Okay I am really sorry for taking so long to post! I really am! But I had several cases of writers block, a ton of school work, make up work because I did catch the swine flu, and a lot of distractions. I won't promise anything about the upcoming chapters except that they won't take over two months. I will try to post every five to ten weeks.

Sakura-Uchiha23: Thank you, I worked really hard on it.

SexySakuraGirl: Thanks!

GaaraHinataWake: I'm glad you like it and I will try to update as soon as I can. I got several chapters already planned out so it won't take to long. (Or at least I hope it won't.)

Tiger Priestess: Thank you! I'm glad you like what I'm doing with Itachi and there will be more interaction between the two brothers in the future. (Itachi is also one of my favorite characters) As for the plot I hope you enjoy what's about to happen next!

Naruto8ramen: I'm glad it's cute. I didn't want to make it too dark.

Aiko of the Akatsuki: Thanks. I really try to make the readers see what the characters see in the story.

I love you, not for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.

- Roy Croft


She could barely believe it… after all that time searching she finally found him, just when she was about to give up hope. He was more stunning and breath taking then when she first saw him. The long absence without him made her heart and mind crave for his presence. His eyes, so focused, never left her form and it made a small wave of excitement flood her system. She had completely forgotten the conversation her dear friends beside her where having, to captivated by the man in front of her.

When he began taking slow steps toward her, Sakura thought her heart would stop. His eyes were so bewitching that it held hers in an unbreakable stare that made her knees shake in anticipation. Before she knew it he was standing in front of her with his hand outstretched waiting for hers. Sakura nearly gasped when he spoke.

"May I have this dance?" His tone was gentle and inviting, so soft that her friends barely noticed him standing in front of her. She nodded slowly, a small smile forming upon her lips.

"Yes." When she spoke Tenten's brown eyes locked with hers. A silent question being asked, but Sakura only shook her head, silently telling her friend not to worry and that her question would be answered later. Sakura then focused on her partner's eyes as he guided her to the dance floor. The music playing had already started and she was amazed at how well he picked up on it. With one step, he began to dance, picking up the rhythm and letting it move him. Sakura followed his lead, her eyes locked on his. They were just like she remembered but this time they revealed nothing of what he felt. His face was erased of emotion but the way he held her, the way he guided her, showed that he cared for what was happening between them.

But Sakura didn't let her mind go blank. She couldn't, for so many questions ran through her mind. She just couldn't put them to rest. She spent long sleepless nights dreaming of him and what he was like. It was about time she got some answers.

"Who are you?" She asked suddenly making him pause slightly in stride. But he continued like she barely even spoken. "In all honesty." His eyes pierced her soul making her blush slightly but what he said next almost made her sputter.

"Anyone you want me to be," He replied flatly as he carried her around the dance floor. Sakura swore if he moved any faster it would be like she was gliding.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"I should be nothing to you Sakura… nothing but a dream and illusion. One that you will wake up from eventually."

"Then why is that my heart only seems to call for you at night… a complete stranger, someone I barely know. If this is a dream… then why do I wake up feeling a lone and hurt? Explain that to me." Sakura said softly, her eyes gazing deep in his orbs, silently pleading for him to understand. Her tone was desperate, almost like she was unsure of what was happening to her.

Sasuke remain silent, his eyes becoming guarded and distant—closed off from the rest of the world. And she instantly hated it. "If you can't answer that… at least tell me your name." She whispered.

"You already know that." He replied his eyes closing as his face contorted in slight desperation.

"I know your first but not your last. At least grant me that."

She heard him release a soft sigh before she heard his voice. "Uchiha… Sasuke Uchiha." He replied before he released her. He moved away and wove himself back into the crowd before Sakura could say another word. Just as she was about to go after him, her mother came into her line of vision, blocking her view of Sasuke's retreating form.

"Dear I have been looking all over for you!" Lady Haruno exclaimed her green eyes a light with worry. "Now come, your father and I have some one you should meet." Sakura never had time to protest before she was pulled off in the opposite direction of where she last saw Sasuke.

Naruto couldn't help but smile at all the lovely deserts found upon the white linen table. He couldn't help but feel the need to try them… it would be such a waste if he left them. They were supposed to be eaten, right? Not being able to hold himself back any longer, Naruto decided to take a small chocolate ball from a silver platter; it was too delicious looking to pass up.

But sadly, before he could take a bite and taste the smooth rich chocolate, a pale hand snatched it out of his. Sad, and angry blue eyes turned to glare at the culprit, but he stopped when he saw whom it was.

"Ino… unhand that chocolate if you know what's good for you," He hissed in great annoyance. Why did she have to ruin his moment? He was looking forward to eating it.

"You better forget about it for your health…" She scolded.

