Wishes
They had been in London for almost two weeks the night Sasuke rented a carriage and they went for a drive through the park. As they were on route, Sasuke explained the area, talked of kings that once ruled the area and decisions that were made by said kings. Naruto nodded as Sasuke spoke, taking in the various areas. Naruto then realised that Sasuke had been alive through various different king’s reigns, the knowledge of that suddenly coming to light.
"Naruto. Naruto?"
"Hmmm?"
"Would you like to go to supper?"
“What?”
Sasuke cocked his head to one side. “You seem far away, my sweet. Is something wrong?"
"No, no, nothing's wrong."
Unable to resist, Sasuke let his mind touch Naruto’s. He drew in a sharp breath as he followed the path of the blond’s thoughts, wondering if he would ever fully accept him for what he was.
"Does what I am bother you so much?" Sasuke asked quietly.
"Bother me?" Naruto shook his head. "No, my lord. It's just so hard to comprehend. It's astonishing to realise just how long you've lived, how much you've seen."
Sasuke nodded. Kings and queens had come and gone, yet he remained.
"What did you ask me before?"
"I wondered if you were hungry."
"Yes, a little."
Sasuke took him to dinner at The King's Arms. It was an elegant restaurant, the finest Naruto had ever seen. The tables were covered with fine white linen cloths and matching napkins. Sparkling crystal glassware and gleaming silver added to the opulence of the setting. Dark red velvet drapes hung at the windows; the chairs were covered in the same rich fabric.
As Naruto glanced around the room at the equally elegant men and women who occupied the surrounding tables, Naruto wondered what Chiyo would think if she could see him now.
Sitting there, waiting to be served, Naruto was aware of Sasuke's dark eyed gaze moving over him. Feeling suddenly self conscious, he ran his hand through his hair, then fingered the gold locket at his throat. "Is something wrong?"
"No." Sasuke shook his head, thinking how beautiful Naruto was. The new suit he wore was fitted perfectly to his shape. Sasuke licked his lips seeing the high collar of his shirt fastened smartly around Naruto’s neck. The sensual design of the collar highlighted the tanned skin of Naruto’s neck, making it tantalising that Sasuke wanted to taste the skin.
"You're staring at me."
The corner of Sasuke’s mouth crooked up in a smile as he leaned across the table. "I fear I cannot help it. You are the most ravishing person in the room."
A faint flush crept into Naruto’s cheeks. "Thank you." Sasuke lifted Naruto’s hand, his lips brushing each fingertip, and he wondered how he had survived four centuries without Naruto. When the blond smiled, he no longer missed the sun. When he laughed, he forgot the loneliness that had been his constant companion.
And when he touched him, it stilled the hunger that had tormented him for so long he could scarcely remember a time when it did not. Naruto.
He had never been more conscious of time passing than he was now. Each day brought him closer to losing him, closer to the time when he would go back to his empty life, his empty bed.
And yet, even as each day made their future separation more painful, he knew he had to let Naruto go. It would be cruel to subject him to a life with him. Already, Naruto was changing his ways to match Sasuke’s.
Naruto stayed up until dawn so that he could be with Sasuke until the deathlike sleep claimed him.
Once an early riser, Naruto now slept later each day, losing precious hours of daylight. Sasuke did not want to subject Naruto to a life spent in darkness. He did not want to rob the blond of the beauty of the daylight world. Naruto loved the sunshine, the flowers. There was no sun in the darkness of his world; the brilliantly hued blossoms Naruto loved faded to grey in the light of the moon.
Naruto ordered dinner; he ordered a glass of red wine.
He had just finished dinner when Sasuke heard a familiar voice. Looking up, he saw Neji Hyuuga making his way toward their table.
"Sasuke," the viscount said, inclining his head.
"Hyuuga."
"Naruto." Neji took the hand Naruto offered and brushed his lips across the other’s knuckles.
"How are you, Neji?" Naruto asked, smiling up at him. As always, he was dressed to the nines, from his smartly cut redingote with its black velvet collar to his grey and black striped trousers.
"Quite well, thank you. No need to ask how you are," Neji said, his gaze moving over Naruto appreciatively. "It seems married life agrees with you. And you," he said, glancing at Sasuke. "Mind if I join you?"
