Sasuke dropped his backpack near his side table as he fell face first onto his royal sized bed. While Naruto was out with the gang, the entire estate was silent and still. Sasuke refused the invite to find some peace and tranquility on his own time. Sunlight still managed to slither through the cracks of the blinds as the vampire snuggled his face into a feathery pillow. He was never really fond of the sun, so he often enjoyed his sunrise slumber or afternoon naps. It was a long day at school and Sasuke took advantage of this great opportunity to spend some quality time with his mattress.

Just when he was finally dozing off, he heard his cell phone play a tune that never sounded more aggravating. He grumbled incoherent words when he lazily reached down to sift through the contents of his backpack. He pulled out his sleek, chrome phone and placed his ear to the receiver.

"Hello…," he grumbled as he rubbed his face. He squinted at the clock sitting next to his bed.

3:24. He's only been home for less than half an hour and already someone was bothering him. So much for peace and tranquility.

After hearing static at the other end, Sasuke contemplated just going back to sleep for an hour or so…

"Helloooo? Sasuke? Is that you…? Oh my god! It is! It's really you!" came an extremely chirpy voice. At the current state he was in, chirpy only translated into annoying.

"Who is this and how did you get this number?" he asked angrily. It's not every day that he gave out his phone number, especially to random fan girls who would end up calling him and ruining his naptime. He sat on the edge of his bed as he waited for a response.

"It's INO. I asked you to escort me to Ami's party today, remember? You are coming, right?"

"How. Did. You. Get. This. Number," he demanded, completely disregarding her question. Her attempt at flirting with him only made things worse.

Annoying giggling. "Secret, Secret!"

"I'm going to fucking kil-" Relax, Sasuke. She's not worth it. Not yet. "…Why are you calling me?"

"Hell-Ooooh. The party? This Friday? You are going, right? I mean- We're goin-"

"Whatever, I'll meet you there," he blurted out as he hung up on her. There was only so much of Ino a sane person can take. And he wasn't even anywhere near the pinnacle of sanity.

He just figured there should be a law against people as obnoxious as her.

He also figured that he could just ditch her and not go.

Yeah, that sounded like a damn good plan.

[8] The Temptation

"Whaddaya mean you're not going? It's gonna be like, the party of the year!" exclaimed Naruto as he flailed his arms in shock.

It was a windy Wednesday, but that didn't stop Mr. Gai from throwing his students out onto the track and field for gym class. He wanted the youths of today to feel the gifts of nature as much as they can until it became illegal to stick them out in the snow. He had an issue with it last year, but with a few cuts in his pay check, he seemed to get the message quite nicely.

As Gai encouraged the students running by, Naruto ran on the outer lane of the track. He was trying to catch up to Sasuke who was purposefully gaining speed to avoid confrontation. It was working because the pursuer looked like he was having a little bit of trouble catching up without looking too obviously supernatural.

"You heard me, Naruto. I'm not going," Sasuke spoke as he swerved around the other students. He never enjoyed repeating himself, but Uzumaki never seemed to get the hint. He knew Naruto would continue to bother him, but with a few strategic turns, the blonde got stuck behind the line of girls laughing and taking up every lane on the track. Naruto got frustrated as he grumbled colorful words and started walking behind moving designer tracksuits.

As expected.

Sasuke smirked to himself. Up ahead, he could see a different group of girls slowly jogging and he just couldn't control his curiosity.

.

"I'm tired…You guys go ahead, I hate running. I get all sweaty and… yuck," Ino pouted as she dropped onto a steel bench on the side. She pulled out her phone from her pocket and started tapping the screen.

"Are you sure?" asked Hinata, slowing down to a stop. "We can wait for you, Ino."

Sakura followed and took a peek at Ino's phone. It looked like she was texting… Sasuke? When did she even get his number?

"Yeah, yeah. Just go! I'm alright over here…," Ino smiled widely as she thought of more things to type down. It only got Sakura's blood boiling.

"Whatever. Let's go, Hinata," she responded sternly. She pulled the confused girl along and they started up into a light jog. After a complete lap in uncomfortable silence, Hinata spoke up.

