Hidden Desires

Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews. I hope you all enjoy this chapter.

Chapter Notation: This story is taking place in London at the moment. So sometimes when background characters are introduced, they won't have Japanese names. I figured that it would be a bit strange, if everyone in this story had an "exotic" name.

Chapter 3

The next day, the three Uchihas and Konan greet each other at the Big Ben. Sasuke smiles and exchanges a brief embrace with his brother. It didn't matter that their hearts had stopped beating, they still loved each other. They were still brothers.

"You're looking well." Konan said with a smile as she watched the brothers.

"Why, thank you. I do try my best. I have added a new style of martial arts to my exercise regime. I quite like it, really." Madara replied smugly.

"I was referring to Sasuke, but I suppose it also applies to you. Though I'm afraid that your powerful mane might have developed a few split ends." Konan teased the eldest Uchiha.

Sasuke chuckled when he noted that Madara began checking his hair for split ends, immediately after Kohan's declaration. He could only shake his head in amusement. Madara Uchiha was very serious about his hair.

The youngest vampire in the small coven sometimes wondered how much time his Sire spent on caring for that mane. It must have taken at least a couple of hours every day, just to wash it. Sasuke decided that it didn't matter. Madara was Madara. If he wanted to preen like a peacock on occasion, who was really going to argue with him?

"She's a cheeky little thing, Itachi. Are you sure that you can really handle this one?" Madara inquired.

"I assure you that I handle her just fine." Itachi informed him rather slyly as he wrapped his arms around his lover.

Madara chuckled. Oh yes, Itachi was most certainly from Izuna's line. Sasuke might look the most like his dearly departed brother, but Itachi had inherited his charm.

"Mmm well I certainly have no complaints at the moment." Konan confirmed with a smile of her own as she leaned backwards slightly and kissed Itachi.

"Well what about you, Sasuke?" Madara inquired as the young vampire glanced at the Big Ben in awe.

Sasuke and Itachi were still young enough that they looked at the entire world with wonder. He missed that feeling. He certainly had favorite locations, but few things were truly NEW to him.

There was nothing like seeing or experiencing something for the first time. Well technically, this was Sasuke's second time seeing London. Madara wasn't entirely certain if that was the case with Itachi though.

"What do you mean?" Sasuke asked in confusion.

"Itachi has Konan. You don't seem to favor anyone." His Sire stated bluntly.

"Am I supposed to favor someone? You certainly seem quite content to exchange one lover for another on a regular basis." Sasuke retorted.

He knew that he couldn't let Madara know. Hinata had no idea that he was still alive. They hadn't even been dating when he was human. He might have done a lot of horrible things, but dragging her into his bloody world shouldn't be one of them.

He mentally winced as he remembered the various blood and carnage that he had reeked over the past five years. So much blood and he had ENJOYED it. He STILL enjoyed it. Hinata would want nothing to do with him, if she knew what he was truly capable of.

"That's true, but it would have to be quite the exceptional man or woman to hold my attention for more than a few months at this stage in my existence. That's a rather common "problem," once one has a few centuries under their belt. You're not me though." His Sire reasoned.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. Could he possibly know? He couldn't. There was no way that Madara knew. He had never mentioned Hinata to him.

He had even taken the occasional lover, just to prevent the elder vampire from growing suspicious. Well alright. That wasn't entirely true. Vampires were sensual beings, but it wasn't as though he had any intention of marrying or Mating any of those that he had taken to his bed.

"Forgive me, father. I'd rather not discuss my love life in front of my brother and his wife." He stated simply.

"Of course. There's nothing to forgive. The fault in this circumstance was all mine. I should have realized that sooner." The elder vampire replied.

"You should record this, brother. I'm told that it is quite a rare occurrence for Madara to apologize." Itachi observed with no small amount of mirth.

Madara rolled his eyes playfully, but Sasuke knew an act when he saw one. The man knew something. He might not know about Hinata, but the Uchiha Patriarch certainly suspected that something was amiss.

"Boys, boys. Stop bickering. It's a beautiful night. Let's just enjoy it." Konan instructed them.

"You're correct. Do not paid it any heed. It is just talk amongst men. I'm certain that a woman of your age is quite used to such things." Madara gently teased her.

"Did you just call me old?! That's the pot calling the kettle black! Is it not?!" The blue haired vampiress demanded.

Itachi snorted. Oh this wouldn't end well. Konan was one of the few vampires in existence who was not afraid to banter with Madara Uchiha. Sometimes it could yield rather interesting results. Other times, he sincerely worried that they might destroy whatever city block they happened to be bickering on.

"Sasuke, why don't you go get us some blood at the hospital? They're likely going to be at it for awhile." Itachi suggested.