"Of course not," Naruto replied with a nod.
Hyuuga sat down in the booth beside Sasuke. "What brings the two of you to London?"
"Shopping," Naruto said with a grin. "I fear Lord Sasuke will be a pauper by the time we return home."
"No fear of that," Neji said, chuckling softly.
"I daresay he could afford to buy out half the shops in the city. Isn't that right, my lord?"
Sasuke grunted softly in response. "Perhaps."
"What brings you to London?" Naruto asked.
"Business," Hyuuga replied with a grimace.
"Fortunately, it will be concluded quickly. I'm planning to go to the theatre later. If you're not busy, you're welcome to join me in my box."
Naruto looked inquiringly at Sasuke.
"Whatever you wish, my sweet," Sasuke replied coolly.
I think not,” Naruto said, "but thank you for the invitation.” He gave Neji a gentle smile.
Neji nodded, all too aware of Sasuke's jealousy. He was about to take his leave when the strains of a waltz filled the room. Feeling suddenly reckless, and a little curious to see if he could prick Sasuke's eternally cool demeanour, he said, "With your permission, Sasuke, I should like to dance with Naruto."
A muscle ticked in Sasuke's jaw as he fought to keep hold of his temper. "Perhaps you should ask him.”
Naruto looked at his husband. Tension hummed between the two men like a wire drawn taut. "My lord?"
"It's up to you, my sweet," Sasuke responded flatly.
"I should like very much to dance, if you don't mind."
With a curt nod, Sasuke gave his consent. He did not want Naruto dancing with anyone else, especially Hyuuga, but he couldn't dance with Naruto himself, not here, where the small dance floor was lined with mirrors from floor to ceiling.
Hyuuga rose smoothly to his feet and offered Naruto his arm. With a half smile at Sasuke, Naruto stood up and placed his hand on Neji's arm.
Hands clenched into tight fists, Sasuke watched them wind their way toward the dance floor. Jealousy made a hard, ugly knot in his belly as he watched Hyuuga twirl Naruto around the floor, the lamplights streaking blond hair with gold. How well they looked together, two mortals in the prime of life, their skin glowing with good health, young hearts beating fast as they whirled around the room. He didn't miss the admiration in the viscount's eyes, or the way the man smiled at Naruto.
He's in love with Naruto, Sasuke thought. The knowledge filled him with the urge to kill, to rip out Hyuuga's heart and grind it into the dust.
He took a deep breath, his hands clenching and unclenching, as he watched them walk back to the table. Naruto's cheeks were rosy, blue eyes shining, as he took his seat once more across from him.
Schooling his features into an impassive mask, Sasuke lifted his wineglass and drained it in a single swallow.
"Thank you, Neji," Naruto said.
He smiled at Hyuuga, and Sasuke was consumed with the urge to strike out at the other man, to grab Naruto by the arm and shout to the world that he belonged to him.
"I should be going," Neji said. He kissed Naruto's hand, then sketched a bow in Sasuke's direction. "Good evening, my lord."
"Hyuuga."
Neji felt himself go suddenly cold, as if ice had formed on his spine, as his gaze met Sasuke's. For a moment, he couldn't move, couldn't breathe, could scarcely think. Then Sasuke looked away, and the world was set to rights again.
Neji shook his head, wondering if he had imagined the coldness, the unspoken warning he had read in Sasuke's devil black eyes. "Good night," he said again. Turning on his heel, he stifled the urge to bolt from the room.
"Did you enjoy your dance?" Sasuke asked.
"Yes, very much," Naruto replied, "though I would rather have danced with you."
"Another time," he said. "Are you ready to go?" Naruto nodded, perplexed by Sasuke’s clipped tone, his curt manner. Surely he could not be angry because he had danced one dance with Neji.
Iruka was waiting outside with the carriage. He took one look at Sasuke's face and quickly opened the carriage door. He felt a rush of compassion for Naruto as he assisted the blond into the coach, nodded at Sasuke, then closed the door behind them.
They rode in silence back to the hotel. Naruto stared out the window of the carriage, wondering what he had done to make his husband so angry with him.
"He's in love with you."
"What? Who?"
"Hyuuga.”
"That's absurd. He doesn't know anything about me."
