Midnight Memories

Warning: Character Death, vampires, boys kissing, emotional turmoil, cursing.



AN: Ch.3 is during the early renaissance. Not in its prime. The Black Death was one of the reasons the Renaissance happened. The Black Death peaked in Europe during 1348-1350 possibly killed close to 60% of Europe's population. Though exact #s are unknown. I am also posting this on my LiveJournal. If you are interested in reading it there, you need to friend me and send me a PM so I can friend you back since all my post will be friends only. http://daydreamer1979.livejournal.com/ Beta: Greekbread





Midnight Memories



Chapter Three



September 24, 1988



The sound of a child crying grated on Itachi’s nerves. The baby sitter for Naruto called in sick with a cold, forcing his housekeeper to bring the child to work with her. She had promised that he was a little angel, but Itachi debated that issue seriously. The boy appeared to have the lung capacity of an elephant.



Though he was exhausted, Itachi never took to his bed before noon. Living amongst humans in such close quarters required a bit more effort on his part. For the last few years, he’d debated returning to his castle. The small village that once resided below the castle had been replaced by a thriving town. More than enough people to provide him with sustenance should the need arise.



Sasuke held him back, and now Naruto’s presence was holding both of them back. Replacing the book on the shelf in his library, Itachi stretched his tired muscles. It hardly seemed a year had nearly passed since he’d charmed his brother into sleeping.



Naruto seemed to be thriving. The reports from his housekeeper detailed every little accomplishment the boy made.



Itachi, however, avoided the child. Sasuke’s deteriorated mentality was a direct result of that soul. Itachi was a bit bitter. He admitted to it. He would have been happy leaving the little infant to fend for himself in the hospital, had Sasuke’s not pleaded for his help.



Wincing as yet another screech reached his sensitive ears, Itachi’s control broke. He moved from the library and towards the kitchen where his housekeeper was rocking the crying baby in an effort to calm his wails.



“I’m sorry, sir. He’s hardly ever like this. He kept trying to open the door to the basement. I didn’t want to chance that the door would swing open. Those stairs are far too steep for him to be around,” apologized Maggie his very plump housekeeper.



Itachi glanced sharply towards the door leading to the basement. Narrowing his eyes, he turned them towards the screaming baby. Chubby arms reached for the door as if it were someone he wanted to hold him. Naruto couldn’t possibly sense Sasuke. Humans lacked that ability.



“Allow me to take him off your hands. Go ahead with your duties. I’ll handle him for a while.” offered Itachi, sharp black eyes locked on the blond.



“You don’t have to. I’m sure he’ll quiet down in a few minutes.” Maggie said the words but it was obvious in her eyes, she wanted to accept the assistance.



Itachi scooped the baby from her arms and carried him out of the kitchen into the library. Naruto screamed even louder, tear tracks marring his chubby red cheeks. He was so different from Sasuke as an infant. Sasuke had been so quiet, it bordered on abnormal.



Lifting the blond child so their eyes met, Itachi stared deep into the infants eyes. He tried to find something, anything that marked Naruto as different. Other than his excessive crying, nothing jumped out as anything but ordinary.



Sighing, Itachi set the child on the floor before settling himself into a comfortable chair. The crying dulled in ferocity but continued. Itachi rubbed his eyes in frustration. His curiosity over the boy had gotten him into a mess where he sat in his library staring at an obnoxious baby.



The cries slowed to small hiccupping whimpers as the child began to explore the area. Itachi could track him by his cries along with the shuffling of his knees against the carpeting. When the cries stopped all together, the vampire king glanced up from his book. Frowning, he walked around a table in search of the child.



Freezing mid step, Itachi stared in something akin to shock. The baby was sitting quietly, staring up at a painting of Sasuke. Naruto turned to glance at Itachi, causing a shudder to run down his spine. Those were not the eyes of a child but the intelligent eyes of someone far older than twelve months.



“What are you?” whispered Itachi, his voice hoarse.



Naruto blinked a few times before his eyes dimmed as the flash of intelligence left. All that remained was the child as the boy turned his eyes back to the painting.



Sasuke stared at them from the painting. The artist had captured his brother so beautifully. The arrogance that Sasuke exuded was perfectly portrayed. It seemed as if Sasuke was staring from the painting. The slight curve of his smile seemed to be directed towards the artist.



Sasuke’s smiles were so rare and Itachi wished he had been in the studio when this was painted. His heart ached every time he saw it, but he could not bear the thought of destroying it. It was during one of the few times Sasuke had a full grasp on his sanity.



