Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.
(A/N): Holy mother of Bob! I can't believe I haven't updated this in so long... I've been working on this chapter for...forever! Well, it feels that way anyway. I knew where I wanted to go with the couples and such that are presented, I just wasn't sure how. But now I figured it out! Hurray! Although it is quite shorter than the previous chapters, I like how it came out! So enjoy!
Chapter Three: An Unforgettable Night
Garnet orbs darted out of the carriage to observe the dimly lit Castle that was their destination. Onyx eyes followed the garnet orbs while pale arms wrapped around a small waist.
"Welcome to your new home," whispered Sasuke into his companion's ear.
Trembling teeth bit down on a rosy lip as Naruto stared at the immaculate building that was the Ice Castle. This was indeed the Prince's new home, but this was not supposed to be so. A different Fire Prince was chosen to be in this carriage. It was the very Prince that could not be located, the very Prince that left his home for unknown reasons. A sensation of loneliness and desolation swept over Naruto, the man in a shelled body that resembled his brother.
Struggling against the need to push the other male away, Naruto remained in Sasuke's arms even though he was not supposed to be with Sasuke. He was not supposed to be kissing the Ice Prince. He was not supposed to be married to his brother's husband. But it was too late for that.
ooooo
Moonlight shinned down through the elongated windows. A gentle breeze strolled through the halls, welcoming the Castle's inhabitants with an enjoyable temperature. The servants scurried about, preparing everything for the newlywed's arrival. The large entrance doors creaked open, and in walked the couple, the Fire Prince in the Ice Prince's arms.
The servants stopped and cheered as the Fire Prince's cheeks flushed in embarrassment. But he did not feel resentment towards these people for the attention; he merely wished to be on his own two feet. The Ice Prince would not allow such a thing however, the custom of carrying his bride to their chambers was too great to ignore. And so, they made their way through the inviting atmosphere.
ooooo
A long, slender figure walked through the door way with the Fire Prince in his arms. The Fire Prince squirmed and refused to be carried for even a second longer, but he was not placed down until they reached the bed. Pale arms gently released their priced possession onto the mattress. A pout formed on the Fire Prince's face as he gazed up to meet onyx eyes. A charming grin decorated the Ice Prince's immaculate features.
"You did not have to carry me so far as the bed," the garnet eyed beauty muttered.
Pale, graceful fingers lingered on the garnet beauty's face. Annoyance quickly vanished from Naruto's mind as it was replaced with a mixture of awe and confusion.
"I could not resist the opportunity of bringing you myself," said Sasuke, the embers of his voice visible in his eyes.
Feeling flustered, Naruto found himself unable to respond. Tender lips met Naruto's, a chance that the Ice Prince had gladly taken. Garnet eyes fluttered closed, welcoming the sensation that enveloped all of his senses. Tan arms wrapped around a pale neck as Sasuke joined Naruto on the bed, deepening the kiss. All the while, tactful hands skillfully began to undo clothes and cast them aside. The kiss was soon broken, both males attempting to regain their breath. Garnet eyes widened, coming to a realization. Sasuke's immaculate body lay on top of Naruto, his brother's bare body against his naked husband. Naruto retracted quickly and tried to cover himself, still staring at Sasuke. A confused expression appeared on Sasuke's face, mirroring Naruto's horror.
"Is something the matter?" asked Sasuke.
Naruto's head snapped away, feeling filthy for seeing Sasuke in such a state.
"N – no," stammered Naruto.
"Then, why are you hiding?" wondered Sasuke, leaning forward and taking the covers in one hand. But Naruto entwined himself in the material further. "Will you tell me what causes you to act this way?"
Naruto did not know how to answer. He wanted to say something to the Ice Prince, anything. No words would come to mind however. He merely stared at the gorgeous male before him. Sasuke reached out to touch Naruto this time, but Naruto pulled away. He did not want the Ice Prince to touch him.
Uncertainty was written on every inch of Naruto's existence. Erratic images ran through his mind. The events yet to occur would be indefinite if he allowed Sasuke to touch him. Omen-like words that Shikamaru said to him last were still swimming through his head. Despite his ambivalent emotions, Naruto knew he did not wish to lose his innocence to Sasuke. Kindness and attractive features alone should not sway his resolve to refrain from such a deed. Not only were his emotions important, but Sasuke's as well. The Ice Prince should not have to wait for something he should not – or would not – have. Alluring someone was something Naruto never wished to do, but yet he found himself in that position. Thus, he refused to partake in such an act of cruelty but he had yet to find a solution to his current predicament. He could only be certain of one thing, he was determined to remain innocent no matter how inclined he felt to change that with the handsome Ice Prince.
