Author's Rant: Chapter three! I still can't believe I'm writing this- but a few of you said you were interested in this silly ol' plot and I'm really motivated, so I'm going to continue to take a stab at it! Thank you everyone! please let me know your thoughts!

The Ghost Hunter's Guide for Dummies

Sometimes it was unbearable.

The silence.

Sakura thought she'd be used to it by now.

She'd count the seconds ticking away on the grandfather clock nearby. One, two, three, four... Until Sasuke was out the door and buried in his work. But today he lingered more than usual. Sasuke was taking his time, unlike most days where she could hear him grab his keys, the gentle click of the lock sliding into place, solidifying the emptiness inside Sakura's heart. The small clank of Sakura's spoon against her cereal bowl, failed to remain unobtrusive inside the empty manor, which picked up on any sound and echoed it. This house, just like her fiancee, was unresponsive during the early mornings. Nothing else could be heard but Sakura chewing her cereal quietly, and the occasional noise of Sasuke turning a page in the morning paper only increased the lonely feeling as she sipped her juice.

Sasuke didn't even glance at her.

Not that it was a surprise.

Quickly did Sakura learn that Sasuke was a man of few words and even fewer emotions. Sasuke, to put it lightly, didn't care about her. It was her new reality. A painful realization that was reiterated late last night, when she came home after meeting Naruto and the others and Sasuke didn't question where she was. He didn't seem worried, nor did he seem angry that she was out at such a peculiar hour. There wasn't a hint of genuine care, not even suspicion, and Sakura didn't know what was worse: being invisible, or being loathed. At this point, she highly considered the latter. She almost thought it'd be better for Sasuke to hate her than dis-acknowledge her; at least then she would take up some space in his mind.

Minutes passed, and not a single word left her fiancees lips as he scrutinized the weather section with dark, soul-less eyes. Sakura didn't think their was anything that fascinating to read about, and their wasn't. But they both were used to this dynamic. Conditioned to think that what they had, as frugal as it may, was a satisfactory setup.

Sasuke would allow Sakura to sleep in his bed, eat his food, and share the same space of air. In return, Sakura would get to be with Sasuke. Communication was kept to a minimal, if at all. Things were simpler this way. Easier. For a while, Sakura too had been content.

However, months have passed and Sakura found herself growing weary. She sought an emotional connection, a physical connection. That wasn't too much to ask, was it? After all, she was a young, beautiful women who should be experiencing love at her age. She couldn't think of anyone else she'd want to connect with but Sasuke, but she knew that wouldn't happen. Sasuke wasn't looking to connect. As it stands, the other man was disconnected from everything but his work; and it was all because of the murder.

Sakura tried to get him into counseling.

Dwelling on something for this long wasn't healthy, and she worried about Sasuke. With good reason. It tormented her. Sometimes he would wake up in the middle of the night screaming, consumed by raging flames, tossing and turning from untold terrors that Sakura knew she could never empathize with. But he rejected her. Just like he rejected her soothing touches, her home cooked meals; he rejected her offer and told her that counseling was a waste of money. That there was nothing to get over. Sasuke insisted he was perfectly fine, and getting through to him seemed more and more hopeless.

It was this that also made it impossible for Sakura to leave him.

She'd thought about it. She wasn't that weak. This marriage was obviously to please her parents, and she knew if she told them what was going on they would understand—however for Sasuke, who no longer had parents, this meant the world to him. It was one of his parents last wishes, and if she chose to break off the engagement it would, no doubt, send him spiraling into more madness. Sakura was sure of it - and Sakura loved him too much to cause him more pain.

So she would stay—even though it ached to do so.

Sakura had this nagging feeling that if she took her eyes off him, for even a second, something terrible would befall him. Sasuke was a powerful man, fully capable of taking care of himself—but what she was referring to wasn't anything tangible. It was something unseen to normal eyes. The quiet wisps of voices and the pitter patter of feet at night only heightened this sense of urgency, that Sakura so obnoxiously displayed every morning at breakfast. There was something evil about this mansion, and she would no longer deny it. Sasuke didn't see it. He sneered as he flipped towards the sports section. "A cry for attention," he would say. Sakura was obviously imagining things.

But she wasn't.

She really, truly wasn't, and if she could just get Sasuke to see that-

Sasuke folded the article after a long while and set it down on the kitchen table. Grabbing a piece of bread from the nearest cabinet, Sasuke grabbed his keys, slipped on his shoes, and regarded her with noticeable reluctance. His eyes were heavy with restlessness.

