Midnight Memories

Warning Vampire(drinking of blood and presence of blood drinking during sex) Yaoi fic. Male/Male and all that yummy stuff. You’ve been warned.

Midnight Memories

AN: I probably should explain a few things before you start reading. There will be a lot of reminiscing in the first several chapters. Itachi will be remembering Sasuke’s past with Naruto. Before each time switch, I’ll put the date so no one get’s confused. I hate writing flash backs so each chapter will start with an introductory present lifetime and then move to a past life time with each chapter focusing on a different life(except the first two chapters which will be the first meeting) until I work up to the present where the bulk of the story will take place.

October 10, 1987

“I knew I would find you here.” A quietly powerful voice broke the through the thoughts of Sasuke Uchiha as he stared intently into the nursery window at the local hospital. The single occupant of the nursery screamed almost uncontrollably as the nurse cooed in an attempt to calm him. She couldn’t see Sasuke because he didn’t allow it. He was there to watch without being seen.

“Hn. What gave it away?”

“You should just let him go. Our kind isn’t supposed to cling to the mortals. You, Sasuke, are the perfect example of why we should stick to our own. You allow yourself to suffer. Will you watch over this soul for eternity? How many times can you stand to watch him die before you are driven insane?” Itachi sighed as annoyance spread across his brother’s face. There was no reasoning with him when it came to the tiny mortal that was so desperately interwoven with the soul of his brother.

“I will take what time I can with him. It’s my life.” Sasuke grated out the words as he watched the nurse leave the room to call the doctor. In the blink of an eye, Sasuke was standing beside the tiny hospital cradle. Lifting the tiny life into his arms, he watched as the baby scrunched up his face as if about to release a particularly loud cry when blue eyes opened and locked with black. The cry never came as the hazy blue attempted to focus on the man holding him. A faint coo escaped small rosebud lips as Sasuke holding the infant smiled at the life he held in his hands.

“Still as stubborn as ever.” smirked Sasuke as cuddled the baby close, his fingers gently caressed the small tufts of blonde hair. He saw the unmarked cheeks and wondered how it would happen this time. Would it be a car accident or a wild animal? It never failed that scars would one day adorn these cheeks.

“I will watch over you forever, Naruto. You saved me and in turn cursed yourself. I wasn’t worth it.” Sasuke nuzzled his nose into soft cheek and breathed in the baby powder scent.

He heard the steps of the nurse and reluctantly laid the infant in the crib and exited the hospital. Calling on the preternatural strength that his kind was gifted with, Sasuke crouched and lunged to the top of the building where his brother stood waiting, cigarette dangling from elegant fingers.

“You look pale, Sasuke. You haven’t been feeding like you should.” Itachi calmly blew a tendril of smoke from his lips and his bright crimson eyes watched the movements of his brother.

“Blood tastes like ash in my mouth compared to his.” Sasuke crouched and popped his neck to relieve some of the built up stress. He only fed when it became necessary to do so. The taste of blood no longer held appeal if it wasn’t his blood and Sasuke did not like feeding from an inferior source.

“Foolish, foolish little brother. I can smell your hunger.” Itachi stepped closer and closed his eyes to force away the almost unbearable need to feed that radiated from Sasuke. The sound of his footsteps was muffled as he glided towards his brother. When one was as old as the two of them, fighting the hunger became easier. No less painful but manageable. Control was the key and he was certain that Sasuke was at the end of his.

Crouching beside his brother, Itachi arched a brow at his brother. If it was any other creature, he would have called him weak but this was Sasuke. He was the only of their kind who could rival Itachi in strength and cunning, yet he was humbled by one human soul that he chased through the ages.

Contrary to popular belief, night walkers are not created. They are, in fact, born. Drinking from a human will not turn them into a night walker nor will the sharing of blood. If anything, the blood would make the human sick. Garlic and crosses are a myth as well. Hell, Itachi was currently sporting a lovely gothic cross earring.

Looking upon his brother, he felt pity. To love a human is to be destined for heart break as you watch them wither away in a measly eighty years or so. Sasuke had watched his lover die at least ten times. It really was a shame; Itachi actually liked the little soul. He always exuded such life and charisma that Itachi continued to wish that he would one day be born night walker. Those chances were slim. There had not been a birth among their people in close to a hundred years. Births were rare in order to keep the population down.