"Love isn't based on knowledge," Sasuke replied quietly. "If it was, you would not be sitting here with me."
Naruto turned to face him. Even in the dim light, he could read the blond’s expression clearly. Blue eyes were filled with confusion and compassion.
How foolish the blond was, to think he knew him because he had told a little of his life, because they had made love. He had done things of which he was ashamed, things for which his soul would be forever damned.
His gaze moved over to the blond, his heart aching at the vast gulf that yawned between them. Naruto had no concept of evil. If he did, he would have run screaming from Sasuke’s presence before he ever let Sasuke touch him. Naruto was the epitome of innocence, of goodness.
Filled with self revulsion, he curled his hands into tight fists. He should never have defiled Naruto with his touch, never should have interfered in the blond’s life.
Naruto reached for his hand and squeezed it. "I’m sorry, my lord husband."
Sasuke frowned. "For what?"
"For whatever I've done to upset you so."
"You've done nothing Naruto."
"What's wrong then? Won't you tell me?"
Sasuke gazed deep into Naruto’s eyes, felt the love he saw reflected in their clear blue depths soothing his anger, his doubts. Naruto was his. For one year. And already more than three months had gone by. Never before had time passed so quickly.
"Tell me," Sasuke urged softly. "Tell me that you love me.”
Naruto moved closer to the dark lord, his arms wrapping around Sasuke’s waist as he gazed up at him. "I love you," he said fervently. "Never doubt it, my lord. I love you more than I ever thought possible."
With a wordless cry, Sasuke crushed the blond to his chest, his mouth closing over the other’s in a fierce passionate kiss that left pink lips bruised. His tongue plundered the depths of Naruto’s mouth, his hands stroked blond hair, squeezed his thighs, lingered over the soft smooth lines of Naruto’s chest.
"Mine," he whispered hoarsely. "Tell me that you're mine."
"You know I am," Naruto replied, hardly able to speak for the rapid beating of his heart. "Sasuke, please, tell me what's troubling you."
"Not now." He bent Naruto backward on the carriage seat, his hands moving swiftly, removing the ties from the blond’s trousers and undergarments, slipping them down tanned hips.
"My lord. Sasuke." Naruto gasped when fingertips slid over the sensitive flesh along his inner thigh. "The hotel... We'll be there soon."
"Don't make me wait, Naruto. I need you. Now." He drew back, his dark eyes seeking, waiting for the blond to refuse him.
In answer, Naruto gripped Sasuke’s nape, pulled his head down and kissed him. He didn't know what fears were driving the dark lord; only knew he could not refuse.
The desperation in Sasuke’s kiss was messy, wild, and Naruto ached to soothe the dark lord’s fear and shifted his one leg in a tight embrace around Sasuke’s hips. He slipped his one hand behind his other knee, pulling it closer to his chest, a silent request to the dark lord above him.
Not missing the subtle invitation, Sasuke fumbled with his trousers, grabbed his heated swollen cock and placed it against Naruto's own hardened cock. His fingers squeezed both their tips together, gathering the precome and slicking it down both cocks. Naruto whined wantonly, his body shivering uncontrollably from the stimulation as Sasuke began to stroke and squeeze.
“Naruto…Naruto…” Sasuke chanted, his hand stroking their combined cocks, his other hand fondling Naruto’s tight ball sack, while thrusting a finger into his slicked hole. He clenched his teeth tight, fighting against the fear that threatened to plague him.
Naruto’s body rocked to the sensations, his head tilted back, eyes squeezed shut while ecstasy began to build. “Sa-Sas…” he whispered. “Please…” He wanted the dark lord to surround him, fill him, the tight embrace that would make him feel protected, loved.
A growl erupted deep from Sasuke’s throat, hearing and sensing Naruto’s lust and desire call for him. It was a siren song that roped him in quickly and tight, almost drowning him, and he was more than willing.
He placed one foot on the carriage bench seat, placed his hand on a heated tan thigh, pushing Naruto’s knee into his chest. Releasing Naruto’s cock, he placed the swollen mushroom head of his cock at the blond’s slicked and pulsing opening. It beckoned him as it flexed, begging to be filled. He could hear Naruto’s ragged breath while his heart pumped sweet blood through his body, heated with lust, desire, need.