Dressed in the garb of the mid 1300’s, Sasuke’s eyes held a light that shone bright. The only time Sasuke’s eyes shone with such a glow was in the presence of Naruto. Looking down at the child Itachi narrowed his eyes. The boy raised his hand, pointing a chubby finger at the painting. “Saaaaaa. Saaaaa.”



Stumbling back, Itachi stared at the child. Slumping against the table, his mind froze in shock. The child continued to stare at the painting, occasionally calling to it. It wasn’t until a knock at the door, brought him from his thoughts. “Enter.”



“Mr. Uchiha, Paul is finished with his duties. He’s going to take Naruto home.” Maggie smiled brightly, seeing how nice and quiet her son was playing.



“Thank you so much for your help, sir.” Maggie picked up Naruto, causing the child to fuss as he reached towards the painting. Maggie turned to see what he was reaching for.



“Oh! What a handsome man. Naruto must have good taste.” she smiled before carrying the now wailing child from the room.



Slumping in a chair, Itachi brought a shaking hand to his face. Before he was simply going to ignore the child’s existence but now, he would watch the boy closely as he grew into adulthood.



Perhaps it was just coincidence that Naruto was drawn to the painting of Sasuke. Chuckling, Itachi shook his head. He was just fooling himself of course, that wasn’t coincidence. What it was, he did not know but a coincidence it was not.



OIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI



March 13, 1348



Itachi paced the ramparts of his castle which was located on the border of Hungary and Romania. The heavy mountains protected it from outsiders. Traveling the mountain pass to reach the small valley where his home rested was treacherous. Only someone knowledgeable of the area would have any success reaching the lush valley.



It was a little touch of paradise, but to Itachi it was a place of mourning. He did not mourn the dead, but the living; namely, his brother Sasuke. Since the death of his lover 282 years ago Sasuke had lost his smile. His brother breathed, fed, and fucked but never lived. For the last twenty or so years Sasuke had become particularly irritable, spending less time with Itachi and more time at the gravesite. It bothered Itachi greatly. He did not want to lose his brother to despair.



Each evening Sasuke would sit for hours beside the weathered grave where Naruto lay. His fingers would trace the stone monument as if caressing a lover. It broke Itachi’s heart to see his brother continue to mourn the boy. He should have gotten over him long ago. Yet, he was standing in the warm evening air, staring as his brother sat beside the lonely grave.



Something needed to change. Itachi was tired of it. Strolling to the edge of the battlement, Itachi looked dispassionately at the small figure of his brother, exactly where he’d expected him to be. Enough was enough.



Jumping from the battlement, the king of nightwalkers landed in a crouch before stalking towards his brother. The wind lifted his silken hair in something akin to a caress. The trained eye could see the annoyance that bled off the older nightwalker despite the practiced neutrality of his face.



Sasuke glanced up at Itachi’s approach, fingers pausing from their stroking of the headstone “Yes, brother?”



“We’re leaving at sunset tomorrow,” Itachi stated.



“What!?” exclaimed Sasuke as he jumped to his feet.



“I’m tired of your moping. You’ve had almost three hundred years to mourn that boy. It’s time you got over him.” Itachi turned but wasn’t surprised when a hand grasped his cloak, forcing him to whirl to face his furious brother.



“Get over him? How dare you? I’m not going anywhere,” Sasuke’s cheeks were red with fury. His pristine fangs flashed dangerously causing Itachi to smile; his own fangs gleaming in the moonlight. This was the most animated he’d seen his brother in a very long time.



“Yes, you are. Be ready at dusk,” Itachi smirked before throwing off Sasuke’s arm, sending the younger stumbling backward.



“You bastard.” shouted the younger.



“Hn,” Itachi made his way back to the castle. Things felt right, now. Sasuke’s anger would diminish as he was engulfed in the new wonders of the world. He just needed to be forced to see it. Itachi would make sure life was breathed into his brother once again.



IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI



May 1, 1348



Sasuke blinked awake as the sun dipped below the horizon. His bastard of a brother had drawn him from their castle to roam the countryside of Italy. In a few of the cities they traveled through, change was washing clean the archaic beliefs of the past. Sasuke couldn’t say it was all bad though.



Superstitions were being put aside in favor of more concrete beliefs and analytical thought. Much to the dismay of the church, Sasuke believed. Even on the eve of a renaissance, old beliefs and traditions die hard.



Stretching his arms, Sasuke rolled from the bed in the inn. He’d never liked country inns, their beds were usually made of straw stuffed mattresses and stray pieces were always poking his skin. Popping his neck, Sasuke gathered his belongings before making his way to his brother’s room, arriving just in time to see Itachi step quietly into the hall.



The boisterous laughter from the tavern part of the inn could be heard through the walls. Now that the day was at an end, villagers would gather together to drink and make merry. After working from dawn until dusk, Sasuke could empathize. Allow them whatever small joy they could find in life.



