Hey, I'm sorry for not posting in such a long time! I was busy with school and had no time to write! But I will try to post when I can! Promise! So here is the second chapter! I hope you enjoy it!

Aiko of the Akatsuki: Thanks again for your loyal support!

darkreverie13: Thanks! Well Sasuke still has his home and money from the time he was living... but he doesn't play a huge role in human society because well... he has the vampire court to deal with.

Melodi Moon: Your welcome!

It had been two weeks since she last saw him, two long torturous weeks, without a single sign of him among the busy city streets. But how was that possible? How could one single human simply vanish? Sakura didn't know or couldn't come up with an answer. She was crest fallen, depressed, and disappointed. Ever since she met the strange man she couldn't stop thinking about him. Even in sleep he would appear in her dreams and whisper soft things she could barely understand!

She missed his eyes, so dark and deep with bottled up emotions that were waiting to escape. His stare, so focused on anything in its path, sent chills along her spin. But his voice made her knees want to buckle. It was soft and smooth, but held such a sharp and commanding air that it would make anyone tremble. His hair was dark as ebony along with his eyes but unlike the many other nobles she had seen with such hair it was cut short and spiked almost like he had forgotten to brush it that morning. His face, pale and elegant made her wish to touch its surface. Everything about that man, made her earn for him. Her heart would beat rapidly every time she whispered his name.

She had never felt this way before….

Sakura sighed softly as she gazed out her window to look upon the small cherry blossom tree she loved so much. Its soft pink petals had fallen upon the lush green earth making a large bed upon the grass. Her emerald eyes saddened, the color a dull green compared to the bright leaves of the trees. Why did her life always seem horrible?

A knock at her bedroom door drew her out of her thoughts, a long with a soft feminine voice calling her name. "Sakura, dear?"

"Come in mother," Sakura said softly and turned away from her window just as the door opened. Her eyes fell upon an older woman with long red hair that ended below her waist. Dark green eyes stared back at her with slight concern and disapproval. The woman was dressed in fine and rich red fabrics that revealed the pale skin of her neck and a part of her chest. White lace flared out from her sleeves, completing the Haruno clan colors. For this woman was none other than Haruno Ayako, the wife of Haruno Katashi, and the mother of Haruno Ryouta and Haruno Sakura.

"Why aren't you ready? The ball is only in a few hours!" Ayako exclaimed before rushing into Sakura's closet in search of a dress suitable for her daughter and the occasion.

"I'm sorry mother, I was day dreaming…." Sakura muttered softly making her mother huff slightly.

"You are too old to be doing that Sakura," She scolded as she exited the large closet with a beautiful white dress in her hands. Gold stitches, woven into elegant patterns were found running along the center of the dress, from the top to the very bottom. Sakura loved that dress, for she was the one that picked it out, so many years ago. She was surprised that her mother found it fitting for this ball. She had always forbid her from wearing to other special occasions. She never knew the reason to her mother's distaste but never dreamed of questioning it.

"It's just that… I've met some one and I can't stop thinking about them," Sakura whispered softly, a small and gentle smile spreading across her lips that made her eyes bright once again. Her words stopped her mother from laying the dress upon the bed.

"I see… so it's a man that's plaguing your thoughts," Her mother said with a smile. "So who is he? A noble? Or is he a rich and noble clan member? Tell me!"

"I… don't know… I only received his first name," Sakura whispered sadly. Ayako shook her head and frowned, clear displeasure written across her face.

"So a complete stranger with a pretty face… dear you know better then to fall for appearances."

"But mother, its not just a pretty face, everything about him calls to me. He is very kind. He reminds me of a knight, one that follows the code."

"Chivalry is dead," Her mother said after a soft scoff.

"Oh no it isn't, it lives on! You just have to find it! Besides it would be nice to marry a man who was kind and loving. And a man that I love."

"Love never exists in this level of society. There is no such thing as marrying for love in this world," Ayako said angrily silencing Sakura. "Give up this foolishness and get ready! We have a ball to attend. And you will be pleasant and try to gain a suitor, for our family's sake! If you aren't ready in an hour you will be punished… is that clear?"

"Yes… mother."

"Good," and with that her mother left the room, slamming the door behind her. A single tear slide down Sakura's cheek, and she brushed it away with the palm of her hand. How could she ever expect her family to understand? Silently she stood and walked over to her bed, which the dress she loved rested. She then began to get ready for the ball, holding back the tears that threaten to fall.

