Chapter 25 – New beginning

When the sun made its appearance reddening the sky beyond the mountains, Itachi and Nagato transformed, followed slowly by Konan and then Tsumi. Sasuke did the same. He just needed to relax and concentrate – really, it was that simple. He needed to be calm and think about his human form, and that did the trick.

He had no idea what had happened the day before, when he had changed because he was angry at Naruto. Maybe there were different possible emotions that could trigger the transformation.

In silence, all five of them went inside the small hideout deep in a hill, and put their clothes back on. Then they walked back out and started walking. As Sasuke observed his brother and his friends he realized they looked very sad. They'd had fun that night, that wasn't the problem. But now they missed the rest of the pack more than ever, Sasuke could feel it.

He was walking next to Tsumi, Nagato was in the middle, and Itachi and Konan walked at the front. No one was talking; they didn't need to. Sasuke couldn't fully share their pain though. He hadn't known the entire pack as well as these guys had – far from it. For them, it had been like a big family.

"Are you okay Sasuke? You seem a bit pale," Tsumi suddenly told him.

"I'm fine," he reassured her.

His body just felt a bit weird. But it had done this yesterday too, so maybe it was normal. Suddenly though he stopped walking, feeling very nauseous. He walked away from the path and went to lean against a tree because his legs were trembling and weak. He bent over and threw up. It wasn't exactly a pleasurable moment in his life.

The others stopped and waited for him. It took a long time; Sasuke's body was endlessly racked with spasms it seemed. Well, his boyfriend hadn't been kidding about the throwing up thing. So this was the downside of being a hybrid then. He could transform into a wolf but he still couldn't eat anything, despite the predator's instincts and hunger.

It was finally over. He stepped back towards the small path where the others stood still. He was still trembling and feeling a bit weak. Nagato was the first one to react. He took Sasuke's arm and placed it around his shoulders to support him.

"You all right?" Itachi asked worriedly.

"Yeah," Sasuke made a weak smile.

They continued walking. Despite feeling a bit sick Sasuke was still marveling at all the sounds, images and even scents around him. His enhanced senses allowed him to appreciate nature even more.

As they walked past the now abandoned compound he could feel the others tense. Itachi placed his arm around Konan in a comforting manner. On their way to the car, Sasuke thought he heard Tsumi crying. Of course she was tired; they all were. And now she probably realized she had to leave this place and all its memories, including her boyfriend.

Sasuke felt better so he pulled away from Nagato, thanking him quietly. Instead he took Tsumi's hand squeezing gently, and led her to the car.

The drive back to Tokyo was silent at first. Konan was sleeping in the passenger seat, and in the back Tsumi was sleeping against Sasuke's shoulder. After about an hour Nagato and Itachi started asking him questions.

"So... did it feel different?" Nagato asked.

"Yeah a little," he answered, "I was more in control of myself. And I remember a lot more about my night than I used to."

It was the reason he was able to transform back into a human. He needed to be in control at least partly otherwise the instincts would take over.

"It's like you've become an experienced werewolf just like us," Itachi noted.

"I guess…"

Nagato cleared his throat, "Personally, if you don't come with us every month, I won't mind. And I'll still consider you a friend. One of us."

Itachi glanced at Sasuke through the rear view mirror. Still keeping his voice low not to wake up the girls he said, "Me too. You're my brother and that's never gonna change. You don't have to force yourself to prove it to me."

Sasuke made a little smile as he glanced out the window.

"Thanks guys… I appreciate."

He felt happy. Those were the words he had wanted to hear. It felt good to know that he hadn't lost their trust.

All of a sudden he realized he was extremely thirsty. He started trembling a little. He closed his eyes, trying to control himself. Damn… he could feel the others' heartbeats, smell their blood; this wasn't good. His fangs grew longer and he pressed his lips together to hide them. He took out his cell phone.

Hey Naruto, I transformed and I'm fine but right now I'm in the car and I'm so damn thirsty and I don't know what to do…

It didn't take long for his boyfriend's reply to come.

Open the window, breathe some fresh air and think about other things. If you're still very thirsty ask Itachi to stop and go for a little walk. Don't worry, there's some blood left in the fridge for you when you get home.

Sasuke opened the window as Naruto had suggested. He did feel a little better after that. He decided to continue texting him because it was actually a good distraction.

Did I wake you up?

Yeah but it's okay. I'm the one who asked you to text me after all.

What are you wearing right now?

