He did not know how to take it the next time he saw those whiskered cheeks. About 80 years have passed since Naruto's death. His life had taken the usual course where nothing mattered but surviving his life till eternity. This was his routine before his little fiasco of Naruto obsession. He had recovered from that quite fast. You get used to death quite easily after years of practice. He had decided to go back to Japan for some time. He did miss his brother after all this time staying away from him. He also missed the Japanese style of living. The European style was refreshing but he missed his roots more. Besides he did not have to feel lonely in Japan because of all his old friends.
And so he found himself staring at those blue eyes and whiskered cheeks. He was in the park where everyone has gathered to witness the falling pink petals. He would have called it a dramatic moment but his mind could only concentrate on one thing that he was again in front of him. The sakura petals floated in the light air and he could feel everything slow down. He could see as the wind played with his hairs, him laughing as he watched over his companions. His face has again changed. The face was now of a 50 year old man. There were crows feat beside his eyes. Wrinkles of old age could be seen on him. The blonde hairs had turned into grey ones at some place. Yet he could still see the beauty in all this. There was still something prideful with the way that the guy handled himself.
There were two humans with him. One a red head girl. Her face features were similar to his, he could easily identify that. The second one was also a blond. His eyes and hairs were similar to Naruto's duplicate. They were both in a bickering match while the aged blond watched them with amusement filled eyes. The young blond said something that made others laugh and he himself scratched his neck sheepishly. There was a big meal spread in front of them, it looked too much for only three people.
Sasuke looked toward his friends Neji and Sakura. They had also captured a spot to have their own picnic. It was mostly a show so no one would get suspicious of them. He and Neji just sat there, occasionally nibbling a bite of the meal otherwise just talking. Sakura was a witch; mainly a medicinal witch but she knew other things too. Right now she was learning from a really old witch, Tsunade. Tsunade was the one who had bewitched his watch to protect him from sun's rays. They were enjoying the picnic too. He watched as Neji whispered something to Sakura and as she blushed before hitting Neji on the arm.
Sasuke mulled the matter in his head. He of course wanted to know what the hell was going on from these past centuries but he remembered the last time that he had indulged in the matter. He actually did not even have any choice; he knew what he was going to do. He advanced toward his friends, manoeuvring through other people. As he came near them, Sakura noticed him.
"Sasuke-kun, where were you for so long?" She asked tilting her head on one side.
"I was just a little distracted Sakura-san. But I have to go now, some urgent matter have come up, if you don't mind." Sasuke asked.
Neji looked toward him, his brow furrowed. Sasuke just looked at him in the eye so he could somehow communicate that he had to go. Neji nodded once and once more turned toward Sakura. She just cocked her head a little more, silently asking a question but when no answer came, she shrugged and smiled at him. He nodded and went back to find the group of three still sitting there.
He hesitated before approaching them. He decided that if the blond knew him and was hiding his identity then the element of surprise would be the best. There is always a moment of recognition on the face for a few second even if you want to hide it. He took a deep breath before plunging in the situation.
"Ohayo" Sasuke said bowing in front of them. The chatter that was going on between them stopped immediately.
His eyes were trained on the blue ones and he was disappointed to see the lack of familiarity in them. This person did not know him. The younger blond and the red head looked toward him, surprised before exchanging greetings.
"I am Uchiha Sasuke." He said addressing the older blond, "You looked familiar so I wanted to confirm it, if you are Naruto, an old friend of mine." He knew he was asking a stupid question but he had to say something.
"How old are you to have an old friend like me?" The blonde said laughing heartily.
"Actually to tell you the truth, he was rather a child, he died some years ago but you just resembled him so much that I could not help but ask."
"I am sorry to hear that but I am not your Naruto, child. My name is Kitsune." The old man told him.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow at the name.
"I know it's a weird name but my mother said that because of my whiskers I looked like a fox and she couldn't resist." At this the red head giggled. Kitsune smiled at her and looked back toward Sasuke.
"This is my son Minato" He said gesturing toward the younger blond, "And this giggling lady is my Daughter-in-law Kushina."
Sasuke bowed a little at the introductions and was about to make his escape when Kitsune again spoke.
"Why don't you join us, young man?"
"I don't want to intrude." Sasuke replied.
"It's no intrusion when you are invited." Kitsune replied.