Below the city

Voices bounce off the walls of stone that make up the place where the secret society lived, but despite its cold exterior it had many rooms that looked warm and elegant. In one such room a small group of vampires sat upon old but grand furniture each comfortable by the small fire built in the fireplace. A young blond woman with bright blue eyes spoke to the group with great excitement that could hardly be contained. She wore a rich purple dress with black lace tied around in her neck in a small bow. Other black ribbons were fond in her hair, which was styled in several brains that came together in elegant bun.

"Ino slow down… we can barely understand a single word you're saying," a blond haired man said in an irritated growl, making the woman hiss sharply.

"Shut up Naruto!"

"Must you be so loud? You'll wake the dead!" A raven-haired man hissed making another like him chuckle. This man had long black hair that was tied in a low ponytail with a crimson ribbon. Onyx eyes gazed at the blond with slight interest. He clearly was a relative of the man beside him. He wore a black cloak and a white dress shirt and black pants underneath.

"Ah but Sasuke, they are long gone… and have no ears to hear with… and truly are the lucky ones in death."

"Don't you mock me Uchiha Itachi!" Ino hissed making the man chuckle darkly.

"You are no threat to me…. Princess."

With his statement the girl gave a sharp hiss of anger. The other two forms that gathered at the fire sighed. The woman clearly didn't understand that she was outmatched.

"Calm down Ino…." A man with long brown hair said with a sigh. Lavender eyes shot the woman a pleading look, almost asking for her to be quiet, but it went unnoticed. He wore all white except for the black jacket that hung on the armrest beside him.

"Why don't you continue what you were speaking of earlier… you have our interest now," Another blond hair woman muttered. Her hair was pulled into two pigtails that rested at the top of her head. They were curled and reached to the base of her neck. Her green eyes showed little interest in the woman in front of her but she didn't like the sharpness of her voice. She wore a cream colored dress with white bows placed around the fabric. It showed her shoulders and she had tied a matching cream ribbon around her neck.

"Why thank you Neji and Temari for being so supportive!" Ino said sweetly while shooting glares at Naruto, Sasuke, and Itachi. The two dark haired males only shrugged, while the blond only scoffed. "As I was saying…. I heard that a large Ball is being held at Lord Yoshida's mansion. Any one who's anyone will be attending!"

"So? Who cares? It's just another stuffy ball with rich arrogant fools, who only care about local news and who wore the wrong dress to which party and all the other important things that they could wrap their mind around," Naruto said sharply, shaking his head. "Peasants are more interesting."

Ino huffed, and rolled her eyes at Naruto. "It would be a good idea to attend Naruto… think about it. We can learn what's going on above our little world, and find out certain little things that make our survival secure."

"So you think hanging around nobles would be a good idea to get valuable information?" Itachi asked a single eyebrow raised in question. "I, for one, don't think it's such a grand idea."

"You only say that Itachi… because you are about to be elected into the Council," Ino said with a deep sigh.

"You old-"

"Finish that sentence and your tongue will be mine Uzumaki," Itachi muttered while picking up a book that rested on a small wooded tea table in front of them.

"I don't know… Naruto being mute might be a good thing," Sasuke said with a small smirk. A small sputter exited from Naruto's lips.

"An improvement indeed," Neji added with a smirk of his own.

"Hey! That's not funny!" Naruto shouted making Itachi chuckle and look up from the book he had been reading just a few seconds ago.

"I find it amusing," Itachi said with a smile.

"Well who asked you?"

Neji cleared his throat, making the angry blond lock his blue eyes on him. "Naruto I wouldn't call Itachi old… Sasuke is around his age," He said softly, nodding in the young Uchiha's direction.

"Oh yeah… I forgot about that," Naruto muttered.

"Itachi and Sasuke's age doesn't matter!" Ino said cutting in, her voice holding slight irritation and annoyance that made the group focus their attention on her. "What matters is the Ball! Even the Haruno family is attending! So who's in?"

When Ino mentioned the Haruno family, it caught Sasuke's interest. So if the Haruno family were attending this Ball, then young Sakura would be there for sure. In these past two weeks Sasuke had wanted to see her more and more. He could no longer sit and watch her as she slept… no he wanted to see her awake. He craved more of her, he wanted to hear her voice, he wanted to see her up at him, and he wanted to make her his. But he couldn't… she was an important person in the mortal society… he couldn't take her away. But he would be damned if he wasn't able to see her… one last time!