Nothing.

Sasuke smiled. A good distraction indeed.

Go back to sleep. I'll come wake you when I get home.

Aw I'm not sure I can wait. Just thinking about you makes me so hard.

Well keep your hands away. It's mine.

I'll try.

Sasuke chuckled, shaking his head slightly, and put his phone back in his jeans pocket. He realized Tsumi had woken up. Slowly she pulled away from him.

"Who were you texting?"

"Oh, um, Naruto." He was relieved that his thirst had calmed for now. His teeth had retracted.

"You really love him?" she asked shyly.

Sasuke was taken by surprise. He glanced away, "Well, yeah…"

Itachi and Nagato were pretending not to listen but Sasuke just knew that they were paying attention.

"Can I ask you a question…? I'm really just curious…"

Sasuke glanced at her sideways through raven bangs. "Sure…"

She blushed madly and lowered her voice to a whisper, "Well, I like reading boys love manga sometimes and I was just curious to know… Who's like... top and bottom?"

Sasuke's dark eyes widened in shock while Nagato chuckled and Itachi seemed to choke on his breath. Tsumi's blush intensified – if possible – and she muttered apologies.

"You really don't have to answer…"

But Sasuke's pride was on the table here. If he didn't answer these idiots would all assume Naruto was top. And he wasn't, right? Right.

"It's not like that," he muttered, "we both do it so…"

"Oh," she said in understanding.

Seriously, what was up with her asking that kind of question anyway? And there Sasuke had thought she was a very shy person.

In the driver seat Itachi cleared his throat.

"Uh, I wanted to say, with Konan we're gonna organize a dinner party tomorrow, and you guys are all invited."

Konan stirred awake, as if hearing her name had woken her up.

"Oh you told them?" she asked her boyfriend in a sleepy voice.

"Yeah," he shrugged, "what do you guys think? Sasuke you can bring Naruto. Oh and Kakashi will also come with his girlfriend."

"Cool," Sasuke said simply relieved that the subject of the conversation had changed.

Later, when Itachi finally arrived to Naruto's house, Sasuke took his leave and hurried inside. He could only feel Naruto's presence, so he smirked. After gulping down some blood in the kitchen - he still found this very strange but at the moment he was so thirsty that he didn't care - he threw the now empty bag away and went to climb up the stairs. He tried to keep quiet as much as possible.

In the bedroom he smirked again at the sight. Naruto was naked and tangled up in the sheets, which covered his body up to his waist. The window was closed and covered by the violet curtain but the light crept inside the room slightly, making his tan skin almost glow softly. His blond hair was all messy as always; cute and hot.

Sasuke took off his shirt keeping only his ripped skinny jeans on. He picked up his jewelry and went to the bathroom. After putting his piercings and the necklace back on he ran his fingers through his hair to sleek them a little and then returned to stand next to the bed.

He smiled when Naruto moaned slightly in his sleep. Sasuke recognized that moan. So he was having one of those dreams, huh? Perfect.

Slowly, carefully, he sat on the bed and lifted his fingers only to trail them across Naruto's toned abs. He moaned again but still didn't wake up. Sasuke's hand crawled under the sheets and reached his hard cock.

"Sasuke," Naruto whispered.

The raven leaned closer and kissed him as he started stroking him. Naruto kissed back and then opened sleepy but lustful dark blue eyes.

"Hey you…"

Sasuke chuckled, "Hey."

"Look at you sexy bastard."

Naruto smiled and brought his hands to Sasuke's hips, caressing his visible boxer band. He brought them up his tattooed back and finally entangled them in his raven locks, only to pull him into a more passionate kiss. As for Sasuke's hand, it was still working at pleasuring Naruto under the sheets.

"Why don't you take those off…?" Naruto whispered. His fingers had reached his jeans buttons and he flicked it open. He caressed the bulge in his boxers making Sasuke inhale sharply.

He didn't lose any time in obliging to Naruto's demand. He got up briefly only so that he could lower his pants and boxers and kick them aside. As he leaned closer again the blond grabbed the silver chain around his neck and crashed their lips together. He removed himself from the sheets and flushed their naked bodies in the middle of the large bed.

"How should we do this?" the blond whispered in his ear huskily.

"My dick, your ass," Sasuke suggested.

"I don't think so," Naruto teased as he rolled him over. He grabbed his ass and squeezed it. "You know I was having a dream just now and it made me really, really excited…"

"Oh yeah?" Sasuke smiled, glancing at him behind his shoulder, "well okay, I don't care fuck me hard then."

