#ssm19d11

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In his first life, his brother murders his entire family. 

It is a strange appendix to his otherwise warm recollections of his brother now. Because the brother he knows now is nothing like the calculating man he remembers. 

Instead he grows up with a goofy brother who is more teasing than sinister. Who steals his snacks and jokes about silly things and blushes bright red when he sees the neighbor girl. In a way, he is glad that his brother gets a chance at a childhood without war. 

But sometimes he still hates his brother. It a seething ancient anger that in no way makes sense in current context. Like those eternal black flames Itachi was famous for, Sasuke Uchiha’s hatred burns steady. 

---

He is not one bit surprised that Naruto finds a presence in his life again. 

Unlike last time, they are no longer lost children starved for affection. And without the jealousy, the curse, the loneliness, they finally are able to grow up surrounded by the love they both always craved.

Even though there are no memories of other times, he knows that Sasuke and Naruto have been reincarnated many times, connected by an inescapable chain of fidelity. In a way, it is comforting to know that no matter which time or universe, his best friend will always be by his side. 

---

But there is one person who haunts him more than others. Like a call from the abyss, he remembers a woman he kept waiting. 

He cannot remember her face. Nor her voice. Or even her name. 

But in the vast collection of nonsensical memories, he does remember her tears. After all, Sasuke Uchiha had made the woman he loves cry more than anyone. 

He remembers that though their lives had been long, their time together had been so short. 

Their life was one of separation and sacrifice after all. One where they spent more time apart than they ever had together. 

For the greater good. For the child he never saw grow up and left behind. For his family, the only family he had left, to be safe. 

But most of all, Sasuke Uchiha remembers himself as a man who must have never made her happy.

After all, hadn’t he promised her countless times? Next time. Next time. Next time. 

Next time, he would finally be home for good.  

----

That promise eats away at him because that  “next time” might never happen. 

Even though when he feels chills he knows with certainty that the source must be from Sasuke Uchiha’s time, reality does not always line up perfectly. 

Indeed his brother slaughtered Sasuke Uchiha’s family in his past life. His brother had committed so many grave crimes on misguided ideals, it would not have surprised him that Itachi would want to be reincarnated to atone. 

 But it was not Itachi that was reborn. 

When he first lays eyes on his brother, he could not stop crying. First from fear but then from overwhelming sadness. Because when he feels the chills, instinctively he knows that it is Obito not Itachi staring down at him. So Sasuke Uchiha never gets a second chance with his beloved brother. 

Even though Naruto is still Naruto and their souls will always be intertwined in a never-ending bond of brotherhood, this time Naruto is born a woman.

They are still best friends, Naruto still understands him better than anyone. But sometimes, he thinks that their past familiarity is no longer there. 

It is an adjustment trying to consolidate the Naruto now with the Naruto from Sasuke Uchiha’s memories. And sometimes he wonders if not for those chills, whether they would have even been friends in the first place. 

---

Maybe like Naruto, she is in another form. 

If that’s the case, he simply has to continue to search for her. He just needs to wait patiently for their paths to cross. Because surely, surely they will meet again if he continues to hope. 

He doesn’t care who she is in this life, just that she is in his. 

But perhaps more frighteningly like Itachi, she chose not to come back at all. That no regret of hers was worth being reborn for. That the pain of their past relationship was just too much to revisit. 

---

He meets many people from Sasuke Uchiha’s life. 

Mentors. Friends. People he can barely remember. Caricatures of long dead warriors in new roles. But he does not meet her again. 

At first, he waits. Next time is his mantra. Next time is his prayer. After all, waiting and pining and longing is a staple of their past. 

A decade passes. And then another. The years march on and his heart begins to break. 

He tries to love. He tries to forget. He tries to move on. But this woman he technically has never met, and maybe never will, has already fermented deep in his bones.  

Because no matter how many times he is reborn, even hundreds of years later and millions of universes away, Sasuke Uchiha’s soul (or is it his own?) continues yearns for her. And he just isn’t sure if he can handle never seeing her again. 

Sasuke Uchiha lived a life full of regrets. But he never regrets spending his life with her. Even if their time together was a transient bloom, it was no less precious. Like cherry blossoms wilting at the end of spring, it was beautiful while it lasted. 

Ah yes, that was her name. It was Sakura. 

Eventually he accepts that in this life, spring might not come. 

Maybe next time. 

