The journey continues! We are learning a little more about Sakura and who she is, as well as introducing some characters. As well as some reintroductions...

Honestly, I am not super happy with this chapter. It was just not coming together I way I wanted it to, no matter how I tried to tweak it.

As always, please read and review! I love feedback. No flames plz tho (constructive criticism accessible).

Do the slang definitions helpful? I am trying to make the story feel more authentic, so I've been doing a little research here and there. Let me know!

Chapter 4

Trouble in Applegate

Slang Terms:

gal-sneaker: An 1870 term for a man devoted to seduction.

cat-lap: A London society term for tea and coffee. Naruto uses it in a teasing way.

The day's etiquette lesson had been successful, and Sakura managed a poised image for the younger generation. Afterwards, she had gone back to Ino's to enjoy some time with her best friend while her mother returned home. Sakura had needed a break from her home and the shadows that followed her. Once she got home, she intended to spend time in the gardens and maybe feed the horses before dinner. Then she would turn in early. She would not read tonight, even if she woke in the middle of the night. Even if she had to stare into the darkness for hours. Exhaustion would take her eventually. She needed to stop giving in to the obsessive thoughts, lest they take over her mind completely.
First thing she did when she entered the Haruno estate was go into the kitchen in search of some apples. She filled a basket and set out for the stables. The driver was still taking care of the horse he had just used for the carriage and smiled as she showed him the apples she brought. She fed the four horses the treats. Enjoying the fresh air, she went toward the back of the house where the gardens were. She enjoyed the breath of fresh air. Lately the house, even the library, had felt stuffy. Everything was consumed by her late-night activities except the gardens.
Sakura could see some people standing out on the patio. Not wanting to disturb them, or be disturbed herself, she stuck to the perimeter and decided to observe the lily pond on the far side of the garden. Hoping they did not see her in passing, she stuck close to the tall trees and bushes.
"Sakura, my dear! Come meet our new neighbor!" Sakura's mother called out, foiling her plan. Her shoulders slumped. Of course she could not get past her mother. Mebuki's senses were sharp, even when she was entertaining, and she never lost an opportunity to involve Sakura in her socialite career. Sakura lazily turned her head, hoping her mother would see that she was not in the mood and let her go. Mebuki smiled and beckoned her toward the small group. She could not see the group fully, but one of the people with her mother was her 'assistant', Suza. While there was no monetary compensation, the title socialite was well sought after and often a full-fledged career for bureaucratic women. Her mother was skilled at it and held sway over many renowned names and titles. It appeared superficial, talking and drinking at parties, but her mother was clever. It was a more elaborate dance that what was done on the dance floor. Sakura did not want the life for herself, but she understood the importance of it.
Sakura made her way over, prepping herself for menial conversation. 'How do you expect people to enjoy your presence if you act like you do not enjoy theirs?' She internally chastised. She should at least give some effort. Foliage cleared as she made her way onto the path to the patio, pushing branches away as she did so. A prepared smile was already on her face when she pushed a branch out of her path. When she looked up, she froze. Those shadows that crept after her in the house rose into the gardens and suffocated her as she looked upon the third party talking to her mother.

He was here.

Sakura would have run in the opposite direction if a monster was not standing so closely to her mother. She forced her body to go forward, walking with slow, cautious steps as she once again tried to process what to do. The fake smile was still plastered on her face, as if her face had been so shocked it had forgotten to react.

Her mother frowned at her at her strange behavior. She reached out and lightly tugged on Sakura's arm, trying to bring her back to reality. Sakura sought for an excuse to run away, her heart beating faster as mother drew her closer to the monster she had faced in Romania, but she couldn't get a word out. Mebuki put her hand on the small of Sakura's back like she was presenting fine jewelry.

"This is my daughter Sakura. Sakura, this is the count that just moved down the way, Sasuke Uchiha." Mebuki introduced them. 'Sasuke.' The demon in the mountains had a name.

Amusement sparkled in Sasuke's dark eyes. They were not red, like that night. Instead they were onyx. She almost thought she had imagined him in a nightmare, because the man in front of her looked surprisingly normal. His dark hair was clean and swayed past his chin. His features were smooth, and for the first time, Sakura could see that he was incredibly handsome. She almost asked him if he could open his mouth so she could inspect his teeth, but she would not dare get close enough to do that. She would not be fooled by his appearance.

