Disclaimer: You know, K. Masashi needs to stop being so protective of his babies. I wasn't going to HURT Kiba... just a little nibble... just one...

Present.

Sakura nuzzled Kakashi's neck as she pressed herself against him, the two of them lying in bed.

"Kakashi?"

"Mm?"

"Do you—really think it's a good idea to let Naruto go out tonight?" she whispered. "I mean, with Kiba's death and Itachi and all—I think we're taking a big risk."

Kakashi sighed, tightening his hold on Sakura as he thought about it. "Naruto—is the kind of person who need distractions. If we force him to stay home tonight, all he'll think about is Kiba. At least if he's out there, his mind is on the hunt."

"But what if he loses focus? Itachi and Kisame are always after him. What would happen if Arashi caught Naruto one day?"

"I honestly don't know." Kakashi sighed. "What would happen if Sasuke didn't bring him back when he has his attacks? What would happen if Hinata and Neji suddenly lost their souls? What would happen if another one of us suddenly turned? They're questions we want answered so badly, yet can't answer, because the outcome could be limitless. What if Sasuke didn't bring Naruto back? Would he turn? Or just die? Or would nothing change at all? We have no idea."

"How did our lives come to this?" Sakura whispered, holding Kakashi more tightly. "Why can't we just move away and pretend this never happened? Why can't the vampires just all disappear?"

"Again, questions I can't answer." he whispered. "I would love nothing more than to spend an entire night lying in this bed with you, not worrying about how many people are being killed by vampires because I'm selfish and would rather spend my night with you. But our lives aren't like that. Somewhere along the line of time, vampires were born, and now the strong need to be there to protect the weak from their threat."

Sakura was silent for a few minutes, tracing patterns with her fingers on Kakashi's chest. "I wonder how things would be if the whole world was either turned or dead. The vampires would have no more food. Then what? They'd turn on each other?"

"I think that's why they don't turn very often." Kakashi ran his hand through Sakura's pink hair, watching his fingers flow through the silky strands. "Means there's more food for a smaller population."

"Then why not just kill Naruto instead of trying to make him a day-walker? Wouldn't that unbalance things?"

Kakahi sighed. "I don't know, Sakura. I wish I could tell you, but I can't."

"I'm sorry, I just—I'm worried about him."

"Yeah." The grey-haired man sighed as he stared at the ceiling. "Me too."

Sasuke shifted slightly in bed, which elicited a groan of protest from the one resting on his chest. The raven peeled open his eyes and blinked tiredly, looking down at his exhausted lover, whose head was resting on his upper chest with his arms around Sasuke's shoulders.

Smiling, the Uchiha brushed some strands of hair from the other's forehead, running his knuckles across one scarred cheek. Naruto had practically exhausted himself earlier for Sasuke's benefit, so he couldn't bring himself to move, despite his left leg having fallen asleep.

"Comfy..." Naruto mumbled into Sasuke's chest as he struggled to remain in dreamland. The raven just chuckled, running his hand through brilliant blond locks.

He wondered if it was normal to love someone as much as he loved Naruto. He'd never forget when he'd found out Naruto felt the same way about him. It wasn't all that long ago, but it felt like forever.

Sasuke glanced at the clock and sighed. They had to get up. It was almost sundown, and Naruto would probably want to shower before heading out. Sasuke knew he wanted to.

"Naruto." He ran one hand down the strong, tanned back, running one finger along a feather of the angel tattooed on his back. "We have to wake up."

"No." the blond whined, tightening his hold on Sasuke. "Two more hours."

The raven laughed. "No, not two more hours. Not even two more minutes. Get up, you lazy fuck."

"Lazy?" The blond's eyes blinked open and he lifted his head, staring blearily at Sasuke. "I beg to differ, but I do believe I worked three times as hard as you, so I wouldn't call myself lazy. You seemed to be enjoying it." Sasuke felt his face heat up as he blushed when Naruto started panting and whining slightly. "Please... God... Naruto, please... oh God..."

"I get it!" Sasuke hit his lover across the back of the head, embarrassed. "I get it. And you said 'God'." he mumbled.

"I was imitating you." Naruto insisted. "But, you are right, nevertheless." Naruto glanced up at the ceiling. "Sorry, big guy."

The blond yawned loudly before getting up onto his knees and stretching before climbing off Sasuke. The raven rolled to the side of the bed and stood, walking up behind Naruto, who was still stretching, and running his hands down his back, staring at the tattoo. He loved it so much.

"Shower with me?"

"Mm, always." Naruto grinned over his shoulder as he headed towards the bathroom, Sasuke in tow.

The raven bit his lip as they entered it, wondering if he could really speak the words he had been thinking while in bed. He decided it would be best to say them. He didn't know what kind of reaction he'd get, but he had to say them.