Sasuke stood there a moment in indecision, debating whether staying would do him any good or not. He contemplated the situation; he normally did not socialize with anyone. When you have the curse of living for eternity, you want to be as alone as you can be. The pain of losing people was certainly not what Sasuke was fond of. He already knew if he accepted the invitation then he would be making a connection with someone. He remembered the feeling when Naruto had died; it had felt like emptiness for many days. Adding the regret that it had happened because of him, he did not want to feel like that again. Not the pain of knowing someone and then losing them. All the friends or acquaintance he had were all immortals in some way or other. He did not fear them dying but these were humans. Sasuke could feel they were humans. The thump of their heart, the slight sound of their breathing indicated that they were human. Since they did not have that filthy odour that comes from Werewolves, he ruled them out. He had every reason to turn away their offer, yet:
"Thank You" and he sat down.
He soon found out that the family of three were rather loud and mostly obnoxious. Although Minato was more on the calm side yet Kushina was hyperactive. Kushina and Kitsune's personality matched so much that he could not help but think them related. When he questioned this in a polite manner, he found out that Kushina had lived last years of her teens with Kitsune and his son and her personality had since then become like Kitsune's.
Throughout the whole meeting he noticed the obvious love and affection that was filled in the family. Even the relation of in-laws was very warm. They laughed and made life difficult for Minato.
He didn't deny that he was enjoying himself extremely. He enjoyed his outings with his friends but there were more silent pauses then any talks. With the progress that Neji and Sakura were making, it had become a little difficult for Sasuke to get comfortable around them.
"… And then she took hold of the boy's hair and spun him around. I was so afraid of approaching after her." Minato finished another one of the stories of their childhood. Sasuke had to admit, Kushina's violent nature didn't normally go to the nature of the girls of this age.
"What got you guys together then?" Sasuke found himself enquiring. Even he was surprised that he was so much interested in the story.
"She was kidnapped by some thugs and I saved her." Minato said proudly. The pride was ruined when Kushina shoved him lightly and he fell sideways. She rolled her eyes and laughed.
"It was actually when he said that he loved my hairs. Everyone gave me nasty comments about them but he complimented them. These became our red threads of fate, binding us." She touched her hair and looked toward Minato. The sheer love in that gaze made Sasuke look away. He felt like he was intruding in something personal.
Minato smiled. "Father, if you don't mind I would like to take a walk with Kushina." Both shared a knowing look and turned their gaze to Kitsune.
"Of course." He replied smiling.
Sasuke watched as they got up and went to a path that was less populated. Kitsune looked toward them and sighed heavily.
"Something on your mind, Kitsune-san?" Sasuke asked hesitantly.
He felt his chest clench at the weary smile that he saw on Kitsune's face. Somehow he knew it before Kitsune even uttered a word. That face was recognizable to him. After living for so long, you get used to the weary face of soon-to-be-dead people. He swallowed heavily. He couldn't believe it. Not so soon.
"I've started with nothing Uchiha-san. My mother and father both died when I was just 10. I had been alone since then until I found Minato. There was a fire in a village and I saved him from that. He was just 4 when I found him but he grew on me. He became my son without a wife. Since then I have experienced a happy family life. My son turned out to be well mannered and very considerate. His companion thinks of me as a father too." He heaved a great sigh and looked toward a tree, staring in the past. "But it's time that they would also have to lose their father as I had lost mine. I have contracted a disease that cannot be cured so here I am, enjoying the last years of my life with my two precious people. But I don't regret anything. I have lived my life as I had wanted and I am leaving them with each other. I couldn't be any happier when the heaven's gates open for me."
Sasuke was left speechless at the raw emotions that flowed in the speech. He again had a glimpse of Kitsune's face. He assumed that if he had the chance to grow up, he would be like this man in front of him.
"I am sorry to hear this Kitsune-san. Have you told them?" Sasuke asked.
"Yes, I have. I couldn't ever lie to my children. They are doing everything they can to make me happy." Kitsune replied.
"I see."
Sasuke and Kitsune looked at each other and he couldn't look away even if he wanted to. He felt like those moments that Kitsune have left were also the only ones he will also have. He was already involved. He felt frustrated in this situation. Whenever this face came anywhere close to him, he would start to feel things that he hasn't felt for a long time. He didn't want them. Human emotions were weak. They made everything complicated. He could already feel the lump in his throat. The fire, the want to do something. Anything. He dug his hands in the dirt.
