Angel Of Darkness

Chapter Fourteen: Roses

Izuna had his eyes closed.

He was trying hard to relieve the stress he was feeling while feeding on a bag of delicious blood.

His eyebrows scrunched up the moment that he felt his mate enter the room, but his eyes remained closed. He was trying to ignore him, driving the point home when he refused to acknowledge him when he started to call his name.

Madara sighed, reaching to touch Izuna's hand but stopped when his mate flinched away from him.

"Please, Izuna," The man crooned softly.

It was enough to make Izuna feel slight guilt on top of his stress.

This wasn't the first time today, he noted, that Madara was making an actual effort to corner and talk to him.

Izuna thought he had been slick and fooled Madara into thinking that he'd be in class right now, but his mate was not fooled. He must have been keeping a real close eye on him to have found him feeding. That alone showed just how much effort his beloved was putting into getting his attention.

Although, Madara was always smarter than Izuna gave him credit for. That was one of the reasons he was so in love with him.

He sensed him getting close, reaching once more and this time he didn't pull away.

Tender lips met his neck, a teasing tongue licked at the quick pulse, causing Izuna to swallow hard. He clenched his hands when teasing fingertips brushed against his waist line, tugging gently at the material of his shirt, untucking it from his pants.

Izuna sighed, relaxing into the familiar touch and opened his eyes to look at his mate, whom was looking at him shyly and hesitant. The sight nearly broke his heart. He released his teeth from his nearly empty blood bag, and gently set it aside. He encircled his arms around Madara's neck, and pressed a light bloody kiss to his lips.

"What's wrong love?" he asked, resting his head over his shoulder, his fingertips running over the long wild mane of Madara's hair.

"I'm sad, I want to ask my lovely mate out to the festival, but I don't know if he will allow me to do so," Madara tried his best at a pout, causing Izuna to snort a laugh. He knew better than to think it was that simple, but if it was, his mate was sweet.

"You're terrible at this, you shouldn't be pouting like that!" Izuna smiled softly as he tilted his head in consideration. "Alright, I will grant my lovely mate the date he so craves," he gave in. It was going to happen anyways.

Both of them had a lot of thing to unload.

"Thank you love," Madara said, taking his hand and placing a kiss on his knuckles. Izuna blushed at the gesture, not expecting it. Over the years small gestures like that had disappeared. For Madara to act on one meant a lot—sparked something deep inside of him, a longing he had not known he had.

"Stop that," he whined softly, blushing hotly.

"Sorry, can't help myself love, I just want to shower you with all my love," Madara smirked, winking at his mate. Fear and uncertainty flashed in Madara's eyes for a fraction of a second, but it was there nonetheless.

Izuna felt a twinge of guilt hit his heart.

Secrets sucked, and this one might just kill him.

Sakura gulped, watching as the strange girl Hinata held her hand in her small cold ones. Her white eyes had not blinked in what felt like minutes, staring hard at the lines of the rosettes palm. What was she looking at so intently?

Sakura had asked for a thorough reading this year because she was determined to find true love! She just didn't think that her request would give Hinata's face such a dire look.

"What is it Hinata?" Sakura asked, "Am I doomed to never find love?"

"That's not it," the raven haired girl's voice spoke. She closed her eyes, tracing her cool fingers over the line of Sakura's palm, "You will find love in a few years, outside of school. You will be happy and have a child…the issue is here, the danger that is posed to the life of you and your friends. It's danger that's close to you Sakura," she opened her eyes to stress the severity of her predictions to the pink haired girl.

Sakura flinched, looking from Hinata's face to her hand. The intensity she found there was unnerving to maintain eye contact.

"How can I get away from the danger?" Sakura asked, genuinely scared for herself and her friends.

"The danger is hard to point out just like that or what you could do, but it surrounds the one with the dark hair and black eyes…" Hinata said, looking back at Sakura's hand, glad that the girl was believing her. "The danger follows him closely,"

"Sasuke," Sakura didn't even have to think of who she could possibly mean. The raven haired boy that she and Naruto had started to hang out with immediately flashed in her mind's eye. "What-what can we do to help him?"

"The thing is that it's showing that the danger isn't following him, it is him," Hinata tried to clarify, she too was unsure of what it could mean. She had seen the boy in question around and had thought he was a bit odd, but perhaps harmless. She hadn't talked with him to get a better feel. "Sasuke might be dangerous, be careful Sakura."