"I'm heading to work."

She'd been dreading and all the same counting on those words. Sasuke watched the pinkette stand up abruptly and move to his side. The look on her face displayed nothing short of worry.

"When will you be back?"

Sasuke frowned at her.

"Late." Was the flat reply. Every time Sasuke left for work, Sakura would cling to him and the Uchiha found it nauseating. "I'm leaving."

"Wait - Sasuke, I have to tell you something."

"What is it?" Came the disinterested reply as he grabbed his coat, tying a burgundy scarf around his neck to shield him from the harsh, Chicago winds. "Make it quick."

Sakura paused. She should tell him? About the team of specialists coming to check out the house? She had wanted to keep it a secret, but hiding things from Sasuke didn't feel right. Nevertheless, with the Uchiha's disinterested stare melting into annoyance, she decided against it. Sakura shook her head.

"Never mind. Have a good day at work."

"Hn."

Sasuke walked out the door and didn't bother to wish her the same.

When the door flew shut, Sakura sighed and looked at her watch.

"They'll be here..." She whispered. A loud crash from one of the upstairs bedrooms caused the women to almost jump out of her skin.

It was happening again...

Sakura felt her bottom lip quiver pathetically as she inched against the door.

The ghastly sounds slithered into her ear like a serpents song, causing her to cower. Cringing as another vase was knocked off a nearby dresser and shattered into a thousand pieces by her feet, Sakura's hand shakily fell on the doorknob. Grabbing her own jacket, she also took to leaving until Naruto and the others arrived. Being alone in this place, this place of so many nightmares, was something she wouldn't allow herself to do.

She didn't look back as she ran out.

"Whoa..." Was the harmonious echo inside Neji's van. All but Neji were gawking at every house they passed until they reached the Uchiha manor, its house being separated among the other estates and leading into its own, separate corner of the gold coast. Even Neji was a bit surprised when the unexpected turn towards the beach wasn't what the rest of Private Paranormals had anticipated. They almost thought they read the map wrong, seeing as it still ran along the gold coast but all the other privy houses were being passed as they went. That's when Naruto noticed a fork in the highway. The road lead them along the coastline and past the estates, then alarmingly dipped towards lake Michigan - and brought them onto a concrete path.

Naruto and the others wondered if they were going to a lighthouse or the Uchiha manor when they drove through this solitary lane, nothing but the green waters surrounding them on both sides. Then it came into view. At the very edge of the lane, was the mansion: and boy was it something.

The shadow of the four-story, European styled home loomed over the vehicle as they stopped at bunch of large, sharp gates. Naruto noticed the windows were tinted so you couldn't see inside. Among the other dramatic attributes to the house, such as a small tower that stuck out in the front (possibly the attic) and a small shed far off to the side, black gates encircled the home alongside the cut shrubbery, enough to mask the home, but not dangerous enough to climb. The mansions dark walls shined as the sun beat down on it, and the soft trickle of a fountain could be heard on the other side.

Neji rolled down the window on his Honda Odyssey. The car crunched against the pebbles under the tires before coming to an abrupt stop. The Hyuga reached his hand to press the small button near the gate.

They heard a soft buzz.

"Uchiha residence - This is his butler, Sebastian speaking, who is it that you are looking for?"

Somebody in the back snorted. Naruto leaned over, elbowing Neji's face in the process, and poked his blond head out the window with a quivering lip.

"Uh, Sakura?" He asked, uncontrollable laughter spilling from his lips and almost butchering the young women's name. Neji's eyebrow twitched. Just what was so damn funny?

"And may I inquire as to whom I am speaking to?"

"N-Naruto Uzumaki."

"Alright. Please wait a moment."

"H-ha-Nngh, okay." Naruto's voice trembled, covering his mouth with both hands before sinking back into his seat.

"What is your problem?" Neji hissed, noticing Naruto's shaking shoulders and this irritatingly disturbed look on his face. Naruto turned to Neji. His eyes were wide and watery with tears. Naruto slapped his knee. Suddenly he couldn't hold it in anymore. A fist slammed against the front of the seat.

"HE HAS A BUTLER, NEJI. A BUTLER! AND TO TOP IT OFF, THE BUTLERS NAME IS SEBASTIAN- HAHAHAHAHA, HOW CORNY IS THAT?" Naruto guffawed, and Kiba joined in with him, both holding their stomachs and screaming, "Just how much more cliche can this get!"