“We should reach Florence by dawn.” offered Itachi, earning a scowl from Sasuke.



“I don’t understand why you are dragging me all over Italy. I’ll admit things have changed but nothing you show me will change who I am or how I feel.” Sasuke said, reaching up to rub the skin over his heart. The farther from their home they got, the stronger the ache in his blood grew. It wasn’t bloodlust but something else, something that shouldn’t be there but was.



“Sasuke?”



“It’s nothing.” Sasuke frowned, lost in his own thoughts. Rolling his shoulders in an attempt to dispel the feeling, Sasuke pulled himself onto his mount. The large black stallion snorted, stomping his feet in a desire to get moving.



“My lords are you sure you don’t wish to stay until morning.” The inn keeper took in their fine clothes and well kept animals; his mind already spending the money he could earn from them for another night.



“We wish to reach Florence by dawn. I’m afraid we must be off.” Itachi swung onto his own mount, steering the horse away from the inn. Sasuke followed in suit.



For several minutes, the two brothers rode in silence before Sasuke released a wry chuckle. “We’re being followed.”



“Indeed,” Itachi breathed deeply. It really was foolish of their would-be assassins to stand downwind but the men could not have known Itachi and Sasuke’s true nature. They probably only saw the obvious wealth; thinking to make an easy bit of gold.



“I was a bit hungry, anyway.” Sasuke’s leather clad hands clenched on the reins, the excitement of the hunt beginning to build inside him. How long had it been since he and Itachi enjoyed the pleasure of a hunt together?



“Hold!” shouted a gruff voice from shadows.



“Who goes there?” called Sasuke, playing along with the robbers.



“Hand over your gold and horses. If you do so, we won’t kill you.” Sasuke could taste the lie on the man’s lips. They had no plan to let the two of them live. Sasuke almost chuckled aloud. It really was amusing to see the foolish humans attempt to rob two of the most powerful beings in the world.



“Come now, Sasuke. We really don’t have time to play.” said Itachi, rolling his eyes as he stepped down from his horse, appearing behind one of the assassins. “You really should have stayed at the inn.”



Itachi buried his teeth in the dirty neck bared before him. Eyes bled to red at the first taste of blood. Swallowing deeply, his senses spun as the essence ran down his throat, providing life and energy. He vaguely noted the scream from across the road. Obviously, Sasuke had dropped his own game to take of what was so delightfully offered.



Itachi had been planning to grab a meal from one of the wild deer that roamed the countryside but seeing as these gentlemen offered so nicely to provide for them, he would take what they had to give. It was very delicious, seeing as he and Sasuke had refrained from partaking of the locals, choosing instead to remain incognito.



Shuddering as he felt the man lap into unconsciousness, Itachi dropped the poor fool. The robber crumpled at his feet. Wrinkling his nose, Itachi dabbed at his lips with a silk cloth before approaching Sasuke.



The possessive growl from Sasuke’s lips earned an equally annoyed one from Itachi. “Stop or he’ll die.”



“Why do you care about some worthless human?” snarled Sasuke, his eyes flashing a dangerous warning.



“You know why.”



“Fine,” Dropping the man in a heap, Sasuke pushed angrily past his brother. The horses stirred restlessly at the bloodlust that poured off of Sasuke. Itachi shook his head sadly before glancing at the lump of a man at his feet.



“Consider yourself lucky, human.” Itachi ran a hand over the man’s closed eyes, sealing the memories of the night. Grabbing a bottle of cheap wine strapped to the robber’s belt, Itachi poured the liquid over the man. He would wake up with the worst hangover he’d ever experienced, but at least he would wake up.



Finishing clean up, Itachi mounted once more. “You really should learn control over your instincts, Sasuke.”



“Why? When I have you to do it for me,” Sasuke said as he smirked. Sasuke urged his horse into a gallop towards their destination.



Sighing dramatically, Itachi followed leaving the two men to sleep off their ‘hangover’. Sasuke was destined to be the death of him, he just knew it.



Dawn shot rays of pink, blue, and orange across the horizon as the two travelers entered the gated streets of Florence. The clopping sound of the horse’s hooves on the cobblestone road sounded their arrival. Servants were moving about, bowing appropriately to the two obvious noblemen riding down the street.



“Why are we here?” asked Sasuke. “Out of the entire world, what is here that is so interesting?”



“I don’t know. Perhaps we can take in the social scene. I understand that the balls and soirées are quite the entertainment.” Sasuke shot Itachi a disgusted look, causing Itachi to smirk. “I don’t know, Sasuke. It’s a change of atmosphere. Perhaps there is something here to interest us.”