"There is something of a saying that I've heard a long time ago. Things are already written for us. The biggest happening of our life to tomorrow's lunch. I believe in that. I believe that everything happens for a reason. My life till now is written somewhere and after my chapter ends; my kids' chapter would take the main lead. I am ready for that. There is a reason for everything. Every person we meet and every person we leave. It will all come back in our future, maybe as a small insignificant event or a big one. Our past does change our future." Kitsune said
Sasuke was silent after that. There is a purpose for everything. Kitsune had looked at him when he had said this. Did he believe that something was bound to happen with their meeting? Suddenly a thought occurred to him and he felt stupid. Three chance meeting with three different people with the same face. Coincidence or Destiny? He felt uncertain yet sure. All the feelings inside him battled and he didn't know what he wanted to believe. There was nothing connecting these three people aside from their faces and Sasuke. Were they reincarnations? He wasn't sure about that. Reincarnation did not felt like an answer to this problem but what else could it be. Three different whiskered faces he had met and he was not recognized by any of them. Although the first two had reason to not recognize him but this third one, he should have remembered at least a little bit.
His meeting with Kitsune ended when their family was ready to go away. He could not extend their hospitality after all. Kitsune, though, gave him an address to their home and invited him at their home whenever he wanted. It seemed Sasuke was not the only one who wanted to prolong their meeting.
He parted with them and never met them again. Although he kept track of them, there was some invisible pull he felt for Kitsune but he did not wanted to get into that feeling. This connection between him and those whiskered faces have to be severed or he'll get hurt again. He couldn't risk having human feelings when he knew that human life was so short. Especially Kitsune, who was already around 50 and had a disease that will kill him in a short time, though he somehow knew that this was not the last time that they had met. But aren't reincarnations happening three times only. If it was the third time, he wouldn't be able to see that person again. This thought shot an indiscernible pain through him.
Kitsune died two years after that meeting. Sasuke knew that he had died happy. Minato and Kushina were the type of children who all parents wish for. Although Kushina was not a shy girl like all the others in community yet she was an equal in their household. She was the strong woman who comforted the father and son in their moments of discomfort. She was not a woman who would back down and get afraid. No men could look at her 'in a wrong way without getting kicked in the nuts. Minato on the other hand was calm and took care of their family so easily that even Sasuke was surprised. With Kitsune and Kushina being such obnoxious, he thought it would have been hard for anyone to control them but he was like a calm sea. Together they made a really good couple and all the three made a model family. Sasuke was genuinely sad for the family when the old man died.
Funeral was a small event. Both the children did not cry yet grief was clear on their face. Sasuke looked from a small hill that was near the funeral site. His still heart felt like it was throbbing in pain. He had to clutch his chest to stop that hurt yet everything was internal and he could not do anything about it. That thought stuck with him. He just could not do anything. He could not save Naruto. He could not allow himself to enjoy those last two years with Kitsune. He could not do anything about that stupid destiny that controlled everything. The only thing he could do was watch it all happening.
When funeral was finished everyone went back to their home and Sasuke knelt in front of Kitsune's grave. He stayed there for the whole night. Reading the name written on the stone and rereading it again and again. He traced the words with his finger. He felt the still body beneath him and the ground. He could not picture the face without any emotion. He could only see the smiling face that he had witnessed. He had not seen Kitsune's face after he had died. He wanted to preserve the memory of that warm smile till the end. He could still picture that old face smiling at him, his eyes closing and his cheeks crinkling. He did not realize when the tears started but they continued silently. Why did he felt for someone whom he had met only once? But it was not one meeting, was it? He had shadowed Kitsune's steps for the last two years.
In the end Itachi came to the graveyard to take him back. He did not say anything just stood as Sasuke tried to compose himself.
"You will meet him again." Itachi said and Sasuke believed him. He didn't know why but his brother hadn't said it to console him, he had said it as a matter of fact. And for once Sasuke did not ask Itachi how he knew, he just believed his big brother.
The next morning Minato and Kushina were gone without leaving a trace.
"It's all so meaningless." Yahiko said.
"I couldn't agree more." Neji replied.
"At least Neji is having some fun in the side, aren't you?" Sasuke said.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." Neji replied while looking in the binoculars allotted to them.
It had been two years since Second World War had started and Sasuke had to take part in this war because there was no other option left infront of him. Danzo, a powerful politician had somehow found about the existence of vampires and had made an elaborate plan against the vampires forcing them to participate in the war. Sasuke still remembered the time when Itachi had told him about it.
"Sasuke" He had said, "we vampires, who do not bend to time and does not care about the petty reasons for war had to submit in front of a mere human today. He has our secret and would not rest until either we have done his requested deed or he exposes us."