She knew what he was.

"I'm sorry, where did you say you were from again?" Her mother asked him sweetly, oblivious to how tense Sakura was. How was he standing here, out in the daylight, and why was he having a conversation with her mother? How had he found her? Why was he not attacking yet?
'Vampires are not rip and tear beings.' A recollection from the supernatural book she found. Many nights were spent searching for a way to understand the evils she had not believed in before. She wanted to be prepared if she ever encountered it again. 'There danger is their camouflage. They blend in.' Sasuke was too smart to attack three women in the daylight when others were close by.

"Romania." He replied. Even with the accent his voice was deep and clear.

"Oh, how exotic!" Mother swooned. "Sakura just came back from a trip to Romania. Perhaps you've met?"

How could Sakura forget? Sasuke gave her a knowing smile and she shuddered.

"I think I would remember meeting such a beautiful flower."

Sakura's eye twitched. Her mother giggled, giving Sakura a nudge in Sasuke's direction. "Oh my, what a generous compliment! Is it not, Sakura?" Her mother probed. Sakura stayed stiff and said nothing. Mebuki frowned behind her fan and not so gently elbowed Sakura from behind.

"O-oh, um, yes. Generous. What did you say you do?" Sakura said. She narrowed her eyes at her mother and turned the suspicious gaze towards Sasuke. The content smirk never left his face. The look did not frighten her. It angered her. He knew the turmoil he was causing within her. It showed on his face. Yet only she saw it. Her mother and Suza seemed taken by the strapping young count in front of them.

"I do many things; I own quite a bit of land in Europe which allows me to travel at my leisure. I have been looking to expand to Great Britain for some time now." Sasuke looked directly into Sakura's eyes as he spoke. "I enjoy hunting as well."

Mebuki and Suza gasped and cooed. "Sounds dangerous. I bet you have gathered some eccentric trophies with your travels."

"Oh, I have. I do enjoy the chase. Not once has a prize gotten away from me." Sasuke responded.

Sakura gulped.

Mebuki picked up on the intense looks between the two but mistook the meaning. She thought quickly, tugging on her assistant's sleeve. "Oh dear, we're going to be late to meet the Cadewells!"

The assistant gave Mebuki a confused look. "Cadewells? That's not for another hour-"

"Look. At. The. Time." She gritted out the last part, trying to get her dense assistant to understand that she was using the Cadewells as an excuse to give her daughter some alone time with the handsome Count. Mebuki managed to pull Suza away a couple steps as she looked back Sakura with a pleading look in her eyes. Suza did not think Sakura wanted to be left alone with the man.
"Mebuki, it's not proper to leave Sakura alone with a stranger-" Suza started, but she loudly cut him off.

"Sakura dear! You should show the count our gardens. They're absolutely beautiful this time of year and it is his first time in Applegate." Mebuki didn't wait for Sakura to stutter an excuse or explain why that was a bad idea. She pulled the assistant away with her, whispering furiously about something Sakura couldn't hear.

Sakura watched their backs fade forlornly; her mother had no idea they had left their daughter with something sinister.

"They seem quite taken with me." Sasuke commented from behind her. Sakura whirled to face him. 'Do not let him see that your intimidated.'

"You charmed them somehow." She accused. "You tried to do it to me." Senses alert, she kept her narrowed eyes on him. She would not get cheeky, but she was confident that she was not in immediate danger. At least, for now.

"And yet it didn't work. I've wondered why." He responded without a beat. His head titled slightly and took in her appearance. This was the first time they had seen each other in the daylight, without candlelight and shadows masking their features. She had done the same to him earlier, not expecting to be attracted to him. That did not matter. Impulses did not control her, and appearances were deceiving. He smirked. Her eyes narrowed further into little slits.
"Shall we go to the gardens?" Sasuke held a hand out to her, but she did not take it. He knew that she distrusted him and was shamelessly playing with her. The offer fell flat.

"How...how did you know where I lived?" She inquired. Regardless of her strong will, she was struggling to keep her body calm. She took a deep breath in through her nose.