"That's not possible, Sasuke is a bit…mean, but not bad," Sakura defended, but her heart was beating fast with doubt.

"I just go with what I see Sakura, I'm sorry I can't fully elaborate. I can read your cards next to try and see what it could mean?" Hinata offered, trying to placate Sakura. The last thing she needed was for her to get way to defensive.

Sakura nodded her head and agreed.

Hinata pulled out her deck and started shuffling the cards. She was careful as she set three of them out, eyes narrowing at what she saw.

The much anticipated day of the festival was finally here.

Everyone was working hard in their attractions. The haunted house was incredibly popular, especially when they had used Sasuke and Suigetsu to lure in most of the female population. With so much success in the first few hours, Naruto was the most excited to switch shifts so he could change his clothes and meet up with Kyuubi for the first night.

He was in and out within seconds, whining to both Sasuke and Suigetsu to hurry up. "You two are so slow!" he groaned as he walked out of the changing rooms. He blinked when he came face to face with Sakura, who was nervously standing outside.

The pink haired girl was dressed nicely in a red shirt, and a black skirt. She was a bit fidgety but greeted him with one of her sweet and glossy smiles. Naruto returned it.

"Hey Sakura," he greeted, "Sasuke and Suigetsu will be out soon. We're going to hang out with our dates today, are you coming with?" he wasn't sure if Sakura had a date or not. She could just want to hang with them and that was cool with him. She was always welcomed.

"Hey Naruto, no, I just was hoping to chill with you guys," Sakura said.

"Sure, no problem," Naruto said. "Are you okay?" he added when he noted that she still looked uncomfortable about something.

"I- uh…"

She wasn't able to say anything as the doors to the changing room open once more, with Suigetsu and Sasuke walking out.

"Let's get going. Kisame promised me food," Suigetsu said, already walking ahead without pause to greet anyone. Sasuke wordlessly followed after and Naruto moved to keep pace. Sakura hesitated, being the last to follow from behind. She wanted to say something so badly, but wasn't sure how to do it.

Instead she followed them around. The three boys gravitated to different booths, drawn in by the food. Sakura couldn't even stomach anything, her eyes darting to Sasuke and watching him closely. His pale skin, and the way his inky eyes and hair contrasted against it so nicely. He was definitely incredibly handsome and pretty, like a blend that wasn't often accomplished by humans.

He was otherworldly, if she was using Hinata's words.

After a few more minutes, they came across Kisame, Kyuubi, and Itachi.

Kisame had asked Suigetsu out, promising food as a bonus. Although he really didn't have to, Suigetsu would have gone out with him anyways. He just found that he liked when Kisame got a bit assertive.

Asking him out like he was commanding the date out of him had been sexy.

Smiling, Suigetsu his arms around one of Kisame's, batting his eyelashes as he allowed him to lead the way to another food booth.

Sasuke was a bit more shy than expected when it came to being Itachi's date. Itachi had to reach for his hand and lead the way for him. Sasuke was tomato red as he allowed the long hair raven to drag him along.

The sight was funny to Naruto as he took Kyuubi's hand and told him that he wanted to see if anyone was selling ramen. Kyuubi didn't have the heart to tell him that he doubted that they were, and simply went with him in search of the delicious soup.

Sakura was once more dragging at the end.

It didn't take long for all of them to have a snack each, just hanging away from the crowd and in the back of one of the buildings. The noise muted there and allowed for small talk amongst their group.

"Sakura, you didn't get a snack?" Naruto asked when he finally turned to acknowledge the girl that had been there all along.

Sakura gave him a look and shook her head. "No, but I want to talk with you Naruto, come," she said, grabbing his arm.

"Hey wait," Naruto pouted, turning his head as he was dragged away, "I'll be back Kyuubi," he said. Kyuubi nodded, watching them go with concern. He knew that Sakura was just Naruto's friend, but damned if he didn't feel a twinge of jealousy as he watched her take him away.

Away from them, Sakura finally let the blond go and sighed loudly, "so I got my reading from Hinata a few days ago and she told me some bad news!" Sakura said.

Naruto raised an eyebrow, "what, you're going to end up sad and alone for the rest of your life?" Naruto ventured, making Sakura grow angry.