"Right. I'll be back shortly." The other vampire promised as he took off.

A short while later, Hinata was at the hospital. She smiled as she entered some of the patients' rooms. It was important to get to know the various long-term patients and staff members.

Hinata had high hopes that this hospital would hire her permanently, after she graduated. She liked it. It was beautiful and the staff was friendly. Oh and the food was surprisingly good, considering that it WAS a hospital. (Hospitals were not exactly famous for fine dining, she observed to herself.)

"Good evening, Hinata." A nurse greeted her.

The nurse was named Haku. Hinata had mistakenly thought that Haku was a woman the first time that she met him. That didn't matter though. He was quite good at his job and friendly. That and nothing went on in the hospital without his knowledge.

"Hey, Haku." Hinata responded with a small smile.

"You should see all the giggling going on. It's quite impressive really. Never seen anything like it. Guy must be a looker." The beautiful man told her.

The Hyuga woman tilted her head in confusion. Giggling? A real looker? What on Earth was going on?

That's when she heard it. There definitely was a lot of giggling going on. Hmm. Curious, Hinata decided to investigate. With that thought in mind, she followed Haku towards the source of all the commotion.

"I'm here to pick up the blood shipment. It's schedule to go to Sharingan Hospital." She heard someone say.

His back was towards her, but Hinata could tell that he was likely gorgeous. He had raven black hair and skin like ivory. He was wearing a business suit that flattered him. The expensive outfit was likely worth every penny, judging by the way it displayed his sleek muscles.

"Is that all you want to pick up?" One of the medical assistants asked the young man with more than a hint of flirtation to her voice.

"For the moment, yes. I'll let you know, if that changes." The man promised in a silken tone.

"Great! I'm Lucy by the way. Here's my number, if you change your mind!" The medical assistant said.

Hinata could tell when someone was humoring another person. That was clearly the case with this stranger. She saw a pale hand take the slip of paper, good-naturedly. The Hyuga woman highly doubted that he was going to actually call Lucy.

"I'll be sure to do that." The beautiful stranger said as he loads up his cart filled with blood bags.

Sasuke suddenly stiffened. He could smell HER. Lilacs and lavender. It couldn't be. Hinata couldn't be in the same hospital and judging by the scent, she was extremely close.

"If you ladies will excuse me, I'm afraid that I have to get going. The hospital is expecting this shipment shortly and I don't have much time." He said as he headed off.

Hinata blinked as she recognized his voice. Sasuke? Was it really Sasuke? The blunette took off after the stranger, but she was too slow.

He was already in the elevator and the door had closed, by the time she caught up with him. He was simply too fast. Almost inhumanly so.

"I can't be him."" She whispered to herself.

As soon as the elevator opened again, she took it. She had to find him. If it really was Sasuke, she had to know what had happened! How was he still alive?! Where had he been all these years?!

"Come on! Come on!" She yelled at the elevator as she pushes the button that was preset to take her to the floor that the elevator had just gone to.

Just as she arrived, she saw the man exit the hospital. Her eyes widened in the realization that it really was Sasuke. Something was wrong though. This Sasuke still looked exactly the same as when she had last seen him.

That was impossible though. It had been five years. She decided to worry about that later as she chased him.

"SASUKE! SASUKE!" She called out desperately, once they reached the parking lot.

Sasuke knew that he shouldn't have done it, but he instinctively stopped. How could he not when she was calling out his name like that. He turned around to face her.

"Hinata." He whispered and he mentally cursed his weakness.

He should have kept going. No human was ever going to be a match for vampire speed. She might have just convinced herself that it was a daydream, if he had.

Now that wasn't possible. She was going to want to know what had happened. Sasuke needed to come up with a story and quickly.

"You're alive! Sasuke, you're alive!" She cried out joyfully as she slammed into him and hugged him so tightly that Sasuke was suddenly rather grateful that he didn't need to breathe anymore.

"Sorta." He said with a sigh as he wraps his arms around her.

He'd just have to compel her. There was nothing else for it. He couldn't tell her the truth. For now though, he'd enjoy this moment.

Sasuke would always remember it, but Hinata wouldn't. He couldn't let her remember it. She'd ask too many questions. Questions that he couldn't answer without endangering her.

"How? Where did you go? Why didn't you come back?" She whispered as she hugs him closer.

Sasuke smiled and inhaled her sweet scent. The feeling of her warm, soft skin against his own was nothing short of ecstasy for the younger vampire.

"It's a long story. I'm okay though. I've missed you, Hinata. I've missed you and the others so much. I couldn't come back though. I still can't. It's not safe. I'm so sorry." He murmured honestly into her ear.

He meant it. Sasuke didn't think that he had ever meant anything more in his entire existence, but that didn't change the facts. He was a vampire and Hinata wasn't. It wasn't safe for her to be around him.