"I told you. A great hunter who knows how to track their prey." The word 'prey' hit her like a sharp stab in the gut. "And they've never escaped..."

'Do not let him see that your intimidated.' Her will chanted again, and she yanked her chin away. "What do you want from me?"

"To continue what we left off in Romania." He said ambiguously. A chill ran up her spine. Did that mean he had come all the way from Romania to kill her? She was just one woman.

"You would travel this far for one woman?" She responded. Then a natural quip came out before she could stop it. "As flattering as that is, I am not interested. And it is not like you could take me by force if you tried again." 'Shut your goddamn mouth, Sakura.' Her inner voice hissed.
Sasuke's face did not change. He was impeccable at creating a blank mask on his face. He did, however, lean in, causing her skin to jump. Whether it was fear or stubbornness, her feet refused to move. Foolish appendages.

"The game is not to take you. I will not have to; you will come to me of your own volition." Her face scrunched. He sounded so confident of that, she almost let out another quip. Reminding herself that she was literally face to face with a powerful, dangerous creature that sipped people's blood like wine stopped her tongue. Instead, she said "You tried to kill me." Why would he think she would simply come to him? Because of his handsome veneer and charismatic cover?

"Did I?"

Sasuke's hand swiped her bottom lip, then it slid from her chin, down to her neck. She could not control the shudders rippling up her spine from his touch, and she was not used to a man being so intimate with her. Her neck naturally reddened in response. His proximity was giving her strange feelings in the pits of her stomach, but her mind held steadfast. Sakura was not going to let him fool her. He had done the same thing before he tried to…bite her.

Sasuke's fingers searched out a single threaded chain and pulled. He had noticed the very necklace that had thwarted his advances before. She still did not know what it did or how it repelled him, but she had religiously worn it since she had met him. A compulsive need for comfort and safety led her to put it on each morning. She had hoped to never meet him again, but who was to say what else she would come across?
Sasuke did not look angry at the necklace's appearance. "You clever fox." He said with a gleam in his eye. It confused Sakura further; she did not like that he seemed to be enjoying this. Sasuke removed his pale fingers, remembering what happened last time. "You are quite the challenge, Sa-ku-ra."

Her name felt wrong on his velvety tongue. A silken snake whispering to Eve. Sakura frowned. "I'm not a prize to be won, nor am I...prey." She struggled with the last part. 'I don't feel like a fox, more like a rabbit…'

Sasuke was about to say something more, but then he suddenly drew away. He let go of her and took one step back. Sakura felt relief for the room to breath, but her brow furrowed at his sudden change. Then she heard footsteps. 'how far away did he hear someone coming?' He had heard someone approaching well before her. It reminded her that she had no clue what he was capable of.

"Sakura?"

Her body relaxed at the familiar voice.

"Naruto." She breathed out, craning her head to look at him. He smiled at her warmly, but the smile faltered when he saw Sasuke standing past her. Naruto covered his hesitance and walked over to her side. She recognized the friendly smile plastered on his face; it was fake, used for people he did not know or did not like.

"Who's your friend?" Naruto asked her, but gave Sasuke a pointed look.

"A new neighbor. He just came by to introduce himself." She said but didn't offer more. Naruto picked up on her discomfort. There was a small tilt towards her in his stance that Sakura was familiar with. He had always been protective of her, but not in an overbearing way. They both knew she would never allow that. Sasuke picked up on Naruto's protective nature. Sakura could tell when he looked over at Naruto for only a moment before glancing at her again. Sasuke was not intimidated by Naruto's presence, but he did not care for it.

"Sasuke Uchiha." Sasuke offered.

Naruto stuck his hand out, always willing to be friendly and polite. "Naruto Uzamaki, nice to meet you. I am Sakura's…" Naruto's eyes made a quick flip towards her, "...adopted cousin. We are very close."

"In fact, we have to step away. There is something urgent my cousin and I need to talk about." Sakura dived in. She hooked her arm around Naruto's. "If you would not mind?" She asked Sasuke too sweetly.

Sasuke smirked.