“Feed from me, little brother. You know my blood is strong and will last you for a while.” Itachi shrugged from his black jacket and rolled up the sleeve of his silk shirt. Presenting his forearm to his brother, he watched in amusement as Sasuke’s obsidian eyes bled to red. He could see the lengthening of incisors that poked against his brother’s lips and he could literally smell the blood lust that Sasuke exuded. A tiny bead of blood welled up on Sasuke’s lips as one of his incisors pierced the skin. Sasuke’s pink tongue darted out to lap at the droplet and his eyes deepened in color as the bloodlust intensified.

Sasuke shuddered. He could feel the pull of warm blood pounding through Itachi’s body. He fought the urge to pounce on his brother and attempt to drain him dry. It had been nearly two weeks since he’d fed but each time blood touched his lips he found his soul screaming in agony that it wasn’t ‘his’ blood.

“I freely offer you nourishment, Sasuke. Hurry and take what is offered so I can go home.” Itachi rolled his eyes as Sasuke fought himself. “Just take it.”

Sasuke didn’t need another offer, his lips were latched onto the pale skin and his teeth were buried in the flesh. Withdrawing his teeth, he sucked hungrily at the offered liquid. At the first touch on his tongue, his body went into spasms of pleasure. His consciousness faded and there was only the lust for blood. All control was gone and the monster inside took hold. Fingers curled into talons and small animalistic growls escaped as he fed deeply on the delicious liquid.

Clinging desperately to Itachi, Sasuke felt his nails digging grooves into the flesh of his brother’s forearm but he couldn’t stop. His body was on the brink of starvation and had resorted to its more primal form. Itachi’s blood was fire in his veins and he sucked harder to bring more of that delicious strength into him. His brother’s powerful blood was an ultimate high, second only to Naruto.

“That’s enough.” Itachi frowned at the viciousness in which Sasuke fed.

Itachi tried to pull back his arm but the claws dug in deeper and the mouth sucked harder. Eyes narrowing, he grasped the back of his brother’s head with his hand and dragged the face up. In that moment, Sasuke looked the monster that fiction proclaimed them to be. Blood and saliva dribbled down his pale skin, large white fangs were stained pink with blood, and crimson eyes flared dangerously, making him a truly monstrous sight to behold.

“That’s enough, Sasuke.” growled Itachi, wincing as the nails dug deeper into his arm. His own teeth flashed dangerously and he flung Sasuke across the roof of the hospital, causing him to slam hard enough into a metal structure to leave a large dent.

Sasuke was on his feet in a moments notice but his eyes no longer held the feral look of blood lust. Wiping frantically at his face, he sent Itachi an apologetic glance. It shamed him that he had brutalized his brother while taking sustenance. “I’m sorry, Itachi.”

“Gods, Sasuke. Are you trying to become a monster? I don’t even want to think about what would have happened if you had decided to feed on a human. I will lock you away myself if you ever let yourself go that bad again. I’m surprised you didn’t devour that infant.” Itachi clutched his injured arm to his chest as he ripped the sleeve off and wrapped it tightly around the bleeding wounds. They would be gone by morning but he didn’t want to loose any blood waiting for them to heal.

“He has a name and I would die before hurting him.” grated out Sasuke.

“Sasuke, stay with me for a while. You are too on edge. I should have seen it coming. The child will be fine. Let me put you to sleep for a few years. I can see madness creeping in your eyes.” Itachi face showed no emotion but his words were sad. His brother would be joining the soul in the afterlife this time. He wouldn’t survive another death. Each one seemed to rip him to shreds and left Itachi to pick up the pieces of his broken brother. He reached up to stroke the pale skin of his brother’s cheek and sighed as Sasuke flinched away from the touch. Yes, his brother was too far gone to be allowed to remain unmonitored.

“He’s here again. I’ll be alright.” Sasuke murmured, his eyes going distant as he stepped away and stared into the dark horizon.

“No, you won’t. I can see it in your eyes.” Itachi approached Sasuke slowly and gripped a shuddering shoulder.

“I have to watch him, Itachi. I have to make sure he’ll be alright. You know the fates never treat him kindly.” Sasuke looked wildly at his brother as he clung to black silk.

“I will watch him for you. Your mind needs rest. You are in no shape to watch anyone. I should have sent you to sleep years ago. Sleep now, Sasuke.” Itachi’s mesmerizing voice was so powerful that Sasuke stumbled against his brother as strength left his legs.

“You’ll watch him for me?” asked Sasuke, his voice a mere whisper in the silence.

“You have my word. Sleep.” Sasuke could fight his brother’s voice no longer and sunk into oblivion.