"Naruto—I think you should stay home today."

The blond froze with his hand hovering above the shower knob. "I don't think that's a good idea." he whispered after a few seconds of silence, turning on the water.

"Naruto, I'm worried. You've had too many traumatic experiences lately and—I think that just taking one day off won't hurt anyone."

"No." The word had a sense of finality to it that made Sasuke sigh. "More people will die if I'm not out there, you know that."

"You can't save everyone, Naruto."

"I can try." he whispered as he stepped under the spray.

Sasuke sighed, rubbing his face. He knew it wouldn't do any good to argue, but he had wanted to try. He'd needed to attempt to get Naruto to understand that everyone was worried about him. They all knew what Kiba meant to him, and for him to just kill him and go on like nothing had happened was going to slowly eat away inside him. Sasuke didn't want that.

But, there was nothing he could do right now, so he simply walked towards the shower and got in after Naruto, the blond moving out of the way slightly so Sasuke could get under the spray.

"I don't want to take too long, I want to see Iruka before we head downtown to hunt." Naruto informed as he grabbed shampoo and put some into his hand before lathering it into Sasuke's dark hair.

"Why do you bother going to see him all the time? Doesn't he always tell you what you do isn't a sin?" he inquired as he focused on the arousing feeling of Naruto's fingers against his scalp.

"Yeah. But it doesn't mean I shouldn't pray for those I've killed." the blond whispered back.

Sasuke slammed the car door, cracking his neck and pulling his coat tighter around himself as he walked around the car to stand beside Naruto. "So, together or separate?"

"Separate. I know you hate clubs, and I want to hit a few of them." The blond grinned at Sasuke. "Easy targets, you know?"

"Yeah." Sasuke whispered. Naruto went to leave, but Sasuke grabbed his wrist and yanked him back. "Hey." Naruto turned to him and Sasuke hugged him, holding onto him much longer than he usually did. "Don't do anything stupid because you feel guilty, okay?"

"I won't." He smiled against Sasuke's shoulder before hugging him back briefly. "Be careful."

"You too."

"Always am."

Naruto tore away from Sasuke and headed down the street to the best bar in town for vampire hunting. He thought it was low of the vampires to seduce people with promises of a good time and then sucking them dry when no one was looking. Sometimes, Naruto wished humans and vampires could just get along.

Yeah, right, because lions and lambs were really best friends.

The blond pushed his way into the crowded club, looking around for an empty bar stool, even though he knew he wouldn't need it. He seemed to attract vampires, for some reason, and he rarely made it to a seat before one of them came up to him. It was probably the blond hair.

Naruto made his way to the bar for a drink and he hadn't taken more than two steps before a redheaded girl appeared in front of him, looking him up and down. "Hello, gorgeous."

"Hello yourself." Naruto replied with a grin.

"You, uh, here alone?" He saw the glint in her eye. The one where she was debating between sucking him dry or turning him.

"Of course. Natural for me, but what's a hot firecracker like you doing here alone?"

She giggled and took his arm, leading him towards the bar. "Oh, I came with my best friend, but he found himself his own treat." she motioned towards the dance floor and Naruto turned. Damn, there's two of them, and one already has his 'treat.' This could get complicated. Naruto knew that he had to protect the girl the other vampire was dancing with, but if he blew his cover to the redhead, she would escape and probably kill someone elsewhere. Dammit, I hate decisions like this!

He sat down at the bar, clenching his fists as the redhead sat beside him. He kept watch out of the corner of his eye as the vampire bought him a drink—not uncommon, since vampires didn't drink alcohol.

Naruto jerked slightly, almost having jumped out of his seat as the male vampire led his prey towards the back door. Shit! Shit! What do I do?! He looked around and a thought occurred to him. The redhead didn't care about him, just his blood, so even if he just made it look like he was only in it for the sex, she'd go for it, because they'd be alone.

He leaned closer to her, talking urgently but trying not to show it. "I'll just cut straight to the chase, here. I'm a sexaholic, so my goal is to leave here tonight with someone attractive. You seem to fit that bill, so what do you say? My car's parked out back." It was a good way to ensure they followed the other vampire out the back door.

"Mm. Direct." The redhead licked her lips. "I like that."

Come on, come on! Let's go already! Naruto screamed internally.

"So, what do you say?"

"All right." She smiled and stood. Naruto followed suit, taking her hand and walking as fast as he could towards the back door. "Oh, eager, are we?" She giggled.

He ignored her. Please, don't let me be too late!

Naruto threw open the door and pulled the redhead out before ensuring the only escape was closed behind them. He had expected many things when he got outside, but he had to admit, seeing the girl beating the crap out of the vampire—wasn't exactly what he'd envisioned in the club.

