commit to Sakura, you want to put this mystery behind you."

"Naruto has nothing to do with it!" Sasuke grew flustered. "I'm happy with Sakura and I'm not going to let some figment of my imagination ruin what NORMAL life I've been trying to lead!" Itachi just stared at the young raven, clearly reading the denial on Sasuke's face.

OoOOoo

"Why must I always lead, Naruto?" Hinata murmured into the blond's ear.

"...."

"I'll never get that answer, will I?" She lightly sucked on the blond's ear. "Why won't you confide in me?" She twisted one of Naruto's nipples until he opened his mouth wide enough for her to dive inside and explore all of the blond's wet cavern. Naruto gave a stifled yelp as Hinata continued to tweak and turn the tiny bud until pain overtook pleasure. While in the mist of doing that, her other hand drifted toward his groin, stopping to play at his navel. She pulled away to allow for air, a lingering string of saliva still connected the two. Hinata feathered her nails back and forth across his swiftly hardening cock. "This time, let's orgasm together." She shifted her bottom downwards until Naruto grabbed onto her hips. "I'm glad you like my suggestion." Hinata mewled as she was lifted and placed above Naruto's stiff erection. Within seconds, the blond was buried deep inside of Hinata. A moan of pleasure escaped the girl's lips while Naruto grunted in pleasure. "Let's make love."

OoOOoo

"Wow!" Sakura stood agape after she opened the door to the Uchiha house. "This is my summer home!" She took small steps inside not wanting to miss anything. Her eyes met with vaulted ceilings that were lined with wooden beams and panels. Ceiling fans circulated the air while large bay windows revealed the beautiful scenery surrounding them. The floors were also lined with wood, but some sections were covered with blue or white rugs. Modern lamps and lively plants sat on some of the smaller tables and framed pictures of the ocean and tropical islands hung on hand painted tan walls.

Wicker furniture; consisting of a couch, a daybed, and a table and chairs, dotted the open floor plan with their blue and white cushions and a mini bar sat off to one side. Sitting on its white marble counter top were two wine glasses and a bottle of champagne chilling in a bucket of ice. There was a note leaning against it. "That's so sweet." She quickly dashed towards it. "I wonder what Sasuke wrote." Sakura was just about to pick up the letter when she noticed the name, Itachi, written on it. "Huh?" She forlornly placed the note how she found it. "Should have known..." she girl sighed. "...Sasuke isn't into romantic stuff like this." Grumble! Grumble! "Guess I'm a little hungry." She glanced around for the kitchen. "I'm sure Sasuke won't mind if I grab a little snack before we start unpacking."

OoOOoo

"I can't wait to tell Itachi the good news." A dusty, blond male was stirring a healthy portion of penne noodles in a large, silver pot. He was wearing a white shirt with long blue sleeves and brown cargo pants. His feet sported flip flops and most of his hair was pulled into a high ponytail except for a portion that covered the left side of his face. "I know he's going to be just as excited as I am." He looked over his shoulder to admire his hard work. On the island, in the center of the kitchen, there was a giant bowl of salad; complete with all the additives such a bacon bits, shredded cheese, sunflower seeds, and Italian dressing. Plus, a plate of French bread, a cheesecake, an assortment of cookies, espressos, and a pot of minestrone soup. There was enough there to serve at least six people.

"Something smells wonderful." Sakura sniffed the air hungrily while her tongue swept over her lips. "I didn't know that Sasuke's brother was cooking for us." She walked into the kitchen amazed by the sight of two ovens, a stainless steel refrigerator, a huge freezer, and stove. Cabinets with small painted Uchiha fans by their handles lined the perimeter of the room. She stopped for a moment to envision all the delectable treats inside them until she was startled by a young man. "Ummmm...excuse me...." She tentatively spoke. "Could I request extra garlic?"

"What do I look like, the maid?" Deidara narrowed his azure eyes at the intruder.

"I'm sorry, but with all this food set out like this, I figured...."

"I'm not the maid." He shook some Parmesan cheese into the pot. "This is all for Itachi and I. Now stop bothering me, I have a celebration dinner to finish."

"Well, don't rush because Itachi is helping Sasuke and I unload our trailer first." The girl smirked while watching the blond slow as if digesting her words.

"You mean you're....."

"Yep. I'm Sasuke's finacee, Sakura. And you are?"

"Deidara." The blond gave her an bemused smile.

"Wow! I didn't know a guy could look so pretty." Sakura gawked at the blond earning her a sarcastic look in return. "So um....how about I help you package things up here."

"What?" Deidara angrily scooped noodles onto the first plate. "Why?"

"Look..." Sakura stepped next to the irritated blond. "...if Itachi eats now, all he'd be doing is rushing through his meal because Sasuke and I need him to help us unload the U-haul before it gets dark. All your time would have be wasted. Is that want you want?"

"Of course not!" Deidara slammed a helping onto the second plate. "I have something really important to tell him."

"Well then, when we're done unpacking, I'll help you reheat everything. Sound good?" Deidara raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Sasuke says I have excellent cooking skills." Sakura flashed a smile.

"Okay, okay." Deidara opened a cabinet to retrieve some plastic containers. "I give."

OoOOoo

"Hinata?" Naruto sleepily called out. "Are you awake?" He cocked his head while looking at the purple hair spread messily upon his chest.

"Naruto....." Hinata murmured lovingly in her sleep while snuggling against him. "...I'm so happy." After multiple orgasms and vigorous sex, the girl had collapsed on top of the blond. Naruto had also fallen asleep, but was now slowly awakening. Hinata's head rested atop a bent, slender arm while her other arm was draped next to Naruto's hip. Her breathing was soft and warm as it brushed past a tan nipple; hardening it within seconds. The blond sucked in a breath as he gently shoved Hinata off him and laid her comfortably on the grass.

"We both need a break." The blond smoothed back Hinata's hair. "I'll never understand why you mated with me...." He leaned in to kiss her softly on the lips. "...knowing that I could never give my whole self to you." Naruto walked to the edge of the pond and splashed his face with the cool water. "What's wrong with you? You have a sexy and caring mate, a wonderful family, a secluded, but yet lush place to live, and yet..." Naruto reached in and grabbed a piece of seaweed to cover himself. "...you still aren't happy." He sat in silence listening to the crickets play their evening melody; a light breeze ruffled his hair. "Face it, you're never going to see Sasuke again." He uttered.

Suddenly, his ears twitched at the sounds of footsteps, a sound he'd never forgotten from his only encounter with humans. He felt both terror and excitement course through his veins. "People?" Naruto crept farther and farther away from the safety of the grotto until he felt that pull which bonded him to his watery home. "Stupid barrier! For once, let me go past here!" He cursed, but the wind only blew back teasingly as if laughing at the blond and his defiance of who he was. After many attempts to surpass the boundary, Naruto soon found himself short of breath. "This...isn't...working..." He ran his hand through his hair in a frustrated manner. "But I have to keep trying. If there are people there, then maybe....." Just then the sounds of a familiar scream filled his ears.

END CHAPTER 2 – PLEASE REVIEW!