The Serpent's Child

Sasuke's P.O.V

Manami kept standing there quietly. My kunai was against the back of her neck. What an easy and boring fight.

I let my guard down for a second and, to my surprise, Manami crouched to the ground, giving me a powerful kick to the stomach. I was sent flying to the tree, almost breaking it in half. So much chakra... Where did it come from?

I winced slighty, feeling my muscles sore against the hard wood. The girl's footsteps were getting closer and I glanced at her. Her violet orbs were the brightest shade of purple I have ever seen. She was burning with rage.

'How dare you call my feelings for Orochimaru-sama pathetic?' She hissed silently, venom dripping from her voice. 'You don't know anything, idiot.'

A shuriken was thrown at my shoulder and I gripped it in pain tightly, glaring at Manami. Blood was leaking down my arm, but I ignored it.

She's a fool. I will prove her.

Manami's P.O.V

I felt so much hate for this boy. He came to Orochimaru-sama for power and yet he has enough courage to say such rude things to me! He knows nothing about my feelings. Absolutely nothing.

'A man like him can't feel anything,' Uchiha retorded. Once again he was gone from my sight. 'He's only going to use you.'

'That's not true! He's-'

Before I was able to finish my sentence, Sasuke landed a strong blow to my back and I hit the ground harshly. I felt dirt smear my face, but it meant nothing compared to Uchiha's words. They made me shake in malice.

The raven haired boy was slowly coming to my lying body. I gritted my teeth, but the unbearable ache in my side stopped me from getting up.

I hate him... I hate him so much...

A hand gripped my shoulder, turning me on my back. My eyes widened. Sasuke was looking down on me, his expression impossible to read. Blood, dripping from his wound in the shoulder, fell on my tank top, painting it in dark crimson.

Sasuke's body suddenly touched mine as he sat on my legs, destroying any chance of escaping. My blood stained fingers where clutching one last shuriken and I tried to throw it at him, but my effort ended up pointless – Uchiha grabbed both of my wrists and pushed them to the ground. I couldn't move at all.

'Get off, Sasuke...' I muttered, trying to sound dangerous, but I knew all too well that I sounded shocked and a bit scared.

Why was he so close to me? I don't want to. I don't want to...

Instead of answering, Uchiha brought his face even closer. Our lips were only a few centimetres apart.

I stared him in the eyes, those red ones, and couldn't look away. His gaze was almost as intimidating as Orochimaru-sama's. I felt like I was trapped and only he could decide when was the right time to let me go.

A few moments which have passed felt like an eternity.

'That's enough. Let her go, Sasuke-kun.'

Master was here. He could see me like that, helpless and weak. I felt my cheeks flush in shame.

Uchiha narrowed his eyes, spat to the ground next to me and finally stood up. His back was facing me now.

I got up too, afraid to look at Orochimaru-sama. He kept silent. Was he angry? I didn't want to lose...

'I'm s-sorry, master,' I bowed down deeply, feeling embarrassment seep to my head.

How could I be defeated by someone like Uchiha...?

'You fought well, my dear.'

A strong arm was wrapped around my waist and I looked up, surprised. Orochimaru-sama was smirking down on me.

'Aren't you... Angry?' I asked quietly, making his smirk widen even more.

'Of course I'm not.'

I smiled slightly to myself. At least my most precious person wasn't disappointed in me, even if I was. However, a frown took its place on my face as I remembered the reason of this fight. I wanted to go to the festival with my master... And I lost.

'What's wrong?' He hissed at me, gripping my chin and making me look at his eyes.

Those comforting golden orbs, resembling a snake so well... That never-ending power which I felt so safe around.

'It's just...' I sighed tiredly. 'You won't go to the festival with me...'

Orochimaru-sama chuckled and I frowned even deeper. I just wasted his time after all...

'Hmm... I will take you there.'

I quickly glanced back at my master, my jaw hitting the ground. Was he serious?

'I liked your attitude towards this fight. I think you deserve to have your wished fulfilled by me, my Manami-chan.'

A grin reaching from ear to ear lit my features as I hugged my master's arm. He was the best! Even if I lost, he will go with me!

'Thank you, Orochimaru-sama!' I almost screamed, a smile never leaving my face. 'I'm so happy!'

My master only chuckled, claiming that there was no need to thank him. But there was. There really was...

I glared at Uchiha's back, who never said a word all this time. He didn't even glance at us.

I snorted proudly, still clinging to Orochimaru-sama, who treated me so kindly. Where did that boy even get an idea that my master can't feel anything? That's a nonsense. He himself has told me that he loved me. I believe him. There wasn't a single shadow of doubt hovering over my feelings.

Only now I remembered that I was outside and that fresh air was soaking up my thirsty lungs. I inhaled the coolness gladly, smiling once more. Trees looked tired and depressed, but it's a beautiful day. And it will be even more beautiful because I will spend some time with the person I love.

Sasuke's P.O.V

Manami probably didn't notice it, but Orochimaru sent me a warning glare when he saw me on top of the girl. It didn't scare me though, not even a little bit. I couldn't stop wondering what he needed from Manami, to keep her so close by his side.

I almost smacked myself. Here once again I was thinking of something I shouldn't. But it was harder to get that girl out of my head than I thought it would. She just had to appear before my eyes and mess with my mind. Why do I care so much about her? Perhaps Orochimaru should just kill her, so I can finally train in peace, not disturbed by anyone.

No... What the hell am I thinking? I don't want her to die.

The sound of Manami's soft giggling caught my attention and I finally glanced back. She was still glued to that disgusting snake man.

Just what should I do...?