"I'm not superficial like you. I don't care if I get fat!"

"Why even eat it Naruto when you can't even taste it!" She exclaimed. She rolled her blue eyes before she added softly, "What part of the undead aren't you getting."

"I may not be able to taste it, but I can imagine. Besides all chocolate tastes the same! Now give it to me!" Naruto said snatching it from the blonde's hands.

Ino scoffed before muttering, "You act like such a child." She then shot a glare at Naruto as he began to eat more of the chocolate balls. "Will you stop eating, you pig!"

"I'm hungry! Is that a crime?"

"Then eat something healthy!"

"Why even bother, like you said, we can't taste anything."

"Then why are you still eating?"

"Because I feel like it."

"I don't know why I even bother with you," Ino hissed as she ran her hand through her hair.

"I don't know… you know you will never win but you persist anyway."

"Naruto." Ino said softly causing the male to give her a soft hum telling her that he was listening. "Shut up!"

Before Naruto could come up with a retort he suddenly spotted Sasuke dancing with a young pink haired maiden. "Hey Ino! Check that out." He said happily as he pointed toward his friend. The blond followed his gaze and nearly screamed.

She couldn't believe it, the ice block was dancing… with a women. "This is completely shocking!" Ino chattered happily. "I can't believe our Sasuke-kun has a way with women." Naruto was about to mutter something under his breath but Ino continued. "I mean he's got the looks, and his voice works wonders on the knees. But his attitude needs adjusting."

"Ino… do you have to rub it in?"

"What? Jealous Uzumaki? Please, your just disappointed that all the women flock to Sasuke and don't give you the time of day," Ino said smugly making the male give a shout of disagreement.

But Naruto didn't add on to the argument because he saw his friend make his way to the door. Not even bothering to excuse himself, he cut and weaved his way through the crowd until he reached the stairs. He was sure that he received a few dirty looks from the nobles but at this point he didn't give a damn. He wanted answers and only his closest friend could give it to him.

"Hey teme, what was up with the dance? Finally interested in the female population?" Naruto asked with a large smile on his face. He placed his hand on his friends shoulder, holding him back from going out the front doors.

Sasuke scowled, before shooting him a glare. "I don't need to explain myself to you," he hissed before pulling out Naruto's grasp. He then made his way out, with the blond in his wake.

"What's got your panties in a bunch?" Naruto asked but the dark-haired man ignored him despite the blonde's constant chatter. He didn't need Naruto pestering him right now, nor did he need him digging for answers. He was already in a sour mood and the man he considered a friend was making it worse. Sasuke silently cursed his luck and his existence. Fate never was kind to him, and he constantly wondered what he did to deserve this kind of torture.

A man with silver hair sits near a fireplace, his onyx eye gazing into the flames. His other eye was covered by a black cloth, which was tied in a tight knot at the back of his head. He wore elegant clothing of this era, made of bright greens and rich blacks. But of course the old headband looked out of place since it seemed torn, faded, and old. The man sighed slightly in annoyance when he heard the soft padding of booted feet.

"Is it too much to ask for some peace and quiet? … Iruka," He said flatly before he turned his head slightly to glance behind him. He saw a man with dark brown hair and deep onyx eyes. His hair was held in a high ponytail and a scar ran across his nose. Instead of looking gruff and angry, the scar did nothing to the man; his eyes were soft and understanding taking away from the scars affect on the eye.

"Well, we do live underground Kakashi, in a limited space mind you, so you can't escape the company," The man replied softly with a small smile.

Kakashi shook his head and sighed, "We wouldn't have to if Danzu and several of the elders weren't being so difficult."

"They are our superiors. And Danzu will soon be our leader, if Sarutobi Hiruzen steps down."

"He'll rule like a complete tyrant. I know he will. It is in his nature, and time never seemed to change him," Kakashi said as he adjusted himself on the red velvet chair that he had claimed for the time being.

"But… I did hear that if he was going to step down, he would pass it to one of the ancients," Iruka stated trying to direct the conversation away from Danzu, knowing that it displeased the grey-haired male.

"I never knew you participated in the gossip Iruka," Kakashi muttered before adding, "You sound like an old woman… leave it to the ladies." This made Iruka huff slightly before he took the chair opposite of Kakashi, and exact duplicate of the chair beside it. "And besides the ancients are just fairy tales that we tell young fledglings. They are complete myths."

"How do you know they are myths?" Iruka asked with a slight frown. He rarely lost his cool, which years ago gained him a spot on the council.