"Are you okay, Sakura? You seem mad…ever since we went to Ino's house yesterday…," Hinata asked carefully, not wanting to set her off. She knew Sakura had a scary temper when she was mad.

"Yeeeah, just peachy," she answered sourly, keeping her angry eyes on the track. Trust me, it started LONG before that…

It would seem that her temper either went into passive-aggressive mode or screaming-banshee mode, and today was Hinata's lucky day. She survived by getting the lesser of the two evils.

It was quiet again besides the sound of sneakers hitting the ground. Sakura only thought of hateful words in a cynical voice and kept glaring at the space in front of her. Hinata, growing more concern with each step, slowed down her jog and placed a gentle hand on her friend's shoulder.

"…Is it because of Ino liking Sasuke?"

Sakura was taken aback.

"Is it that obvious?" she asked as they both started walking. Hinata didn't say anything, but the answer was already known.

"God, I'm terrible, right? I should be happy for Ino, I should be supporting her…The three of us, we're supposed to be like sisters. But I just can't help myself…," Sakura explained as her head drooped and fell into her hands. "I want Sasuke. For myself. Not for Ino. Not for anyone…I'm being a bad friend…"

Sakura sighed and looked at Hinata. If there was one thing the Hyuuga was good at, it's being sympathetic. Looking at her made Sakura feel like she was looking right into a mirror. Just from hearing Sakura's side of the story, the girl's face expressed every kind of sadness Sakura has been feeling for the last few days. It was a quality that was close to amazing.

"No, you're not," Hinata said with complete confidence. "It's…okay to want something. And, it's okay to disagree with Ino …someone has to." They both laughed. "And I…don't really know Sasuke, but… you never know. Maybe he likes you better than Ino…"

Sakura huffed out a cynical laugh.

"I don't even know if he likes me in general, let alone more than Ino…" Sakura looked at the sky as thoughts entered her head. "He's mean….and then he's nice…I don't know, it's just really confusing." Sakura showed a sheepish smile, but Hinata knew exactly what she meant.

"Yeah...Boys are really confusing."

.

"I want Sasuke. For myself. Not for Ino. Not for anyone…"

The dark-haired vampire had an arrogant smile on his face. He was tuning into their conversation and he was liking what he was hearing. He had to admit, the feelings were mutual.

For a completely different reason.

The sudden buzz in his pocket pulled him away from the conversation. He pulled out his phone and saw a little digital envelope dance across his screen: 1 New message. He hit another button and saw the name of the sender: Ino Yamanaka.

You again?

Not bothering to read the message, he deleted it without a second thought. Naruto was catching up from behind and began walking next to him.

"C'mon, you emo bastard, it's gonna be fun!"

"How many times do I have to tell you? I'm not going."

It was late in the evening when a coffee-colored feline perched on top of the dresser to watch his master stand in front of a mirror. The man was wearing a ridiculous-looking cape and an over-the-top designer suit. In his over-1000 years of life, Denka has never been more confused.

"What…is this for…?"

"A party," was all he said.

Okay, so maybe he is going…

Denka remembered how Naruto was dressed before he walked out the door over an hour ago. He was covered in toilet paper from head to toe and seemed completely okay with it.

Humans and their crazy traditions…

Sasuke adjusted the cuff of his shirt and folded it over the jacket's sleeve. He then buttoned his black silk vest and revealed his pointed fangs. He looked like he walked straight out of a movie screen. The pale skin, scheming eyes, and killer fangs. A vampire posing as a vampire. No one would ever guess.

"Hina said Sakura left with her friends a while ago. To the same party, I presume?"

"Aah, I'm seeing her there," he answered, slipping on dress shoes that were way too expensive to be used for a trashy Halloween party. But since he didn't have plans for a banquet or ball to go to anytime soon, he just grabbed his keys and walked out of his room.

"Are you running late? She might be worried," asked the animal, trotting beside his master.

"She can wait." Sasuke turned the knob of the front door and took a step outside. Before he can shut the door behind him, Denka asked:

"…What are you going to do?"