---

He finds himself sitting alone in a hospital cafeteria waiting for his brother to finish his doctor’s appointment. His dumbass of a brother had gotten a concussion messing around at a construction site while trying to impress the neighbor girl and their mother had insisted he be examined. 

So on one of his precious free days, he is sitting alone in an uncomfortable chair at a sticky cafeteria table drinking horrible stale coffee while trying to finish his thesis. His bad mood wards off any potential occupants, and for that he is grateful. 

That is until he hears the chair scrape across from him.

“Excuse me, but do you mind if I sit here?” the voice asks. Intending to tell this annoying voice to leave, he looks up. 

Chills. 

And he can’t help but think to himself that this time for sure he will to make her happy.

Her senses are slowly coming back to her, as the images of the previous night start to pop in her head, and it’s as if she can feel his hand all over her body once more. The pressure of his fingertips on her hips, his hot breath against the shell of her ear, the muscles of his back hardening under her hands with every, pleasant thrust. It’s even embarrassing to remember everything so vividly, and she feels her cheeks warming up a bit. Not a single one of her puerile fantasies could have prepared her for the reality of what is like to be married and in love to Uchiha Sasuke, as she is constantly learning new meanings for that every day.

It’s a wild adventure, for sure. Walking around the world, meeting new places, helping people, sleeping under the stars… It’s all very charming and exotic, and for newlyweds, well, it’s more than enough for them to be happy.

As sleep starts to fade from her body, her hands invade the other side of the bed, as in an automatic reflex to reach for her husband. Not surprisingly, though, her fingers grasp at nothing but the soft material of the sheets beneath her, and she already knows it’s not as early as she had originally thought.

Of course, he’s already up, she thinks, a sly smile decorating her lips. Not even after a whole day of tiring work can that man lie in for a little longer. He has always been an early riser— even during their younger days—, and even if she hated to wake up alone, at first, Sakura has now learned to enjoy the perks of not being the first to welcome a new day. He’s the one in charge of opening the windows, receiving the eventual letters from Konoha, and of course, preparing them something nice to eat…That’s certainly the best part of the day for her, and it’s all thanks to her husband’s hidden, domestic skills.

Oh, yes. If anything, Sasuke makes an excellent coffee in the morning. It’s strong, bitter and has a touch of cinnamon that feels like a warm and soft good-morning-kiss all over her body. Over the years, as a medic with a hectic schedule, Sakura has grown to depend on her daily doses of caffeine, to the point where she barely minds the taste anymore. Back in Konoha, she used to prepare enough just for herself every morning, leaving behind a single, dirty mug she would have to clean later. She would also get herself a couple of cups at the hospital cafeteria during her breaks, but now that they’re married and traveling together, well, he’s the one who brews it for both of them. 

Now they prepare enough for 2 people and leave behind two, dirty cups instead of one. It wasn’t so hard to get used to that, and the fact that his coffee is simply delicious only adds up to the countless reasons why she loves him.

It doesn’t take much before that delightful aroma invades her nostrils, and she can already feel her caffeine addiction demanding for her daily dose. Lazily, then, she finally opens her eyes, their green color contrasting with the pink of her messy hair and the wooden furniture of the cottage they’ve been sleeping in since their arrival at the Hidden Grass. The music from the forest outside brings peace to her heart, and the sun light that enters through the windows kisses the mahogany floor, slowly warming up the cold, autumn day.

It’s gonna be a beautiful day, she knows.

And with one, last smile, the pinkette finally decides to leave the comfort of that bed. 

She sits up, then, slowly moving her neck and feeling her short hair brushing the soft skin of her face. Her lips part to release a trapped yawn, and as she stretches her muscles, she can feel her bare body waking up all its senses. Sakura is fully up now, her feet walking around the room as she’s looking for some clothes to cover herself.

Both their ninja attires are still laying forgotten on the floor, and luckily, the first thing she finds is her underwear. Quickly, she finds a black sports bra near the bed’s foot, and after she gives up on trying to find her shirt— because who knows where the hell he tossed it last night—, Sakura opens her backpack to grab one of his old, black T-shirts he used to wear when they were genin. She puts it on, the hem falling just above her mid-thigh, and after running her fingers through her hair, her eyes catch her own reflection at the mirror that rests near the door. 