Itachi clutched at his brother as Sasuke went limp. Tossing the slender frame over his shoulder, he jumped from the building and ran along the roads to his home. The large stone house was situated deep in the wooded area of Washington State not far from the outskirts of Olympia.

Itachi moved on silent feet as he carried his limp brother to the basement and into the secret room he had built there. Stepping inside, Itachi laid his brother on the plush, satin covered mattress. “To think that I am giving up my lair to you, little brother. Use it well. Rest and be prepared for the trials ahead.”

Itachi covered Sasuke and sealed the room, using his blood and a few incantations. Only the most powerful of their kind would be able to remove it as Itachi was the most powerful.

Making his way up the stairs from the basement, he paused at the wine rack to grab a bottle of red wine. The dust covered bottle clenched in his hand, he took a glass from the kitchen and settled before the fireplace.

A quick glare from him and the fire was crackling. Pouring the wine, Itachi sipped the bitter drink and stared into the dancing flames. “Foolish brother. One day you will be destroyed by your love for that human and then I will be left alone.”

Itachi’s mind began to wonder and soon he was lost in his own memories of the events that led to Sasuke chasing Naruto through the ages. The memories were as fresh now as then and an ache began in his chest because he knew he was to blame for steering that thread of fate. It was his actions that intertwined the fates of a vampire and a human.

December 3, 1065

“Why are we here, Itachi? These lands are filled with the superstitious. It will be hard to find refuge from the religious fanatics, should they come after us.” Sasuke wrinkled his nose at the smell of animal droppings and unclean bodies. Humans were such disgusting creatures. They feared bathing too often would make then sick when it was just the opposite.

Normandy was cold this time of year. Snow made the ground wet and muddy. Sasuke’s boots sank slightly into the black mud as he kept pace with his brother. They approached the weapons smith and entered the building. The interior was warm from the fires used to heat the forge but the shop was empty and Sasuke wondered what was here that his brother was so interested in.

Itachi seemed to ignore the lack of shopkeeper and walked towards the back where the sound of metal being pounded echoed. Sasuke followed, intrigued at his brother’s interest in this smith.

“Can I help you?”

Sasuke turned and saw perhaps the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen. Tall with broad shoulders that tapered to a slender waist and long strong legs, the young man before then was a stunning image of virility. Sasuke was at a loss for words and Itachi turned laughing eyes on his brother before addressing the young man.

“I ordered a sword created from your father. I would like to have it.” Itachi’s bored voice didn’t seem to faze the young man as he grinned.

“I know which you speak of.” he said cheerfully before exiting towards the back.

“You ordered a sword? You came all the way to Normandy for a sword? You dragged me all the way to Normandy for a sword? Are you insane?” Sasuke hissed to his brother who only smiled.

“Your point?” The gleam in Itachi’s eyes told Sasuke he should just drop the discussion because he would never win.

“Fine, tell me why you expressly wanted a Normandy blade? You don’t even like broadswords.” Sasuke crossed his arms and scowled.

“I’m surprised that you can’t smell it in the air. This country is going to war soon and I would wager this exceptional blacksmith is more than likely going to be forced to join the Duke of Normandy in his lust for England’s crown. I wanted a sword from him before he is lost to the war.” Itachi ran his finger across the edge of a displayed blade and stared at the single drop of blood that trickled down the cold steel before it was absorbed into the metal.

“Whoever buys that blade will be a lucky bastard.” smirked Sasuke.

“So they will.” Itachi returned the smile and moved his gaze to the doorway as two blondes stepped into the room, the younger holding a rather stunning blade. He hid a smirk behind a cough when he saw Sasuke’s entire focus was on the young blonde holding the sharpened metal. Stepping forward, Itachi took the offered blade and examined the craftsmanship. It was exceptional but he’d expected no less from this man.

“It is perfect. I was wise to request your services.” smiled Itachi before removing a bag of gold from a hidden pocket of his fur lined cloak. Tossing the bag to the youth, Itachi took the scabbard and slid the blade inside before moving towards the exit.

“”My lord!” Itachi turned at the exclamation and arched a brow.

“This is far too much gold for the blade. Please take some of it back.” The blonde took several pieces from the bag and offered it to Itachi.

“An honest craftsman? Keep the gold. This blade is worth far more than that small bag of gold.” Itachi turned and moved to leave, Sasuke reluctantly following when the young man grabbed the black cloak.

“Naruto!” exclaimed the blacksmith.

“Father, it is not right. The price of the blade was already astronomical. To accept overpayment would be shameful. Our lord, Jesus Christ, would be ashamed of us.” Naruto firmly pressed the gold bag against Itachi’s chest and for a moment the man stared at the hand before sending a glance towards Sasuke.

