Woahhh, finallyyyy! Sorry for making you waiting, I'm so busy! I want to thank all the people having following and reviewing, you guys are my motivation. Moreover, I wanna specially thank GahUpdateSoon and AkumasFate for helping check the first chap – how kind you are! As I've said before, English isn't my native language so I meet with serious problems when I write this fic. And you two are really my saviors.

And now, new chapter, hope you enjoy.

xXx

CHAP 2: 13 years old

.

I'm dreaming.

In my dream, I'm with you, my head is laying on your laps. You look down at me, smiling. Still beautiful as the last time I saw you. Your hand slides into my hair, touching my scalp. Cold, but nice. Then you put your flute next to your thin lips. Limpid harmony flies up, comforting me, lulling me to sleep.

I close my eyes.

I wake up.

xXx

Kyuubi stirs, heavy lids slowly open. Sunset is rising, winter air becomes colder. Navy eyes glaze at the darkening sky. Day is ending. Dying sunrays are pouring honey color onto the flowery land inch by inch. Letting out a sign, the redhead sits up, his unruly fire-like hair swings lightly. It's pretty late now but he doesn't want to come back to his palace yet. As every year before, he'll stay here until the midnight.

Breeze is blowing softly, bringing along a few petals with the subtle scent of grasses and flowers. Closing his eyes, Kyuubi enjoys the chilly of the late winter afternoon. But out of nowhere he hears something making his heart lurch. The breeze is bringing something else.

At first, it's just a faint sound. The sound stops for awhile before starting again, by the way hitting him so hard that he's dumbstruck in an instant. This harmony… Immediately, the demon holds his breath. Standing up like a spring, he turns to the direction of the sound. It seems to be from the forest. Something in his deep blue eyes is shaking violently.

It must be a flute, he can tell for sure! This clean sound, and more important, this harmony, how can he forget? It's his lullaby from many years ago, prior to becoming his nostalgia. This melody is his love! The player may be still green, but good enough for him to recognize and feel the melody. That's it, he can't be wrong!

Without thinking, the young prince hastens toward the source of the sound, letting the familiar music lead his steps and his senses.

Following the harmony, he walks more and more deeply into the forest. The fact is that he even doesn't know where he's heading. He lets himself led vaguely like a sleepwalker runs after his unreal dream.

Finally, the melody stops, the redhead is snapped back to the reality in a heartbeat. Until now he realizes that right in front of him is his training ground, but he haven't trained with his brother for three years. Kyuubi frowns, wondering why he's here. More important, if he's not wrong, this place is where the sound started...

Unexpectedly, the demon's ears catch the rustling sound, he hurriedly hiding behind a big tree.

After a few seconds, Kyuubi finds his younger brother climbs downs from a very high tree nearby. To his surprise, he sees the blond looks up, beaming from ear to ear while opening his hand wide. The hiding demon cocks one of his brows. However, before he can wonder what the younger is doing, something, or somebody, dives from the tree into his brother's arms. His brother laughs heartily, helps the other stand firm on his legs. The red sunray of the ending day lights the training ground, melting on that person's face.

It's a boy with deep onyx eyes. Soft ebony hair stirs in the breeze of the winter. Fair skin is so white, plus his delicate feature and form, he really looks like a porcelain doll. The young demon seems to like that boy very much, he's grin brightly while picking something off the latter's hair. The boy gives the other a tender smile.

Kyuubi thinks that his heart stops beating for seconds.

So alike…

xXx

Today is like everyday else, after talking together about goofy stories, they climb up the tree in which three years ago the vampire told his friend about his dream and Sasuke starts playing his flute. Recently Sasuke's learned playing the flute. Although Naruto doesn't know much about music but he still can feel the beautiful hymn of the song Sasuke plays. The song is as a fairy tale with the light coldness of the dew on an autumn brand new day, with brilliant sunlight on a summer noon, with sakura swaying in the spring breeze, with the pure white of snow painting the winter. Consequently, the blond has a new hobby: enjoy the refined melody from that instrument.