A blush appeared on Naruto's face at this realization. He met the Ice Prince years before this day, but it was not until a month ago that he had even spoken to Sasuke. The aloof and cheeky Ice Prince acted as his appearance reflected, but still he could muster conflicting feelings within Naruto. With every word spoken from his meticulous lips, hesitation was the Fire Prince's main response. Good intentions were behind the sweet words, but they merely confused and burdened Naruto. Impersonating his brother was Naruto's duty at the moment, not falling for the endearing words that Sasuke spoke to him. Whispered words of love were not supposed to affect Naruto, especially when he knew that they were meant for his brother and that someone else would one day speak those very words to him. He had a betrothed.
Disgust swept over Naruto in that instant. The doubt and uncertainty of his feelings caused self-loathing to boil inside of him. He should not feel this way, he should not allow himself to feel this way. Gaara, his fiancée, was supposed to fill his mind with thoughts of love, no one else. Naruto allowed himself to be embraced and kissed merely as a duty to his family in the absence of his brother. The honor and welfare of his loved ones depended on the success of this charade. Integrity and devotion were his only drive. Well, they were supposed to be his only drive. He was not supposed to enjoy this.
As Sasuke's lips met his, he knew he was not supposed to enjoy this kiss. But he knew that he liked it. He loved it. Were these welcoming lips supposed to spark such an intense satisfaction? Were they supposed to overshadow Gaara's? After Naruto parted from this sham, would Sasuke's lips haunt him? Perhaps he would never forget Sasuke's lips even after he married Gaara. Underneath all the turmoil within Naruto perhaps he understood what he felt, fear of getting attached to someone he would never truly have.
Sasuke pulled back suddenly, leaving Naruto breathless and craving more.
A tender gaze was on the dazed Fire Prince. Pale fingers lightly touched tan skin, slowly making their way to orange locks. The yearning male leaned forward, attempting to kiss the raven. Swift hands held the tan face before the destination had been met however. A whimper slipped from lips that were minutely parted. Elegant eyebrows pulled together as Sasuke stared at Naruto, feeling puzzled.
"Do you feel well? First you act embarrassed, then as though you do not wish for me to touch you, but now –," he wasn't sure how to describe it, "it seems as though the only thought crossing your mind is consummating our love."
Garnet eyes widened immediately, a furious blush upon Naruto's face as he pulled away sharply.
A sigh was released as Sasuke's features went back to appearing indifferent. His hands fell back as he sat back on the bed, observing the embarrassed Fire Prince.
"Shall I wait for a response?" asked Sasuke. "Or do you wish to continue to act with irrational stupidity?"
Garnet orbs narrowed. "How dare you speak to me in such a manner!" yelled Naruto, too furious to recall that he was undressed and rather close to the other male.
"How dare I? It is not much of a challenge or a sign of disrespect if the comment is directed at you," retorted Sasuke in a calm yet enraged voice. It was as though the enticing flames within him were blazing an intense shade of blue in his eyes.
A stinging sensation quickly struck Naruto's eyes along with his heart, the urge to cry and scream nearly overpowered him but he did not succumb to it. Attempting to conceal his upset state, Naruto said, "Why am I not surprised that you cannot even accomplish being a decent man to your companion?"
The Ice Prince did not answer, he merely kept his eyes on the other male, observing and studying his actions. A frown was on the tan face, some pain still visible among the rage.
"I made an attempt to be a decent man," said Sasuke.
"Of course you did," said Naruto in a soft, bitter tone.
Onyx eyes continued to study the tan male. The muscles underneath his skin were tense. His body subconsciously made the effort to shield him in the shadows. Seconds ticked by, the more time that passed the more the tan male fidgeted. Dark eyes no longer lingered over Naruto as both gazes locked together.
"I did," said Sasuke. "It is a custom to consummate a marriage on the wedding night."
Tan cheeks darkened with a blush at the thought of such an event occurring.
"However, for whatever reason," Sasuke continued, "my companion finds himself feeling conflicted about such a matter."
"Perhaps your companion is not conflicted. Perhaps you are imagining this state of mind for him," Naruto retorted. "Could your cruelty be driving him away?"
Flames seemed to spark in Sasuke's eyes, he grinned at Naruto's statement. "How can one imagine this to be true if this so called cruelty was not introduced until after the fact?" Sasuke questioned. "Only desire was presented to the companion." He gave Naruto a sly look. "Even through annoyance, the desire still remains." He raised an eyebrow. "Could it be that this individual's companion is merely using irrational comments to disguise the existence of a secret?"