He then plunged deep within the blond’s entrance, holding himself as he felt the velvet muscle walls contract around his girth, Naruto’s gasp that turned into a long lewd moan while his skin quivered. He leaned over, finding Naruto’s lips with his, his tongue swept into his mouth, branding the blond as his. He rolled his hips, his lust building as his cock was squeezed and Naruto’s whimpers were swallowed by his kiss. He grabbed each heated tanned thigh, squeezing them steady with his grip and began to thrust forcefully, swiftly and strongly into Naruto’s velvet opening.
It was quick and fierce. A show of dominance and fear. Naruto cried out with each push, each deep thrust that rubbed and stroked within, sending sparks of ecstasy throughout his body. The dark lord was merciless, holding him down with a grip of steel, as he plummeted his thick cock harder, faster and deeper, growling of how the blond was his, on his lips.
Naruto clutched broad shoulders, his fingernails leaving crescent moon imprints in cream coloured skin while the dark lord plunged without abandonment. His eyes rolled back when pleasure slammed into him as he released between their bodies. Sasuke’s hands and lips were like lightning, burning hot wherever they touched, until the dark lord unleashed his seed deep within him, his body shuddering over him, leaving Naruto breathless.
Sasuke rode the orgasmic storm that washed over both of them, his lips worshipping tanned skin, his voice filled with adoration as he whispered love. Then Naruto felt the sharp prick of Sasuke’s teeth at his neck, the sudden sensual sweetness that exploded within him as Sasuke shuddered convulsively, then lay still, his breathing harsh and uneven against the curve of his throat.
Feeling replete, Naruto’s heart swelling with tenderness, he stroked Sasuke’s hair. It was soft and silky. He felt Sasuke tremble as he caressed the dark lord’s nape, heard him mutter something unintelligible under his breath as he sat up. Sasuke fastened his trousers, then rearranged and helped Naruto with his trousers and undergarments, quickly and efficiently, as if he did such a thing every day.
"I'm sorry," Sasuke said gruffly. "Forgive me."
"There's nothing to forgive."
"I took you like a rutting stag."
Sitting up, Naruto smoothed his shirt. "I'm sorry you did not find it pleasurable, my lord husband."
Sasuke stared at the blond. "And you did?"
Naruto nodded. Blue eyes glanced out the window, surprised to find they were on a country road. "Where are we?"
"Outside the city."
"But…" Naruto felt a rush of colour wash into his cheeks. "How did Iruka know..."
"I spoke to his mind, my sweet, and told him we wished to take the long way home."
"Oh." Naruto felt his cheeks burn hotter with the knowledge that Iruka knew what they had done.
A smile played over Sasuke's lips as he rapped on the roof of the carriage. Moments later, the coach swung around, heading back to London. Sasuke put his arm around Naruto's shoulders, and he snuggled against the dark lord, warm and trusting as a child. Moments later, he was asleep.
When they reached the hotel, Sasuke carried the blond to their suite. Pink plump lips murmured something unintelligible but didn't waken as Sasuke undressed him and put him to bed. For a moment, he stood watching the other sleep, noting the thickness of blond lashes, the soft sensuality of his pink mouth, the golden halo of his hair.
He undressed, intending to join Naruto in bed; then, reluctant to retire when it was so close to dawn, he went to the window and stared into the night. Once, the darkness had been his only companion. He had welcomed it, knowing it hid his ugliness from the world. And then Naruto had come into his life, chasing away the darkness, the loneliness, making him wish for a way of life that was forever lost to him, stolen from him centuries ago.
Closing his eyes, he pressed his forehead against the cool glass and imagined what it would be like if he were a mortal man again. In his mind's eye, he saw himself walking hand in hand in the sunlight with Naruto, saw the blond carrying a fair haired infant, saw himself surrounded by children.
A fierce ache tore at his heart as he turned away from the window and slammed his hand against a table. The wood shattered beneath the force of the blow. A splinter an inch thick pierced his palm.
"Sasuke!" Naruto sat up in bed, the covers clutched to his body as he peered into the darkness. "Sasuke!"
"I'm here," Sasuke replied. "Go back to sleep."
"What was that noise?"
"Nothing."