It's been three years since their first meeting. By somehow, Naruto and Sasuke both keep their friendship under shadow. They always see each other at the training ground where they met the fist time. Sometime it's Sasuke having to wait, but usually Naruto is the one. They don't often do much, just chatting, occasionally wandering around the forest. However it doesn't matter. Sasuke understands Naruto, Naruto makes Sasuke smile, that is important.

…

The demon stands on the ground, looking up his friend who is on a low branch. A sly thought flies through his brain and he grins widely, opening his hands. The other eyes him, his gaze is full of skepticism.

"Come here."

The vampire blinks. "What?"

"It'll be fun! Come here!"

Hearing that, the pale skin is like on fire. Sasuke raises his brows, wondering what's with his friend. Thinking a bit, finally the raven shrugs it off and jumps into his arms although his face is painfully red now. However, Naruto is as warm as sunshine. He can't help it.

"See, fun right?" The demon helps his friend stay steady "Just like I though, you're so light."

"Huh?"

"You are very light." Naruto laughs heartily. "That's why you can run and climb so fast, yeah?"

"I'm not that light." The said boy furrows his forehead "Speed is our inborn advantage, not unlike your strength. I'm not trained yet, if I was I would be much faster."

"Right, right. Hence I'm so lucky, aren't I?" The blond beams, unconsciously picks off a leave stuck in the black hair. "Because if you were, I might have never caught you up three years ago."

A smile quickly replaces the frown on the pale face.

All of a sudden, the demon tenses up. In a blink of eyes, he swings his hand, a shuriken pins into a tree not very far away. Sasuke jumps because of the unexpected movement, but before he could ask, his friend deadpans in a low tone. "Stop hiding, I know you're there."

Silence. Two boys wait in silence. Even wind doesn't blow. Everything halts to wait for a movement. Next, a person, no, a demon – Naruto can tell - steps out from behind the tree but still staying in the shade. The blond holds his breath, instinctively standing in front of Sasuke. Suddenly, he hears a snicker, and his heart is like falling out of his chest. How can he not recognize this chuckle, he's too familiar with it during 13 years.

The other demon walks out, light falling on his body step by step. His hair and clothes have the same color with the sun of the twilight. He navy pupils are so dark.

Azure eyes gape in shock "Bro…Brother?"

…

.

…

Kyuubi looks at the pair opposite him. His brother looks dumbstruck, but is still covering for the other boy. 'Want to protect him? Cute.' He turns his head to glance at the shuriken still pinning in the tree, a smirk is drawn on his lips. "Pretty good huh?"

Not hearing the answer, the redhead looks back his brother, realizing the younger is shocked more than he thinks. He chuckles.

"What's the matter, Kit?" he glances at the vampire who is peering him confusedly. Until now he can really have a close look at the other kid. He has particular pale skin, so contrary to his coal eyes and hair. He wears only a thin black yukata in cold winter, which makes him look even more breakable.

Kyuubi's chest aches. This boy is too… like…

He starts to talk, his voice is cheerful yet weirdly deep "Why don't you introduce me to your friend?"

The blond is snapped back to the reality in leaps and bounds "Why are you here?"

"Wander around." He shrugs "This is my place too, remember?" Afterward he comes closer to the pair, amusement glints in his eyes "Who is he?"

Naruto frowns, blocking his brother's vision. "Kyuubi, don't!"

"Don't what? You stop practicing with me here because of him?" The older laughs "I won't eat him, ok? What are you afraid of?"

Naruto hesitates, but a soft hand places on his shoulder. He glances back, seeing the vampire smiling at him. "It's alright."

With that, Sasuke steps forward, looking up to reply the older's curious stare, no hint of fear or shyness in his face. "You are his brother?"

Kyuubi give the boy a polite smile "Yeah. What's your name?"

"I'm Sasuke."

Kyuubi nods. He dismisses his smile, instead of that is a thoughtful gaze. The blond boy's breath hitches at the older's unreadable mien. At last, Kyuubi raises his voice, matter-of-fact "You are a vampire, aren't you?"

"Kyuubi!"

Naruto panics whereas the raven flinches. However, Sasuke quickly shrugs it off. "It's fine, Naruto" with the same composed manner, he answers the redhead. "Yes I am."

To be honest, Kyuubi's surprised by this boy's calmness. He shots up one of his brows "You're outspoken. Aren't you scared that I'll kill you because of our natural hatred?"