Fear flickered in Naruto's eyes in an instant. Does he know? Does he know I'm not Kyuubi? "Perhaps the companion merely feels no desire for the individual," said Naruto coldly, making an expression that displayed revulsion.
Observant eyes studied Naruto for a moment. "No," said Sasuke simply. "Fear does not appear before disgust."
A strong jaw locked with annoyance. "It does when –"
"For fear to appear before disgust reveals that desire exists but is renounced."
"Perhaps your companion merely wants to renounce you."
"Perhaps my companion is merely attempting to conceal the fact that he is a pure and innocent being."
Lips parted with disbelief and garnet eyes widened with the collision of such an unexpected remark.
"Am I correct?" asked Sasuke. He sat back and sighed heavily. "Customs were not created to be followed as orders. They are merely a tradition. However, a tradition that I do hold dear – more than any other – is the demonstration of understanding and respect for loved ones."
The Fire Prince was speechless.
Dark eyes' sight fell back to the tan male. "You and I are joined together for the rest of our lives," said Sasuke in a soft voice. He seemed hesitant at first, but his words soon grew with care and love. "I will wait for all eternity if I must for you to leave your fears behind."
Tears threatened to leave Naruto's eyes in that instant. Living through years of his life had never presented him with such a being such as the Ice Prince. Despite his aloof nature, Sasuke was truly a caring person. Any other would never speak those words. Any other would never speak with such love and tenderness. Any other would take what he wanted or merely feel frustrated. Despite it all, Sasuke was unlike all the others. For whatever reason, this realization made Naruto grateful to be with Sasuke in this complicating ordeal.
"I will not ask why you feel this way for it does not concern me," Sasuke continued. "I will stay by your side and wait for you when you are ready, if you ever will be."
In a swift movement, Naruto wrapped his arms around Sasuke, pressing their bodies together. Naked skin no longer felt uncomfortable. Timid thoughts were pushed aside along with images brimming with lust. Only caring and warmth remained. Duty and tradition were no longer on their minds, for such thoughts did not concern them at the moment. As both males kissed and went to bed, they felt at ease merely knowing that they were in each others' arms with nothing but pure affection.
ooooo
Sea-green orbs gazed lazily ahead. Interest could not be found in those clouded eyes, only boredom. Irritation was quickly surfacing on the stoic face with almond skin.
"You need to stop this," said a worried, feminine voice. Not even the roaring winds of the ocean could compare to her spoken words.
"Stop what, exactly?" asked the calm, bored man.
"This… this behavior or yours," said the female, her teal eyes filled with concern.
A sharp glare was directed at the female now as irritation quickly transformed to fury. Bottled fury was this man's specialty, but it should be feared. Lashed out fury from such an individual was quite deadly, literally.
"My behavior?" questioned the man, his voice still seemed bored, but rage could still be sensed from every word that he spoke. "What is wrong with my behavior? Since when does it concern you?"
"Since servants began to be punished or killed for ridiculous accusations on your part," said the female firmly. Concern was still present in her eyes but she knew very well what her duties were.
"Have you considered that what you speak of is a ridiculous accusation?" retorted the man.
"I have," she said. "I have thought of every single possibility and outcome I could. And all I can conclude is that something troubles you."
His nostrils flared along with his temper.
"Brother, please tell me what is the matter," she pleaded.
"Temari," said the man in a low voice. "Leave me be."
"Brother!"
"Take her away," the man ordered.
"Gaara! You cannot do this! You –"
"Temari, there is no point in arguing," said a male with a strong voice that resembled the ancient bark of a tree.
Gaara remained silent as he agreed with this man.
"We cannot stand idly by while our brother wreaks havoc in such a manner!" Temari was agonized now.
"Take her away, Kankuro," ordered Gaara to his other sibling.
The man named Kankuro escorted Temari out of the room while she continued to argue. His stoic expression resembled Gaara's despite the purple marks upon his face. Coal eyes studied his younger brother.
"May I ask why you treat your elder sister in such a manner?" wondered Kankuro.
A dispassionate expression was on Gaara's face, but his harsh gaze presented Kankuro with all the information that he needed.
"You may not," ordered Gaara.
"I hope you realize that I know what is going on," said Kankuro.
Thin lips twitched and were pulled back to form a smirk. "Is that so?"
A shiver of discomfort went up Kankuro's back. His younger brother had a way with sparking unease in people. A lifetime along his sibling had yet to prepare him for these moments however.