"...Sir, I can still hear you." The man, now formally known as Sebastian, wisped from the intercom. Not knowing why his name was being subjugated to such tom foolery. Neji expressed his humblest apologizes and made no effort in smacking Naruto hard upside the head. Hinata winced in the back seat. Luckily, her cousin didn't see her twitching smile as well. Shikamaru sighed but their was a faint tug of his lips. Sai also snickered. It was pretty sterotypical, after all.

"Ms. Haruno has informed me of your arrival. I'll buzz you in." Sebastian drawled, and Naruto smiled wide.

"Thanks Sebastian!" Naruto cried, "you're one hell of a butler!"

Kiba lost it.

"NARUTO, STOP MAN, WHY'D YOU HAVE TO GO THERE? YOU'RE KILLING ME!" He laughed.

"Both of you are immature idiots. This is a job. Focus." Neji seethed, and then the gates opened. The car jerked. Naruto and Kiba slunk forward, banging there heads against something. Neji spared them no remorse as he pulled up in front of the extravagant home. His eyes were filled with purpose - unlike the two fools with him.

"So this is what the Uchiha mansion looks like." Kiba whistled as he hopped out of the car. Kiba pointed to the fountain in surprise. "Shit. My apartment can't even get clean water, and here Uchiha's using it for decoration? Wish I was rich."

"Quit your sniveling and get the equipment inside." Neji commanded. "I want everything set up and us settled in before dark."

"Who put him in charge?" Kiba complained. "I bet Neji's used to this because he comes from such a rich family."

"I've seen bigger." Neji said simply. Naruto rolled his eyes. He rang the doorbell, with the rest of his friends anxiously standing behind. When it opened, Naruto's heart stopped. Once again he was greeted with Sakura's angelic presence. Her bubblegum hair, pulled into a high ponytail, sent all the blood rushing to his face; and her red spaghetti straps and loose fitting jeans made him do a double take. He was checking her out before he had a chance to stop himself. Noticing Naruto's wandering eyes, Sakura blushed and scratched her head nervously.

"I'm really sorry about this. I just came from a jog and just go out of the shower, but please, do come in."

"We'd love to..." Naruto replied dreamily. Neji sighed and brushed past him. "Pardon the intrusion."

"Thank you for inviting us in." Hinata shyly said.

"Sweet place." Kiba strolled in with a hop in his step. Before he could get too comfortable, Neji stopped Kiba at the door.

"Huh?" Kiba glared, "What gives?"

"Didn't I say set everything up?"

"Yea? And?"

"The cars that way." Neji smirked. Kiba made a huffing sound before stomping off outside to get their things. If their was one thing that pissed him off the most, Kiba hated seeing Neji so smug. Shikamaru nodded his head as he passed, while Sai quietly helped Kiba carry some of the equipment in. He gave Sakura a look of acknowledgement. Soon they were all set up.

"That's the last of it." Kiba beamed proudly. He carried the last of the monitoring equipment inside and wiped his forehead with a sigh. A few heavy muscled helpers came to help carry them into their respective rooms, while Naruto was to busy getting lost in this place to pay them any attention. The mansion was, for all intensive purposes, amazing. The chandeliers shined brilliantly against the black walls of the foyer, giving it a soft, metallic look. The backdrop of the fireplace, ablaze in the sitting room by a grand piano, only enhanced the presence of rich money that blared at him as soon as he stepped inside. Red cushioned love seats and vast archways, some leading to guest rooms, others leading to unknown places, had the Uchiha symbols carved into them, displaying the power and prestige that was the Uchiha family. The grand staircase, the trillions of rooms. It felt more like a maze then a home.

Naruto had only seen homes like these in fantasy movies or anime, and with the way things were going—from the interior Transylvanian style decor, to the butler named Sebastian—Naruto began to wonder if he was indeed being filmed. This almost seemed too scripted to be true, and although he wanted to believe Sakura—trust that even a slither of doubt ripped at his heart—the sensible part of his brain was saying this could all be just another hoax. Naruto was sure everyone else was thinking it, as Neji was eyeing the furniture with a raised brow, and Kiba and Shikamaru were talking quietly amongst themselves, eyeing the surrounding area dubiously.