Naruto lit the lamp, then slid out of bed and hurried to his side. He frowned at the taut line of Sasuke’s jaw, then gasped when he saw the sliver of wood embedded in his flesh.
"What happened?" Naruto stared up at him, waiting for an explanation.
Sasuke shook his head, not wanting to explain, not certain he could explain.
"Here, let me help you," Naruto said, reaching for Sasuke’s hand.
"No!" Muttering an oath, he jerked the splinter from his flesh. Dark red blood flowed freely from the wound to pool in his palm.
Cursed blood. Unholy blood.
Not knowing what possessed him to do such a thing, he cupped his hand and drank the blood from his palm, feeling a perverse pleasure at the look of horror that spread across Naruto’s face.
Naruto took a step back, his gaze searching Sasuke’s. He was trying to shock him, to frighten him. Why?
Turning away, Naruto went to the commode and soaked a cloth in water, then carried it back to the dark lord. Wordlessly, he took Sasuke’s injured hand in his and pressed the cold cloth to his palm, holding it in place between his own hands. "Won't you tell me what happened?" he asked quietly.
Sasuke felt his gaze drawn to the other, felt the anger drain out of him, vanquished by the love shining in those brilliant blue eyes.
"I was wishing," he said gruffly, "wishing for things that can never be." He lifted his other hand to Naruto’s cheek, his knuckles running back and forth over tanned soft flesh. "Wishing that I could spend my days at your side, that I could give you..." He took a deep breath. "Wishing I could give you a family.”
"Oh, Sasuke," Naruto murmured, "It's what I wish for, too."
Slowly, Sasuke shook his head. "It will never happen, Naruto. I cannot father children."
"Why not?" Naruto asked, perplexed. "You're able to..." A faint flush tinged tanned cheeks he saw flashes of their continuous love making. "You know.”
"You still don't understand, do you, my sweet?" Sasuke shook his head. "The dead cannot create life."
Naruto looked up at him, saddened by the bitter sorrow in the depths of his eyes. Certain no words could comfort him, Naruto led him back to the bed, drawing him into his arms, and held him close until the dawn took him away.
====================================
Naruto didn't go out at all that day. Shopping held no appeal, nor did the thought of mingling with other people. He had always taken his life for granted, assumed he would marry and have a family, watch the children grow up and have children of their own. He would watch the seasons change, count the passing years, until his life ended.
What was it like for Sasuke, to remain forever the same while all around him the world changed, people changed? What would he do when Iruka was gone? Who would look after him? Who would guard his lair while he slept his deathlike sleep?
Sasuke had said he would soon have to leave the Konohagakure Valley, that he had already stayed too long. What was it like for him, to watch others grow old and die, to know he dared not stay too long in any one place lest people notice he never changed, that the passing years had no claim on him?
Naruto knew without doubt that the people in the Konohagakure Valley would destroy Sasuke if they knew what he was. Vampire. Undead. He was supposed to be a monster, yet he had treated Naruto with naught but kindness. At Naruto’s urging, Sasuke had provided a shelter for the poor and the homeless, insisting he tell no one what he had done. He could have preyed upon the villagers without mercy, taking what he needed to survive, yet he existed on the blood of sheep mixed with wine, taking human blood only when necessary, and then only in small amounts.
Naruto should have been afraid of him, appalled at what Sasuke was, yet Naruto felt only pity and compassion, and an overwhelming feeling of love that defied logic or reason. Naruto loved Sasuke and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with him.
He spent the day in their room, watching Sasuke sleep, thinking how beautiful he was until, needing to touch him, he stretched out beside the dark lord on the bed, his head pillowed on his shoulder.
Sasuke woke at dusk to find Naruto asleep in his arms. It still surprised him to wake and find the blond there, especially after what had happened the night before. For centuries, there had been no one beside him when he aroused from his deathlike sleep. No one in his bed. No one of importance in his life save Iruka. And then he had purchased a dirty faced boy from an orphanage, and his whole world had changed. He had brought others to the castle. None stood out in his mind. They had become faceless blurs in his memory. They had stirred nothing within him—not affection, and certainly not love. They had made no changes in his life, held no interest for him other than the sustenance they had unknowingly provided.
Naruto. He had not been the first human he had brought to his castle, but he knew Naruto would be the last.