"I know you won't." Answers the asked boy "Naruto has talked a lot about you. From what I've known about you, I don't think you will kill me, at least before his eyes"

"Oh really?" Sneer. "How can you be so sure?"

Naruto is too tense now. He swears, in his 13 years of life, never has him been so frightened like he is in this moment. Watching the other two in the battle of wits is fearful enough. Naruto is able to feel the tension is pressing upon them three. He knows his brother is very kind, very sweet, but he's also the eldest prince of the Demon kingdom, he's taught to become unreadable. No one knows what his brother is thinking or going to do.

But seemingly Sasuke isn't anxious at all, which really amazes the blond. "You're so perfect in the way he talked about you, I don't believe that nonsensical hatred will blind you." Sasuke answers without hesitation. Except for this prince doesn't want to be the king or hates being a demon, it's totally true. He knows, to Naruto, Kyuubi's always a gorgeous caring, loving brother. "You love Naruto, and you won't do anything to break his heart."

Kyuubi gives the younger demon, who is still standing by his friend and staring at him cautiously. It is more and more interesting for now.

"I don't know you look up to me that much, kit." Kyuubi mocks in a smirk, startling his younger sibling by his extraneous line. But before the blond can protest, he turns back to ask the vampire "You are brave. Now I can understand why my brother refuses me to have time with you." He ignores his brother's redden face to turn away, letting his back face the boys. "I remember you haven't told me your surname yet, Sasuke."

"It's Uchiha. My full name is Uchiha Sasuke."

Naruto believes that he's seen his brother's shoulders tauten, he doesn't see his face so he can't be sure. Then suddenly, Kyuubi bursts out laughing, startling the two teens. His laugh is thunderous, sonorous, echoing in the deserted forest, but somehow Naruto feel it so sad, desperate and bitter, as if that demon is crying in his laugh. Sasuke looks at him questioningly whereas he's eyeing his brother worryingly. What wrong with him, after all?

'That is called destiny.'

Afterwards, the laughter dies down into a low chuckle. The redhead turns back, catching the doubtful obsidian gaze, a smirk ghosts on his lips. "Did you play that song?"

Onyx eyes blink. That song? Ah… "You mean the flute? Yeah."

"Who teaches you that?"

"Neji-nii" answers the vampire.

The redhead demon arches one of his brows in doubt: "Neji… nii? Your brother?"

Sasuke thinks a bit, then replies: "No, actually. He cares about me much, but he's not my blood brother. I'm the only child in fact."

"… Really?" For just very short moment, red brows go down, yet finally their owner just nod "Hm…" Kyuubi thinks a bit, then shrugging, looking at his brother "Alright, it's late now, time to go home kit." He smiles at the other boy, by the way rubbing his hair "It's very nice to meet you, Sasuke."

Both teens are surprised by the oldest's act. But when the blond is just going to open his mouth to speak, his friend is quicker. "Yeah, it's nice to meet you too." And he turns to the younger demon, a small smile tugging at his lips "We'll meet tomorrow, ok?"

Out of the blue Naruto feels a little woozy. Lately he's been like that each time Sasuke smiling with him. "Um… Sure"

With that, the raven gives them a wave and leaves. The left blond demon keeps staring until his friend's figure no where to see. He looks back at his brother, who signals to him.

"Let's go."

xXx

The siblings walk home in silence. They don't exchange any more words. From time to time, the younger keep peeping at the older. His brother appears distracted. After they've reached their palace, Kyuubi goes straight into his room, and still not say a word.

To tell the truth, Naruto thinks he's going to panic right now if his brother keeps silent like that. When it turned out Kyuubi seemed to like Sasuke, it was like a huge rock was lifted off his shoulder. However, the older's quietness now really freaks out the blond. He doesn't know how to feel anymore, his sibling is too hard to read. Eventually, can't bear the bigger and bigger anxiety, the younger demon makes up his mind and goes to knock his brother's door.

It's taken awhile before a low "come in" comes from the other side of the door. When it is opened, the boy is greeted by the sight of his brother standing next to the large glass window. He's seemingly deep in thought, dark blue eyes staring vacantly at the shadow of the night outside. His blazing red kimono looks also straightly quiet. Naruto can smell the light scent of sake.