"I believe it is related to the lack of visits by the young Prince Naruto," said Kankuro.
Gaara's face fell. Fury could be seen in his eyes once more.
"Leave me be," ordered Gaara.
"You will be married soon, brother," said Kankuro in a reassuring voice. "There is no need to feel such hostility. Further, there is no need to take anyone's life for such a thing." With that, he left.
A chuckle soon followed Kankuro's exit. It did not come from Gaara however.
"He may hear you," warned Gaara in his indifferent voice.
"He may believe it is you," the other chuckled.
A smile appeared on Gaara's face. "Perhaps you are correct."
"I know I am," the other left the shadows and stood before Gaara. "Prince Gaara of the Wind Kingdom should know better than to doubt me." A smirk appeared on his face as well as he leaned closer to the Wind Prince.
"When have I ever doubted you?" asked Gaara, his eyes sparking with devious curiosity.
The other chuckled once more. "Countless times," he said, "the first time I made love to you is a quite memorable example."
"Not that memorable," replied Gaara in an indifferent tone.
The other's face fell. Gaara smiled. A smile was soon returned as the words were analyzed to be a joke. Lips met as the other male gave Gaara a tender kiss.
"Perhaps I can make tonight as memorable as possible," he said.
Gaara smiled against his lover's lips. "I am looking forward to it."
With that, the men exited to an abandoned chamber.
ooooo
Glass shattered against the stone wall. Shards scattered and fell onto the floor. Rage filled screams echoed through the dark and empty halls. Emerald eyes glared into onyx orbs with contempt and malice.
"I hate you!" howled a feminine voice. Small, trembling hands held the bottle of wine that was on the oak table mere moments ago. "I hate you!" the wine bottle was thrown and shattered against the stone wall, like the wine glass. Anxious fingers clawed at silk cloth and long, pink hair. "Why did I marry you? Why!"
Tears began to stream down delicate, pale skin. Fidgeting hands now lay still on an enlarged belly. The screeching voice was now soft and precise – resembling the stealth of the night itself, "I will have your child soon. Does that mean nothing to you?"
Onyx eyes lazily kept a level gaze with the woman. The owner of the onyx eyes gracefully rose from his seat. "No," he said simply, his voice resembling the fiery touch of unforgiving embers.
The stream of tears flowed more intense than before.
"A child in your womb means nothing to me," said the calm, yet fierce, voice.
Anger appeared on the tear stricken face. "It is your child as well! With your wife. Your wife is going to give you a child," said the woman, sobbing, but still keeping a firm tone as her anger escalated. An accusing finger was pointed at the blond male near the bed, he had slipped out of the sheets already. "Not your bastard lover!"
No response came from the blond haired male with fine skin, his sky-like blue eyes merely avoided the woman's harsh glare. Emotion finally surfaced on the onyx eyed man, he pulled his elegant raven hair back to reveal a scowl. "Any child from him," his graceful fingers pointed to the ashamed male, "would be more welcome than anything you could provide me."
"Itachi…" said the woman in a hurt, yet enraged, voice, "I have been by your side and faithful to you in every possible way! Why could you not at least do the same for me! Or put me out of my misery before loving a man!" Disgust and lack of understanding was upon the woman's face.
"Sakura, it's not about me being a man," the blond male finally spoke, his voice like the intense collision of earth. "I don't –"
"There is no need to speak to her, Deidara," the raven haired man said.
Thin lips sealed despite the desire to voice an opinion. The lover of a married man should not interfere in the quarrel, no matter how he felt. Deidara knew how the young, pregnant princess felt about finding her husband in bed with another person, but he could not claim that he had been traded for someone of a different gender.
"You bastard!" screeched Sakura to Itachi. "You half-breed!"
A menacing grin spread across Itachi's face. "Half-breed?" repeated Itachi, raising an eyebrow. "Then why do you want that child?"
Sadness was now plain on Sakura's face. "It is our child, why would I not cherish this young life inside me?" asked Sakura, saddened by the fact that she even had to defend her position on the matter.
"That is exactly why I do not cherish that abomination," said Itachi coldly. "You are the mother of it."
"Stop saying that!" The distressed woman was on the verge of tears once again. "Why do you say these things? Is it me or just this child that you despise?"
A blank expression was upon the raven's face. "Both," he said simply. "Knowing that such unfit creatures exist in the world makes my blood boil and my insides churn."
Sakura chocked back sobs. "Do you hate everyone?" she wondered.
Onyx eyes darted to Deidara, then back to the upset woman as if addressing a point.