The vampire gave a sideways glance before answering. Denka sounded strangely concerned, probably after hearing all the nice things Hina had to say about the girl. Smart, model student. Hard-working and dedicated volunteer. The honest and trustworthy friend. Why would she deserve to get her young, innocent life taken away?

"Nothing out of the ordinary." Sasuke slammed the door.

'Ordinary for a human or for a vampire…?' Denka thought as he sat in the main foyer alone and watched the murderer walk away.

.

Knowing his destination was down the street, Sasuke decided to leave his treasured car in the garage. He walked down the cobblestone driveway and past the large fountain in the front yard. After passing the iron gates, with hands in his pockets, he started down the road.

What finally got him to go to the party was the fact that his little prey was definitely going to be there.

'People change their minds all the time…,' he told himself. It wasn't really like him to just go back on his word. Uchihas were proud people, not ones who made promises they couldn't keep. He promised himself he would not be caught dead at a grimy high school party, but as of 7PM last night, that all changed. He received full confirmation from Hina, who saw Sakura trying on different costumes from previous Halloweens. Seeing Sakura in some cutesy Halloween outfit? Worth it.

However, Naruto was going to be there along with the lunch gang, plus annoying bimbo and fidgety girl.

Teenagers + alcohol + drugs x deserted mansion.

It wasn't exactly his cup of tea, but if you add a little bit of blood to the mix, who was he to resist?

He spotted the house from a few houses down. It was certainly hard to miss. The entire lot looked to be glowing with different hues of neon color and the whole house was pulsing like a human heart. Loud music shook the old foundations and he wouldn't be surprised if the roof collapsed to the ground, killing everyone inside. He started to wonder if it would just be faster to get the job done himself…

He walked up to the front door – passed the drug circle, the stupid décor, and the unkempt lawn – over two hours late. No big deal. It's not like anyone was looking for him, right?

Sasuke immediately felt the wave a body heat swaying in the room. The entire living room dance floor was packed with monsters, superheroes, and random slutty farm animals. Near the other side of the room, he saw annoying blonde cowgirl dancing weirdly on a table. It was also apparent how trashed she was.

He was just glad she was chasing after the drinks instead of him.

The vampire spotted a hairy paw in the air, waving him to come over. He could tell it was Kiba, dressed in a werewolf costume. As Sasuke made his way over, Kiba downed another cup of piss water before going for another. The vampire mentally shook his head at the weak stuff being served; human drinks were literally piss water compared to vampire drinks. It would take an entire keg or more to get any vampire even close to tipsy. With a new cup in hand, Kiba gave a friendly slap on the back and yelled over the music.

"Hey, you made it!" Kiba took a sip from his plastic red cup. "Boobs to the left, Beer to the right. Blunts are right out front. Live a little!"

The dog boy staggered away and gave a high five to everyone he passed. Sasuke made a face as he took a good look around the room. Drunk girl dancing on a table. Drunk people making out in the corner. Drunk guy taking even more shots than his body could possibly handle. It would probably be easier to count how many people weren't completely fucked over. So far, it was only one.

Hoping to find a number two, Sasuke followed the only scent that seemed to stand out. The familiar sweetness pierced through the smell of sweat, the booze, the body sprays, and even the throw up. Just by taking a whiff, he could feel the killer pangs creeping back again. It was only a matter of time before he reached striking pink hair…

He went upstairs which turned out to be completely empty. It was pitch black, besides the stray patterns of light that shone on the walls. He found her, back turned and walking out of the bathroom and into the hallway.

"That looks familiar," he commented on her outfit. The candy striper turned around at the sound of his voice and hiccuped. She squinted at him and studied his face before blurting out:

"YOU!" She hiccuped again and took another swig from her cup. Sakura whined about feeling sick before stumbling back and falling on her butt. She laughed like a psychopath before trying to get up by holding onto the wall. Her grip slipped and she fell. Again.

"Damn it, don't tell me you're wasted, too…," he murmured to himself. Sasuke grabbed her forearm and pulled her up with ease. She stumbled and leaned into his body to keep herself from falling. Before he could take in her scent even more, she pushed off of him and gave a very dirty glare.