“I have an idea. You are the son of a weapon smith; do you have knowledge of swordsmanship?” Itachi smirked as confusion spread across the blond features.

“I do. I was practically raised with a sword in my hand.” answered Naruto truthfully though he was confused at the question. What did him having knowledge about swordsmanship have to do with the question of the bag of gold?

“This is my younger brother, Sasuke. I would like him to be educated in the skill of the blade. If you do that for him, the gold is yours. He is a bit of the lazy sort so you shall have your work cut out for you.” Itachi smirked at the sight of Sasuke’s scowl reaching mammoth proportions.

Naruto tilted his head and considered the request for a moment. He would not lie to himself and say that the temptation to keep the gold was hard to fight. It would help greatly if the talk of war was true. War was never a good thing for the lower classes such as his family. “I accept. Meet me here tomorrow at dawn, Lord Sasuke, and I will start your training.”

“He will be there. Now, come along, Sasuke. We have things to discuss.” With that, Itachi was strolling out of the blacksmith and towards the local inn. Appearances must be kept after all. The sun was high and it was taking its toll on both the nightwalkers.

“What are you thinking?” hissed Sasuke, knowing full well that he was deadly with the sword and could probably teach that youth a thing or two.

“Giving you a reason to enjoy yourself, little brother. We will stay for a fortnight. I suggest you tup the boy as much as possible between now and then.” Itachi smiled at the understanding dawning in Sasuke’s eyes. His brother had been denying his more basic desires for far too long. He also knew that Sasuke preferred men to women. Itachi had tasted both but found that he liked nothing better than a warm bosom and soft hips. To each his own.

Sasuke was grateful when they reached the inn. The two would need to sleep the remainder of the day. It was pointless to sleep once the sun set. The pull of the night was like a siren to them and sleep would be impossible.

“You don’t have to buy me sexual partners, Itachi. I’m perfectly capable of finding my own.” Sasuke slumped against the door. His own room was down the hall and he could already feel the call of the bed. Neither he nor Itachi had fed. It was a dangerous game to feed off this superstitious lot of people, especially being foreigners. As such, it made remaining awake during the day a difficult task since the sun sapped energy at a rapid rate.

“Go rest, Sasuke. You will thank me for it later. The blonde looks like he will be a lively romp for you.” Itachi stretched on the bed and stared at the thatched roof. He’d felt something when he saw the blonde. It was almost as if something had happened in the thread of fate. Unlike their mother, neither Sasuke nor Itachi could see the web of fate but they could feel it if a particularly strong thread was thrummed. There was a subtle sense of foreboding and that worried Itachi.

“What changes in fate have you brought into our lives, little human?” wondered Itachi as he finally dropped off to sleep.

The moment the sun dipped below the horizon Itachi’s eyes shot open and he sighed. His body felt weaker than it should have and the smell of the humans moving about in the inn brought a low growl to his lips. He and Sasuke had been living on livestock and wild beasts for the duration of their time out of their homeland. It was beginning to take its toll.

Sasuke was beside his bed and Itachi frowned up at his younger brother. “Knocking would have been polite.”

“Fuck off. I need human blood tonight, Itachi. I’m almost to the point of wanting to drain this entire inn and bathe in what I don’t drink.”

Sasuke’s entire body was quivering and his skin held much more pallor than it should. His teeth were permanently extended and it was obvious that he was not pleased with his body’s natural response to the smell of fresh prey. Sasuke would need human tonight. He wasn’t as old as Itachi and the bloodlust was a bit harder to bear.

“Come.” Itachi was on his feet and the two were bounded out of the single window of the room. Using their powers to cloak their presence, the two nightwalkers scanned the area. A small cry reached their powerful ears and the smell of lust and fear reached their noses.

Stepping so lightly that neither created footprints, they watched as a scruffy man rutted on the body of an unwilling woman. So focused on his own pleasure, he didn’t realize the two creatures behind him. Tears tracked down the woman’s face and the abject pain in her eyes set Itachi off.

In a moments notice, he was prying the dirty man from the woman’s body and slinging him against the stone wall that had been his cover. “And they call us monsters.” snarled Itachi as he stroked the woman’s hair. Her clothes denoted her as a peasant, possibly a shop girl or maid on her way home from her employment. Shock was beginning to set in and her body shuddered in the aftershocks of the traumatic experience.