"Why can't we just kill him?" The answer seemed easy to Sasuke.
"Because Danzo is no ordinary human with average intellect. He knows of possibilities and I know that he would have prepared a way to expose us if he were killed. I have to destroy all those plans before we can kill him."
"I will participate in it if he threatens us so but I would appreciate it if you end it quickly. I hate human skirmish." He replied.
"Sasuke, there is something you have to know." Itachi said and paused.
Sasuke straightened; there was something in his brother's voice that hinted at something terrible.
"I've contacted Tsunade and she tells me of a great loss in your future." He said.
Sasuke's eyes furrowed.
"It will not come from me or from you either. It's something that has touched your life before but now it will become part of you and in this war you will lose that part. Go into this war remembering this, you will not come back whole if you go."
Sasuke shook his head as he came to present. He was in this place with his old friend Neji and a new one, Yahiko. He was a 500 year old vampire and was silent as dead. Sasuke was somewhat uneasy to leave this camp but he had been shifted to another camp and his old team would stay. Sasuke didn't want any new stupid people in his new camp and prayed to give him some sane ones.
This was his last day in this place and even though he hated the war, this was the most fun time that anyone could have. Patrolling the border with friends maybe dangerous but it is fun until a bomb drops or someone gets shot. Since they were all vampire they didn't care for those things and so were relatively more in mood for fun.
"How is Sakura doing? I hope you're not giving her too many late nights. Other soldiers do need our doctor fresh." Yahiko said snickering.
"Can you guys discuss anything else?" Neji said irritably.
"Want to discuss positions?" Yahiko asked and howled when Neji flipped him a bird.
Sasuke smiled too. He was actually going to miss these two.
"So Sasuke, how many vampires would there be in your new camp. Any idea?" Neji asked.
"There is one from my knowledge. Apparently he is very much loyal to that disgusting man." Sasuke said grimacing.
"I hate that guy. I mean, we Vampires, taking part in this human war, it's such a waste of time." Yahiko said.
"At least there is plenty of food for us." Neji said.
"Yeah, tinged with whatever chemicals they put in bullets." Sasuke replied.
"Yeah well, Mr Glass-Half-Empty, let's finish this then we can go hunt and you can go toward your New World." Yahiko said.
Sasuke was glad when he saw the beginning of a camp. The soldiers were scattered here and there with lots of tents to rest. There were some guys who looked like they were getting back from patrol and he remembered his own last one. He smiled but stopped to do it after his jeep came to rest. He would be shown to the one in authority here and then taken to his tent.
His briefing was short and he was informed about the time at which he was to report. That done he was given five hours rest and then join others in the activities of the war. He didn't need any time to get his energy back yet he accepted the orders given to him. It was his duty to do so.
He was shown to his tent and there, he continued to observe his new accommodation which didn't look any different than the one he had lived before. There were four cots to sleep and barely anything else. It was clear that this place was only used when someone wanted to sleep and for nothing else. Since there was no sign of assigned beds, he picked one himself and lay down.
He was feeling restless, the hair on his neck felt like they were standing at end. It felt like something was going to happen but what? His brother's warning came unbidden in his head and he had to shake his head. He did not believe that old lady. Fortune telling was nothing but hocus pocus. How his brother believed all that, he had no idea. His brother was one of the most logical people in the world, yet believing those things.
His solitude was broken by a loud laughter that came with a man who had just entered the tent. He had a wild appearance. His brown hair falling into a chaotic style, he had red triangular tattoos on both his cheeks and surprisingly had one dog on his side. He seemed to be talking to someone outside but as he came in, Sasuke could see that he was accompanied by someone. The next guy had his hair in a pony that stood on his head like leafs of a pineapple. He had one stud in his left ear and looked like he was bored out of life. When the guy came in he immediately saw Sasuke and nudged the other loud man to draw attention toward him.
"Hey, I'm Inuzuka Kiba and I'll be your tent mate, as they say. What's your name?" The brown shaggy one said.
"I'm Uchiha Sasuke. Nice to meet you." Sasuke said, nodding toward Kiba.
"Nara Shikamaru." The other one said and as if simply saying that had taken all his energy, he laid down in another cot.
"He's a lazy ass but don't go on appearance. He is one of the best minds you could ever find on this earth." Kiba said as he made himself comfortable.
"Hn." Sasuke grunted as he fell back on his bed.