Swallowing the thickness in his throat, Naruto steps inside "Kyuubi-nii."

Navy orbs meet the azure ones through the reflection on glass. A chuckle is heard "I just wondered when you would show up."

Naruto scratches his head, grinning goofily "Is that so?..."

The redhead turns back. He leans against the window, facing the younger directly, his hands is hid in the big sleeves. One of his eyebrows goes up in questionable manner. Only this easy moment is enough to shoo away all Naruto's will to talk. The fact is that, although he's the one who will become the King later, he always thinks that his brother is like a monarch better than him. The way he acts, the way he talks, they all show a great power that forces everyone to be submissive. Their father is busy all the time, hence because of their closeness since the younger's childhood and the redhead's 17-year older, Kyuubi turns out to have more effect on the blond than Minato, and Naruto also has more reverent awe of his brother than his father. Of course he still loves his father very much, and his awe of his brother has never bothered him at all…

… until now.

The younger purses his lips, doesn't know how to start. Pregnant pause grabs around them until the older decides to break it with a question, "Are you going to talk or not?"

Naruto looks at the other before taking a deep breath and raise his voice nervously "Ha… What… are you thinking?"

"What do you mean?" Kyuubi asks back, pretending not to understand.

"You know… You've been silent since we got home…. I've never seen you…. Um… distracted and… pensive like that. So I just wanna know what is in your mind, about…. You know…"

"No, I don't know anything, Kit." The older signs "Spit it out fast, Naruto."

Call first name, not good. Naruto takes another deep breath. "What do you think about Sasuke?"

"What do I think about him?" his respond is a vigor nod. "What do you think?"

"Um… I don't know." The teen rubs his nape "At first… I think you like him. But then…. You don't say a word. I can't work out what is in your mind, nii-san."

Looking the blond's puzzlement makes him really want to laugh. However, he just continue to query instead "What about you? What do you think about him?"

"Me?" He seems surprised "Ah, he's kind, a good listener. I think he's kind of… sweet… cute, too." Next, he meets his brother's gaze straightly "Look, nii-san, I know we have to be watchful over vampires, but I don't think that he will harm us, really! He's a very good vampire!"

Kyuubi observes the boy fixedly "You believe him that much?"

"Yes!"

"How can you be so sure? Who know what will he do at the future? What can make sure that he won't change?"

The blond bits his lip, "I trust him, Kyuubi-nii. He isn't kind of one who will betray someone that easily. I know him, nii-san! We… we've known each other for 3 years!"

"Wait, three years?" Kyuubi hisses dangerously "What is in your head? Do you know how risky you are?"

"No… I mean, yes… But Kyuu-nii, it's ok! I'm…"

"It's not ok, Naruto." The older glares. "You could lose your life, or worse, our country. It's too hazard!"

A short pause, before, to the older's surprise, the younger prince lowers his voice "Nii-san, I'm a prince, I know what is right and what is wrong. Being the future king, I've had to give up many things, but not this friendship. If you're going to lock me up, it's no use. I will break the lock then get out before you can know. Then I'll run away so far and so fast that you will never be able to catch me. A free life is better than a strict life anyway." To be honest, even Naruto doesn't know why he has the guts so suddenly to say these words to his brother. It sends a shiver down his spine. However, being with Sasuke for 3 years somehow turns the vampire into someone that is very important to him, very… close to his heart.

Navy eyes go wide a bit. Is he threading me? This imp… However he wants to laugh at the same time. His brother right now is different with the moment he stepped inside. Different voice, different manner. Firm and not stammering. He seems to truly wish to protect that little vampire. It's apparently that he's genuinely serious about that boy. By somehow, he still keeps the sternness of his voice, he narrows his eyes "You like him."

"Yea… What?"

"You like him, don't you?"

Naruto's jaw is like touching the ground. It's a statement, not a question. He can feel heat slowly creep on his face, all the bravery he's gained quickly evaporates. After several minutes, his voice finally come back "W… What? Why… Why do you say that?"

"Don't deny it, Kit, I can read you like a book." Kyuubi shakes his head, watching his brother promptly turning into a ripening tomato. He steps closer to the blond until standing right infront of him, whispering in an unreadable tone "You want to die that much?"