Sasuke grabbed the man and his thoughts suddenly invaded the rapist, drawing every memory from him. He felt the pleasure of the man. He felt how it was more the subjugating a woman than the actual act that he drew the most pleasure from. Sasuke was disgusted and withdrew immediately before the thoughts could taint him with their madness. “He’s a stranger to these parts. He never stays in one place long to keep from being killed by the families of the women he rapes. He’s trash. Shall I dispose of him, brother?”

Itachi allowed his eyes to bleed red at the words and snarled, revealing pristine white fangs. “Do what you will to him, Sasuke. I’ll care for the woman.”

Sasuke’s grin could be considered nothing other than malice filled as he turned his now red eyes to the man that quivered in his grasp. “I’m going to drain you. When you meet your god, make sure you remember who sent you there. Your soul is monstrous and does not deserve to live in this world.”

Sasuke buried his teeth in the dirty neck and began to pull with hard sucks at the warm liquid that rushed across his tongue. It was warm and metallic. The smooth texture coasted down his throat and slowly the color began to return to his cheeks while the color faded from his victim.

Itachi watched for a moment before turning his eyes to the pitiful excuse for a girl. Her eyes were blank and as he touched her mind, he was scalded by the abject fear and pain that radiated from her very core. Stroking her cheek, Itachi brought his lips to her limp wrist. While Sasuke’s feeding was vicious and brutal, Itachi slipped his teeth in her wrist with the utmost care.

Drawing gently on her life force, he pressed his mind into hers forcing the memories of the entire night into a quiet corner of her mind and there he locked them. Her shivering stopped and another moan escaped, this time of pleasure. Smirking, he drew even harder of her blood and allowed her to relish in the feel of the experience. It wasn’t really sexual desire but something more that could never be fully described. It was the feeling, almost similar to the sharing of a soul.

Sasuke’s victim was locked in terror. He was experiencing everything he had ever done, only he was the victim. Gone was the feeling of power and he was left feeling brutalized and terrified. Sasuke snarled a little and sucked harder. He felt the man’s heart rate begin to stutter and understood the meaning. It would be over soon. He had now reached the point of no return when a hand was placed on his shoulder.

Sasuke lifted his blood coated face and snarled at his brother. “Mine.”

“Don’t take that tone with me. Clean yourself up and take the girl home. I’ve erased her memories. She will sleep until dawn.” Itachi held the eyes of the man in his piercing gaze. “I’ll finish this.”

Sasuke seemed to snap out of the bloodlust and dropped the man like a rag doll. He’d never killed while feeding and he was surprised at how easy it was. Itachi had always protected him from that. His brother had always been at his side while he fed, teaching him how to control the bloodlust and when to stop. He taught him how to make it pleasurable and how to make it painful. He stepped away from the whimpering mass of human being and scooped up the girl before disappearing in a flicker of black.

Itachi was left staring at the pitiful excuse for a man. Blood trickled down a grimy and sweat stained neck. Fear was rampant in the man’s eyes as Itachi crouched down so that his whispered words could be heard. “Unlike my brother, the suffering I will inflict on you will drive you mad before you breathe your last. You should be honored, human. You are looking at a king.”

A tortured scream was caught in the man’s throat as his eyes went wide at the images that he saw and experienced. Horror did not begin to describe the pain he felt. When death came on black wings, he sent up a prayer of thanks that the seemingly lifetime of suffering was at its end and went limp in Itachi’s hands.

Dropping the husk of the man, Itachi tilted his head back at the feeling of absolute power that engulfed him. It was the most potent thing for one such as him to experience and it was something that he’d tried to keep Sasuke from feeling. To control this overwhelming seduction was more difficult than even the most rampant blood craving.

Itachi trembled as he stood. Face impassive, he lifted the body and took it several miles from town. Calling forth the animal scavengers of the forest, he left the body in a secluded area to be devoured and returned to his room at the inn where Sasuke was waiting.

“Thank you, Itachi.” said Sasuke as Itachi flickered into the room.

“You aren’t ready. Tasting such power is not a curse I would inflict on anyone. I will allow you to keep that part of yourself untouched as long as possible.” Itachi shed his bloodied clothing and tossed it in the fireplace. Disposing of bodies was such messy work.

Glancing at his brother, he smiled at the color that was once again gracing his cheeks. The fire crackled as the clothes were destroyed and Itachi settled himself before it. Sasuke joined him in the adjoining chair. Itachi spoke of returning home. The small town at the base of their mountain was very understanding of them. The villagers practically worshipped the two nightwalkers. To be bitten by them was to be blessed. In their home, they were safe from the rabid mobs that Christianity had created.