“I think you are completely…” Sasuke’s words trailed off at the sight of sunshine hair disappearing in the growing crowd of people.



“What were you saying, Sasuke?” Itachi glanced at his brother, taking in the drawn up brow and frowning lips. “Is something wrong?”



Sasuke shook his head, sending black bangs dancing on his face. “I’m going to explore. I’ll meet you later.”



Sasuke waved haphazardly to Itachi as he chased after the blond hair; jogging away before Itachi could stop him. Glancing down alleyways and side streets, Sasuke searched for the sunshine hair that haunted his dreams every night. The draining effect of the sun lowered his strength.



Growling in his throat as a trickle of sweat worked its way down his temple; Sasuke leaned against the stone wall of a shop. He was tempted to just go find Itachi. It wasn’t Naruto. Why did he allow his sentimentality get the better of him? Naruto was never coming back. It had been nearly three hundred years.



Dusting his hands over his embroidered doublet, Sasuke turned to head towards where he’d left Itachi. His exhaustion must have gotten the better of him as he plowed directly into another gentleman. Parcels scattered across the cobblestone road.



“Are you alright, milord?”



Sasuke froze. A heart that he’d thought frozen began to beat with a thumping so loud he was sure the passersby could hear it. That voice. That beautiful, melodious voice. The language was different but he would never forget that voice.



Shivers ran up and down his body. Sasuke was afraid to look. He was afraid that the man standing near him wouldn’t be ‘him’. Taking a much needed breath, he turned wild eyes towards the owner of the voice. Breath left him immediately in a whoosh. It was Naruto.



“Sir? Milord? Should I go for assistance?” Concerned blue eyes watched as Sasuke struggled to breath.



“Naruto,” Sasuke gasped out, tears beginning to form at the corners of his eyes.



Blond brows drew together as a look of confusion spread across tan features. “Do I know you?”



The sound of his voice washed over Sasuke again, bringing calm once more to his broken soul. Closing his eyes, Sasuke breathed in the scent of Naruto. He smelled the same as before but…something was different. Paint maybe?



“Hey, I live up those steps. You can rest there. Maybe you’re over heated.” offered Naruto, attempting to converse with the man. He really was acting strangely. Perhaps it wasn’t so good an idea to bring him home.



Snapping out of his haze, Sasuke blinked a few times before responding in perfect Italian. “Thank you. I think you are right.”



Naruto looked relieved at the response. Gathering up his supplies, he trotted across the street towards the somewhat rickety door. “It’s this way.”



Naruto led Sasuke through the door and up a short flight of stairs. Dust covered everything on the lower level causing Sasuke to fight the urge to sneeze. As soon as they cleared the steps, Sasuke was assaulted by the smell of oil paint. The room was well lit. The dust of the lower floor seemed to have no place here. It was a bit cluttered but not horribly so.



“Sorry about the mess. I really don’t have much time to organize things.” Naruto laughed lightly causing Sasuke to close his eyes again as the sound enveloped him in warmth.



“Whoa, don’t collapse.” Firm hands gripped at Sasuke, drawing him once more back into reality.



“Come why don’t you rest over here. You look a bit pale.” Sasuke fought back a laugh at the comment. If only he knew.



Naruto cleared a place on a rather old bench. Hand sewn cushions took away from the hard wood. Not that it would have mattered to Sasuke.



“I don’t know your name.” Naruto grinned sheepishly, bringing up a hand to scratch nervously at his scalp.



“Sasuke,” Naruto frowned a bit at the name. It rung so familiar in his mind. He didn’t know any Sasuke nor could he ever remember hearing the odd name but the name sent tremors. It was as if the memory was caught on the edge of his mind, unable to be reached even though one knows it’s there.



Giving up for now, Naruto grabbed some loose pieces of parchment and a sharpened piece of charcoal. Glancing at the pale vision before him, he set to work. Never had he seen someone so beautiful. His skin was so pale; it added an ethereal glow to him. His travel clothes were finely made and they were a testament to his obvious wealth. Naruto supposed he should consider himself lucky. Perhaps he would get a commission out of this. Rent would be due in a few days.



The dark haired nightwalker stared as Naruto began sketching with a bit of charcoal. “What are you doing?”



“I’m sketching you. You have such nice bone structure. I’d love to paint you.” Naruto lifted his eyes from the rough bit of parchment.



“Are you good enough to paint me?” Sasuke snorted.



“I’ll have you know that one day I’ll be known all over Italy as a great artist. I’ll be invited into the homes of nobility.” Naruto crossed his arms over his chest, his lip poking out slightly, drawing Sasuke’s attention.