"Not at all. It is about time I take my leave." He replied, reaching out to shake Naruto's hand again. They exchanged more pleasantries. Sakura was itching to go, resisting the urge to yank Naruto away. Once they were done shaking hands, she started to tug at Naruto's sleeve, but Sasuke surprised her by catching her other hand. He pressed a cold kiss to it and held it delicately, looking into her emerald eyes.
"I am sure I will be seeing you around." Sasuke said before swiftly turning and walking away. Her hand flopped to her side, still stunned. Sakura gaped. Naruto dropped the friendliness and openly frowned. She tugged at his arm again. When they got back inside and closed the doors, Naruto muttered, "I do not like that man."

"I concur," She agreed, "So why were you looking for me?"

"Oh!" His smile returned as he gazed upon her warmly. "I wanted to tell you the good news myself. Jiraiya and I are going to be staying here for a while. Until we can get things figured out with the Romanian excavation."

Sakura smiled. "That is great! I hate when you are gone for so long."

The smile reached Naruto's cerulean eyes. "Me too; I love my job, but I miss seeing you."

"Are you sure Jiraiya will be okay staying in Applegate?" She asked curiously.

Naruto sighed. "He says he plans to stay, but we both know he hates staying in one place for too long. So, I haven't the faintest idea."
This would have been welcome news if he had told her this earlier, when she believed that the danger was still in Romania. Now, she did not know if having more of her loved ones around was a good thing. She had a necklace that gave her some kind of protection, but her family was vulnerable.
And they did not even know it.
"I am sure the women of Applegate will be excited to hear that you will be back and staying for a while." Sakura teased, burying her worry for later. Naruto wiggled his eyebrows, meant to be suggestive but too exaggerated to be serious.
"Ah! The women! Tis why I travel so much. If I stay in one place, they might actually catch me with their grabby hands."
Sakura let out a belly laugh. "You are a handsome man, Naruto, but you are not the gal-sneaker you believe yourself to be."
"What are you talking about? Fiona absolutely loved it when I accidently lit her parasol on fire last summer." Naruto stated.
"Pffft. You are too much." Sakura touched her hand to her lips, a half-hearted attempt to cover the laugh.
"You must tell me, is that what you talk about with the other ladies at your cat-laps?"
"Do not call them that." Sakura chastised. "And why would I tell you? The whole point is for us women to be free of men, even if it is for just an afternoon."
"Uh huh." Naruto teased. "And you women are the reason why men drink so much."

"You are too much!" Sakura chided. Then gave him a sly side eye. "Tell me, is there a lady you have your eye on? Perhaps I could talk you up at our afternoon tea."

Naruto scratched his head, going quiet.
"There is one woman I am interested in..." He started.
"Really? Who?" She asked giddily, trying to catch his eye. He was avoiding eye contact, meaning he was embarrassed. He must really be interested to act so bashful.
"I am not ready to tell you yet." He replied matter-of-factly. He folded his arms across his chest and finally met her pleading eyes. She pouted.
"That is not fair. You were the first person to know when I fancied Cristen." Sakura pointed out.
Naruto brushed it off. "Honestly, I have more interest in food right now than talking about women. When is dinner?"

Sakura was glad to escape from Sasuke earlier in the day, but her mother was not going to let her mind free from him at dinner.

"...that new neighbor is handsome. And he is all alone in that big house." Mebuki started, eyeing Sakura. She ignored her mother, taking another bite of her food. Her father sensed where the conversation was going, and smartly kept quiet. 'If you only knew…'

"He seemed to really like you Sakura. He called you a 'beautiful flower.'" Mebuki hinted with a smile. Sakura sighed, and caught a glimpse of Naruto's disapproving scowl as he sat across from her.

"Well, I do not like him." She retorted. There was no need to look at her mother, she knew her mom was taken back by her statement. She probably thought Sakura was crazy, saying such a thing about a 'handsome', 'charming', and single Count(which included two bonuses: titles and money).

"Why not? If you gave him a chance, I am sure it would be-"

"Trust me, I do not think it would work." Sakura replied saucily. She did not mean to cut her mother off or sound snide, but it was best to shut her down now before she got any more ideas about her and...whoever Sasuke was. Honestly, she had not fully processed everything. She still had trouble coming to terms with what happened in Romania. How could she begin to fathom her nightmare following her home and endangering everyone she loved? Perhaps that was why her comments came out harsher than they should.