The blond laughed, "Hmm if you want to be fucked hard you're in for a treat."

"Stop talking and just do it," Sasuke whispered, trembling in desire already.

"So demanding all of a sudden. All right you asked for it."

Naruto shoved his dick inside him and Sasuke gasped. Then the precum served as lubricant and it was easier for Naruto to move back and forth quickly. Sasuke clenched the pillow tightly and arched his back, lifting his hips to welcome Naruto's deep thrusts.

"Talk to me," Naruto demanded.

"So fucking amazing…" Sasuke panted, "Ah… you'll forgive me if… I don't come up with anything witty at the moment. I'm kinda… hn fuck…"

"Kinda what?" the blond teased as he grabbed his hips and increased the pace even more. "Overwhelmed?"

"Ah yeah… you could say that…"

Suddenly Naruto leaned closer pressing his chest to his back. "Kiss me," he requested.

Sasuke turned his head and their lips met in a heated kiss. Naruto slid his arm around his waist to hold him up and continued fucking him intensely. At some point he grabbed his erection and stroked him at the same time.

It was too much.

A little while later they were lying down on the bed, relaxed. Naruto was on his side and his arm was thrown across Sasuke's thin waist lazily.

"So how was it last night?"

"It was okay. I was definitely more in control than usual. Well I still went along with the wolf instincts but… I'd say it was half-half. I think the others were glad to have me there. But they said if I didn't go back they didn't mind. They still consider me a friend and all…" he made a little smile. Naruto tightened his hold around him and kissed his shoulder.

"I'm glad. And how's your thirst?"

"Oh I drank when I got here. Don't worry about that."

"Okay," Naruto said softly.

"Oh hey," Sasuke remembered something, "Itachi invited us to a dinner party tomorrow."

"He's aware we're not gonna eat…?"

Sasuke laughed, "Yeah but we can still go."

Suddenly his smile faded. Kakashi and Anko would be there. They would wonder why they didn't eat. Kakashi would wonder why Sasuke didn't eat, anyway. He still hadn't told him anything.

"What is it?" Naruto frowned slightly, and Sasuke told him about his worries. "Oh…" the blond said simply. "Well just tell him you're not hungry for now. Don't worry about that babe. Tell him when you're ready."

"You make it sound like I'm gonna come out to him," he chuckled.

"Well yeah but instead of dad, I'm gay, it's, dad, I'm a gay vampire."

Sasuke burst out laughing, "You're such an idiot."

"And you love me," Naruto replied.

"Oh shut up."

"You know you do."

…

Konan seemed extremely nervous as she cooked a meal big enough to feed twenty people. But they would be only eight – actually among those eight, two wouldn't eat anything. Itachi smiled fondly and went to hug her from behind. Her blue silk blouse was soft but he crawled his hands under it slightly, favoring the feel of her smooth skin.

"What're you doing I'm busy here…"

"Just relax," he whispered in her ear.

She did relax a bit. That trick always worked. She turned around in his arms and looked up, locking amber eyes with dark gray.

"I can't help being a little nervous," she shrugged, "Kakashi's kind of like your father, no?"

"Not at all. I consider him a friend. I mean come on, he's barely ten years older than me," he chuckled.

"But still…"

He cut her, "He's more like a father to Sasuke, since he took care of him after I left. But anyway that's not the point. Why are you so worried? You already met him at the party for Sasuke's band."

"Yeah but we didn't really talk," she shrugged, "and I mean with what we're announcing today… I don't know I guess I'm just hoping he'll approve of me."

"Who wouldn't approve of you?" he smiled and ran his pale fingers through her blue black hair.

"Hmm cut the sweet talk," she chuckled, moving away from him and returning to her cooking.

Itachi went to the living room. Nagato was sitting at the desk, using Itachi's laptop to search for an apartment. He really wanted to move on his own to give them their privacy. He had some savings from his previous job so he would be fine for a while.

"I just want to put on some music," he said and Nagato moved aside to give him a better access to his computer. He put on Lust at first sight's album.

The red-head laughed lightly, "You really like their music or you're just doing this to make them happy when they get here?"

"Uh… both I guess," Itachi smiled. "So found anything interesting?"

"Yeah actually," he nodded, looking back at the screen, "you guys should have your privacy for your newlywed's life."

"Shh keep it down, Konan doesn't know you know," he chuckled and Nagato rolled his eyes.