She really looks like a child dressed like that, she thinks, a smile on her lips. Whenever she wears his old clothes, Sakura can’t help but be enveloped by an innocent and youthful feeling. They’ve come a long way since he last wore that shirt, and it’s inevitable for the memories of their adventures to pop up in her head. Good things, bad things, just things…A lot has happened in the past couple of years, and if anything, the seal that decorates her large forehead is enough to show her how much she’s grown.

She is a powerful ninja now. She’s confident about herself, she’s seen many new places, and she’s married the love of her life. 

Sakura’s certainly blossomed into a beautiful woman. A small woman who wears her husband's old and comfortable clothes, sure, but a woman who’s living her dreams, nonetheless.

Her feet are now dragging her out of the room and towards the common area. For it’s a small cabin, it doesn’t take long before her eyes find him, and she feels her cheeks warming up in pure bliss. As expected, Sasuke is brewing some coffee for them, focused as he handles the boiling water. His mismatched eyes are serene and free from any hatred— like they have been for a while now—, and she can’t help but enjoy that view.

Uchiha Sasuke, one of the most powerful ninjas in the entire world, is using all of his skills just to make some coffee. He’s wearing his dark sweatpants and plain, white t-shirt; and his jet-black hair is softly falling forward to brush his cheeks. His sharp, angular chin makes his face look more mature, and she can’t help but remember how it feels to trace it with the tips of her fingers. He’s strong, handsome, and during their most intimate moments, he shows her he can be very, very—

“How long are you planning on just standing there and staring at me, Sakura?"

“Eh!?” His voice brings her back to reality, and she feels a bit embarrassed to have been caught like that, almost eating him alive with her eyes. Years ago, she would’ve probably fainted due to extreme embarrassment, but now, after spending so many moments together, she has learned how to let loose more around him and turn her silly embarrassment into something more.

"It’s starting to get creepy.”

“Creepy!? Shannarou…” She says, pretending to be offended as she walks towards him. “Can’t I just look at you for no reason? That’s what married people do, right? Unless you’re feeling intimidated, of course. If that’s the case, I can certainly stop.”

“Hn, as if.” He starts, a smirk lifting the corner of his lips. He’s adding a touch of cinnamon to the coffee, and the smells gets even better as it spreads around the room. “Stare as much as you want, then."

“I certainly will.” 

“Tch.” He scoffs, only now sparing her a glance. “Of all the shirts you could have packed, you steal one of mine.”

“It’s not my fault if your old shirts are very comfortable and warm.” She starts, her face ridden of any expression. “Besides, if not for me, you would’ve thrown them away. I doubt it will fit you anymore.”

“Probably not...But just imagine the amount of sweat and dirt I was never able to wash from this.”

“Ugh, you’re disgusting, Sasuke-kun. Next time, then, I’ll ask Naruto for one of his old clothes.” She smiles teasingly when she says that, and he shakes his head in disbelief at her silly answer. Even if they both know this is just a joke, Sakura can’t help but to provoke her husband’s silly and jealous side.

Silently, then, the pinkette notices that he’s almost finished, and immediately, she picks up two mugs from the counter and places them next to him. Their eyes meet briefly as he looks left, nodding as to acknowledge and thank her for her small help, and carefully, he pours some of the hot beverage for them. They set it aside so it can cool off a bit, and she can’t help but feel a bit cheerful as she sees the steam dancing over the rim of the ceramic mug. 

“You know…” Sakura starts again, plopping herself over the counter so their eyes are almost on the same level. Her legs dangle from the edge, and she notices when he takes a step closer when he adjusts his body to face her. “I just love the smell of your coffee. It’s always so strong.”

“Well, it has to be, or else it won’t wake you up.”

She smiles at his comment, carefully placing her hand on the warm mug to see if it’s already safe to drink. "You have a very good point there, Sasuke-kun.”

“Won't you even try to deny it this time?” He lifts an eyebrow at her, as he holds his own mug in his hand and starts to blow on it. 

“Nope.” She giggles, finally picking up her own coffee and taking a sip. The liquid travels down her throat, warming up her insides and sending her jolts of happiness as it touches her taste buds. Chills run down her spine in pure pleasure, and she has to hold back the urge to let out a not-so-innocent moan. “Since I’m not really working under the hospital schedule right now, I don’t have to wake up that early anymore.”

“Tch, you say that as if you even sleep back home.” He smirks, taking a sip of his own coffee and she doesn’t miss the sensation of his left leg softly brushing hers.

