Sakura stared at Lilia's pleasant smile with wide eyes. "What?! How could you?!"

"Relax, youngling. You exaggerate."

"I exaggerate? You should have told us. We would have arranged something."

Lilia sighed, shaking his head good-naturedly. "The matter is not of such grave importance, child of man."

"Lilia, Malleus' birthday was in January. It's now April! Did you guys even throw him a birthday party or at least get him presents?"

The red-eyed fae hummed thoughtfully. "We used to host balls and grand feasts in his honor upon the moon of his birth every year when he was younger. All the noble families of the Valley of Thorns would attend to pay their respects and rejoice on the blessed day of the prince's birth."

Sakura pinched the bridge of her nose. "Are you kidding me? Balls and feasts and nobles? What about a cake, presents and a few friends to celebrate with? That's what a kid needs, Vanrouge."

"Ah, in that case, no. We never did host such an event as the one you describe."

Had he not been a few thousand years older than her, she would have called him an idiot. "You are hopeless. Poor Malleus," she sighed, shaking her head, but then her eyes lit up as an idea struck her. "Well, good thing I am here now."

"Oh? The youngling has a plan?"

Smiling triumphantly, Sakura grinned. "You bet I do. And you three," she said pointedly, passing her gaze over Lilia, Sebek and Silver, "are going to help me."

"If I may-"

"No, Sebek, we're not throwing another ball. What Malleus needs is a celebration with friends and people he actually knows in a relaxed environment. Now, let's focus. We have a lot of work to do. First, we have to get the other dorm heads in on this too. Lilia, you shouldn't have any trouble convincing Vil and Riddle. Sebek, Octavinelle and Ignihyde are yours. Tell Azul I'll squeeze the ink out of him if he even thinks of trying to rope you into a contract. Silver, talk to Kalim and Jamil. I'm certain they'll say yes but please, do make an effort to convince them."

Lilia smiled, a conspiring look in his eyes. "Oh, you mean to undertake the task of recruiting Savanaclaw to our cause?"

Sakura winked at him playfully. "Leave the kitty to me."

XxxxX

"Alright, alright, you crazy herbivore! I'll help with this stupid party."

"Aw, I was sure you'd see things from my point of view, Leona."

"Sakura."

"Yes, kitty?"

"You're still holding me in a headlock."

XxxxX

Locating Malleus amongst the other students of Night Raven College was as easy as locating Naruto's orange jacket among a whole squadron of identically dressed Jonin.

He stood out, and not only because of his horns or his towering height. As much as she did not want to admit it – to him, at least – she seemed to have developed a strange sixth sense when it came to the Diasomnia head's presence. She could just tell whenever he was near, even when he wasn't in her line of sight. She wasn't sure whether that was because of his own imposing aura or because she was just extra sensitive to energy signatures because of her training.

Or because she was, you know, hopelessly, mind-numbingly in love with him.

Gee, Sakura, nice going. First the sole survivor of Konoha's most prestigious clan, and now an actual dragon prince. Way to set yourself up for heartbreak.

Still, this was not about her and considering she did not see herself finding a way home anytime soon, she would be content with just being around him and playing even a tiny part in his happiness. Perhaps that was the point of love even when unrequited. Perhaps love was meant to be felt profoundly, in that very moment, for what it was. It was a comforting notion.

Pushing those thoughts to the back of her mind, she adjusted her hair and practically skipped over to the dark-haired male. "Malleus! There you are."

He turned immediately at the sound of her voice, and bowed his head in greeting, a small smile playing at his lips. "Sakura. Have you been looking for me?"

She smiled up at him, her mood instantly improving just by being in his presence. "I was wondering if you'd be interested in helping me out with something."

"Of course. It would be my pleasure to be of assistance."

Briming with barely concealed enthusiasm, Sakura pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear and beamed. "Great! Why don't we head to Mostro Lounge? I hear Azul has a few new varieties of tea and I'd love to try them while we work."

Malleus offered her his arm. "Whatever pleases you."

Unable to control the flush that rose to her cheeks, the young medic linked her arm through his, feeling small and fragile and safe standing beside his towering form.

She cocked her head to the side, smiling prettily at him, her gaze softening unconsciously. "Then let us go."

She made sure to keep his focus on her and away from the suspiciously empty hallways of Octavinelle as they made their way to Mostro Lounge, though it was becoming increasingly difficult not to look away shyly, what with the way his glowing green eyes stared at her as if she were the most fascinating creature in the world.