“Hn, so you say. But I’ve yet to see any of your work.” Sasuke gestured to the cloth covered easels. Standing, he reached to pull a sheet away. A tan hand stopped him from the task.



“If you commission me to paint you, I promise that you won’t be disappointed.” Naruto smiled, the plea in his eyes was unmistakable. He was desperate.



“Tck, fine. I’ll be here every morning until midday.” Sasuke reached into his money pouch, offering several gold coins.



Naruto’s eyes widened at the coins as they shined in the morning light. Glancing at Sasuke, he reached tentatively towards them. It was more money than he’d ever seen at one time.



“Just take it, idiot.” Sasuke’s hand shot out, grabbing Naruto’s before placing the coins in his palm.



“I’m not an idiot, you bastard. I’ve just never seen that much gold.” Naruto grimaced at how whiny he sounded. What was it about this man that set him off in more ways than just curiosity?



“Go sit over there. I want to get a few preliminary sketches while the light is how it will be when we work.



Once again, the sound of charcoal rubbing across parchment could be heard. Sasuke was silent; enjoying the simple act of watching Naruto, taking in the way his nose would scrunch up when he was thinking or how his lips would twitch occasionally. Sasuke wondered what the other found humorous.



The bells in the square began to chime causing Naruto to heave a sigh. “I suppose that’s it for today.”



“Don’t sound so disappointed.” smirked Sasuke, a hand reaching out to tilt up the frowning face. “I’ll be back tomorrow. And the day after that, and the day after that.”



Sasuke left the blond sitting confused in his chair. Exiting the way he entered, Sasuke made his way towards the townhouse his brother had purchased. It was easier to hide their nocturnal tendencies in a privately owned home.



Sasuke burst through the door, startling a maid so bad she nearly fainted. Rushing up the elegant staircase, Sasuke thrust open the door from which he sensed Itachi’s presence. “He’s back, Itachi!”



Itachi jerked awake, his movements sluggish from the depth of his rest. The sun in the sky made it all the more difficult to focus on his brother. The elder began growling low in his throat as faced him. “Who is back?”



“Naruto is! He’s come back to me.” Sasuke panted the words, waiting for them to sink in his brother’s mind.



Itachi blinked a few times, attempting to push away sleep so that he could focus on the words spoken. Naruto? Naruto is back? Full blown confusion played across aristocratic features as the king glared at his younger sibling. “Repeat that.”



Itachi struggled to a sitting position, the shadows beneath his eyes only adding to his sex appeal. If he wasn’t Sasuke’s brother, the younger Uchiha was certain they would have been lovers. The way Itachi’s long hair sifted over his shoulders to tease the tips of his nipples was something of an erotic scene.



“Come now, Sasuke. I know I look good but wasn’t there something you wished to discuss?” Itachi smirked, causing his brother to blink before a joyous smile burst across his face. The upturning of his lips completely changed Sasuke’s image. Gone was the vision of a suffering lover, to be replaced by the face of someone in love. Itachi frowned; a trickle of foreboding worked its way down his spine.



Now fully awake, the elder focused his attention on his brother. “Well?”



“Naruto is alive. He was reborn. I just spent the morning with him.” exclaimed Sasuke, his happiness brightened the room.



“Are you sure it’s him and not you putting what you want on some unsuspecting boy?” asked Itachi, though he knew the answer. He felt the truth of his brother’s words in his very core.



Sasuke planted his feet firmly before Itachi. “It’s him.”



Itachi sighed as he reached up to rub his suddenly tired eyes. Although the happy Sasuke was an improvement to the grief ridden Sasuke, it would not last. With humans, nothing lasted; whether it is love or life. It was the way of the universe.



“Sasuke…” Itachi began but found he could not say the things he wanted. “Enjoy your time with him, for it will seem like the blink of an eye.”



Sasuke frowned, obviously not connecting with the fact that he was destined to lose Naruto again until Itachi’s words. “Itachi…”



“Go and rest, take what joy you can from life.” Itachi watched as his brother exited the room. His hand lifted to rub the aching in his chest. Unable to shake the sense of foreboding, he settled himself in a large chair staring into the emptiness of the room.



IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIO



Sasuke’s joy knew no bounds. He quickly forgot the worry his brother’s words brought, replacing it with the happiness of existing in the same world as Naruto.



Each morning, he sat with the blond, talking or simply enjoying the other’s presence while Naruto worked on his portrait. The first few days consisted of massive sketching. Naruto seemed frustrated by Sasuke. He couldn’t seem to capture the true essence of the other.



“I’m attempting to capture your true self.” Naruto said one day after he began placing the base paint on the canvas and easel.



