Chapter 26
Sasuke woke to blackness as endless as the grave.
For a moment, he didn't know where he was, and then he realized he was lying in his coffin. His feeling of relief was quickly followed by a strong sense of dread as he tried to lift the lid, and failed.
He pushed against the lid again, a sudden panic lending him strength, but the lid remained tightly closed. He wrinkled his nose against the overpowering scent of garlic.
Iruka! Come to me!
Alas, my lord, I cannot.
Explain.
They know what you are. During his illness, Lord Naruto suffered a high fever. While he was unconscious, he spoke of you, of what you are. I tried to tell them it was nonsense, the babbling of a fevered mind, but Kakashi believed him. The doctor has told Kakashi to have you destroyed on the morrow.
What of Hyuuga?Sasuke cursed under his breath, remembering how well the viscount had wielded the fireplace poker.
He does not appear to be altogether convinced.
Naruto? Tell me of Naruto.
They've not informed him of your return, my lord.
Is Hyuuga there, with you?
Yes, my lord.
You must convince him to release me. Tell him Naruto will die without my help.
I will try, my lord. Are you well?
Sasuke grunted softly.I need nourishment rather badly, he replied, thinking that was surely the understatement of the ages.
He severed the bond between them, then closed his eyes. He took several deep breaths, trying to stifle the panic rising within him. He had never liked small dark places; it was one of the reasons he did not take his rest in his casket. The thought that he might be forever trapped inside filled him with terror, and then he grinned ruefully. If Kakashi had his way, his forever would end with the coming of dawn on the morrow.
His eyes snapped open as he heard the sound of footsteps coming down the cellar stairs. Hyuuga! There was a pause at the door, the scrape of wood against stone as the door swung open.
"Sasuke, can you hear me?"
"I hear you."
"Is it true?"
"What do you think?"
"I think it would explain much," Neji said curtly.
"You must release me."
"I think not."
"Come, Neji, you cannot seriously believe I am a vampire." Sasuke clenched his fists in an effort to keep his voice calm. "Surely, if I were the monster you believe, nothing you could do would hold me.”
"I've never seen you eat," Hyuuga said. "Never seen you in the light of day."
"Easily explained."
"And this...?" Hyuuga shuddered as he stared at the casket's gleaming black surface, at the life-sized raven carved into the wood. Was it his imagination, or were the bird's eyes following him? "Is this coffin also easily explained?"
"You must release me, Hyuuga. Naruto needs me."
"The doctor says he's dying." The viscount's voice broke on the last word. "That he has lost the will to live."
"I can help him," Sasuke said, his voice tinged with desperation. "But you must let me out of here. Now."
"How?" Neji demanded. "How can you help him when my physician says it's hopeless?"
Sasuke cursed the weakness that negated his powers. Had he been strong, he could have easily bent Hyuuga's will to his. But then, had he been strong, the man would not have been able to overpower him in the first place.
"Neji, you must release me before it's too late." Before the sun climbs over the horizon. Before Kakashi comes to take my head. "Listen to me," he said, keeping tight rein on his impatience. "You've known me for years. You've spoken to Naruto. Has he ever complained? Has he accused me of mistreating him? Have I ever said or done anything to make you think I would harm him, or anyone else?"
"No," Neji replied slowly. "He has always spoken highly of you."
"He needs me," Sasuke said, unable to disguise the urgency in his voice. "He needs to know that I am here.”
He tensed as he heard Hyuuga cross the floor, hesitation evident in each faltering step.
"No one else can help him," Sasuke said. "Please, I'm begging you. You must let me out of here before it's too late."
He held his breath as he felt the touch of Hyuuga's hand on the lid of his coffin. Yes, he thought. Do it, damn you!
Neji stared down at the casket. He was a well educated man. There was no place in his life or his philosophy for that which could not be proven by fact or logically explained. He had never put any credence in the town's talk of vampires, never believed in ghosts or goblins. He had, on occasion, felt a chill when he looked into Sasuke's eyes, a sense of tightly controlled power, of danger waiting to be unleashed. But it had nothing to do with Sasuke being a monster and everything to do with the fact that the master of Castle Uchiha was a wealthy, powerful man, confident, arrogant, and subservient to no one.
Neji took a deep breath, willing to put his own safety at risk if there was a chance of saving Naruto's life. "I want your word, Sasuke, your sworn oath that you will not harm Naruto."
"You have it."
"Or anyone else."
Sasuke hesitated only a moment. "I give you my word." He waited, hands clenching and unclenching, while Hyuuga made up his mind.
After what seemed hours but was no more than a moment or two, there was the unmistakable rattling of heavy chains, the screech of nails being drawn from wood.
They had secured his resting place well, Sasuke mused. They had wrapped it with heavy chains, then nailed the lid shut. With silver nails, no doubt. He grinned wryly. Had they also sprinkled it with holy water?
Sasuke squinted against the bright glare of a candle as Hyuuga lifted the lid.
Neji swore softly, automatically crossing himself across his chest, as Sasuke sat up.