Dawn came and Itachi settled in the warm bed while Sasuke scowled. “I hope this boy will be worth my time to fuck.”

“You have two weeks to find out. I suggest you hop to it. I’m leaving in a fortnight.” murmured Itachi before closing his eyes.

Sasuke exited the inn and winced at the trickle of light that burst over the horizon. Already he was beginning to feel the sluggishness that the sun brought. Walking down the street that was just beginning to awaken for the day, Sasuke turned down the lane that led to his destination.

“Fucking Itachi. I don’t need him to buy me a lover. I’m just selective.” Sasuke muttered to himself as the approached the weapon smith shop.

“Good morrow.” exclaimed a bright eyed and bushy tailed Naruto. The smile spread across his face and Sasuke was entranced once again. He looked to be about eighteen or so but held the innate youthfulness of a child. His face was clean shaven, which Sasuke preferred, and his eyes were bright.

“Good morning.” Sasuke tried to hide his accent as Itachi did but he knew it came out.

“I figured I would show you how to hold a sword today. Though, maybe I should ask you how much you know about swordsmanship. You must have had some teaching being noble and all.” Naruto scratched his cheek and looked questioningly at Sasuke.

“Let’s get the meat of this meeting. I probably know more about sword fighting than this entire town. My brother set me up with this so to make this worth my time let’s spar and have a wager. If you win, I will do anything you like for the remainder of the day. If I win, the same.” Sasuke picked up the practice blade and swung it a few times to adjust his body to the feel of its weight in his hand.

“Hey! I’m the teacher here.” growled Naruto.

“Hn, more like you are the dunce.” smirked Sasuke, loving how red flushed across the blonde’s cheeks. Naruto’s body was strong and healthy. Despite the deep feeding the night before, Sasuke felt a tingle of desire to taste Naruto’s blood.

“You’re scared to fight me? Don’t tell me a few words can cower you?” Sasuke tossed his cloak over the fence and popped the bones in his neck before facing Naruto.

Sasuke had to give him credit, he looked unsure. Whether it was because he was afraid of hurting him or because of the taunting words spoken, Sasuke was unsure. He watched with amusement as Naruto picked up the other practice blade and faced Sasuke.

“I don’t back down from challenges. I will defeat you. That’s a promise.” growled Naruto and Sasuke smiled. Oh, it was going to be so nice to pound that arse. He could already feel the tendrils of desire begin to drift southward, curling in his stomach before settling in his loins.

Naruto lunged and the game began. For the next two hours the two clashed swords in the back of the weapon smith. Passersby stopped to watch the show. Both men were covered in sweat and dirt. Naruto had long since discarded his homespun shirt while Sasuke’s own finely sewn tunic was plastered to his body. Despite the coldness of the December day, sweat and heat dripped from both and soon there was a crowd watching and cheering them on.

Sasuke knew that had the sun not been out, it would have been harder to hide his natural advantage but the heat of the sun weakened him enough to allow him to give more to the fight instead of holding back. Naruto was a natural and he moved with such grace that there were a few times that Sasuke was nearly beaten by him. As it was, Sasuke kept them at a stalemate and allow Naruto to wear himself out in the mock battle.

A few solders also stopped to watch the battle and they whispered amongst themselves. The foreigner was out of their grasp but the blonde boy would be perfect for the army when the Duke decided to invade England. The three left to tell their superior officer of their findings.

“Give up, dead last.” smirked Sasuke as he retaliated with a blow that Naruto barely dodged.

“Never. I’ll never give up.” Naruto redoubled his efforts and drove Sasuke backwards, causing him to trip over a woodpile and crash to the ground. When he regained his equilibrium, he found the tip of Naruto’s blade pointed at his throat. “I win.”

That Sasuke was shocked was an understatement. He glanced towards the cheering crowd and pulled himself to his feet, dusting the mud and grime from his pants with a scowl. “Fine. What do you want me to do?” God, it grated his nerves to say it.

“I want you to cut all those logs into quarters for the forge. I’ll be back later to check on you.” grinned Naruto who entered the forge and promptly poured a bucket of lukewarm water over his body. Sasuke couldn’t stop his eyes from following the trails of liquid as they moved down that trim body, tiny beads catching in the tufts of hair visible on his lower stomach. Oh, he hated him for making him feel this way. He would make him pay while he was buried in that arse.

Grabbing the axe, Sasuke began his chore. Never let anyone tell him he reneged on a wager. The ax was sharp and cut through the wood like butter. It barely took any effort and soon all the logs were quartered and ready for the forge fires.