"What?" he spat, already annoyed with her drunken mood swings.

"Whyrn't chu…wit Ami?" Sakura said, slurring her words. She placed two balled up fists on her hips and pouted. "You…assholeee!"

Ami? Who the hell is that? "I don't know what you're talking about." And I can barely understand what you're saying…

"LIAR!" She yelled suddenly, pointing an accusing finger at him. "I KNOW! I knoooow who you 're…I shaw you!"

"You know what I am?" Sasuke wasn't sure if he should take her seriously. She was babbling on some drunken tangent but even his vampire senses couldn't decipher the sounds coming out of her mouth. He took hold of her and looked her straight in the eyes.

"Answer me." He couldn't be too careful. Maybe she did know something…

"You…you…" Before she could get another word out, she fell into him for the second time. He shook her, but she doesn't move. Sakura's body was laying limp in his arms.

"Sakura… Sakura?" He sat her down and from the looks of it, she was completely knocked out.

Sasuke groaned out of annoyance more than anything when he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. He decided he needed a safe place to put her before she came to and panicked from her hammered escapades. It was almost impossible to concentrate with her scent filling his senses. At this point, he could've been just as intoxicated as she was.

The vampire walked down an empty hallway and went to the last door at the very end. He tried to turn the knob, only to find it locked. Without any patience left in his entire body, he kicked open the door and closed it behind him.

The room was surprisingly clean for a house that has been abandoned for about 200 years. It was old-fashioned, with a large iron-framed bed and matching Victorian furniture. Sasuke laid the unconscious girl on top of a crème-colored quilt that covered the mattress. She stirred slightly before going completely still. He stood and watched as her chest rose and sunk with every breath.

And for the first time, they were alone.

There was still the raging party going on downstairs, but everyone was piss drunk or stoned or maybe even both. No one would notice them missing. And once the party was over, the old mansion would be back to being abandoned. And, this room was meant to be locked in the first place; no one would even guess anyone would be in here…

But there was something about her that made him feel incredibly impulsive. He never killed on impulse. He was always careful. Prepared with a sword and a plan. Precision was key.

But not tonight.

All the little details that needed to be looked over were carelessly disregarded. Everything that would go wrong probably will.

But he didn't care.

He couldn't stand it anymore. The temptation that has been two feet away from him all this time, he could no longer ignore it. It has been building up for far too long. The urge to kill….

Right here, right now.

It ends.

.

"CHUG CHUG CHUG CHUG!"

The crowd chanted as the mummified Naruto guzzled down what was left of the keg while being suspended by his ankles over it. He descended, stood properly and threw his hands up in triumph as everyone cheered and patted him on the back. A classic keg stand victory. Kiba grumbled as he slaps a bill into Naruto's bandaged hand. Shino and Choji, a couple of Naruto's classmates, handed over their payment as well. Miraculously, Naruto felt completely sober. He was just high off of winning.

Hinata smiled at him and he grinned back at her. He stuffed his new cash into his pocket before taking the lovely dancer back onto the dance floor. They merged into a sea of moving bodies, swaying with the sound. The only things they could see were the flashing lights and each other.

"I-I can't believe you finished that entire thing!" she yelled as the thumping music surrounded them.

"Are you impressed? Hahaha!" Naruto swayed and stepped out of beat. "I can handle even more if I wanted to!"

"Wh-what? That's crazy!"

"Hahaha!" Naruto laughed and was having such a great time with her. Even though they were never really close, she has also been so…nice. He always knew Hinata Hyuuga as that one quiet girl, but she was actually kind of pleasant to talk to…

Before he could offer to get her a drink, he felt a sudden feeling of dread enter his body.

"Do you feel that…?" he asked suddenly. His sky blue eyes shifted from one side of the room to the other. The ballerina countered with a nervous look.

"What's wrong?"

His sensitive nostrils picked up an unmistakable smell: Blood.