Mebuki pointed a disapproving glare at her. "Really Sakura, how will men fancy you if you are always so cold?" She chastised. Mebuki set down her fork, signaling that she was gearing up for a good tongue lashing. "You're a beautiful and bright girl." She outlined, then sneaked in, "Albeit a little lippy at times," Sakura huffed at that, "and yet you cannot seem to see a good thing past your nose."

If Sakura truly were smart, she would have ended the argument or tried a different tactic to deter her mother. She did not do either of those. "If I am so bright, why can I not study medicine?" Sakura spit back.

That comment did it. A full blown argument erupted between the two while Kazashi and Naruto talked amongst themselves. This tiff had happened on more than one occasion, and they knew better than to pick sides. The single butler that served the family, walked into the dining room, effectively interrupting the argument. As soon as he realized what was happening though, he profusely apologized.

"I'm sorry to interrupt." He said, starting to step out. Mebuki raised a hand and signaled him to stop. She took a deep breath.

"It's fine, Edmund. What is it you need?" She said politely.

"Tis okay good man, I can announce myself!" A voice boomed from behind the door. Uncle Jiraiya stalked in, and the tension evaporated. Mebuki's attention would be off her daughter when Jiraiya was around. Sakura snickered into her drink as she watched the contrasting reactions her parents gave. Kizashi's face became jovial and he stood up to greet Jiraiya, while her mother physically sank in her seat and pouted.
The men shook hands and gave each other brotherly pats on the back. Jiraiya sauntered to the seat next to Sakura, patting her head as he passed her.

"Sorry to interrupt during dinner, but I just got done with some discussions and did not have time to plan dinner. I hope you do not mind." He offered, sliding his seat out with his foot, and plopping down. He rose his empty cup and the butler rushed to fill it. Once his glass was full, Edmond stepped back. Jiraiya slyly plucked the bottle out of Edmunds hands and thanked him. Then he set the bottle on the table next to him.
Sakura could practically smell her mother sour in her seat.

"Please, sit down with us." Mebuki offered limply. Jiraiya shook his head, hooking his thumbs on his vest as he lounged back.

"I am not that hungry, but I could always go for a brandy."

"And we shall, good sir!" Kizashi boasted. Mebuki's piercing gaze turned on her husband. "After we finish dinner, of course."

After that, dinner ended quickly. Mebuki did not bug Sakura about their newest neighbor again, although she knew that her mother would bring it up again at a later date. Even though Mebuki did not get a long with Jiraiya most of the time, she knew having his brother around made Kizashi happy. Sakura spied a tiny smile on her mother's face as the men boisterously talked. Her mother annoyed her with her prim ways, but she had a good heart. Sometimes Sakura felt bad about how much they argued about Sakura's aspirations. Mebuki wanted her to naturally follow in her footsteps, like most upper-class women in Great Britain. It was not that she did not want to be eloquent or be able to wear a heavy gown without a small tear or stain getting on it. It was simply that she was not good at those things, and her interests lay elsewhere.
After dinner, the men hurried away like excited children. Probably to drink brandy in the den. Mebuki and Sakura were never invited, but they were fine with that. Sakura did not feel like babysitting the half-rats men and could find better things to do. Sometimes her and her mother would sit together after, but Sakura was afraid that her mother would bring up her lack of courting, so she retired early.