“Where do you get all your energy? I just went inside and rested.” asked Naruto exclaimed as he walked outside and saw the neatly stacked wood.

“Hn. Do you want anything else done or am I free of my obligation?” Sasuke stretched his muscles, feeling them tighten and release after the strain. It wasn’t hard as much as repetitious and he was more than a little annoyed at losing. He’d completely underestimated Naruto and that was his downfall.

“Would you like something to drink? I have some cool water in the shop. You don‘t look so well.” Naruto offered, feeling obligated to hydrate the man since he really was starting to look a bit pale.

“I think it’s the sun.” I know it’s the sun. Sasuke staggered a bit and was grateful when he felt Naruto brace him.

“Should I send for your brother?” asked Naruto as he led Sasuke into the warm interior of the shop.

Sasuke shook his head, now that he was out of the sun, he felt a bit of his strength returning. Settling in the offered chair, Sasuke took the offered water but couldn’t stop staring at the thumping pulse in Naruto’s neck. Each thrumming beat of his heart was like a drum in Sasuke’s ear and he wanted to taste that blood more than anything.

“Where are you from? You and your brother look different.” Naruto asked as he sat with his own water.

“Far to the east. My brother desired a sword from your father. He is rarely wrong about crafters. Your father’s blade is a work of art. Where is your father by the way?” asked Sasuke as he noticed that the shop was empty.

“Mother was sick this morning. She hasn’t been well for a while. Father usually sends me to watch the shop while he stays with her.” Naruto smiled sadly and Sasuke felt a twinge in his heart. “Are you and your brother going to build a castle near here? You are obviously nobles. It would be so nice if you stayed. Then we could spar all the time.”

“We are leaving in a fortnight. This climate doesn’t treat us well.” Sasuke watched Naruto slump. He frowned. He didn’t like the sad look on Naruto’s face. An idea occurred to him and he found himself voicing it before even considering discussing it with Itachi.

“Come with me. Come to my home. You can be my vassal. I’ll make you a noble. You will answer only to me and Itachi.” Sasuke smiled at the idea. He would take Naruto with him. He would take him away from these filthy humans.

Naruto blushed a little but shook his head. “My father and mother need me. My father is starting to get up in age. I’ll need to take over the forge for him one day. I wish I could come with you, Lord Sasuke.”

“Bring them too. I’ll set them up in a house with servants. They will want for nothing. Come with me.” Sasuke knew he sounded almost desperate but a fortnight wasn’t long enough. He wanted so much more than a quick tup. He wanted…he didn’t know what he wanted but he wanted Naruto. He’d explain things to Itachi. He would understand.

“I’m not sure.” Naruto frown a bit but there was a twinkle of excitement in his eyes. Sasuke wanted to whoop with joy. He had won. Naruto was his!

“If it’s a forge, I’ll build one for your father. He can do as much crafting as he likes. The locals can even show him how to make swords as they do.” Sasuke was already planning the move. He and Itachi would need to go ahead. It was too long a journey for them not to feed. Itachi and Sasuke would travel ahead and once home, send servants and carts to move any belongings.

“If my parents agree to come, I’ll go with you.” smiled Naruto, now happy.

“You’ve made me so happy.” Sasuke felt his stress ease. This was a much better option. He would make Naruto happy. He would shower him with clothes fit for a king and make love to him before the large fireplace that engulfed a wall of his room in his home. Just thinking of Naruto naked before him sent heat spiraling southward.

“Why are you doing this for me?” Naruto frowned again and scratched his cheek, obviously a nervous gesture.

“I like you. You interest me.” Sasuke began to stand, wanting to go back to the inn so he could sleep before sunset when a shot of hunger pulsed through him and he slumped against Naruto, surprising him.

“Lord Sasuke? Are you alright? Did you get too hot?” Naruto knelt with Sasuke in his arms when suddenly hands tightened around him and warm lips brushed his throat. The breath left Naruto’s lungs and every nerve in his body centered where those lips pressed against him.

“I’m sorry. I need it. I’ll make you forget. Don’t worry.” Sasuke whispered before his teeth pieced the tan flesh and Naruto’s body went rigid. Warm liquid rushed over his tongue and he groaned at the taste. It was like tasting ambrosia after only having eaten mortal foods. He felt Naruto struggle but was unable to release him as he drew on the warm liquid. Heat was radiating through his body and pooling in his loins.