"Why isn't it safe? Why are you sorry?" Hinata asked fearfully.

If someone was hurting Sasuke, they'd find a way to make it stop. Maybe, he had escaped their attacker. Was it possible that he had been a prisoner for years and just escaped? Was that why he didn't think that it was safe?

"As I said, it's a long story. I wish that I could tell you what is going on, but you'd never understand. You seem to have a good life, Hinata. I wouldn't take it from you. I love you too much for that. I'm also sorry for this. It's the only way though." He whispered as he caressed her cheek.

Hinata was going to ask what he meant, when she saw it. Sasuke's obsidian eyes suddenly transformed into a pair of ruby red ones. That wasn't normal!

"Sasuke?" Hinata whimpered in fear.

"Don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you. I never would. You never saw me, Hinata. As far as you are concerned, I'm dead. You miss me, but you grieved and have moved on with your life. You're happy. You've put that horrible night behind you. You will never mention seeing me to anyone. Now go." Sasuke compelled her.

Hinata's eyes widened and then she appeared to go into a trance. That was to be expected. Compulsion was one of a vampire's most useful tools. It allowed them to order other species to do their bidding or to erase their memories to a limited degree.

Of course, it was not all powerful. There were a few catches. It largely depended on what species your "victim" was, how skilled you were in the art of compulsion, and their will. Every once in awhile, a victim turned out to be more stubborn than the vampire trying to compel them. Such an occurrence was rare, but it had been known to happen.

With that, Hinata ran back into the hospital and Sasuke breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn't taken her life. Sasuke hadn't even ruined it. In the end, the compulsion might even help her to move on.

"I'd better get this blood back to them." He muttered under his breath as he left the parking lot with the blood in tow.

The next morning, he was back in Madara's Mansion. Well one of Madara's Mansions. He had homes all over the world, but that was besides the point.

"Sasuke, I would like to speak with you about something. I think that I have finally discovered the perfect present for you." His Sire told him.

"You took me to London. I don't think that you need to get me anything else." Sasuke told him with a smile.

"Oh, but I do. It's your fifth birthday in a way. That's a very special one. Most children desire pets. For humans, it's generally a cat, dog, horse, or something of that nature. For our kind, it's a little different. I'm sure that you are aware of this." Madara continued.

A pet? Sasuke didn't really need a pet. Feeders, bloodwine, hunting, or blood bags worked well enough for him. He could humor Madara though.

In his own twisted way, Sasuke was sure that his Sire thought he was just being a "good father." Pets were generally willing. As long as it was a willing pet, he didn't mind that much.

"That's very kind of you." Sasuke replied.

"I thought as much. You have been acting rather strangely, since your walk and visit to the hospital." The elder vampire continued.

"I haven't been acting strangely." The raven haired Uchiha protested vigorously.

Madara shook his head. He didn't believe that for a moment. No, Sasuke had been acting strangely and now, he knew why.

"Don't lie to me. You know that I detest liars. I'm going to let that one slide though. It is a special occasion, after all. Now back to the matter at hand. I checked the security tapes from our street and the hospital. In both instances, you ran into the same woman. She's quite lovely. So at long last, I know who this Hinata is. Human though. That much is obvious." Madara observed.

Sasuke's blood ran cold. He had no idea how Madara knew about Hinata, but he knew that he wished that the other vampire didn't. Nothing good could possibly come of this.

"How do you know about her?!" He screamed at his "father" in a rage.

"When you were first turned, you spoke during your transitions. That's not uncommon. Of course, most of it was largely incoherent babbling. Though you did call out one name repeatedly, Hinata. Over and over. I always wondered who she was." He answered.

Damn it! This couldn't be happening. Madara knew about Hinata! Sasuke couldn't believe it.

"What does she have to do with anything? I thought you were talking about getting me a pet?" Sasuke asked warily.

"Well that should be rather obvious, but I don't mind telling you. She'll be your pet. You don't think that your compulsion will actually work on her for long, do you? Sasuke, you're a young vampire and that woman obviously cares about you. I imagine that sooner or later, it will wear off. When that happens, there are three choices." The elder Uchiha told him.

Sasuke stiffens. He had a pretty good idea what the three choices were. He wanted to deny it, but he knew that he couldn't.

"She can be killed. Obviously, I would rather avoid that. Hinata could become one of us. Though I'm not entirely comfortable with that thought at the moment. Not everyone is suited for the life of a vampire and I really know nothing of this woman. Well nothing other than she caught your eye. The third is a compromise. She can become your pet and if she proves herself trustworthy, we can always turn her later." His Sire explained.

"If you touch her, I will stake you myself." Sasuke hissed at Madara, fangs bared menacingly as he lunged at the other vampire.