The blush disappears. Crystal irises meet the darker ones, a decisive look in them "No. I want to be with him."

"Even it cost your life, and your happiness?"

"Sasuke is my happiness. And I won't lose my life."

The grimness of the teen startles Kyuubi. For a second, he has a thought that the boy standing before him now, is not a 13-year-old kit anymore. He's truly a future king, a man will devote his life to protecting what and who he loves, and no one can change his mind. It terrifies him, yet also makes him very proud of his brother. Such a stubborn brat!

They keep staring at the other. At last, the redhead signs "You've grown up."

The tender in Kyuubi's voice has taken the blond by surprise. He raises his brows and even more surprised when catching a gentle smiling. He blinks "… Nii-san?"

Kyuubi just stays silent. He thinks deeply. Finally, he turns back and walks towards the door, startling his brother "Kyuubi-nii!"

Steps stop. Kyuubi looks at the younger through the corner of his eyes. Then, he exhales heavily whereas his tone is very light "Come with me."

xXx

The siblings walk together through the night. The older leads the younger go deep into the forest, so deep that Kyuubi feels like he's going to face his own past.

xXx

Naruto is speechless.

His brother's led him to a flowery land.

Sun starts to rise. Brand new ray slowly spreads out on the flowers. Light passing through dew on grasses refracts into rainbow. There are many kinds of flower, fulfilling the land with many kinds of color. The flowers dance with the wind in the golden sunlight.

"This… This is…"

Chuckle "Beautiful, right?"

Blue eyes are so big because of shock. The scenery is breathtaking!

They two survey the view for a while before Kyuubi raises his voice, out of the blue "This place is special to me. It brings me many things whenever I come here." He turns to meet the other's look. His voice is so light, dispersing in the cool breeze of the early morning. "We only really love one person in our lives, you know that?"

Naruto blinks at the older "Niisan…"

Kyuubi places his hand on the other's shoulder "You like him, right?" Looking the teen's blushing face, he laughs "You've really grown up, I see." Then navy eyes meet the bright azure ones, amused, "Keep going, Kit. Be careful, bring him here and never let him go."

With that, he walks away. Yet after a few steps, he sto ps, looking back at the younger. "Ah, tell him to practice more. Playing the flute, I mean. He's pretty good, but still needs more practice, alright?"

Naruto watches his sibling slowly disappear into the darkness of the forest. Fresh sunshine is bright behind him.

xXx

Neji knows he's just a servant, hence no matter how much he loves the little Uchiha as his blood brother and vice versa, he always acts all formal around his young master. However, when his young master, being a teen now, insists on helping him brushing his hair, he has to give in. Who knows why this boy is so suborn.

"Neji-nii's hair is so nice! I want to grow my hair to!"

"You do?"

"I do! Do you think I'll be good with long hair?"

Hearing the naïve query brings silence into sliver eyes.

Perhaps you will…

"Neji-nii?"

Being snapped out of his thought, the long-haired vampire signs, shaking his head. "How is the song I taught you? Can you play it fluently, Sasuke-sama?"

Sasuke's a bit confused because of the other's changing the topic, but shrugging it off quickly. "Not yet…"

But before their talk could continue, a knock reverberates from the door.

"Come in." Sasuke says, pausing brushing the older hair.

The door is slide open. A man steps in. He is a royal slave. He bows respectfully prior to giving Sasuke a box. "Sasuke-sama, Prince Gaara send you this.

After having taken the box and dismissed the slave, Sasuke opens it. Lying inside is a flute. With his own name on it.

Neji peers in the box, next, a small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "Prince Gaara must have heard you're learning." He chuckles "It's like his betrothal gift for you, how cute!"

Hearing that comment quickly makes somebody's face flare. "Wh…What do you mean?"

"Everyone will think that way, young master." The servant giggles "You should marry him when you grow up. He apparently likes you a lot, Sasuke-sama."

"Marry?" The smaller vampire asks back quizzically

"Yeah, it'll bond you to the love of your life." smile "And it'll bring you happiness."