“You woke up quite the funny guy today, huh, Sasuke-kun. Must have been a good night, right?” She teases, a knowing smirk hidden behind the mug that covers part of her face.

“Aa. You can say so…”

“Right…” She nods, taking another sip of her coffee. It always makes her happy to see him in a good mood, and personally, she feels proud of herself for that. "Well, as I was saying before you interrupted me, I don't have to wake up that early anymore, so I can wait for my dear husband to make me some of his delicious coffee.”

“I think I’m spoiling you too much.”

“Yeah…” She closes her eyes for a moment just before opening her left one to look at him. "Especially when you ask me to sleep in the woods with all those mosquitos and without hot water for weeks.”

“Hn.” He smirks. "Some people call it romantic.”

“Well, some people are insane.”

A soft smile is now gracing her lips as she takes yet another sip from her mug. In between all that peaceful teasing, a comfortable silence envelops them as they’re left to enjoy the moment. They’re all alone in a cottage in the middle of the woods, they’re young and they’re both just worried about how to properly appreciate a nice cup of coffee. Living in the woods has its perks, as they’ve learned, and even if Ino would probably call them old for doing that, well, Sakura couldn’t care less.

They have all the time in the world. They can drink their coffee alone, talk about nothing, read a book next to each other, take a walk in the middle of the night, make love under the moonlight…The options just seem endless when she stops to think about them. 

They’re living a life away from everything and everyone that connects them to their chaotic routines back in Konoha; and even if she misses her family and friends a lot, Sakura is still not ready to go home. She’s still not ready to leave their own, private infinity.

After a while, the coffee in her mug runs out and she lets out a deep and excited sigh. She places the mug on the counter next to her right leg, and her pretty, green eyes are once more set on him. There’s a silly smile on her lips, and she doesn’t know if it’s because of the warm coffee or because of the happiness taking over her insides, but she can feel her cheeks getting warmer. “You know, Sasuke-kun.” She starts, licking her lower lip. “I’m still waiting for you to wish me a good morning.”

“Wasn’t the coffee enough already?” He says, placing his mug on the counter away from her.

“Almost.” She giggles, taking his hand in hers and softly pulling him a bit closer.

“Hn, you really are becoming a spoiled and annoying woman, Sakura.”

“Well…You’re the one to blame for that.”

“I probably am.”

“So…” She says, almost humming, carefully playing with his fingers.

“Tch.” 

He scoffs, eventually giving in as his eyes meet her emerald ones. Sakura realizes he’s about to do what she wanted him to, and charmingly, she closes her eyes and starts to lean in. Her lips are slowly perked as she waits for his to meet her half-way, and it’s as if she can already feel their warmth pressed against her delicate skin.

She’s waiting for him to kiss her good-morning. She’s waiting for her husband to give in to one of the most common gestures between lovers in the world, and she truly believes that, this time, she’s gonna make it.

Sasuke is going to kiss her good-morning. He has to.

But when she doesn’t feel his lips against hers after at least 30 seconds, the pinkette knows there’s something off.

“Oi!” She starts, eyes still closed as she holds a certain hope. “Aren't you going to— Ouch!”

And so, in the middle of her ranting, she suddenly feels the pressure of his fingers against the center of her forehead. He did it with enough strength to slightly push her backwards, and she knows there’s a red mark decorating her skin on the spot he flickered his finger.

Of course, getting a kiss from her husband wouldn’t be so easy. He is Uchiha Sasuke, after all.

“You jerk!” She says, watching as he smirks at her, his hand now resting on his hip. “Would it have killed it you to be romantic for once?”

“And spoil you even more? Not gonna happen.”

“Tch.” She scoffs, crossing her arms over her chest. There’s a pout taking over her lips, and if anything, Sakura does look like a spoiled, little girl right now. “It was only a kiss…”

“Hn. Stop being a child, will you?” He turns around, then, as he starts walking towards the hallway. "I’m taking a shower now. You can go as soon as you’re done with the dishes.”

“You're the worst, Uchiha Sasuke.” She says, knowing very well she doesn’t mean that at all. Her insides start to feel warm all over again for she clearly doesn't miss the invitation behind his words.

Her husband really is something, she thinks, trapping her lower lip between her teeth. Emerald eyes are still on him as he’s walking away, and eventually, they can’t help but travel down until they stop at his firm and round—

“And quit staring at me.” His words make her smirk, and somehow, they also make her happy to know her husband knows her that well. He can be an ass sometimes and his intentional lack of timing for a couple of things might drive her a little mad, but, well…His coffee is just too good to lose.