Sasuke wrinkled his nose as the heavy scent of oil paint curled around him. To his sensitive senses, it was a bit annoying but Naruto’s presence made it bearable. Shifting a bit in the chair, Sasuke sniffed. “You would need to be a master to capture the essence of your subject.”



Naruto seemed to think about the statement. “Is it conforming to what is known, or creating your own that makes you a master in your field?”



“You are very philosophical today, Naruto.” commented Sasuke, frowning a bit. The frown drew a scowl from Naruto, who placed his palette before striding over to place stained hands on Sasuke’s cheeks.



“Stop frowning. It ruins the line of your face.” Naruto grumbled, staring into Sasuke’s eyes.



Pale hands lifted, closing over tan wrists. Naruto jerked at the touch but didn’t pull away. He was captivated by the dark swirling depths of Sasuke’s eyes. Unable to pull away, he continued to stare, mesmerized.



One of Sasuke’s hands lifted to brush tan cheeks, tracing over the thin lines that marred otherwise perfect skin. Unable to resist, Sasuke pulled Naruto until their lips were barely a breath away from touching.



“Sasuke…” The warm breath from the whispering of his name brushed his lips.



No words were spoken as Sasuke closed the distance between lips. Sasuke’s were cool while Naruto’s were warm. The contrasting sensation took his breath away.



He wanted to absorb the heat Naruto exuded. He wanted to absorb everything that was Naruto. He refused to lose him this time.



The musky smell of sweat mixed with oil paint produced an enticing odor, causing Sasuke to breathe deeply; memorizing every layer of it. His tongue traced the closed seam of his beloved’s mouth, begging entrance.



“Oh gods, Naruto.” whispered Sasuke, causing Naruto gasp. In doing so, he provided Sasuke with access to tease the interior of the warm cavern now open to him.



His agile tongue teased along smooth teeth before flicking along the sensitive roof and finally, enticing the warm, wet muscle of Naruto’s tongue into play. For several moments, Naruto’s tongue remained inactive, but Sasuke would have none of that; his own tongue forcing the other to join in the play.



Naruto moaned low in his throat as Sasuke’s hands dipped to slip under his plain tunic, teasing the skin along his hips. He’d never have imagined this happening, that what he assumed was friendship would take this route, drawing him into the dark recesses of desire.



Sasuke smirked before nipping at the skin above the pulsing vessels in his neck. He could already taste the unique flavor that was mere centimeters away, only separated by a thin layer of skin.



His fangs, already at full extension, throbbed with the subtle scent of the pulsing fluid. He was so close. Raking his fangs along the skin, the tiniest drop of blood pooled from the tiny scratch. The red bead slid down the flushed neck, only to be caught by Sasuke’s tongue. Lights burst behind his eyelids at the taste of that tiny drop.



Sasuke released his own moan, shivers running up and down his body at just the small taste. It had been what seemed like an eternity since he’d savored the rich flavor of Naruto.



His hands pulled the hips of Naruto closer, longing a more intimate contact. Sucking at the skin, Sasuke growled at the residual flavor. His Naruto.



Finding some form of control from deep within, Sasuke pulled his lips from the enticing neck of his beloved. He could feel the shivers racing through the other man. They had time. They had a lifetime.



“I…um…I’m not sure…” stuttered Naruto, shifting nervously on Sasuke’s lap.



“Shh…I won’t go fast. We have all the time in the world.” Sasuke whispered, his fingers gently stroking Naruto’s back. The other relaxed under the strokes of Sasuke’s hand.



“It’s almost midday.” said Naruto.



“Do you want me to leave?”



Naruto thought about it for a moment before shaking his head. “No.”



“Then I won’t leave.” Sasuke’s hands sifted through blond locks as he brought lips to his own. This kiss was just as sweet as the first, maybe more as Naruto was less surprised by it and a much more willing participant.



Shifting a bit so that his legs straddled Sasuke’s hips, Naruto leaned more easily into the kiss. Their lips brushed back and forth, not going deeper but more like teasing to see which would break first.



Naruto buried his face in the sweet smelling hair of his…what was Sasuke to him? What was he to Sasuke? It was Naruto’s turn to frown as he pulled back. He’d been alone most of his life. An aging painter had taken him from the streets, paying him a small stipend to act as an assistant. Naruto learned from watching his master, soon surpassing the older painter in skill and talent.



After his master’s death, Naruto survived by performing odd jobs along with selling the occasional painting. Now, an obvious nobleman was showering him with affection.



“You are thinking too hard.” Naruto blinked down at the statement.



“If you were me, you would be thinking hard too.”



“Hn. If I was you, you wouldn’t be you. You would be me.” Sasuke almost laughed at the wheels that seemed to be turning in Naruto’s head. “Don’t hurt yourself.”