Naruto slumped into the couch to watch the flames. He felt something twisting in his stomach as they sat around in the living room, waiting for Sakura to get dressed. Large and finely crafted works of art hung from each wall. They were beautiful. Sakura had said before she left that they each vividly depicted a member of the Uchiha family, from their great, great ancestors, to the last living son of today. Ever since he laid eyes on it, Naruto couldn't tear his gaze away. He'd noticed the painting above the fireplace—depicting a boy, around sixteen, with pale white skin and dark, depth-less eyes. You could say Naruto was drawn to those eyes, like a moth was drawn to a flame. Not because they were so indescribably black; but because their was a sadness reflected in them that only he could see. Despair. A hopelessness that he'd never seen before, and made him almost...yearn to help relinquish.

It made Naruto uncomfortable.

No one, especially someone as young as this kid, should be looking so...so lifeless. Among the other distinct features, Naruto noticed the teens hair was spiked up in the back. It oddly resembled a duck's butt. No...maybe that wasn't quite right. Maybe a peacock? In any case, it was surely unique. Naruto looked at tight-lipped line that were his lips. Was this Sasuke Uchiha when he was younger? After his parents passed away? Or was this the brother...? The young man swallowed. The brother who killed Sasuke's family—he couldn't understand what would compel someone to harm the ones they loved.

Neji looked into it more before they arrived. Not a single motive was found for the slaughter. Sasuke's parents were found, dead in their bedroom - and Itachi, after shooting them both in their sleep, shot himself in the head by their bedside. Naruto shivered. He was already starting to get the creeps, and nothing remotely scary had happened.

They sat in the living room and Sakura came down stairs in more "appropriate" attire. A long pink dress bloomed against her milky thighs. Naruto hadn't felt this hot and bothered since he was in high school. The nineteen year old was, in every respect, attracted to Sakura - and he sure wished she felt the same. Sitting next to Naruto on the couch Sakura smiled. A few maids brought the team some tea, and they all sat around by the fire, staring down Sakura and hoping she wasn't pulling a fast one. The inside of the Uchiha mansion was just as dreary and ancient as the outside.

Yes, the place was well kept. Everything was clean, from the marble tiling to the red carpeted staircase, each handle and do-hickey polished into spotlessness. Even the burning candles dripped fresh wax, but everyone could feel it. The coldness. Ever since Hinata stepped foot in this place, she also had a bad feeling. She was hoping Neji felt it to.

"So...when will you guys get started?" Sakura asked anxiously, setting her cup of honey tea down to regard them all with a frown.

"Well, we usually start during the peak hours." Shikamaru answered this time. "Peak hours are basically when activity is the highest, and that's usually from midnight to four."

"In that case, I'm sure you all will be too tired to leave once you're through. Why don't you stay the night? Sebastian, can you show them to their rooms?"

"Yes my lady. Please, follow me." The butler with the hilarious mustache said. Naruto still couldn't help the childish smile that spread on his face at the mention of Sebastian's name. Even Kiba couldn't contain a chuckle.

"Quit it." Neji whispered threateningly. The two of them jumped. Naruto and Kiba gave the long haired tight-ass a sour look before following him and Sebastian up the stairs. Just his luck, Naruto thought. He would be able to spend the night with Sakura!

Shikamaru, Sai, and Hinata were close behind.

Naruto felt his head throb. This long, desolate hallway was filled with a number of doors - how Sakura and her fiancee distinguished one from the other was a mystery to him. They went one up one more flight until they saw eight rooms, each of doors more beautifully crafted then the last. Even the usually unimpressed Neji was impressed.

Sebastian and Sakura stopped at the first door.

"Are you going to be sharing beds? They're big enough for two people." Sakura inquired at the six of them. Shikamaru shook his head. "No, splitting us all up is preferred."

Sakura tilted her head.

"Why's that?"

"Paranormal activity usually happens when you're isolated. Too many people in the same room makes it less likely to occur. That's why during lights out, we'll all be conducting our own investigations separately. Each one of us will get their own part of the house."

"But don't worry Sakura," Naruto reassured with a warm smile. "It'll be when both you and Sasuke are asleep, and we'll be as quiet as possible. Sai's going to be monitoring the halls outside your room and the second floor. Kiba's going to check out the shack outside and around it-"

"Aw c'mon, it's cold as shit! Why do I get the fucking-"

Naruto effectively cut him off.

"And Hinata's checking out the third floor, while Neji's checking out the attic."