"No you idiot!" she snapped, the urge to hit him bubbling inside of her. She restrained herself. She had grown out of just hitting anyone that made her mad. Even if the only person that ever got her riled up was Naruto. She had promised herself that she was more mature than that now that she was at the tail end of high school. "Anyways, she said that we should be careful, Sasuke could be dangerous,"

Naruto stared at her, waiting for something more. When nothing came, he snorted, "Really Sakura, Sasuke's just Sasuke,"

"I'm being serious here Naruto," she huffed, planting her hands squarely over her hips. "Be serious about this,"

"Come on Sakura, if we're being serious you're telling me that you believe Hinata's reading?" Naruto gave her a skeptical look. "Hinata is great and all, but what she does can't mean all that much, I thought it was just a game,"

"Her predictions come true Naruto, she has a high track record and everyone knows she's never wrong!" Sakura defended. "Listen, Sasuke is dangerous and we should be careful around him,"

Naruto frowned, crossing his arms as he turned to look at Sasuke who was still blushing just because Itachi was standing so close to him. There was nothing remotely dangerous of how small and sweet Sasuke looked while he talked with Itachi.

"I don't see it," The blond grumbled.

Sakura turned her eyes to Sasuke, briefly, before pulling on Naruto and bringing him close, "Hinata also has a theory that Sasuke is not human." She continued, "He might be some sort of otherworldly being that is here to destroy us all…"

At this Naruto jerked away from her, angrily glaring.

"Next thing you'll be telling me that everyone here isn't human," Naruto rolled his eyes as he swung his arms about. "I really don't believe you about any of this, do you even hear yourself Sakura? Sasuke is our friend and he's not a monster that is trying to hurt us."

Sakura crossed her arms, miffed that he didn't believe her. "Fine don't believe me, but it's the truth." she turned to where Sasuke was and grinned. "Right Sasuke!" She loudly called, getting the attention of everyone.

Sasuke looked over at her and raised an eyebrow.

Sakura just continued to grin, waving her hand back and forth with a mischievous look on her face. Sasuke wasn't sure what she was referring to, so he turned away from her to continue talking with Itachi.

"Whatever, you're weird Sakura," Naruto said, turning away from her to go back to Kyuubi. He didn't care if she joined them or not, he was done talking with her about all this weird shit.

Sakura, on the other hand, smirked, watching both of them, specifically Sasuke.

Oh, she had to be right, Sasuke wasn't human, there was no way that Hinata's reading was wrong either. Hinata also theorized that Sasuke didn't know that he might be something else. She didn't expect him to know what she had learned.

Hinata had been so thorough with her cards.

She had told the tragic story between two friends.

How a few years back, Sasuke had died, and Naruto had scarified himself so save him. How that had impacted their souls in this world that shuffled life around, shaping around what should be… The problem with that was that Sasuke was about to reach the next stage in his life, or a coming of age that will shake the world. Hinata said that in this state, Sasuke would pose a danger to everyone and it was up to her to make sure that she and Naruto stayed safe from it.

Sakura wasn't all too sure what it all meant. Whatever Sasuke was, and if he was coming of age, a big step in his life that would shake their lives…just thinking about it left her feeling confused. What was it…

What could Sasuke be?

Not even Hinata had an answer to that. She had stayed silent and said she would help support them when the time came.

She had to find out so that she could stop him and protect not only herself and Naruto, but the whole school!

She would make sure nothing goes wrong.

Madara had picked Izuna from the dorms.

It was not nightfall and the festival was coming to an end for its first night. He had enjoyed himself, watching Izuna eat and play. It was always his favorite, to make his mate so happy, that was all that mattered.

He'd said it once, and he would forever say it. "I'd do anything to make you smile"

"Huh," Izuna turned to Madara, confusion flashing in his eyes for a moment, before he smiled. "Are you trying to romantic, love?" Izuna asked.

Madara forced a smile of his own and nodded his head.

"By all means, go on," Izuna urged, moving close to him. Madara wrapped his arms around him, but he couldn't keep going. The festival was closing now. The staff was asking students to go back to their dorms. The usual curfew wasn't being enforced at how slow the student body was being in getting back to their dorms.

Classes would still be early the next morning.