"Ha, as if you guys could keep something like that from me!"

The first guests to arrive were Kakashi, Anko and Tsumi. The latter noticed that Konan seemed nervous so she quickly went to the kitchen to help her.

"Good music choice!" Anko exclaimed making Itachi chuckle. "Did you know they sold fifty thousand albums already?"

"That's great," Nagato commented.

Kakashi said, "Oi, I thought I told you to stop talking about your work all the time."

"I'm just telling them the good news," she said defensively.

Tsumi and Konan started setting up the table and Itachi went to help them. There were only six places but it was okay since Naruto and Sasuke wouldn't eat. Still, Itachi brought the couch closer to the table so that at least they wouldn't feel too left out.

When the two vampires arrived, a few minutes later, their first comments were about the music, just like their manager.

"Please," Sasuke said, "turn it off. I already have to listen to his whiny voice all the time…"

"Hey you love my voice!" Naruto protested, nudging him in the ribs.

"I don't," Sasuke teased.

"Liar."

Itachi rolled his eyes and went to turn off the music. He was more and more acceptant of his brother's boyfriend at this point. He could see how happy they made each other. And the more he thought about it, the more he realized that he couldn't really picture Sasuke with anyone else.

"Oh my god you guys," the violet-haired woman trotted towards them excitedly, "I've got something important to tell you. Shikamaru and Kiba already know. There's a producer and a team ready to shoot a music video with you guys!"

"Really?" Naruto exclaimed, "When?"

"In two days!"

"What?" blue eyes widened in shock, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I tried! You never pick up your damn phone!"

"Aw yeah my bad," Naruto chuckled, throwing his arm around his lover's shoulders casually, "you see, Sasuke and I are often too busy…"

"Oh shut up you moron," the raven pushed him away and Naruto laughed.

Itachi was thankful for his little brother's intervention. Also, he really hoped Tsumi wouldn't have any other questions concerning their sex life. Those were details he didn't need to know.

Kakashi scolded Anko again, "What did I tell you about talking about work all the time?"

"Blame them for never picking up their phone!" she crossed her arms.

"You know, my dear," Naruto stepped closer to her with a little smile, "whenever I tried to get a hold of you lately, you wouldn't pick up your phone either…"

She blushed slightly and glanced sideways at Kakashi. "Ah, well… um…" she chuckled and scratched her hair nervously.

"Everyone," Konan suddenly exclaimed, "you can sit around the table…"

Sasuke and Naruto took place on the couch without needing to be told. As expected, only Anko and Kakashi glanced at them curiously.

"You guys are not gonna eat?" Anko asked.

"Nah I'm on a diet," Naruto said.

"You're always on a diet," she raised a brow.

The blond leaned back in his seat and pointed at himself with his finger, "How'd you think I keep this sexy body?"

Pretty much everyone rolled their eyes at him. Even Anko, actually, although probably for different reasons.

"What about you Sasuke?" Kakashi asked.

He glanced away, "I'm not hungry…"

"Anorexic kids these days," Anko shook her head in disbelief. "Seriously, you gotta be careful, in the music industry..."

"I'm not anorexic, Anko," Sasuke stared at her and she shut her mouth.

Well drama averted, for now, it seemed, Itachi thought as the four werewolves and two humans started eating Konan's delicious cooking.

"So Itachi," Kakashi said, "have you decided what you want to do now?"

Itachi exchanged a glance with Nagato, "We're gonna try to start our own company. Nagato would take care of managing the employees and I'd take care of the business part…"

"What type of company?" Sasuke inquired.

"Oriented toward new technologies, probably," Itachi shrugged, "similar to the company our father owned."

"Pf… you just bought your first laptop," Sasuke teased him.

"So what?" Itachi argued, "I know how business works. That's all that matters."

"If you say so," Sasuke said but he was smiling.

"Well if that doesn't work," the red-head said, "my idea was to open a restaurant or a coffee shop. And the three of us could make it work together."

"I think Nagato's idea is more reasonable," Kakashi chuckled.

Suddenly Naruto sat up straight and exclaimed, "I totally have an idea for you guys."

"What is it?" Itachi raised a brow.

Naruto glanced at Anko briefly, "I can't say it right now. But later I'll tell you. I think you'll like it."

"Why can't you say it right now?" Anko protested.

"Uh… hey do you think I could have some wine?"

"Sure," Konan smiled, "I'll get it for you."