"By the way, you're occupying Arashi's place." Sasuke heard Kiba say. He had already closed his eyes and was trying to sleep.
"I don't mind Kiba. I can take the other one." A booming voice came from the entrance.
Sasuke was surprised to hear the loud voice because he hadn't heard anyone come in. He opened his eyes and swerved it toward the person who had just come in. He gasped as he saw the visage of the person who was standing near the opening of tent.
Long blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, blue eyes full of mischief and whiskers giving the foxy appearance. There stood Kurama, Naruto and Kitsune all at once. In a new form but with the same unrecognizable light. This human did not know him. He couldn't help but feel despair at the thought that all the past that he had experienced with this face was just that, his past. The face infront of him did not know him. He did not know that he had killed him once, that he had been his guardian in the night once and was still unable to save him from death. The history was all there, all around him. The words of his brother surrounded him, Itachi's voice echoed in his ears making it impossible to understand anything else.
Great loss. Was the death of Naruto and Kitsune not great for him that God had sent another for him to witness. He was in a war and he had found the person who keeps meeting him and dying infront of him. He did not, he could not witness all that again. The feeling of loss as if he had lost his own life was not something he wanted to feel again.
He could run away, it was still fresh. There was no string attached as of yet and even if there was, he could easily break it. He didn't have to face it again. But the fault was he remembered. He remembered the peace he found in the presence of that face. Either it be Kurama or Naruto or Kitsune, he had felt human when he was with them and he missed that feeling.
"Hi. Sannin Arashi." The blonde said extending his arm toward Sasuke.
A new name it was but the light was the same. Sasuke knew he wouldn't be able to run far even if he tried.
He sat up and taking his hand in his own, he shook it.
"Uchiha Sasuke." He said his voice husky.
The smile on the tanned face grew and split his face into two.
"I hope you're comfortable. It is always difficult for new comers." Naruto said as he made his sitting space just beside Sasuke.
"I was until a loud voice woke me up." Sasuke replied.
Shikamaru looked toward Kiba. He looked a little embarrassed.
"Kiba don't know how to stay quiet." Arashi said.
"Saying the person who even snores like a military truck." Shikamaru added.
"Well it's better than sleeping all day." Arashi replied.
"Touché'" Shikamaru replied.
"Our team have to report back in five hours so get the rest till then. You would be tired after the long journey." Arashi said.
Sasuke nodded and watched as Arashi stood up and stretched. He gave a loud yawn and went to the remaining cot to sleep. As he lay he turned his face toward Sasuke and gave him a small smile that had Sasuke's heart melting in a second. He gulped and smiled back.
"Good Night, Sasuke." Came the soft voice from the blonde.
"Good Night, Arashi." He replied and closed his eyes.
All too soon it was time to get ready for the border duty. Arashi was seen as a leader of the little group that they had and had them ready and at the station on time. His countenance of being in charge was something that had Sasuke in wonder. He was far from the goofy personality that Sasuke had witnessed before. He was cool and his eyes held power. This part of Arashi was new to him.
The border duty was a quite affair for most of the time. It was when they were changing shifts that the attack happened.
Sasuke was ready to get back to his tent when Arashi had stopped him.
"We are not going right now. The time when shifts change is the best time for anyone to attack so there are some groups left of first group until all the groups of next shift are here. We'll have to wait a few minute before going back." Arashi said in a cool voice.
Sasuke had nodded for it seemed like a good strategy and true to Arashi's word an attack came when the shift was changing. The few groups of the next shift that had come and the groups already there made a good enough number to fight against the people who had come to attack. There were about 50-60 soldiers of enemy team loaded with guns. Sasuke hit his first target in a second and then it was all shouts and noise of battle going around everywhere. He saw as Arashi made signs at the soldiers around him for a strategy. Sasuke had to step away from his hiding place as he saw a grenade thrown toward his direction. He rolled away in time and took out an enemy soldier by hitting him in the rib. He sank his hands in the soldier's stomach and then left him to die to attend to others.
He found himself back to back with Arashi while two soldiers came at him. In all the chaos Sasuke's heart felt the camaraderie that was there in between them. He was acutely aware of Arashi being there. He took out one guy with a shot and ducked when the other soldier shot toward him. He took a handful of Arashi's shirt so that he too would be able to duck but he gasped in horror as he saw the shirt tearing at the shoulder and Arashi still standing, the shot ripping through his uncovered shoulder.