They were still expected to be responsible, but Madara was burning inside. His heart was faltering with Itachi's words resonating in the back of his head.

"Mom is king duck, and you are the goose. Why don't you figure it out, all you have to do is tag mom."

Madara hated hiding things from Izuna. He had loved that their relationship was so open with no secrets. To learn that in the time they had spent apart, Izuna had developed a secret from him, it hurt him. It made him sad and angry all at the same time.

He wanted Izuna to tell him, he didn't want to have to tag him to get the answer he sought. He itched to tag Izuna and get the answer, but he was hoping, for once, that his mate would have mercy on him and make this easy, if he just asked.

"Izuna, why are we playing this game, what are you hiding?" he asked as they were halfway to their dorm room.

Izuna, who had thought it had been a great day, paused to turn and look at Madara. He opened and closed his mouth.

Was it that bad, what could he be hiding?

"Is it bad?" Madara asked.

Izuna shrugged, looking away from him, no longer meeting his eyes. "Madara, I…I don't know how to tell you," he said.

"Just say something, anything, please to that…" Madara softly begged.

Izuna had shut his mouth, looking like he wasn't going to budge. Madara moved closer to him, brushing his hair aside.

"Our son is clever you know, Izuna," he whispered hotly into the soft ear of his love, "He said King duck should fall under the palm of my hand, because I'm the goose," he waited, watching Izuna closely. He watched how his mate worked things out and attempted to move out of his reach.

Madara stopped him.

"Madara!" Izuna cried, shaking his head.

"This might be your game, love, but I don't want to do that to you." Madara said, releasing him. Izuna regained his footing, holding a hand to his chest as he watched Madara with wide large eyes. Fuck, why had Sasuke not told him that Madara was the goose…why would Itachi make Madara the one unless there was something that he knew…

Itachi was always a little too smart for his own good.

Izuna had no doubt that boy had pieced everything together if he had tagged his father…fuck he was cornered.

"I want you to tell me Izuna, or I will tag you. I'll let the decision be yours. I'm giving you until the last day of the festival," Madara's request was clear, before he vanished. Izuna shivered, scared that he might come at him and tag him…

His heart lurched in fear.

He had never seen Madara look so dead set and serious. This was hurting him more than he first thought and that alone brought tears to Izuna's eyes.

He was going to have to tell him.

But hell, he didn't feel like he was ready for that. He was scared of Madara's reaction. Trying to think of a way out of having to do this so soon, Izuna rushed to his dorm room, he needed to talk with Sasuke!

Itachi dropped Sasuke off at his dorm room door, lingering back as he didn't want to say goodnight just yet.

The two were shyly standing around, not wanting to say good night. Kyuubi had already left and Naruto was safe inside. They could hear him loudly and happily telling Gaara about the incredible first date that he had with Kyuubi.

Although that was neither here or there, and the silence and stillness of being outside filled them with a slight anticipation- mouths dry.

"Do I get a kiss?" Itachi asked, leaning himself over Sasuke. Sasuke being shorter looked up at Itachi, tilting his head a bit with a smile.

"What, on the first date?" he asked, his smile growing at the request. The fact that Itachi had asked for his permission made butterfly's burst in his tummy. His heart hammered in his chest, wanting to accept so badly, but wanting to tease Itachi all the same…to ask him once more…

"Well, I don't want to wait." Itachi murmured, leaning in closer, his lips just a hairbreadths away from Sasuke's.

"Yes," Sasuke's breath hitched.

Itachi took his hands in his, slowly closing the gap between them. Their lips touched, delicately so, before they were pulled away from each other.

Sasuke cried out as he was tugged into a chest and Itachi was ripped away from him. Itachi himself was confused by the sudden force that met him and bared his fangs, pausing when he realized it was his mother, Izuna that was standing in the way.

"Mom," Both boys said.

Izuna flinched, confused.

"Get inside Sasuke," he commanded. Sasuke opened his mouth to protest, when Izuna shot him a harsh glare. He shut his mouth, glancing towards Itachi with a look of longing before moving to get inside.

"Mom," Itachi started.

"Stay away from him Itachi," Izuna said with finality, turning his back on his son and closing the door in his face.

Itachi stared, a cold emptiness growing in his chest at what had been asked of him. His mom couldn't be serious, there was no way…

He wasn't going to stay away!