"What is this?!" the redhead behind him shrieked.

Oh yeah, forgot about her. Naruto turned around just in time to block a punch, the vampire's eyes having turned red. He reached for his gun, only to have the redhead jump on him. He fell on his back with a grunt before punching her in the face with all his might. She flew off him, slamming against the door as Naruto kicked up off the ground.

He took a step back and bumped into something, turning around to see if it was the other vampire, but it was the girl, who'd spun around at the exact same time, grabbing his shoulders.

"Are you okay?!" both yelled at the same time. Naruto stared at the girl in front of him, stunned.

"Ino?"

"Naruto!" she exclaimed, just as shocked. Her eyes then widened.

"Duck!" both of them yelled at once before the two followed the other's advice, the two vampires punching each other in the face due to their targets having disappeared.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" Ino demanded.

"Fight now, talk later!" Naruto insisted as he turned back to the redhead and whipped his gun out from behind his back. He aimed the Desert Eagle at her head as she lunged at him and fired. The UV round slammed into her forehead and went off, turning her instantly to dust. As he turned to dust the other vampire, which he noticed Ino had already done, he found her staring at him in shock.

"You have those cool bullets, too?"

"What do you mean 'too'?" He was confused. "My friend made them up."

"Holy shit, that's you?!" Ino sounded amazed. "Man, we've been picking up all the unused ones all over town for weeks! We had no idea who made them. Shit, I didn't know you were a hunter like me!"

"I'm the one who's surprised! Shit, Ino, how long have you been doing this?"

"Couple of years." She shrugged. "My boyfriend got turned but I managed to get him his soul back, so him and I have been fighting the good fight since then. We have another friend who does recon, but he's not really the field type."

"Wow." Naruto breathed. "This is so weird. Shit, we should join forces or something. You should come live with us in the Uchiha mansion." Naruto knew he was getting ahead of himself but, shit, this was Ino! He'd been working with her for a year!

"I think we better discuss this with Shikamaru." she insisted as she looked at her watch. "I'm overdue for meeting him. Wanna come with?"

"Sure." Naruto smiled and pulled open the door to the club, motioning her in. "After you, gorgeous."

"Thanks, hot stuff." She grinned.

"Ino, I'm telling you, this is a bad idea." Shikamaru insisted as he watched Sasuke and Naruto chat by the car a few feet away. "He's the guy I keep telling you about! The one that all the vampires are after!"

"Doesn't make us any safer staying away from him." Ino reminded. "He's strong, I've seen him fight. It would make our lives easier if we worked together with them."

"I don't want you to get hurt, dammit!" Shikamaru snapped.

Ino cupped his face in her hands, kissing his lips lightly. "I know. I know, baby. But this—this could really help us. They know the one who created the UV rounds. Do you have any idea how much easier that'll make things? We won't have to go around looking for them, we'll be able to have them straight away. I won't have to go digging through random alleys every time I shot and missed because I need to retrieve the bullet."

"I still don't like it." the vampire muttered, shoving his hands in his pockets.

They were waiting for Chouji to show up in his car, as they were to follow Sasuke and Naruto back to the Uchiha mansion. It was in case they decided not to join with the Uzumaki and return home. Naruto didn't want to force them into helping them out, which was why he'd given them the option to opt out. Ino didn't want to, but Shikamaru did.

The vampire knew how persistent the Akatsuki were, and how badly they wanted Naruto. He didn't know why but he didn't need to in order to know that he was bad news, and a danger to Ino. He wasn't willing to lose her, no matter what!

Chouji finally pulled up beside them in his car, Ino yelling and waving to Naruto that everything was ready before getting in the car. Shikamaru followed, slamming the door angrily as Sasuke and Naruto got into their own car.

"It'll be daybreak, soon." Chouji informed as he followed behind the other car.

"They said they wouldn't be long, and if they are, we'll just crash there." Shikamaru grumbled. There was no way he was braving the sunlight. He was grumpy, not stupid.

"I really don't see why you're getting so defensive about this." Ino sighed. "You know, I go out every night and risk getting killed, yet you let me do that."

"I don't let you, I just can't stop you." Shikamaru grumbled.

"If you're going to have a lover's spat, can you please do it when I'm not around?" Chouji sighed. He really wasn't in the mood to listen to the two of them argue. He was annoyed enough as it was that he'd had to leave the house at night. He never left the house at night, dammit! He was the one who stayed indoors! They went out and fought, not him!

The rest of the car ride was carried out in silence, Chouji following the sleek, black car in front of him until they pulled up in front of a large mansion, the driver whistling as he stared at it.

"Shit."

"Wow, Naruto's boyfriend is well-off." Ino whispered as they turned off the engine and all climbed out, walking towards Naruto and Sasuke.