“Tch. Leave me alone, will you?” She smiles brightly, her eyes beaming in pure happiness.

“Good Morning to you, too, Sakura.”

fin.

--------

To make sure the link happened without any mishaps it was that Naruto’s presence was required, since as he knew the nature of both kind of souls, he was able to protect them as the link happened.

In matter of seconds, Sakura gave a lengthy sip to her glass. Pretty eager to get the ritual done, she put on practice the unusual abilities that her mentor had taught her on occasions where work gave way to a thirsty and intoxicant night of relaxation.

A few steps of her, Tsunade smiled proudly despite the surprised gesture of the blonde and the entertained one of her immortal partner.

Her heartbeats had not stopped beating with speed and of that Sasuke was pretty conscious, he simply didn’t know what he should say to make her relax —or if he should even try.  She had courage, of that he had no doubt, but she was a human after all. Even if half immortal, this was a side of her she didn’t know about until a couple of hours ago. Of course this was going to test her bravery and determination.

While their thoughts were clouded with the possibilities, their souls started to dance at their surrounding and this they could sense because suddenly they felt lighter, as if they were floating in the air and because of how suddenly a feeling of slumber entered them.

Closing their eyes as the seconds passed, the couple was assaulted by a feeling of cold running through their bodies. Chills hitting them as they felt the soul of the other combine with the one of their partner, they felt the contrast and difference that was between them when warmness and coldness united in both their bodies.

Gasping as they opened their eyes with surprise, they returned to that room before the satisfied expressions of Tsunade and Naruto.

“Did it work?” Sakura wondered still short of breath, feeling her eyes slightly dampened, but without really knowing the motive.

Meeting with the stare of her mentor, she realized she was smiling at her tenderly and approached her to hug her, taking the girl by surprise before the unexpected affectionate display.

“It did” she said to her ear as she tightened lightly the embrace on her body “You’ll be fine now”.

“Tsunade-sama?” the girl of pink hair asked again, still lost after that maternal display that made her heart beat with peculiarity.

Parting a little from the girl, she held with her hands her apprentice’s arms and gave her another smile, this time with pride and confidence.

“I knew you were meant for great things” was all she said and that left the apprentice with her eyes dampening at her words.

A few steps from them, the immortals shared words in which the blonde gave a few smacks at the vampire’s back and he seemed lost in his thoughts so once the blonde followed his line of view, he found he was staring at the girl linked to him.

“She’s a pretty girl, isn’t she?” he smiled without trying to mock him, acknowledging the attributes of the new partner of his eternal rival, who soon reacted at his words and gave him a warning look before getting away from him. As a response, the blonde took his hands to the back of his nape and sighed amused. He could fool many with his cold demeanor, but never the fox who knew him since he was a human.

On his part, Sasuke found rather annoying the blonde fox’s comment. He might be the guardian of mortal lives, but he was not linked to that woman. Sasuke could feel it inside him, she was not just pretty. She was warm and soothing, fresh and free. Made of everything he had never felt before and, that in that moment an unknown feeling had caused him chills.

She must have noticed his presence approaching her, or maybe she felt the same thing he felt when the distance between them shortened. Was this speeding in their chests product of their link? He doubted it since he had noticed it on her previous to the link, but now that his own chest was the one that speeded up without apparent reason, he faltered on his step.

Noticing he was approaching her; Sakura stepped aside from the high priestess and shortened the distance between them. After feeling the cold and empty, firm and clenched, she felt herself sympathize more with that immortal that just hours ago was an unknown threat to her. She felt she knew him a little better now, that she understood him better and the insecurity she felt just minutes ago by his presence dissipated after feeling his heart beat like hers rather than stay impassive and hidden.

Now that he was just a few steps of distance, a new feeling that was not there before the link made them look for the gaze of the other by instinct.

“Ready to bite me?” was all the girl of emerald eyes occurred to ask, hesitating once he appreciated a different sparkle in those eyes usually dark and opaque, letting go unnoticed the suppressed chuckle of the blonde fox and the hit her mentor gave him at his imprudence.

Sasuke couldn’t help to smirk, suddenly after hearing she was still affected by his presence reminded him that this was the same girl from just moments ago. Small and curious, brave but insecure.

