.x.X.x. Der Vampir .x.X.x.

Chapter One: Kalte Schwarze Augen

.x.X.x. Hokkaido, Present .x.X.x.

A steady rhythm began to sound throughout the crypt, starting faint, but growing steadily stronger each time. With each beat there cama shudder of pain. Still, his eyes refused to open. Subconsciously, all his mind screamed was to breathe. It took a long while, but, finally, there was a sharp intake of breath. He gasped, multiple times, until he slowed to a regular pace, much like that of a sleeping human. His mind wasn't awake quite yet, but his body was beginning to stir.

.x.X.x. Germany, February, 1931 .x.X.x.

They had left the noisiness of downtown a few hours ago, and the closest lights were but distant specks. Naruto and Sakura walked side by side, both disgruntled with the other and it was still fairly early in the evening.

"Let's stop. Please, Naruto." she pleaded with him. "Just a little break. I could understand the pressure if we had any kind of lead, but we don't. We're stummbling around in the dark."

"We can at least find his body," His voice came out sounding much more vicious than it had when she first met him. This was understandable, though, since newly changed vampires could never control the temper or violent tendencies that begged to surface.

Fights between young ones were extremely common. Almost always followed by a bout of rough sex and a horrifically bloody feed.

Naruto was becoming agitated. After a month of searching, they were still taking shots in the dark. A few locals, someone named Kisame especially, knew a few details, but all they had gotten was that Sasuke's body hadn't left the country. Which was great news and terrible news at the same time.

"And it's not going to get any easier when you keep complaining. You don't have to come with me, you know." He kept his eyes to the path.

"You know Iruka asked me to keep an eye on you."

"All the more reason for you to leave. No use following a dead man's orders," he respondedly bitterly. Why couldn't she just let him face this alone? In a month or so, he would be so much stronger. And when the time came, when he found Sasuke, and when he awoke, Naruto would be strong enough to protect him.

"Well, well. What do we have here?" The sudden chill that swept the air alerted Naruto to a stronger vampire's presence. One he knew all to well.

"Itachi," Naruto answered, eyes red, fangs already pressing towards his lip. He could just picture that damned monster smirking.

"Whatever could you be looking for?" He materialized in front of them, spawning from the shadows themselves. His cloak was drawn tightly around him, his red eyes spinning in the darkness.

"You know damn well what I want. Tell me where he is!" The blonde's fists were shaking with rage, but he wouldn't attack the other man. Even he knew he was no match for him.

"I can't believe even you would be so stupid." Itachi's laughter resounded through the trees. It was harsh and humorous as the same time, invading Naruto's ears as he shook his head as if to make it go away. "He didn't even care about you."

"Then why would he only drink from me?'"

Itachi stared at the young, blonde, child. Who did he think he was, challenging him? Naruto saw the other man's smirk turn into a frown of rage, and he began to speak between his fangs.

"You are a complete fool. If you truly believe that my brother cared for you, find him. I'd positively love watching this all play out. I just want to be there when he finally tells you how meaningless you are. I want to see the look on your face."

Naruto watched as the other man turned and disappeared. Only then did he allow himself to sink to his knees in fear.

.x.X.x. Hokkaido, Present Day .x.X.x.

"Do you think Sasuke will like Japan?" Sakura asked, staring admirably at the trees around their house. The leaves had long died, but just the branches themselves reminded her of a painting and that alone was enough to console her.

"Sasuke, he doesn't like anything." Naruto said softly, staring at the pond that was near the house. There was a very thin layer of ice covering the lake, the most cast a shimery reflection upon it.

"He liked you." She said absently as they walked.

"No, I liked him." He hated to admit to himself, but he really didn't know if the other boy, (if one of their age could even dare to be called boy) had felt anything for him other than lust, than raw need to devour.

He had felt needed when Sasuke had been awake. He knew that someone was dependent on him for their very life. He had relished in that, and had in turn fallen in love with Sasuke. He knew the other looked upon him with respect, since Naruto was neither scared of him, nor resented him for what he was. Yet, Naruto still didn't know if Sasuke loved him. He would ask; he had to ask.

As soon as Sasuke awoke.

.x.X.x. End Chapter One .x.X.x.

A/N: Chapter is rewritten and edited. I'm starting to worry that my writing is too cheesy. Blah. Promise the new, 2009 chapters will be longer.

Kalte Schwarze Augen - Cold Black Eyes

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