Feeling as though he had been ransomed from the bowels of Hell, Sasuke climbed out of the coffin.
He grunted softly as the stink of garlic filled his nostrils. Looking down, he saw the floor was strewn with the stuff.
Neji Hyuuga backed away, felt the blood drain from his face as Sasuke's black eyes met his.
"It's true," Hyuuga exclaimed, his hand tightening around the hammer in his hand. "All true.”
"Indeed," Sasuke agreed. He glanced at the thick gold cross hanging from a chain around Hyuuga's neck. "That will not protect you.”
"You gave me your word."
"So I did." Sasuke settled his cloak around his shoulders, then advanced on Hyuuga. He could hear the blood flowing in the man's veins, hear the frenzied beating of his heart. He drew in a deep breath, drawing in the scent of blood, awakening the hunger.
Hyuuga backed up until he could go no further. "You gave me your word," he repeated, his pulse pounding wildly as he looked into Sasuke's eyes. Eyes that glowed like twin coals in the very fires of Hell, burning into his mind, burning away his will to resist. He tried to look away, tried to raise his arm, to strike out with the hammer. But he could not draw his gaze away, could not summon the strength to lift his arm.
"Forgive me," Sasuke murmured, and taking hold of Hyuuga's left arm, he sank his fangs into the tender flesh of the viscount's wrist.
Helpless, Hyuuga closed his eyes, surprised that there was hardly any pain. The hammer slid, unnoticed, from his grasp.
The hunger roared through Sasuke, but he forced it back. Three long swallows, that was all, just enough to appease the hunger before he went to Naruto.
He took a deep, calming breath as the hunger abated. After licking the wound in the viscount's wrist, and savoring the few extra drops of blood, he released Hyuuga's arm and turned away.
Taking the cellar stairs two at a time, he hurried to Naruto's chamber.
Iruka was there, his arms and legs securely bound to a stout wooden chair. He grinned with rare good humor as Sasuke swept into the room.
"Good to see you, my lord."
"And you," Sasuke replied curtly. With a flick of his wrist, he set Iruka free. "Get rid of Hyuuga, then bring me a glass of wine."
"Aye, my lord."
Lifting Naruto into his arms, Sasuke left the room, his steps carrying him swiftly up the stairs to the east tower. The blond was thin, he thought, so thin. His heartbeat was slow, his pulse faint.
Inside the tower room, he closed the hidden portal, then gently lowered Naruto to his bed. He drew the covers over him, his heart aching for the pain he had caused Naruto, both mentally and physically.
"Naruto? Naruto!"
He moaned softly, then his eyelids fluttered open. "Sasuke?"
"I'm here, beloved."
Naruto tried to smile, but the effort was too great. "Stay... please…”
"I'll never leave you again. I swear it." Sitting on the edge of the bed, he lifted his wrist to his mouth, then opened the vein with his teeth. "Here, you must drink this."
Naruto stared at him, uncomprehending.
Muttering an oath, he pressed his bleeding wrist to the blond’s mouth. "Drink, Naruto."
Blue eyes widened as he realized what Sasuke wanted, and then he shook his head.
"Drink, Naruto. It is the only way." His voice wrapped around the blond, soft as cotton wool, demanding his compliance. Naruto didn't want to obey, but he was helpless against the dark power in the dark lord’s eyes. When he held his wrist to his lips again, he swallowed once, twice.
Just enough to restore the blond’s health, though he yearned to give him more, to bring Naruto across the bridge from mortality to immortality, to keep him at his side forever. But even as he considered it, he knew Naruto would hate him for it. And yet... He closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of Naruto’s mouth on his flesh, the sensation of his blood flowing into the blond. What ecstasy it would be, to drink Naruto to the point of death and have him drink from him in return, to know he would be his forever. With a harsh cry, he pulled his wrist away, ran his tongue over the ragged wound to close it. "Sleep now."
"No."
"I'll be here when you awake."
"You... promise?"
"I promise."
"Hold me.”
With a suppressed sob, Sasuke drew Naruto into his arms and held the blond close. "Forgive me," he murmured. A single blood red tear dripped onto a tanned cheek, and he wiped it away, despising what he was, the pain he had caused the other. "Please, beloved, forgive me.”
When Naruto was asleep, he settled the blond into bed once more, then spread his cloak over him. Moments later, Iruka entered the room carrying a decanter and goblet. Wordlessly, he filled the glass and handed it to his master.
"Where's Hyuuga?" Sasuke asked.
"I sent him home. He did not want to go."
"Is he all right?"
"He seemed a bit dazed."
Sasuke nodded. "I shall deal with him later.”
“Where's Kakashi?”
“He went home earlier this evening. Said he would be back tomorrow to, ah..." Iruka drew a finger across his throat. "I've secured the castle doors, my lord. No one will bother you.'
"You've done well." Sasuke took a sip from the goblet, stared into the glass, then took another swallow. "What is this?" he demanded.
Iruka cleared his throat, wondering if he had made a grave mistake. "A very little wine, my lord." He hesitated, his own blood running cold as he met his master's eyes. "Mixed with a great deal of blood."