"I have never seen them, therefore I consider them legends," Kakashi muttered before staring into the fire. "Besides if they did exist it would be the last thing the coven needed."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that Kakashi. They are coming… and things around here will change." Iruka muttered making Kakashi sigh. In all truth he did believe in the ancients to some extent but he didn't believe them coming to the underground city was for the best. Kakashi prayed nothing horrible would come of this but somehow he knew hard times were coming. And it was approaching fast.

Three days later.

No matter how hard she tried, Sakura couldn't get herself to listen to what her parents were saying. She was in a foreign home, with a family she never even met and all she could think about was why? Why did this happen so suddenly? And why did it happen when she was going through such confusion? It almost seemed like yesterday that she had met the man named Uchiha Sasuke, and had discovered this odd attraction toward him. She never experienced such a depth of emotion like this before. Every time she thought of him, her heart would surge with joy, and complete happiness. How could a complete stranger bring on such feelings?

Sakura felt foolish… childish… naïve. Things like this never happened… or at least not in the real world. Fairy tales… it always seemed to be the case. She noticed this now, and completely understood it as her parents told her the grim news… she was going to be married to a man she didn't know. She had finally fallen off her dream cloud and hit the cold hard earth and woke with realization. She shouldn't have these feelings for this man, Sasuke, she barely knew him. She knew his appearance, and his name and nothing else. How could someone fall in love with another just based on that? She did not count the way he seemed to draw her closer, like two ends of a magnet. She simply said it was because of his looks. Any girl would feel attracted to a man, or a tug, when he looked like something pulled out of a fairy tale. He reminded her of a dark god begging you to take a step closer and into the world of danger and passion.

"Sakura." Her mother's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. Turning her head slightly, the young maiden trained her eyes on her mother's face. She could see that her mother wanted her to look at the man her father was giving her hand to. Sakura's emerald eyes locked on the young man's figure. He was tall; at least a head taller then her, and his eyes were a deep shade of black. His hair was pulled into a low ponytail and was the color of the dry earth in spring. His face was smooth and flawless, like any nobles should be, and was pale. His lips were thin and stretched into a small charming smile that would win any women over. But sadly his charming exterior did not affect Sakura in the least. Something behind his eyes made Sakura uncomfortable and feel like she was in danger.

"Sakura, this is Yoshida Rei, your fiancé," Her father stated softly, his green eyes watching her carefully. Sakura bowed accordingly and held out her hand for Rei to take. She kept her eyes closed as she felt his lips brush her skin. Chills ran up her spine. 'This isn't right,' she thought as she rose from her position. "You two will be wed in a months time."

"I can't wait Haruno-sama. Your daughter is the most fairest maiden I have ever seen," Rei added with a kind smile, but it did not reach his eyes. "I will assure you that she is in good hands."

Sakura saw her father smile slightly, and she could tell that he liked, and trusted this man. "I know she is Yoshida-san, because you are one of the finest men to marry." Katashi said with a grin before motioning to his family that they should leave. "We will see you soon."

"I'll be looking forward to your visit," Rei said with a wide grin and Sakura felt like he was planning something. One thing was absolutely certain… she didn't trust her new fiancé.

When the Haruno family arrived home Sakura quickly excused her self and went to her room. As soon as she stepped into her bedroom, tears began to fall from her eyes. She collapsed on her soft white sheets and buried her face in the fabric, trying to muffle her sobs. She didn't understand why she was crying but she had feeling on what it was about.

She was crying for the man she barely knew. But why should she? She had just met him but she couldn't help but feel like her world was being torn apart. Whenever she was without him she felt blank, lost, and confused. When she had met him at the ball she felt whole and complete, like all the missing pieces were coming together. Everything seemed right, and she couldn't deny that.

And now she was destined to marry a man who was a fake. He wasn't the kind gentle men he portrayed to all those that visited his home. She could see through his cracked façade! But maybe it was her mind playing tricks on her. Or was it her heart distorting everything she saw because it wasn't the dark, brooding man that she had dreamed about.

Despite how much she thought about the situation, or how much she tried to say that her feelings for the young Sasuke weren't real, she couldn't stop crying. "Why?" She sobbed, her eyes closed in pain and confusion. "Why did I have to marry now when everything doesn't make sense?"

Sakura continued to cry until all the energy she had left her. She never noticed a dark figure watching her from her window. The man held a deep scowl and his eyes glowed a bright crimson. Letting out a few curses the man slips from the window and begins to head toward his home. Right now, he missed the underground village that was just below the surface of the grand city of Konoha.

Underground

Sasuke walked briskly through the silent halls of his underground home. His eyes glued to the floor ahead of him. His mind was a storm of dark thoughts and moods, and it was hard for him to make sense of it all. His mood was sour and he didn't want any company, but sadly fate was never on his side.

"Sasuke!" A familiar voice called and the dark male glanced behind him to see none other then his friend, Naruto. He released a low hiss that went unnoticed by the young blond.