"Cool, thanks!"

"Why'd you change the subject?" Anko asked stubbornly.

"No reason," Naruto shrugged, "so hey Tsumi why don't you tell us all about university? That's what we should be talking about. Kids. The future."

"Um, it's fine," the young girl said, startled to be the sudden center of attention.

"I've been tutoring her so she could catch up to the others," Kakashi explained.

From the corner of his eye Itachi watched, amused, as Naruto took the glass of wine from Konan. He tasted it and made a face.

"She's a great student," Kakashi continued.

"Thanks," Tsumi smiled.

Naruto gave the glass of wine to Sasuke. He tasted it as well, and made a face. Itachi shook his head slightly as he lookd away. Vampires.

When everyone was pretty much finished eating Konan and Itachi glanced at each other nervously.

"So guys, we wanted to tell you something…" she hesitated. Itachi smiled at her fondly.

"Are you pregnant?" Anko asked.

"No," Konan chuckled, "it's not that…"

Itachi said it for her, "We're getting married."

"That's great!" Kakashi exclaimed, "Congratulations."

Konan smiled, relieved. Itachi glanced at Sasuke. He was smiling.

"I'm happy for you guys."

"So when's the big day?" Naruto asked.

"In two weeks, actually," Itachi announced, "we didn't see the point in waiting. Besides it's not gonna be anything big."

Konan glanced at her brother, "You don't look surprised at all."

"I already knew," he shrugged.

"You told him," Konan accused, looking at Itachi.

"He didn't need to tell me! I mean you guys were talking about it all the time. You know, when you're whispering, I can still hear sometimes."

She sighed, "And here I thought we were being subtle…"

The conversations continued after that. Mostly Konan, Anko and Tsumi talked about the dresses they would wear. Itachi decided to take Naruto apart to ask him what he had meant earlier with his supposedly great idea for a business. So they went to the back of the living room, standing next to the window. Nagato and Sasuke sent them curious glances.

"What is it?" Naruto asked.

"What do you mean what is it? You're the one who wanted to tell me something, right?"

"Oh, oh right. Yeah. You should totally go with Nagato's idea and do some kind of werewolf hangout."

Itachi raised a brow, "What?"

"There's one for vampires downtown," Naruto explained, "it's actually called the vampire hangout, which is lame. You should be more creative with the name."

"What's the point?" Itachi asked, "And how would we advertize it anyway?"

"Well I'm not a werewolf expert," Naruto shrugged. "For the vampire hangout, the word just spread around. All the vampires in Tokyo know about it. I heard the owners are totally rich."

"It's not like we know a lot of werewolves," Itachi said thoughtfully.

"I'm sure that'll change soon," the blond shrugged again. "You guys can detect each other, just like vampires. I'm sure Tsumi will run into young werewolves at her university at some point. She can invite them over. The word will spread, you know? I suppose you could also advertize it on the internet."

"That could actually work," Itachi smiled, "I mean there's so much crap on the web that no one's gonna take it seriously, except…"

"The real werewolves," Naruto finished for him, smiling back. "And I mean, unlike vampires you guys aren't dangerous to humans – not in this form anyway. So you can totally have normal customers too."

"True," Itachi said, "well thanks for the idea Naruto I appreciate. I think it could actually work if we put enough effort into it. And maybe werewolves out there who lock themselves up every full moon will come out and well, they won't be so lonely anymore… That'd be great."

"Yeah," Naruto nodded.

"Naruto I wanted to ask you something," Itachi said hesitantly. This had nothing to do with the business idea. He glanced at his brother; he was talking with Tsumi apparently. "It's about Sasuke…"

"What is it?"

"Well… it's kind of awkward if we talk about it so I guess I could ask you. I just wanted to know how he's adapting… you know, to his new situation."

"He's adapting perfectly well," Naruto reassured him, "no need to worry yourself over it."

"And has there been any threat from vampires…?"

"No, not yet. If it happens I'll be ready," Naruto said firmly, "I'll always protect him."

The vampire seemed sincere, and Itachi was satisfied. They returned to the kitchen area and Itachi helped Konan with the dishes while the others continued talking.

"It went well," he said, kissing her cheek.

"Hmm…" she tilted her head and kissed him on the lips instead. "I'm glad. What were you talking about with Naruto?"

"Let's just say he gave me a brilliant idea. I'll tell you and Nagato later, I promise."

"Can't wait to hear it," she smiled.