Only years of practice held him in place as blood flowed from Arashi's wound as he himself howled at the pain. The time slowed down as Sasuke saw Arashi turn and for a second he saw fire, a real fire in Arashi's eyes. His breath left him but the next second the fire was gone and the soldier who had shot him was down.
Even after the severe injury Arashi pushed himself and they were able to take out every one of the soldier. Sasuke and his team rushed toward Arashi and without any delay had him in the medic tent. Arashi was grunting while Sasuke had his breath stopped so he wouldn't attack Arashi. The thing that helped was the adrenaline that flowed through him. His thoughts were in a jumble.
Was this what Itachi had been talking about? Was Naruto going to die like this? It was a shoulder injury so it shouldn't have been fatal. Sasuke wanted to cry. Not again, was the only thing that was going through his head.
Time held no meaning to him and he only came back to his senses when medics told them that Arashi would be alright and back to his normal self in a few days. He wanted to rush there, to see him alive, to hear his breath, hear his heart beating but doctors prohibited any of them going in.
The few days after that was nothing but a blur. They knew that an attack could happen at any time. Sasuke went to see Arashi whenever he could or be allowed. The non-stop chatter had Sasuke feel calm and alive. Arashi didn''t show any signs of strains and he was healing rather fast.
Sasuke hoped that it would stay that way.
"The world is in hell. There is nothing to salvage now. Why are we fighting this war I have no idea." Kiba screamed one day fed up with the thick tension that was everywhere.
"There is always something to fight for. We are fighting for future. For those who would be kids now but who would hopefully turn this world peaceful. We fight to save that future that would save this world." Arashi replied.
"Mark my word, there will be nothing left here when this entire thing ends." Kiba said and stormed out of the tent.
Sasuke turned a questionable gaze toward Arashi.
"He got a letter. The girl he loved is dead." Arashi said.
Sasuke nodded. He understood how Kiba must have been feeling. He didn't know if he loved these representations of the same person. How could he love a man? Wasn't that supposed to be unnatural? How could he even think about it? But did it matter? Sasuke felt for him and he couldn't deny that. The thing he felt for him was so strong that two century was not enough to forget the feeling that those faces had garnered in him. He had seen them live and die and had felt hollow every time he had to live without them.
"Why do you hope Arashi?" Sasuke asked.
Arashi looked toward him with a soft gaze. He came toward Sasuke and sat beside him.
"Why should I not? Hadn't there been wars before? Hadn't the world come out of that too? The last war had the world trying to make an institution that would help in getting peace, it failed maybe the next one won't."
Sasuke could feel the heat of Arashi's body and he took a deep breath to calm himself.
"What kind of world do you dream about?"
Arashi looked in his eyes and Sasuke felt himself burning at the heat he saw in those eyes. Arashi took Sasuke's hand in his and told him to follow.
The hand that held his was the only thing that he could think about. The night was beautiful as it was a full moon. Even though they passed through crowds of people but the hand never left his and Sasuke was glad for it. He could feel his stomach twisting but kept walking with Arashi.
The blond led Sasuke out toward a little creek. Arashi tugged him toward a corner. The creak was beautiful s it reflected the moon back. The war had destroyed the area around but there were still some patches of beauty left.
"Here." Arashi said and pointed.
Sasuke saw a bush of little blue flowers that glowed in the moonlight. He didn't know its name but it was the most beautiful flower that he had ever seen. Maybe it was the moon or the creak but it gave the flower an ethereal look.
"I dream of this world. A beautiful world where there is peace, where things are beautiful and people in harmony, where we are one with nature." Came a whisper in his ear.
He shivered and turned his head. He had to stop breathing as he saw how close Arashi was. His eyes met Arashi's and couldn't help but move closer toward him. He waited for Arashi to push him away but the blond just threaded his hand in the dark locks and pulled Sasuke's lips toward his.
The kiss was slow as both moved against each other. Their tongues moved in a dance and had them gasping for air. Sasuke didn't want to stop but even though he wasn't a human, he still knew that breath was important for Arashi so he pulled back.
"Arashi" He whispered.
"Sasuke"
Arashi smiled at him and there was no need to say anything else. Sasuke felt it all. The passion that was burning their soul, the connection that they shared and Arashi's heart that was beating rapidly against his.
"I'm glad that you came in my life." The blonde said and kissed him again.
"I don't want to let go." Sasuke confessed.
"Me neither but I'm starving." Arashi said and winked.
Even though he said it, they still stood there for a few minute and looked at each other. It was Sasuke who pulled him for a kiss this time. The wicked roll of Sasuke's tongue against his had Arashi moaning.