“Bastard.” muttered Naruto.



Sasuke did chuckle at that. He would have attempted to pull Naruto down for another kiss had there not been a knock from the door below. Growling irritably, Sasuke watched as Naruto stood, adjusted his clothes, and began to head downstairs.



Sasuke followed Naruto, deciding that if he wanted to have enough energy to spend tomorrow with him, he would need to rest. As much as he wanted, he knew he couldn’t do so here. “Naruto, I’m going. I will return tomorrow.”



Placing a gentle kiss on his newfound love’s lips, Sasuke opened the door to find a middle aged woman standing at the door. Bowing politely, Sasuke exited, making his way home.



Naruto watched until the rich raven’s wing hair disappeared before turning his attention Sarafina Marchello. “Signora Marchello, how may I be of assistance?”



“Naruto, my husband has heard rumors that the plague is heading this way. It seems to be worse in the cities. Our city is so beautiful, I cannot imagine it touching here but I thought it best to offer. We look on you as a friend. We are leaving tomorrow for the countryside. My aunt and uncle have a small cottage we can stay at until this passes over. I would like you to join us.” Her pale eyes lacked the normal gleam usually found in them.



“Signora, I’m touched.” smiled Naruto. He’d heard rumors of an illness creeping from the east, spreading death like wildfire. Though all feared it, many believed their faith in God would save them. The people to the Far East were not believers and as such were stricken down. Naruto did not believe this for a moment and it appeared that Signora Marchello did not either.



It was on the tip of Naruto’s tongue to agree to leave but Sasuke kept him from agreeing. He didn’t want to leave Florence and possible Sasuke. “I’ll be fine, Signora.”



“Please come with us.” Her voice quivered in fear for someone who had become dear to her heart.



“I’ve met someone. I can’t leave.”



“As you wish, Naruto. I’ll pray for you.” She smiled sadly as she walked back to the home she shared with her husband and children.



A bit of coughing came from below his step. Frowning, Naruto peeked below to see an old woman huddled in the shade. Her filthy clothes were ragged. A stroke of pity coursed through him. Coming around the step, Naruto knelt before her. “Here old mother, you need this more than I.”



Offering her one of the gold coins, he was surprised when she waved away his hand. “Child, when your time comes hold tight to your love. It will guide you to your destiny.”



Struggling to her feet, she began to meander down the cobblestone street. Confused, Naruto made his way back inside. All thoughts of the words of the hag lost.



July 25, 1348



Naruto buried his head beneath the pillow in an attempt to hide the sound of pounding that matched the pounding in his skull. He must have developed a bit of a fever during the night. The light filtering onto his face stung like needles in his eyes. Finally, there was blessed silence as the pounding ceased.



Drifting into a fitful sleep, Naruto jerked at the feel of a cool cloth on his head. Cracking open one eye, he saw the concerned face of Sasuke. “Sasuke? Why are you in my bedroom?”



Sasuke winced at the croaking voice. He’d smelled something off in the air the last few days but pushed it aside. Itachi had been ill at ease as well. That never boded well for things.



Finding the love of his existence burning up with fever, Sasuke was nearly sent into madness. Determined not to lose him again, he bundled the youth in blankets before scooping him in his arms. The weight of the sun felt heavy, causing the journey to the house he shared with Itachi to seem all the longer.



“No, let me go. I need…to stay.” Naruto’s feverish ramblings worried Sasuke. Illness was something he could not relate to. Nightwalkers did not get ill. Sickness and disease was a human condition. He did know that if Naruto was rambling, his fever must be dire indeed.



Stumbling across the threshold, Sasuke collapsed in the foyer; causing servants to rush about in distress. “Take him to my room.” grated out Sasuke, his limbs heavy.



The servants did as he wished, while Sasuke slammed into Itachi’s room. His eyes widened, surprised to see his brother awake and still dressed. “Itachi?”



“Sasuke, death is coming on swift wings. We should leave.”



“Naruto is sick. I’m not leaving him.”



A scream from the direction of Sasuke’s bedroom caused both men to run towards the sound. A servant nearly sent both men to the ground as she ran past. Only Sasuke’s grip on her arm stopped her from escaping.



“What is the meaning of this?” he demanded.



“It’s the plague. The young man, he bears the marks. You’ve already been exposed. This house is not safe.” The woman clawed at Sasuke’s hand, her eyes begging him to release her.



“Get out of my sight.” he snarled before stepping in the room, followed by Itachi.



Naruto lay on his bed, his body shivering despite the heat of the fever. He lay half dressed, his teeth chattered despite the warmth of the room. “Mark, what mark?”