"I saw Sasuke Uchiha in town just yesterday." Ino gossiped as she slid a grape between her lips. "Do all the men in Romania look like him? If so, I think I need to move."
Sakura kept silent as the other girls gushed over the new bachelor in town, using her teacup to hide her snarl. She should have known that the other women would talk about him sooner or later; eligible bachelors were a common subject at their weekly gatherings. She could not blame them. There was no denying that Sasuke was attractive. Physically, he was a handsome man, and she could not deny that he was also witty and charming. If she did not know what he was, she would be eating every word in this conversation for a different reason. It had been a few days since he had suddenly appeared at her home, hiding under his sheep skin. She was admittedly still shaken by it, or rather, what his arrival meant. Francina accidently knocked Sakura's shoulder as she laughed. Sakura was brought out of her thoughts to study the teacup in her hand.
Just like her father had his gentlemen's club, and her mother had her entourage, Sakura had her own group of peers she regularly met with. A place where young women could talk freely without their mother's hovering over them, which is why they all enjoyed it so much. Naruto had called it a gal sneaker, but she considered it between a social and a bluestocking. Even Hinata, the shy eldest daughter of the Hyuugas, felt more confident in this setting. Hinata sat next to Ino, Sakura's closest friend. Ino's parents owned the popular flower chain that branched to several stores, most in London. She was flanked by Milani, a girl Sakura did not care for, and then Charlotte who had just joined the group. There was between ten to fifteen women who would come and all single, so the topic steered toward men often. 'How ironic, we come to avoid men, and then spend most of our time talking about them.'
"He is a neighbor of yours, is he not, Sakura?" Charlotte asked. All the women pointedly looked at her. She hid her scowl under the scrutiny, replacing it with a neutral face. 'He is dangerous.' Is what she wanted to say, but they would ask for an elaboration that she could not give without them laughing so hard their corsets would burst open.
"Yes." She said curtly.
The women leaned in eagerly. "Well," Soriya, who wore a dress the color of sunflowers that complimented her light brown hair nicely, asked "what do you know about him?"
"Only that he's a haughty Lord from Romania." She replied.
"I think you misspoke," Ino said. "You mean 'hottie'. As in hot."
The girls giggled. Sakura rolled her eyes. Should she tell them he has a glass eye? Or that his personality was considerable unpleasant? She feared that anything she said to deter them would fall on deaf ears. 'You need to do something. He could kill at any moment.'
"I heard your mother say that the meeting between you two was plenty pleasant." Hinata said. Hinata told the group of what Mebuki had said, including the Count's 'generous compliment', with a small smile. Sakura knew that Hinata was only excited for a friend, but it only frustrated her. It made her situation that more difficult, trying to convince the other women to steer clear of the illustrious man...vampire.
'Let the gossip commence.'
"I have only had one conversation with him." Sakura stated nonchalantly. Best not to make a big deal of it.
"How long has the Count even been in Applegate? A week? I am sure the man was just being kind. He has yet to meet most of the town, let alone some of the more refined women." Milani stated, fishing an underhanded insult at Sakura.
And that was why she did not care for Milani.
"Did you not have your eye on Simon?" Ino slipped in the comment casually, but her eyes were slightly narrowed. She had caught the insult as well and did not appreciate it.
"Am I not allowed to have options?" Milani said back snidely.
"Not if you keep eating those biscuits like that." Sakura replied in a faux sweet tone. She batted her eyes for emphasis. Ino sniggered. Hinata twiddled her fingers nervously.
"That reminds me; my mother told me that the police were at the neighbor's house this morning." Hinata blurted, trying to avoid a fight. That caught all the women's attention.
Tenten blinked in confusion. "How did that remind you of a break-in?" she asked, but her voice was drowned out by the others.
"Whatever for?" Charlotte gasped. She leaned in, and other women huddled closer. Hinata pushed further into her seat, not comfortable with being the center of attention.

"They believe young miss Hastings has disappeared. I heard it in the square when I went by the flower shop this morning." Ino spoke for Hinata, trying to help her.

"Like Mrs. Wilson?" Sakura inquired.

"What?" Charlotte gasped again.

"Do you not read the paper? disappeared just last week and has not been seen since."
"Goodness! I had no idea."
"She also said they found blood in her chambers…"
The rumors took over the room. Some Sakura had not heard yet. It was hard to decipher what was fact, and what was just mindless gossip.

"…what if it is him? Jack the Ripper?" Hinata asked shakily. Ino reached out and patted the scared girl's hand. For once, Ino did not have words. Probably because she wondered the same thing.
"We should not assume anything, but we should be cautious." Sakura stated. Perhaps running with the ripper story would scare the other women. Could it keep them from going out late or spending time with any new strangers? Like the new bachelor in town? Sakura could only hope.
"Agreed." Soriya said with a nod.

The air in the room felt heavy as the women worried and ranted. Sakura went silent, retreating into her own thoughts. She could not voice her real concern. The demon in the mountains had come to Applegate, and she did not believe it to be a coincidence that women started disappearing since.

End Chapter 4