"We should stop this before we get caught." Arashi said.
The reality of the situation came to Sasuke but he didn't feel scared. He wasn't afraid of the world and he could always take Arashi and hide him from the world. As soon as this thing would end, he will take Arashi with him. There was no force in world that would stop him from doing that.
"Stay with me." Sasuke said.
"Always" Arashi promised.
Everything changed rapidly. He was aware of Arashi like nothing ever before. Simple touches had him floating into a world of passion and the secret kisses burned him alive. In the quiet hours of night Arashi would come to his cot and they would adjust in one. They didn't do more than kissing. They could not take that daring step in a place full of so many people but they talked. About family, their past and hope for future.
It was everything that Sasuke wanted. He was always a restless person, not staying at one place for long but when he was with Arashi, he felt centred. He didn't feel like travelling the world, he just wanted to lay there beside and Arashi and tell him stories and hear the blonde's stories too. There days started with each other and ended with each other. Fighting beside each other and protecting each other was something that felt natural, like an involuntary thing. The soul searching kiss that they shared had him burning inside. It was difficult to control himself to not go ahead, to not care about the world and just have Arashi in the ultimate form of love but they were here, in a land full of battles, in an age where they would be burned alive if anyone got to know about them.
"I remember when I was a child, I always saw my Mom and Dad, looking in each other's eyes and I saw something that I couldn't comprehend at that time but as I grew up, I knew that I wanted to look at someone with the same eyes and want to be looked at too. I never wanted anything as much as I wanted a partner, a lover and a love that would break every barrier and I have found you and I feel complete."
It was one of those nights when they were lying beside each other and looking in each other's eyes. Their limbs were tangled and Sasuke felt himself freed in the prison of Arashi's love. Sasuke smiled and took one lock of Arashi's hair in his hand, the back of his hand caressed his cheek and the blonde sighed.
"I don't remember my parents; it's always been me and my brother. I have roamed this world thinking I was complete on my own. I never gave a thought of spending my life with anyone and then you came. You brought a storm of emotions that I wasn't ready for. I feel like it had been a long journey, without me knowing, I was walking toward you and I do not care that it took so much time, the only thing I care about is you, me and the present. I was complete before but I am whole now, with you by my side and Arashi, I want you here, by me for forever."
Arashi's eyes sparkled and he smiled and captured his lips in a kiss. The innocent press of lips turned frantic when Arashi bit on Sasuke's lower lip and plunged his tongue in the warm cavern. There already tangled limbs writhed together. Arashi's hands snuck under Sasuke's shirt and touched a nipple. Sasuke broke the kiss and gasped because it felt amazing. He couldn't understand how such a small thing could garner such a reaction but he couldn't think anything else as Arashi scraped his teeth on his pulse point. Sasuke's eyes rolled into his back and the Blonde attacked Sasuke's neck. For a little while Sasuke was confused as to whom was vampire as Arashi sucked deliciously on his neck. He was careful to give him a hickey at a place which would not be visible to others. Sasuke fought to gain some breath but knew that it was lost fight.
After Arashi was satisfied with his work he trailed his kiss up and chastely kissed Sasuke one more time.
"Forever" the blonde breathed in Sasuke's ear.
The course of war was changing. While Japan was winning the war for five years, it had started facing defeat in a past few wars. The countries that had been with Japan in this war were falling down one by one. Germany was first to go when Hitler's rule ended but Japan stood stubbornly. The danger loomed heavily upon it but the leaders remained firm.
"You'll be getting transferred to a new camp. We suspect that there are going to be enemy activity in some civilian cities, although we have some soldiers already there, we think it would be wise for a larger battalion to be there." General Ibiki said.
Arashi stood straight and frowned when he heard the news.
"Would there be an addition in my company or I'll be going alone?" He asked.
"You'll be the only one. We want a tactical expert and one who won't be lazy that's why we didn't choose Shikamaru."
Arashi nodded and after a little more briefing on the subject, he went back to his tent. He was mellowed down by the news and didn't know how to tell it to Sasuke. The thought of being far away from him did not sit well. After such a long time they were together and now this but didn't he knew how life played its game.
Just last time, after that we'll be together, He thought to himself.
"You're not going." Was the first response to the news that he had just delivered.
"It's not in our control." Arashi said.
"It is. This is all fucked up. We can just run away from here. Let the world fight, I don't care." Sasuke replied.