Itachi walked to the man trembling under the strength of the fever. Naruto thrashed at the appearance of a stranger, hoarse whimpers escaping his lips. “Shh.” he murmured as he lifted Naruto’s arm, revealing a large black knot. “This is the mark. It appears death has decided to lay a claim to your lover once again.”



“Well it can’t have him. I’m keeping him this time.” growled Sasuke, the panic in his eyes tore at Itachi’s heart.



“The choice won’t be yours, I’m afraid.” Itachi whispered.



Word got out that one of the stricken was in the house. The windows and doors were boarded up by order of the city council. It would not be enough. Naruto was not the only one to fall ill. Nearly half the population of Florence was stricken with the pestilence.



Sasuke refused to leave Naruto’s side; he held hope that he would overcome the illness. Itachi was forced to creep from the townhouse to feed enough for both himself and Sasuke; having to practically force feed his brother.



“Sasuke.” Sasuke glanced up from the book he was reading. Happiness spread through him. Naruto’s eyes seemed lucid for the first time in nearly a week.



The purple pustules had ruptured oozing black blood and pus. The smell of Naruto’s infected blood was nearly unbearable to Sasuke. Unlike the pureness of before, the scent of illness hung heavy in the air.



“How are you feeling?” asked Sasuke pushing back a strand of limp blond hair.



“I feel…sad.” Naruto smiled, his dull blue eyes seemed focused only on Sasuke.



“Why are you so sad? You’re on the mend now.” Sasuke offered Naruto a sip of water, which was taken gratefully.



“I had a dream. I dreamt that I was a soldier and I died in your arms.” Naruto smiled sadly at Sasuke. “I finished your portrait. I was going to surprise you.”



“As soon as you are well, I’ll get it. Then, I’m taking you home to our castle. It’s where you belong.” Sasuke frown when Naruto shook his head.



“I won’t be able to see it this time.” Dark lashes fluttered closed, only desperate shaking from Sasuke brought him back into focus.



“Don’t think like that. You are getting better.” Sasuke’s voice held determination, but his eyes held fear. Abject fear.



“I think we had more time, this time. Maybe it was a gift.” Naruto’s hand shook as he brushed the dark bangs that hung over Sasuke’s eyes.



“Don’t die.”



“I think I love you. No…I know I love you.”



“You idiot, I’ve always loved you.”



“Sasuke.”



“What is it?”



“I’m scared.”



Sasuke curled into the bed with Naruto, the smell of illness a mere afterthought. He just wanted to hug his beloved. He wanted him to keep him forever in his arms. Naruto’s arms came up around him, returning the embrace with every fiber of his being.



“Don’t leave me.” Naruto’s voice, barely a whisper brushed Sasuke’s cheeks.



“Never.”



Naruto seemed to relax, curling his body into Sasuke’s. They lay for a long time, Sasuke counting each beat of Naruto’s heart. When the beat stuttered, his arms tightened even more as if trying to absorb him before his soul escaped. He felt the last intake of breath, the last thump of a heart beat and still he held him. Naruto’s body grew cold and still he held him.



“Sasuke.”



“Leave.”



“Sasuke.”



“Leave us alone!” screamed Sasuke, his voice grief stricken.



Lunging at his brother, Sasuke swiped with claws. “Leave us alone!”



Itachi hissed as claws dug into his shoulder. Eyes bled to red. Snarling he grabbed his brother; slamming him painfully against the wall. The sight that he witnessed was far worse than before. Where anger had driven Sasuke at Naruto’s first death, despair ruled him now. “Oh, Sasuke.”



“I-I…I can’t feel him. Itachi…I can’t feel him.” Sasuke dropped to his knees before his brother, tears the color of blood creating tracks down his face.



“I know.” Itachi crouched by his brother, pulling him into his arms.



“I can’t feel him.” Sasuke continued to whisper the words until the sun rose, falling into a deep sleep.



Itachi carried him to the master bedroom. Stripping him of clothing, he laid him upon the cool sheets.



“Sleep, little brother.”



Returning to the sick room, Itachi scooped up the empty husk of Naruto. “It appears that you have destroyed him once again.”



Carrying the body along the roof tops, Itachi lowered the shell to the ground in a small deserted clearing. Gathering up materials, he built a funeral pyre fit for a king. “I cannot allow you to be carried home, this time. I would not subject my people to this illness.”



Placing Naruto on the pyre, Itachi started the blaze with a flick of his wrist. With sad eyes, he watched the body enveloped in flame. Closing his eyes, he stood vigil until there was nothing left but ash.



Gathering the ashes in a pouch, he returned to his brother’s side. What more torture did the wheel of fate have in store for his brother? Itachi placed a hand over his heart, praying that he would not have to witness it again.



To be continued.