Even though she kept babbling on about the infirmary and the shenanigans of first-year students that probably were of no interest to him, Malleus offered her his undivided attention. She was certain this short walk with him was going to be the highlight of her whole week, few as her chances to spend time alone with him were.

Glancing up ahead, she saw the glass doors of Mostro Lounge, and sighed in relief when she observed that Jade and Floyd had remembered to shut off all the lights. The place was completely dark, and Sakura fought to keep the excited grin off her face.

Malleus hummed in confusion. "How odd. I do not recall seeing any announcements that it would be closed this afternoon."

Feigning concern, Sakura pulled him along with her by the arm. "Perhaps we should check it out. What if Azul, Jade and Floyd are in some kind of trouble and need our help?"

"You are quite right, though I'm certain they are in perfect health," he replied, patting her hand awkwardly and obviously trying to reassure her. "Let us proceed."

Malleus, you're too cute.

Nodding, she allowed him to lead her as they walked up to the entrance and he pushed the doors open. Entering, Sakura took a tentative step forward.

"Azul? Jade? Floyd? Are you guys here?"

And suddenly the was noise as the lights went on and people started jumping up from behind tables and booths, grinning widely and yelling "Surprise!"

Instinctively, Malleus pushed Sakura behind him to shield her but then his eyes widened when he registered what was really going on, the large "Happy belated Birthday, Malleus" sign Idia had made using a combination of magic and led lights clearing up any doubts.

Tugging on his sleeve to get his attention, Sakura smiled sweetly up at him, giggling at the astonished expression on his handsome face.

"Happy birthday, Mal."

"Not that I am not grateful, but the anniversary of my birth was a few moons ago."

"Well," a new voice interjected, and they both turned to see Lilia approaching them, "the youngling here had a lot to say on the matter. After she chastised us properly for failing to mention it back in January, she insisted that we arrange a proper celebration. I believe she even made a cake."

"Does Lilia speak the truth?" Malleus asked, turning to her again.

Flushing under the intensity of his eyes, Sakura averted her gaze shyly. "I didn't do anything, really. All of the guys helped and made an effort."

A moment of silence passed between them but then she felt fingers curl around hers, and she immediately looked up.

Malleus bowed over her hand, bringing it to his lips and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "Thank you, Sakura. I am in your debt."

Blushing heavily, the pink-haired woman shook her head. "There's no debt, Malleus-"

"Oi, herbivore! Where's the food? What did you drag me all the way here for?"

Sighing heavily, Sakura pulled her hand out of Malleus' grasp, and turned to face the Savanaclaw dorm head, completely missing the way the tall fae's expression immediately fell.

"We're bringing the platers out in a little while, you bottomless pit."

"I'm a lion, sweetheart. You better feed me, or I might take a piece of your thigh."

"I'd watch it if I were you, kitty. I see another headlock in your future and this time, I'll keep squeezing until you turn a lovely shade of blue."

"Doll! Where do you keep the booze?"

"No booze before eight o'clock, Diamond. We have underage people here."

"Sakuraaa! Floyd is trying to eat the pastries!"

"What?! Floyd! Keep him away from them, Jade!"

Turning to the two Diasomnia members, she smiled apologetically. "I need to see to a few things, so I'll catch you two later. Enjoy the party!"

Turning around, she marched over to the bar. "Now, what the hell is wrong with you, Leech? Hands off or I'll turn you into sushi!"

With Sakura out of earshot, Lilia chuckled, turning to Malleus with a teasing, knowing smirk. "That was quite a vow you made to the little doctor."

Malleus hummed, glancing at his long-time companion with a nearly unnoticeable dusting of pink across his cheeks. "Do let me enjoy my celebration, you old bat."

Lilia simply laughed.

XxxxX

Sitting atop the Astronomy Tower a few hours later, Sakura sighed happily as she gazed at the starlit sky. The night was moonless, and even though the constellations were not the ones she knew from back home, the mere sight of them brought her a sense of peace. It was comforting to think that somewhere among the starts, perhaps even beyond them, Konoha still stood strong, and her friends still thought of her fondly.

Turning to her companion, she nudged his shoulder with hers. "Did you have a good time?"

Shifting his gaze to her, Malleus' lips lifted in a soft smile. "I did. Thank you, Sakura."

She flushed prettily, brushing his praise off. "Nah, don't thank me. Everyone helped out. Azul lent us the venue, Idia created that pretty light show from scratch, and even Leona helped clean up the place. Did you try Trey's meat platers? He outdid himself in the kitchen."

"I'm afraid I did not."

Sakura furrowed her brow. "Not to your liking then? I should keep that in mind for the next party," she said, more to herself than to him. "What about the pastries? Well, the ones Floyd didn't devour, at least."