"But I do. I'll be back Sasuke. I won't ever leave you. You have to remember my promise. Forever."
"I can't let you go, not now. When our destiny seems so close, Arashi you can't expect that from me."
"I can and I would. This is our country, our mother home that we are fighting for. Please don't make it so hard."
Sasuke's hand trembled as Arashi held them. They were sitting at the bank of the river. The moon was nowhere in sight and it looked like a bleak surrounding. Just like how Sasuke felt at that moment.
Sasuke looked in those cerulean eyes and something shifted in him. The once helpless feeling changed into a growing possessiveness. He would show Arashi what he was losing by being away from him.
He took the blondes collar in his hand and shoved Arashi against a tree, his thigh between the blonde's parted legs. The wildness that he showed in his kiss was something that he himself had never experienced before. His nails raked lines at the sides of Arashi's torso and his hunger for him increased at every delicious sound that he made. His thigh did all the work while he kissed the blonde thoroughly and as he shifted his hand and sneaked it into the blonde's pants; he became a mush in the raven's hand.
Afterwards when it was all finished and the blonde was having a hard time getting his breath back, Sasuke settled against the tree with a superior look on his face.
"You'll be missing this every second you're away from me." He murmured.
"I… Sasuke… I can't believe it."
"Believe it, dobe." He replied.
As much as Sasuke wanted to forget the subject that had started it all, he couldn't deny it any longer.
"Where are they shipping you?" He asked.
"Hiroshima."
Sakura was always happy with what fate had provided her. A husband like Neji and a tutor like Tsunade didn't came in everyone's hand and she was fortunate enough to have them both. Her life as witch had been a tad bit difficult because of the superstition around but she had survived all of it. Her early life was a blur to her. Her father had rejected her mother because of her origin and her mother in all the anguish of her situation had left the pink haired girl in an orphanage. She was lucky that Tsunade had found her or what would have been her fate, she didn't knew.
Her friendship with Sasuke had started through Tsunade too. Itachi was the blonde's client. Superstition or not, they were good at making talisman and potions that worked. When someday Sasuke accompanied Itachi, they talked with each other. Although at first she had a crush on him but she outgrew it when she saw that Sasuke was not at all interested.
Her love Neji became her acquaintance later in life but she was more than glad that he did come. At first there temper did not agree with each other. Coming from a high clan, Neji had a haughty persona but through circumstances they had come closer.
Right now she wanted nothing but give some of her fortune to Sasuke.
"Sasuke-kun" She whispered.
The room was as usual dark. The dank smell didn't bother her. After working with potions for so many years, she could take any smell. She slid the door a little more and the light of the world outside flooded in Sasuke's room. She was accustomed to the scene by now but still winced at the state of room. Everything in the room was broken, from the small table lamp to his wardrobe. It didn't matter how many times Itachi changed the furniture, the room would be back to this destruction.
She took one step in the room and winced again when a glass pricked her toe. She was used to pain and didn't react to it. She just went to the bed where a body lay as if dead.
Since the end of war and the bomb of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, this had been his state. At first he didn't believe that Arashi had died. He couldn't be. He had promised but when he saw the proof himself. The place itself and the destruction, the horrific realisation had come to him. After that nothing was same.
Sasuke had at first went berserk. Itachi who was always able to control Sasuke when he was thirsty could not hold him. Sasuke had almost killed Itachi in his rage. And after that had come the period of mourning. He had been like this ever since.
Sakura couldn't stare at those dead eyes. Those eyes that were always alive with intelligence and shrewdness were hollow with nightmares swirling in it. There were constant tear tracks under his eyes. His bones were poking out from underneath his skin because of staying hungry for around six month. Itachi had been trying to feed him but Sasuke seemed decided on dying from starvation. The only thing he seemed intent on doing was destroying everything around him and….
"It's not right." Sasuke croaked.
His fist clenched around the paper.
It was not the only paper in the room. Several papers littered the floor and the bed. Since Arashi's death Sasuke had been trying to remember his face and draw it. She had seen many by now. Frowning, smiling, cold, warm, everything he could draw, he did but in the end the paper would be crumbled and after the destruction the only words he would utter would be, "It's not right."
She could not see this state of her friend and it was all she could do to put a brave front. Her friend needed support, not her tears.
She did not know how but she'll do it.
After Sakura left, Sasuke lifted the recent drawing of Arashi - his eyes full of fire as he shot the enemy soldier- and crumbled it.
It won't ever be right again.