"I'm in," He said suddenly, making Ino gasp in surprise. The others around him sent him questioning stares. Ino squealed in pure joy, she was ecstatic! She could hardly believe her ears.

"Well I guess I'll go since teme decided to… can't let him have all the fun now can we?" Naruto said with a smile. "And to think that he hated social gatherings!"

"I'll attend… for the simple reason that Sasuke has influenced me to do so," Neji said in a bored tone.

"Same here… and besides I have nothing better to do," Temari said with a wave of her hand. Ino smiled, happy that so many people were willing to come along. All then looked to the last remaining man who still had not voice his choice.

"I will go… only to keep and eye on you lot and to protect my little brother," Itachi said with a smile. Sasuke growled dangerously making Itachi's smile widen.

"I don't need protection! I can take care of myself," Sasuke hissed making the man chuckle. Sasuke was really thinking about killing his brother. That man annoyed him to no end. And what was even worse… he had to live with him for the rest of eternity.

Night arrives

Sakura was almost blinded by the bright rich colors that were strewn across a large ballroom. It wasn't just the decorations that made her eyes hurt it was the rich and expensive gowns. It was hard to find her friends or at least familiar faces in the large crowd. The only way she found them was when her name was called and a hand wrapped around her arm.

"Sakura! There you are! We thought you would never arrive," Tenten said with a large smile. Tenten's hair was down for once, and she wore a lovely pink dress with a trim of red. It was tight around her middle but eventually flowed outwards from her waist.

"Yes, we were surprised that the Haruno family was attending this Ball," Hinata said softly. Sakura turned to look at the shy female to see that her black hair was pulled in a fancy bun that allowed a few strains of hair to frame her face. A dark purple dress brought out her eyes, along with the crystal earrings that she wore.

The sound of a loud and cheerful voice made Sakura turn sharply to see a young man with dark brown hair, cut short and spiky. Black eyes stared into hers and she had to roll her eyes. The man wore black pants and an overcoat with a white shirt. "Sakura, so glad you can make it!"

"Kiba Inuzuka! I'm not surprised you are here! You animal!" Sakura said with a smile. Kiba was always a loud mouth, but she found it quite interesting.

"Well my ancestors were into raising dogs… and known for animal like instincts but enough about me! What about you?" Kiba responded with a slight shrug.

"Fine. Just going about my days like any noble daughter would."

"Must you be so boring?"

"Not everyone likes to be the center of attention Kiba," Shikamaru said cutting in. He wore simple colored clothing; he was never one to stick out.

"So? Might as well make life interesting… even for yourself."

"Ah what would youth be without it," Another voice added. Sakura turned to see a young man with black hair that was cut in a bowl shape. He wore bright green clothing and a large flashy smile placed on his features.

"Oh… Lee," Tenten said with a force smile. "I didn't know you were attending."

"I always attended the parties Gai goes to."

"Oh really? Then you have no mind of your own… clone," a voice said cutting in. Sakura turned and gave a shy smile.

"Oh Sai… I didn't know you liked coming to parties!" She said softly. Sai wore all black, from head to toe, but Sakura didn't expect any thing else from him.

"Well this is a shocker," Kiba said with a grin. "Mr. anti-social decided to join the party scene."

Sai rolled his eyes before replying, "Like Chouji, who only comes because of the food, I came to look for more clients."

"You're no fun!"

"Well I intend on getting money… so that I could afford my own home and move away from pressuring parents."

"I would love to move… my mother is so troublesome," Shikamaru said with a sigh.

"My father is very hard to please… so if I had my own home I would finally feel relaxed," Hinata added softly. Sakura gave her a nod. She could understand Hinata's stress. Suddenly Kiba snickered causing Sakura to give him a questioning look.

"Look at what the cat dragged in," He said with a sly smile gesturing to the entrance where a large woman with bright colored red hair walked in. Her cloths were a dark red and exposed a great deal of unneeded flesh. Sakura tried not to stare but the woman drew so much attention. Beside the woman stood a young man with dark hair tied in a low ponytail. He was well built and his cloths were the color of his hair. "That's Lady Yui, the most wealthy woman in all of Konoha. And beside her is the young master of the Gunma family, Takahiro. I'm surprised she has gained a new husband right after her old one died. A shame really… he was such a nice man."