Pressing the blonde into the ground, he groaned and settled his hips between leather clad thighs. Arching his body, he froze as he felt the hardness of Naruto’s crotch. He liked it? Drawing back a little, Sasuke lapped at the blood that trickled from Naruto’s neck. Each lick earned a groan from the man beneath him.

“Your blood is like fire inside me.” growled Sasuke before latching on again and drawing the liquid heat into his veins. He was actively thrusting against Naruto at this point and both were straining against each other, seeking release.

Naruto’s neck arched back and a low moan radiated from his throat as his legs lifted to wrap tightly around Sasuke’s hips. His hands were clenched in the soft material of Sasuke’s shirt and he released small grunts as the sucking at his neck seemed to be directly connected to his cock.

“Ahhh…” Naruto cried out and his body began to shudder.

Sasuke threw back his head, mouth open in a soundless scream as his hips began to jerk spasmodically against Naruto. He could feel the seed pool against the tight leather but was unable to do anything but feel. Blood dripped down from his lips, creating a trail that wound down his neck before dripping against Naruto’s bare chest.

Slumping against Naruto, Sasuke began to purr as he lapped at the blood. Each flick of his tongue caused a little cry to escape from Naruto’s lips and his hips to jerk in response. After several slow licks, the blood was gone and the healing agent in his saliva sealed the wound, leaving nothing but a slight discoloration in the skin which would disappear in an hour or so. “Mine.”

“Sasu…What?” Naruto’s hazy eyes blinked rapidly and Sasuke brushed his fingers down the confused face. He would erase his memories but he wanted to lie here a little while longer. He wanted to feel Naruto lazy and contented.

“Let me stay like this a little longer.” whispered Sasuke as he buried his nose into Naruto’s sweat dampened neck.

After several moments, Sasuke sighed and ran his fingers over Naruto’s eyes forcing him to sleep. Cleaning up both their bodies the best he could, Sasuke placed Naruto in a chair and meticulously replaced the actual memory with a memory of Sasuke leaving after they had agreed to relocate Naruto and his family.

Sasuke left quickly and collapsed on his bed. He was unable to stay awake a moment’s longer, not even realizing that his lips and shirt were stained with blood.

“Christ, Sasuke. Who did you feed on?” Sasuke’s eyes popped open and he saw Itachi looking at him worriedly. Sasuke could tell that the sun had long set but his mind was still groggy. That was odd.

“You fed deep, didn’t you? Did you kill him?” Itachi alternated between pacing and sending angry looks toward Sasuke. “Gods, you must have drained him dry to have that much color in your cheeks.”

“I didn’t kill anyone.” grumbled Sasuke as his mind finally cleared. “Why do I feel so drowsy?”

“Haven’t you been listening to me? You fed deep. Your body is still absorbing the nutrition. You couldn’t have gotten enough to put you in that state from one person.” Itachi grabbed a pitcher of water and began to clean his brother of the blood before pulling the shirt from him and tossing it in the fireplace.

“I’m telling you I didn’t feed that deeply. He was fine when I left him. He just tasted so fucking good, Itachi.” Sasuke closed his eyes at the memory. Nothing in his lifetime had ever tasted as good as Naruto’s blood. Suddenly recalling his exciting news he smiled happily at Itachi.

“I’m taking Naruto with me. He wants to bring his parents, which might prove a bit tricky since his mother is ill but if we have them travel in the spring and summer, they should reach the fortress before the autumn chill.” Sasuke tapped his fingers on the window pane thoughtfully.

“You are bringing them to our home? Are you insane? You were just supposed to fuck him a couple of times and get him out of your blood. I refuse to allow you to bring him with you.” Itachi crossed his arms and allowed his eyes to bleed red to further ferment his decision.

“Then I won’t be going home. I need him, Itachi. He makes me feel not so empty.” Sasuke looked at his brother with pleading eyes and Itachi’s conviction wavered.

“It’s dangerous, Sasuke. Outsiders are dangerous. Are you prepared to face the consequences?” Itachi’s voice changed from concerned brother to king in a moments notice.

“He’s worth any price.” Sasuke murmured and Itachi sighed. “We should arrange the trip with his family tomorrow. If we leave, we should make it home in a week’s time. That would give the carts time to get here by mid spring. Sasuke, I hope you know what you are doing.”

Sasuke smirked and exited from the window, leaving Itachi alone to ponder the recent events. There was a bit of worry in his eyes as he stared at the fire. Something felt wrong to him. Something bad was going to happen very soon and Itachi couldn’t shake the feeling that it revolved around his brother.

To Be Continued.