"What do you want Naruto?" Sasuke hissed sharply making the blond frown.

"Well someone is bitter." Naruto muttered before replying. "Ino said she saw you come home in a sour mood, and I wanted to make sure you're alright."

Sasuke, who was facing away from Naruto, spun around quickly making the blond step back in slight surprise. Sasuke's eyes were crimson and his fangs were bared when he spoke. "Does it look like I'm alright Naruto?" He growled.

"What's wrong?" Naruto said with a frown, his blue eyes showing deep concern.

"You couldn't possibly understand."

"Try me."

Sasuke only huffed and began to walk away but he could hear Naruto following him. He knew that Naruto wouldn't leave him a lone until he got to the source of the problem. Sasuke remained silent; he hoped that it would make the blond give up. But Naruto was always stubborn.

"You can always tell me Sasuke, I'll always be here to listen, but you have to trust me. Anything you say here will stay between the two of us. I won't spill your secrets," Naruto said softly. "You have my word."

Sasuke suddenly stopped once again catching Naruto off guard. The blond collided into the dark-haired man making a soft grunt noise as he did. Before he could ask why Sasuke stopped so suddenly, his eyes instantly met dark onyx orbs. The emotion found within their depths startled Naruto, and sent warning bells ringing in his head. He never saw such raw emotion and wanting in his friends eyes.

"Naruto… I trust that you will never speak of what I'm about to tell you to anyone. It's important that you don't, for my sake and hers," Sasuke whispered softly making Naruto's eyes widen considerably.

"A woman is involved? I never knew you had it in you," Naruto said with a smirk, only making Sasuke growl in frustration. "I mean it was only at the ball that I saw you interacting with a female."

"Stop joking around this is serious!" Sasuke growled, silencing Naruto. The blond knew that his friend was serious and was opening up to tell him one of his many kept secrets. If he continued taunting the brooding male he would lose his chance in discovering more about his woes.

"Alright! So what's the deal with your bad attitude these past few years? And the occurring disappearances during the night?"

"I… I have been going to see a human female."

"A human! How long?"

"Ever since I first found her."

"When was that?" Naruto demanded, all playfulness gone from his voice. His eyes were hard and demanding. Sasuke remained silent making Naruto grow impatient. "Answer me!"

"Five years ago."

Naruto cursed as his hand went to scratch his head in utter confusion and frustration. "You know it's forbidden! What if the Council finds out?"

"They won't! Unless you tell them!"

"You know I won't. I would never do that to you Sasuke! You're my friend!" Naruto said with a deep sigh. "But is she an… undesirable?"

"No, she is the daughter of Haruno Katashi."

"Shit… please tell me it's just a fascination nothing more," Naruto muttered, his eyes locking onto Sasuke's once more. The dark man shook his head; his eyes showing his intentions were set.

"It's more then that," Sasuke whispered, his voice an eerie calm. "I want her… yearn for her every night..." Suddenly Sasuke's fist shot forward and connected with a near by wall, the impact cracking the stony surface. "… And the thought of her drives me insane!"

Naruto's eyes softened as he looked upon his friend. "You love her… don't you?" He asked softly.

"More then I should!" Sasuke hissed his eyes hidden behind his black bangs. "And to make matters worse, she is engaged to another noble. More richer then her own father."

"Then there is nothing you can do," Naruto said with a sigh. "You are a vampire Sasuke, and she is a human. She doesn't know that we exist along with the rest of her kind. You would be better off forgetting about her. Move on."

"But how… Naruto? I can't stop thinking about her. Something about her draws me closer."

"Like you said, she is taken… destined to be wed to another. She will grow old Sasuke, whither and fade just like the rest of human kind. Before she dies she might see the dawn of a new era. She would forget about you, and you should do the same. It would be good for both of you to do so now." Naruto said softly, he placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder.

Sasuke sighed softly and slowly faced Naruto. "Your right… I shouldn't let a human girl affect me. It's just another weakness," Sasuke muttered before walking away from the blond. "I will forget about her."

Naruto was about to call out to the male but he couldn't find his voice. He wanted to let him know that the emotion called love wasn't a weakness but a strength. But maybe Sasuke didn't like feeling things he didn't understand. Ever since Naruto could remember Sasuke was reserved, quiet, and mysterious. He never liked letting others in, and when he did he made sure they wouldn't tell a soul. That's why Naruto and Sasuke's bond was so strong. They knew each other's secrets and kept it among themselves. Even if they weren't related… they were brothers… till the end.

'I hope you know what you're doing Sasuke,' Naruto thought as he watched his friend's retreating form. He then silently prayed to whomever watched those on earth, to look after his friend.