Sasuke scratches his chin. Love? Happiness? Out of nowhere, a tan whiskered face appears in his mind.

xXx

Dusk is falling.

Naruto giggles, watching his friend's face. Amazement is printed on his feature.

"Wow." Sasuke breaths out "How could you find this place?"

"Kyuubi showed me."

Hearing the older demon's name makes the vampire stiff. Then, in a halting way, he asks: "Naruto…"

"Yeah?"

"Hmm… H-how did your brother react?"

Knowing exactly what the other is talking about, the blond just turns to give him a reassuring smile. "It's alright, Sasuke. He was a bit hard at first, but he understands now. I think he's good with us."

Sasuke heaves a sign in relief. He turn his face forwards, watching the crepuscular painting hue on the flowery land, inhaling the subtle scent. He takes out his flute, winking at the other "Want to listen?"

Naruto nods eagerly. However, he notices the flute held in the pale hand if different with the one he always plays. "Oh, is it new?"

"Yes. Prince Gaara give it to me." Slender finger points at some small latters on the flute. "This is my name, you see? Therefore, it's very special."

The gentle smile playing on thin pinky lips bring a frown onto the tan face. Of course Naruto knows who is Prince Gaara – Sasuke has talked about him so much. An to be honest, he doesn't feel liking that boy. Something in him tells him that something very special in the way that boy treats his friend – and it makes him… jealous? He doesn't know why, he only knows that he doent want Sasuke and his prince so close as they are still.

"You know what, Naruto." Sasuke's giggle brings the blond back to the earth. He cocks his head, listening to the soft chuckle of the vampire. "Neji-nii said that it was like his betrothal gift for me, and I should marry him when I grow up. Silly, right?"

"WHAT? NO!"

Naruto's sudden outburst startles the other teen. Realizing his own loud reaction, the blond clears his throat, his cheeks are pink lightly "I mean… no." Catching the questioning look from the other, he slides his fingers into his thick hair while trying to explain. "Umm… Come on, Sasuke, you only marry who you love. Do you love him?"

Dark eyes wide. The vampire stutter "Wh-What? N-no! No I don't!"

Awkward moment hangs over them. Naruto chews is inner cheek, thinks about what his brother said. After taking several breaths to calm himself, he voices his query "… What about me?"

Dark eyebrows shoot up "Huh?"

"What about me, Sasuke? What do you… feel about me?"

"I…" He scratches his nape, confused "I… like you, I guess."

Azure pupils sparkle "Really?"

"Yeah, of course. I like you a lot."

Bright eyes stare at the boy in front. Next, a big grin spreads on that face. "Ne, Sasuke, when we grow up, let get married."

"Wh-what? But-but you've just said only marry who lo-…"

"You like me, don't you?" The mischievous wink turns the pale skin into deep red. "Don't worry, I'll make you love me one day." The demon fox pads his chest proudly "I'll become the King, then I'll ask you to marry me, is that ok?"

Sasuke still feels the heat linger on his face, yet somehow, he also feels inside him very warm – in a comfortable way. Slowly, pink lips curves into a feathery smile "And watch the snow, too."

"Yup, of course." The blond beams shyly "So… what do you say?"

"I'm not sure…" tan face immediately sulks down, but Sasuke bursts out laughing "Just kidding. I think it is fine."

Naruto feels as if his heart stops. Sasuke's laugh chimes like bell. The setting sun shines gently on them, casting a celestial glow to his already angelic face. He takes some steps forwards, standing among flowers and glasses. Then, he turns around, the beautiful smile never leaves his lips. Blood-red sunray of sunset is flaring behind him, black yukata and ebony hair swinging slightly in the winter wind, his porcelain skin and radiant onyx eyes glowing in the dying light. The vampire rises his hands, bringing the flute next to his lips.

The transparent melody flies up.

In that moment, breath hitches in the demon's throat. He doesn't understand why his heart all of a sudden beats so fast and his face is so warm, or why he keeps staring at his friend. All he can think now is:

Sasuke looks like an angel.

xXx

Kyuubi is sitting on a rock in the forest, not to far from the land flower. Winter breeze brings along a familiar harmony. He closes his eyes, enjoying the song that he loves so much. Memory flutters in his mind.

.

.

.

TBC