Once they'd reached them, the two led them towards the door and into the house, locking it behind them before heading towards the elevator.

"Fuck me, you have an elevator?!" Shikamaru exclaimed. Naruto winced at the swearword, but said nothing, hitting the down button.

They all piled into the elevator and headed into the basement, the doors opening on Kakashi trying to treat one of Sakura's wounds as she yelled at him over the fact that it would heal soon because of Naruto's blood.

"Just let me wipe away the blood!"

"No, get the fuck away from me, dammit! It'll heal on its own!"

"Kakashi, maybe you should listen to her." Hinata insisted in her shy voice, pressing her index fingers together. Neji was leaning against the wall, watching the whole thing unfold until the elevator doors opened and he turned to glance at it.

The first thing he noticed was the vampire, but he realized almost instantly there was nothing to worry about, since he had a soul. Shikamaru noticed the same thing about Neji and Hinata, and that was the only reason he hadn't held Ino against him and bolted for the nearest exit.

"We're home."

"You're late." Kakashi replied automatically as he continued to struggle with Sakura. "You know I don't like it when you're late, Naruto."

"Sorry, we ran into some friends."

At this, Kakashi finally looked away from Sakura and the rosette spun around to see what the blond was talking about. Her green eyes fell on Ino and she stared, stunned.

"Ino?"

"Sakura!" the other girl exclaimed, just as surprised.

"You know each other?" Sasuke inquired as he walked up to Kakashi's computer and plopped down in the chair.

"Yeah, we-we went to high school together." Sakura replied, smiling slightly. Ino smiled back. They'd been pretty good friends, but had lost touch after everything had exploded in Sakura's life.

"Trippy." Naruto blurted out. He had to. It was something Kiba would've said. Hinata winced and Kakashi sighed.

"We brought them here because we figured perhaps we could help each other." Sasuke informed as he twirled in the chair. Honestly, he didn't like the vampire in the other group. He always shot glances at Naruto and it worried Sasuke. Was he really not souled at all and planning on turning the blond over to Arashi? Sasuke would rip his fucking heart out if he ever touched his lover.

"I really want to meet the person who made up the UV rounds, those things kick ass!" Chouji exclaimed.

All of Kiba's old friends stiffened and shot a glance at Naruto as he clenched his fists, staring at the floor. He ground his teeth together before turning and heading for the stairs. "He died." he informed as he reached the door and paused. He wasn't sure what to do.

"I'm sorry, Naruto." Ino whispered. "A vampire?"

"Me."

Ino had to admit, she hadn't been expecting that, but she understood immediately what he meant. "He was turned?"

"Yeah." Naruto turned to look at her before looking away again.

"I'm so sorry."

"Why didn't you just catch him?" Shikamaru inquired, crossing his arms.

"We couldn't." Sasuke informed, figuring Naruto had spoken enough about the painful topic.

"Kiba wasn't someone we could help." Kakashi sighed, running his finger along the scar on the right side of his mouth.

"What do you mean by that?" Ino inquired. "You could've just captured him and returned his soul, couldn't you?" She looked back and forth between Sasuke and Kakashi.

"It's not that simple." Naruto whispered from the door, leaning his back against the doorframe, his arms crossed.

"Huh?" the blonde girl asked, confused. It had been that simple with Shikamaru.

"Souls are very delicate things." Kakashi explained as he leaned forward against the table Sakura still sat on, clasping his hands together. "Not all souls will take. Sometimes, during the turning process, they get destroyed."

Ino paled. "Destroyed?"

"It depends, really." Sasuke sighed, raking his hand through his black hair. "It depends on how pure the soul was. If a soul is stained with hideous deeds, once a human is turned into a vampire, the soul can be reattached to something that is evil, because the soul itself has evil spots marring it. However, if a soul is pure and lacks any kind of horrendous act, once a human is changed into a vampire, the soul itself just disappears. It gets destroyed."

"It's what happened with our friend, Kiba." Sakura whispered. Naruto tensed by the door, but he said nothing. "His soul was pure. Sure, he went out and killed the occasional vampire, but killing something that isn't human doesn't stain your soul, only your heart. When he was captured and turned, his soul disappeared like it had never been there. We tried time and time again to have his soul return to him, but it didn't work. In the end, we thought death would be a kinder thing than letting an innocent person like him kill people for a living."

"We." Naruto scoffed, tightening his hands against his arms to the point where they would bruise. "I didn't see you pulling the trigger that ended his life."

"There was nothing you could do, Naruto." Kakashi insisted. "It may have been hard, but you did the right thing. You know it's what Kiba would've wanted."

"Yeah." the blond whispered before uncrossing his arms and pushing off the doorframe. He turned and walked out of the room. Sasuke jumped up from his chair to follow him.