Madara smirked and dodged. Adorable really. He couldn't remember if there had ever been a time when he would have been that foolish. Sasuke surely had to know that he had no chance against him in combat.

Despite that fact, his foolish "son" still attacked him anyway. His instinct to protect the pretty human was stronger than his own sense of self-preservation. It was touching, in a very stupid way.

"I'm proud of you. You're brave and you're strong, but you're also foolish. You didn't actually think that you could beat me, did you?" Madara asked as he slammed Sasuke against the wall.

"If you touch her, I'll find the way!" He growled.

"I won't harm her. I'm merely going to bring your friend to live with us. That's all. Relax Sasuke, this is no more different than getting you an adorable kitten for your birthday. She's as cute and helpless as one." Madara said as he flitted off.

Sasuke punched a hole in the wall. It was something of a wonder that the house didn't come crashing down from the force of his fury. He could follow Madara, but his Sire was right. Sasuke couldn't stop him.

"I can only hope that he doesn't hurt her. I can try to free her, once he lowers his guard." Sasuke whispered to himself.

It was morning, but Madara had long ago figured out how to walk in the Sun. Sasuke wasn't exactly sure how. His Sire wasn't eager to share his secret.

In retrospect, Sasuke realized that Madara liked having a card up his sleeve. The elder Uchiha knew that he wouldn't be able to follow him. It was likely that the other man had figured that sooner or later, he was going to pull rank on Sasuke and/or Itachi.

"He fights dirty." Sasuke muttered in disgust.

Elsewhere Hinata was just waking up in her home. She had had disturbingly beautiful dreams the night before. She dreamed that she saw Sasuke again.

The Sasuke in her dreams had been so scared though. He had held her so tightly, as if he expected that he would never see her again. The Hyuga woman tried to convince herself that it was just a dream, but somehow she couldn't shake the feeling that it had been real.

"I must be losing my mind." She said as she sighed and poured herself a glass of orange juice.

That's when she heard a knock on the door. Hinata frowned, wondering who it could be at this hour. Well that was no reason to be rude, she supposed as she headed off to answer it.

"Hello. Who are you?" Hinata asked sweetly, after opening the door.

"I'm Madara Uchiha. I believe that the two of us have much to discuss. Do you mind if I come in? Sasuke wanted me to reach out to you." He said.

Hinata's eyes widen as she gazed at the man in front of her. There were certain similarities between them. They both had dark hair and aristocratic features. It was possible that he really was Sasuke's uncle. Sasuke had never mentioned an uncle though.

She mentally scolds herself for such a thought though. There would be no reason for Sasuke to mention an uncle, who lived in London. The confused woman quickly moves the side and lets him in.

"Yes, of course. Please come in." She instructed him.

"Thank you. I must say that you do have a beautiful home. It certainly represents its owner well. A beautiful home, for a beautiful woman. I can see why Sasuke speaks so highly of you." He said smoothly.

Hinata felt herself blush. Sasuke's uncle was certainly a rather flirtatious individual. That wasn't what mattered at the moment though. She had to find out what had happened to her friend.

"Thank you, but where is Sasuke? Is he alright?" Hinata asked anxiously.

"Oh he's quite well. He misses you horribly. Once he heard that the two of you were in London, he couldn't resist seeing you again. If you'll come with me, I can take you to him. Oh and one more thing. Make sure to wear this bracelet. He had it specially made for you." Madara said as he placed a beautiful bracelet on her wrist.

The med student sighed in relief. Sasuke was alright and she was going to see him. The others were going to be ecstatic when they heard the news!

"That's wonderful! I'd love to see him again. The bracelet is beautiful by the way." She said with a smile.

It was a beautiful silver chain with rubies, sapphires, and diamonds attached to it. She couldn't believe that Sasuke had gotten her such an expensive piece of jewelry. They hadn't even seen each other in years.

"I'm glad you like it. Whatever you do, don't take it off. We wouldn't want to hurt his feelings, now would we?" The vampire inquired.

"Right! Let's get going! Wait. Would you like anything to eat or drink, before we go? I feel so rude. I should have offered you something immediately." Hinata said and Madara just laughed.

The young woman clearly had no idea what she was offering. She really was such a kitten. So innocent.

"No. That's quite alright. I already ate before I came. Come, my car is waiting for us outside." He informed her as he led her outside and to a gorgeous luxury car.

"Your car is amazing." Hinata observed in astonishment.

"Yes, thank you. It's my pride and joy. Collecting luxury cars is something of a hobby of mine. My business has allowed me to live a rather extravagant lifestyle. One that I quite enjoy really. Remember to buckle up." He ordered her and Hinata nodded, as she fastened her seat belt and they took off.