Malleus chuckled. "I did not try those either. I only ate the cake."

The pink-haired woman blinked, slightly surprised. "Oh…Really?"

"You were the one who made it, correct?"

"Um, yes."

The dark-haired male's pointy ears twitched. "I did not feel the desire to taste anything that was not made by you."

His words made Sakura's breathing hitch, and she froze in place. "W-What?"

Green gaze trained on her, Malleus studied her for a few seconds, his glowing eyes roving her face. Finally, he looked up at the sky.

"Us fae do not perceive time the way the rest of you do. We do not care for it, for how quickly or slowly it moves matters little to us. We barely even register its passage," he said, voice low and contemplative. He turned to her again, and took her hand in his, brushing his thumb over her knuckles. "Yet I have never wished for time to freeze more than I do now. Right here, with you."

Sakura could feel her heart thundering in her chest. "M-Malleus?"

"Sakura, I do not wish you to think lowly of me, but I have a request."

The young woman blinked, profoundly aware of their bodies' proximity. "A request?"

The dark-haired prince nodded. "It is a selfish request, but I find that when it comes to you, I am powerless to be anything other than selfish."

Taking a deep breath, she met his stare, squeezing his fingers. "Tell me. Please."

"Very well, though do not feel obligated to reply. I must speak these words now, for a time might not come again that I will have the courage to do so," he started, staring deeply into her eyes. "Dragons are known for hoarding priceless treasures and protecting them fiercely. Yet this past year I have known you, I have been hoarding something different, something so valuable that no gold coins or gems could ever hope to compare to."

"What…What have you been hoarding?" she asked, her voice a breathless whisper.

"Moments with you. All the words we have exchanged and all the fleeting touches we have shared I have locked away in my memories, mine to safeguard and treasure. A source of solace for when I lie in the darkness of my quarters and dream of you resting in my arms."

He reached out and took both her hands in his, bringing them to his lips and placing gentle kisses on each of her fingers. "Sakura, I wish you to be mine."

People said that life-changing moments often went unnoticed until the time was right, yet Sakura was certain that she was staring at one that very instant. Like the healing waters of a hot spring, Malleus' words washed over her, warming every corner of her being.

The force of his confession rendered her speechless, and for a few seconds she stared at him, transfixed by the genuine affection she saw swirling in his otherworldly green eyes.

Malleus' expression fell, likely interpreting her silence as rejection, and he cleared his throat, letting her hands drop from his grasp. "I apologize if I made you uncomfortable-"

Without a warning, Sakura threw her arms around his neck and pulled his face down to hers, locking their lips together. He did not reciprocate immediately, and for a moment she feared she had done the wrong thing, but them he embraced her, pulling her on his lap.

Malleus held her without restraint, slanting her head further so he could kiss her with more ferocity. He took her lips with a passion born from unfulfilled desires and the joy of two hearts finally uniting, drinking from her mouth like she was the sweetest thing he had ever tasted.

Even when they broke apart, flushed and out of breath, Malleus still held her tightly with a strength that went far beyond that of mere physical muscle, fisting his hands on the back of her shirt as if he were afraid she'd disappear if he let go.

Resting her forehead against his, she caressed his cheek. "I promise…I promise I will give you so many moments to hold onto…I will keep adding to your hoard until there is no more room left."

Malleus smiled, his fangs peeking from behind his lips, and nuzzled her face. "Never. I will never get my fill of you. The fire you have ignited in my soul will burn eternally, in this life and the next. That is my vow to you."

Knowing fairly well what vows and oaths meant to the fae, Sakura could have wept at those words. "Can I ask you to make me another promise?"

"Whatever your heart desires."

She pressed her lips to his. "Never stop kissing me."

Chuckling, Malleus cupped her face, rubbing circles on her cheek with his thumb. "I believe that is going to be quite easy, for I plan to kiss you every day of our lives until the light fades from my eyes."

Smiling, Sakura pulled him to her and pressed her lips to his in reply. "Like that?" she asked teasingly, blinking up at him innocently.

"And like this," Malleus kissed her again, "and like this, and this, and this…"

TBC

Gosh, I can't handle how cute Malleus is. I just adore this tall, dragon boy.

Heya guys! How's it going?

I really, really enjoyed writing this and I sincerely hope you did too.

I'm torn between Sebek and Azul for the next one so I'll see what idea this brain of mine will come up with.

Reading your thoughts always makes my day, so drop me a review if you have a minute to spare.

Until next time,

Lots of love!