"How about him?" Sakura pondered, pointing a finger at Shikamaru. Shikamaru shrugged his shoulders. "We set up monitors downstairs. I'll be watching them in a closed location, watching the EMF meters to check for any fluctuations in electromagnetic fields. We also brought tools to gauge the temperatures of every room in the house. So if your people placed them where we asked, I'll be able to see any drop in temperature and every movement that occurs. I'm also going to be communicating with Naruto and the others if anything happens on my end."

"And you...Naruto?" Sakura asked with, was that, worry? "Where will you be?"

Naruto grinned, molar to molar.

"Where else? I'll be checking out the first floor and the basement. And if it's okay, the room where the incident took place."

At that, Sakura's whole demeanor changed. She seemed afraid. Staring at her feet she nervously muttered. "I don't know if that's a good idea..." If Sasuke saw anyone step foot in there, he'd be more then just a little upset. Even Sakura herself wasn't allowed in his parents old room. It hadn't been touched since the murder. Itachi's room was also off limits.

"Then it'll be our little secret." Naruto pressed, swinging his arm around her shoulder in a friendly manner. The others weren't fooled. The closeness was just an excuse to touch her, they knew it. Neji scoffed in disgust. Couldn't Naruto control himself? Meanwhile, Hinata looked elsewhere...

"Look Naruto, if she don't wanna show us, she doesn't have to." Kiba growled.

"No." Sakura shook her head, her voice firm. "No, it's alright. I'll give you all permission."

Naruto's eyes lit up. "Really? Thanks Sakura!"

"But." She stared at them all, her emerald eyes exhibiting nothing but the utmost seriousness. "I must ask that you don't linger there for too long...if Sasuke so happens to catch you, it'll be bad."

"Not to worry Sakura. I'm the master at being discreet." Naruto proudly proclaimed, and this got a rouse out of everyone. The blond folded his arms. "What's so freaking funny?"

"Coming from you? That statements hilarious, Uzumaki. You couldn't be noiseless even if you tried." Neji retorted.

Everyone laughed before being shown to their rooms. Naruto and Sakura were at last alone when she showed him where he'd be staying. His room was at the very end of the hall, near the staircase. A large, king size, mahogany bed, lay in the center.

"Well, if you don't need anything else, I'll have my maid bring food up to all of you shortly."

Sakura started to take her leave.

"Ah-wait, Sakura." Naruto called after her, seeing her stop. Sakura turned to him with a small, far off smile.

"Yes?"

"Uhm, yanno..." Naruto started, "I noticed you've been sort of...distant since we've got here. Everything okay?"

Sakura took a step back. Had she been that obvious? She shook her head. The look in her eyes was nothing short of fearful.

"Yeah...I'm just a little nervous, I guess." She answered truthfully. She shifted from one leg to the next. "This is the first time I've ever done this before. Had people stay the night...I guess you can say I'm just...worried."

Naruto's brows knit together.

"Worried we won't be able to do anything?" He asked.

"No..." Sakura mumbled, lowering her gaze to the ground. "No, that's not it...just forget it." She insisted. However, Naruto didn't like leaving things the way they were. Sakura grabbed the door by the handle and slowly pulled it shut. Naruto watched her with concern until he mustered up a tiny wave. He'd just ask her later.

"Good night, Naruto." Sakura spoke softly.

"Night, Sakura." Naruto's voice was tender.

Then she was gone.

From outside Naruto's door, Sakura leaned against it. Her pink hair fell over her face, masking the perturbed expression that threatened to spill onto her features while engaging with Naruto.

Sakura exhaled.

Her voice was shaky and hoarse.

"...worried you'll all get hurt." She finished, her whisper so quiet that only she could hear, and then she silently padded down the stairs; preparing for Sasuke's inevitable arrival.

Author's closing notes:

I actually finished the third chapter for this.

For anyone still interested, I will be updating this fic every two weeks time. However, considering I'm also working on my main story, Fallen for Ramen, there might be times where updating is slower, but I will try to do my best! If their were any inaccuracies with the equipment, please let me know. Researching everything was diffcult because finding credible sites for paranormal equipment was hard, but I'm trying my hardest.

Thanking all the reviewers so far: Strikelightning, ColorlessXrainboW, KeepCalmAndWatchAnime, JollyCooperation, Keima, nala87, uchiha hinata21, Shadeofblue, DeciverOfTheNight, flowersxbloom, Feyri, Ko-Sensei, Rei, Fukochan-Starfish, and naruff. (I hope that was everyone.) For your support! Hopefully I can get the next chapter in soon.

Thank you for reading!