"Lady Yui is such a cruel woman! A wicked witch if you ask me. I was surprised that Lord Watanabe married such a woman!" Tenten said in a hush whisper.

"She had several affairs during their marriage… and had several illegitimate sons and daughters," Hinata added softly while shaking her head.

Kiba scoffed and rolled his eyes. "She would spread her legs for anyone… what a whore!"

"One rumor said that she killed him! She would poison his drink every night so that he would fall gravely ill," Tenten muttered. "That way it wouldn't seem like a murder!"

"It was no surprise that she found a new husband so soon. And a young one at that," Shikamaru said with a nod.

Sakura sighed and tuned out the rest of the boring conversation. She found gossip pointless and petty. But it was one of the ways you could gain information on suitors even if they were half-truths, complete lies, or tall tales.

Sasuke tried not to roll his eyes when their group was turned away at the front doors. Leave it to Ino to forget to steal an invite. Sometimes that blond could get on his nerves.

"I'm sorry but I don't see your names on the list," The man at the door replied making Ino huff in anger. "In fact I never heard of you."

"Well then you really need a history lesson!" Ino exclaimed making Sasuke release a soft hiss in warning. The man didn't need to know about his family nor did he need to learn anything about the group.

Sasuke was about to intervene but his brother cut him to the quick. "Clearly you must be mistaken, we have been invited to this Ball by the Lord holding it," Itachi said smoothly. The air around them seemed to be heavy and all of them knew that Itachi was casting a charm that the man couldn't resist.

"Oh! I'm terribly sorry! My mistake," The man sputtered his eyes glazed. Itachi smirked at the group before heading instead leaving the rest of them to follow in his wake.

"I really hate it when he shows off," Naruto muttered under his breath when he passed Sasuke.

"Your just jealous that you can't do it," Ino said with a small laugh.

"I can do it!"

"Yeah but you can barely hold it," Neji said stiffly as the entered the bright room. He squinted slightly in disgust before muttering. "Why must mortals make everything so bright."

Sasuke had to agree. The room was extremely bright, and everywhere he looked was rich in color and design. To be completely honest it was an eye sore. But then again his eyes were extremely sensitive to the light. Naruto, Ino, and Temari had disappeared in the crowd leaving the three remaining males to stand at the bottom of the pearl staircase. Itachi was the first one to break the silence.

"I'm going to keep an eye on Ino and Naruto, they always find ways to cause trouble," He stated before weaving his way into the crowd to find the two loud mouth blonds.

Sasuke left without a word and slowly walked through the crowd in search of his pink haired maiden. He stopped in his tracks slightly unnerved by his thoughts. He could feel the need to hunt her rise and he quickly fought it down. She wasn't game, not a thing to be hunted. She was precious to him… but something he could never touch or own. She was just beyond his reach, and as long as she remained in the royal court he could never have her.

Suddenly a flash of pink hair caught his eyes and he turned sharply to look at the one that had captured his interest so many years ago. She wore an elegant white gown with gold trim that made her look like a complete angel. Her hair was left down and thrown over her left shoulder exposing her pale and smooth neck. Her eyes shown brightly, capturing his gaze. So she was here… he could finally see her again… awake and alert. He had missed those stunning emerald orbs.

Sakura nodded slightly when addressed but barely paid any attention to the conversation her friends were having. Again it was about some other random noble she never even heard of and what they did last or what not. Balls were a good place fro gossip or the spreading of news but currently no one was dancing. Most of the men were near the walls talking about new inventions, wars, business, and courting. Sakura glanced around the large ballroom scanning the faces of the many people who attended. She sighed when she found that the man she was looking for wasn't there.

Sakura began to feel uncomfortable, as she felt like someone was watching her. She looked around the ballroom again, constantly searching for a pair of eyes that seemed to be staring at her. Emerald clashed with onyx. Sakura gasped softly as she saw him, the man she wanted to see again. His clothing was black, making him stand out amongst the many colors that moved about the bright room. After all this time that had passed, the two were finally allowed to meet again

Whew! That was a hard chapter to write! I swear I had to edit so many times until I loved it! Oh and I'm really sorry for not posting in quite a long while! From now on I will at least try to post every week, but there will be times it will be every two weeks.

I hope you enjoy this chapter!

-WhisperingSummerWinds