A frown was on Sakura's face now. "Your lover is only one person though," said Sakura. "You hate your wife and your child. We have done nothing to harm you… Nothing at all." Her hands subconsciously remained on her belly. "Why do you feel such repugnance? Why do you shun us and hide us from the world?"
No answer was given by the male, a blank expression remained on his face.
"Do you hate your brother as well? Is that why you did not go to his wedding?"
Boredom and annoyance were plain on Itachi's features. "I did not attend my half-brother's wedding because he does not know I am family," Itachi sighed.
"You could have made an effort to go!" said Sakura. "Your father must have –"
"I only remind my father of his idiotic actions," said Itachi sternly.
A small mouth closed, sealing pink lips together. She wanted to speak her mind, but Itachi's patience was wearing thin. Determination sparked within her again however, and she stood tall, stroking her belly as she reminded herself why she was doing this.
"He surely had his reasons," said Sakura, her gaze shifting towards Deidara, then back, "like you do."
Itachi's nostrils flared for an instant. "My father is an idiot that did not understand that if you have a male lover, a child will not be born and despised or rejected," said Itachi.
Determination wavered as Sakura learned something new of her husband, something she never knew he felt. It left her speechless and feeling empathetic. Sakura's horror had subsided minutely, but Deidara's had just risen. Hearing those words from Itachi, Deidara did not know what to do now, or in the near future. But something told him that his set future was now vague and clouded with uncertainty.
Silently gathering Deidara's clothes from the floor, Sakura took them to their owner. "Get home safely," said Sakura sincerely, giving Deidara a tender gaze.
Tears threatened to leave Deidara's eyes now. Tenderness was not something Deidara should get from Sakura. Anger and resentment was what he was prepared for, not kindness. How could he be Itachi's lover when this woman did not deserve such misery?
Itachi glared at Sakura as he snatched Deidara's clothes from her hands and threw them on the stone floor. "I am not done with him," said Itachi firmly.
Pain could be seen in emerald eyes. Rage was present along with discontent. "So be it," said Sakura in a detached voice. Her eyes fell on Deidara. "Perhaps he will actually satisfy you, I know I never was." She turned on her heel and left the room, slamming the door shut before Itachi could say another word.
Annoyance was still upon Itachi's face, he turned to Deidara determined to forget the aggravating interruption. His lover remained on the floor, he soon grew confused.
"Do you wish to finish on the floor?" wondered Itachi.
A glare was Deidara's reply as he quickly gathered his clothing from the floor.
"What are you doing!" demanded Itachi, grabbing Deidara.
Deidara jerked away and began to get dressed as he pulled on his shirt. "I'm leaving!" said Deidara firmly.
Itachi grabbed Deidara swiftly and threw him on the bed on his hands and knees. The trousers and undergarments in Deidara's hands were yanked away and thrown aside by Itachi. Protesting against Itachi's touch, Deidara tried to pull away and run but Itachi was too quick to enter him.
A groan was released from parted lips.
"How can you leave when you crave me inside you?" Itachi breathed huskily into Deidara's ear.
A chill went up the blond male's spine. Desire for the other male was overwhelming. He wished it to not be so but could not fight against it. Thrusting in and out of him, Deidara could not find the words to go against Itachi. The moans of pleasure were evident, but as Deidara succumbed to Itachi's will, he had yet to consider the consequences that would haunt him in the future.
ooooo
Lips pulled back to form a smile despite the groggy state of the male entering the private quarters. Two sets of dark eyes observed the violet liquid in the elegant vile before them. One felt proud while the other debated and ran scenarios through his head.
"He made it!" said Kiba happily.
"For now," said Shikamaru.
A frown replaced the wide smile upon Kiba's face. "Must you always belittle everything?" wondered Kiba.
"Must you never think ahead?" asked Shikamaru. "We do not know what this entails for Naruto. Perhaps it is a good thing. Perhaps Sasuke is benevolent and understanding and decided to wait for his spouse. Or perhaps Sasuke is now irritated and will take what he pleases by force… Or worse, he despises this marriage to Kyuubi."
Both males remained still, Shikamaru gazing at the violet liquid while Kiba stared at him, horrified.
"What do we do now?" Kiba eventually asked in a soft voice.
"We will wait until we can contact Naruto," said Shikamaru, refusing to show the concern that he felt.
Chapter 3 for Through The Eyes Of The Damned is now Complete! I hope you enjoyed it! It took me forever to finish... Well, let me know what you think, I love this story haha I just wish other people let me know how they felt... (insert sad face here) (to avoid the author's sad face, please click the review button)
Well, that's all for now, so until next time, Ja Ne!