'Huh…?' Naruto thought as he eyed the stairs leading to the second floor. He could already feel his body reacting to the delightful aroma. He started to wonder if Hinata could smell it, too… 'Why would there be… No. Way.'

A sudden realization shook him to the core.

Sasuke?

If Sasuke actually did come, would he be the one behind this?

Naruto quickly shot a look at Hinata, who was still wearing a concerned expression. Naruto smiled reassuringly and tried to think of an excuse to leave. He wracked his brain for something clever, but nothing seems to come through.

"Uh, hey, I have to uh- go to the bathroom! Yeah, I had a lotta beer!" he blurted out, as he turns towards the stairwell. "Don't wait up!"

"Um, Nar-Naruto! Wait! There's a bathroom by the kitchen…you don't need to go all the way upstai-"

"Oh, right! Hahaha. I knew that!…but I think I…uh…" C'mon brain, don't fail me now! "…left my phone up there! Yeah, and I need to go get it!"

His hand left hers as he began to walk away. But the disappointment on her face was just breaking his unbeating heart.

Hinata noticed Naruto was acting weird, but she knew that someone like Naruto wouldn't want to hang around someone like her all night, especially when there were about a hundred more people willing to get drunk and party than she was. She didn't want to drink, she barely wanted to dance. It was just too good to be true… But before all hope was lost, Hinata felt a strong grip on her wrist and looked up to see Naruto's face. This time, he was the one giving her a concerned look.

"Don't worry, I'm not trying to ditch you, or anything! I'll be back, I swear." He beamed widely and gave her a big thumbs up. She couldn't help but trust him.

"Okay."

How long has he waited for this? How long has he suffered?

The endless inferno burning in his throat. The insatiable appetite that craved a delicacy more delicious than fear. The temptation from seeing her everywhere.

The suffering, every day for the past sixteen years.

It was all about to end.

Sasuke leaned over her sleeping form and brushed a piece of her strawberry hair out of her face. Her body remained completely motionless. The moonlight shining in through the window gave her a faint glow that highlighted her attractive features. And a part of his mind told him it wasn't just her scent that was appealing…

Everything about Sakura Haruno pulled him in.

His cold fingers traced the shape of her jaw and felt the warmth lying under her skin. It made his mouth water ever so slightly. When he touched her neck, he could feel the slow, rhythmic pulse of her heart.

Then came a sickening smile.

The vampire bent over and brought his face closer to hers. The smell was truly intoxicating. Her blood called to him, mocked him, tempted him. The insanity he was keeping hidden for so long was slowly creeping to the surface. The excitement of finally seeing her upcoming death caused him to let out a twisted, demonic laugh.

No one torments Sasuke Uchiha and gets away with it.

His lips gently brushed against the skin of her forehead and he could already feel his whole body igniting. He sat at the edge of the bed and slid his arm behind the girl's back to prop her upwards. Sasuke tilted his head back as he let his fangs grow without restraint. His free hand caressed her cheek as he looked at her with hungry eyes.

"I'm going to kill you, Sakura…," he whispered darkly as he eyed her pink lips. He smirked at the silence in return. His nail made a deep gash on her lip and he watched as the blood rush to the surface. It pooled around the wound before slowly dripping down her chin.

It was beautiful.

He leaned in and licked the bleeding trail before going for her lips. He kissed her roughly, feeling the heat of her body and tasting the blood even more. He pulled away and let the satisfying rush engulf him. He sighed blissfully. Sasuke, ever since his birth as a vampire, has never felt more alive.

He wanted more.

Without hesitation, his sharp fangs went for the creamy, delicate skin at the side of her neck. Her skin was punctured easily under the force. As he felt the warm liquid seep down his throat, he groaned in mind-shattering pleasure. Every kill and ounce of blood in the past did not even compare. Every gulp of blood was throwing him closer to the edge.

The more blood he drank, the thirstier he got.

He was losing it.

More.

More.

MORE.

The greed was pulling him deeper into the darkness. He wasn't going to stop until every drop of her precious blood was gone. Not until her pure heart stopped beating. Not until she breathed her last breath.

Not until she died, here in his arms.

The Temptation.

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