"Whose blood?"
"Lord Naruto's. The doctor bade me dispose of it."
Sasuke stared into the goblet for a long moment and then, slowly, almost reverently, he drank the warm crimson liquid. He felt his strength returning, his power expanding, as Naruto’s blood spread through him, filling him with a familiar warmth. But it was not enough to replace what weeks of starvation had cost him.
His gaze fixed on Iruka, Sasuke set the goblet on the tray.
"My lord?"
"I'm sorry."
With a nod, Iruka rolled up his shirtsleeve and held out his arm.
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He was dreaming, dreaming of Sasuke.
Dreaming that the dark lord was there beside him, holding him close. He could feel his breath fanning his cheek, hear his voice whispering that he loved him, begging for his forgiveness. With a sigh, he snuggled deeper under the covers, hoping the dream would never end.
"Naruto?"
Naruto smiled as Sasuke’s voice caressed him. He had dreamed of Sasuke every night since he had left, but never like this. It seemed so real. He drew the blanket up over his head to block the light, frowned as his fingers closed over velvet and silk.
Naruto gasped as blue eyes flew open and he found himself staring into his face. "Sasuke!"
He smiled, his beautiful dark eyes warm with love.
"You're here? You're really here?" Tentatively, he lifted his hand to a cheek. Sasuke’s skin was cool and smooth beneath his fingertips. "Tell me I'm not dreaming."
"You are not dreaming, my sweet." Sasuke captured the blond’s hand in his and lifted it to his lips.
"You were in danger." Naruto clasped Sasuke’s hand in both of his and pressed it to his heart. "I could feel it, in here. You wanted to die. You were dying.”
"And you were determined to die with me."
Naruto nodded. "I want no life without you, my lord husband."
Sasuke closed his eyes as though he were in pain.
"Sasuke? What is it? What's wrong?"
"Nothing, my sweet. I intend to see that you have everything you desire, everything you deserve."
"My lord?" Naruto gazed at him, wondering why his words of assurance made him suddenly uneasy.
"Go to sleep, Naruto."
"Hold me?"
Sasuke swallowed against the pain knifing through him as he gathered the blond into his arms and held him close, certain that, before long, he would have to let him go.
.
.
.
In the last hour before dawn, Sasuke made his way to Hyuuga's estate.
Thunder rolled across the heavens; the rain fell in a steady downpour. He drew his cloak more tightly around him, wishing he were back in his room, holding Naruto in his arms. But there would be time enough for that when he had finished here.
Hyuuga's house was dark, all the doors and windows closed and locked.
"You'll not keep me out so easily," Sasuke muttered. Grinning, he went to the back of the house where, with a wave of his hand, he unlocked the rear door.
On silent feet, he made his way up the stairs to Hyuuga's sleeping chamber and stepped inside.
For a moment, he gazed down at Hyuuga and then, gathering his power, he spoke softly to Neji's mind, commanding him to forget all that had happened with Naruto, to forget that Sasuke had taken his blood, to forget that he had ever believed Sasuke to be a vampire.
‘Remember only that we are friends, and that I love Naruto,’Sasuke commanded. ‘If anyone asks, you have seen me dine at your table, you have entertained me in your home, at your club, and found me no different from other men.’
He felt a moment of regret when he was certain he had erased all that was necessary from the viscount's mind, but there was no help for it. The other alternative was to destroy the man, and that he could not do.
He left Hyuuga's house as quietly as he had arrived. His next stop was the orphanage. It was not so easy to manipulate Kakashi's mind. His suspicion and distrust posed a barrier that was difficult to breach, but, in the end, Sasuke had his way, erasing the memory of Naruto's illness and any intent he may have had to destroy him.
Satisfied that he had done all he could, he left the cottage and returned home.
He paused as he reached the top of the mountain. The castle rose from the ground in a graceful mass of dark gray stone and aged wood, the ever present mist hovering over it like faerie breath, the moonlight limning the turrets with silver.
Safe within the hidden room in the east tower, he closed the portal, undressed, and slid into bed beside Naruto. He drew the blond into his arms, a flood of emotion swelling in his heart as Naruto murmured something unintelligible, then snuggled trustingly against him, the warmth of his body molding itself to his, chasing away the chill of the night.
Ah, Naruto, he mused as he lightly stroked blond hair. Do you know how much I love you? How much I need you?
He groaned low in his throat as Naruto snuggled against him. His nearness teased his desire, stirred his hunger, that damnable hunger that seemed ever closer to the surface since he had returned to Naruto’s side. Was it because he had given the blond his blood, or was he losing control of the monster that resided in his soul?
He brushed a kiss across a tanned cheek, felt his fangs lengthen. It would be so easy to take him while he slept, to drink and drink, to make Naruto what he was. He would truly be his bride then, forever, for always.
No! He screamed the word in his mind. He would not, could not, condemn Naruto to a life of darkness. With an effort, he stilled the hunger, wondering, as he did so, how much longer he could keep it under control.