“Relax little witch, I’m not going to suck the life out of you” he chuckled, his smile for a moment taking away her breath before responding to his comment:

“Healer!” she reprimanded outraged since she had yet to be familiarized to the ‘witch’ term that she for inertia related to a nature much different to hers.

“Alright, healer, listen up” he humored her. “I need you alive and by my side, do you hear me?”

Sakura remained lost in the depth of his words, unable of speak before the meaning implicit in his words, assuring her without realizing that he would protect her and take care of her. He, an immortal being she only believed capable of destroying and taking away her happiness, her home.

She suddenly smiled without being able to help it, because somehow, he now knew the words she desired to listen.

Now that the trust between the had strengthened, they reunited with the priestess and the fox to discuss more of the information both Tsunade and Sasuke had suspected from the beginning: Since the vampires’ clans had dispersed, many of them roamed the villages Naruto was not able to protect with the amount of clones he could keep to protect said villages.

Fortunately, Naruto had the data of those locations in order for them to part straight to them and execute Sasuke’s plan to impose justice on the souls that profaned his ancestors’ ideologies. With the help of Sakura’s powers, his abilities would increase and he would be able to battle a mayor number of his kind.

But before he could carry out said plan, Sasuke turned to Sakura.

“You might want to change your clothes before the bite” her partner offered, running a quick look at her attire and noticing the dress she wore was a high collar and clear colored dress.

Well, that was thoughtful of him, she thought as she took her hands at the flaps level and blushed. Nodding, she retired herself before the accomplice looks of her mentor and the fox behind Sasuke’s back.

Once in the room Tsunade had given her, Sakura got rid of her clothes, setting them aside and folded beside her bed as she rummaged through her belongings in search for something adequate to wear since apparently high collars and clear colors were out of the question. Not that she expected to lose much blood, but without a doubt it would be inevitable to bleed if what they were looking for was to get rid of the poison in her blood.

She took one of her hands to the mark on her skin, the temperature of her body rising since contrary to a vampire feeding from her with hunger, this would be a vampire —her partner, trying to save her.

Would it feel good? On that occasion because of the shock and fear of seeing that vampire fall at her feet soon after biting her, she had yet to prove if those stories about vampires and their captivating bites.

Taking the garment between her hands to her face in order to hide the strong blush on her face, Sakura widened her eyes when she realized what she was imagining.

This was definitely that rice wine’s fault!

And their linked souls’, or maybe his mysterious personality, or maybe his rather attractive physique, or maybe—

“Are you done?” Sasuke’s voice called for her, and it took Sakura a second to realize he was opening the door of her room.

Turning around in alarm, she clung with strength to the garment between her hands to hide her half-naked figure.

“That’ll do” he pointed out as he entered the room without waiting for the scandalized human-healer’s reply. Taking a seat at the edge of the bed, he raised his stare towards her and met her bright red face. “What are you waiting for? Come here” she heard him command her and suddenly a slight stitch of deception dawned on her.

Had she been too pretentious to think she might provoke a reaction on him, who most certainly must have had plenty of partners before her?

She could not be any further from the truth, though.

When she took a seat beside him, looking straight ahead at the time she reprimanded herself because of her childish thought, she decided to avoid the topic and ask instead:

“Do you plan on biting me here?”

“I thought you might appreciate some modesty” her partner reasoned, shrugging as he glanced at the girl by his side.

“You’re hardly giving me any modesty after entering without permission to my room” he appreciated the pout forming on her features with amusement.

“You’re fine like this” he tried to loosen her a bit, but seeing how she remained tense and with that childish pout adorning her face, he decided to tease her. “This way, I can see better the flow of your blood” he confessed as he moved away with one of his hands the pink locks off her neck’s mark and he was once more assaulted by the peculiar feeling that provoked him exposing that part of her skin.

Suddenly he was the one being affected by the situation. There, inside that small room impregnated with her essence, with her completely vulnerable and at his disposition to take her and explore at his will, surrounded by the reinforced tender and captivating feeling their linked souls provoked.

He swallowed and unwittingly started to lean to her, who soon started to beat faster and Sasuke could only grunt on a whole different tone to the way she had heard him before.

The switch was pushed and unexpectedly his wide hand took her face and turned her towards him. Her emerald eyes opening wide when she noticed the dark look on him turn dull and her lips parted lightly when instead of leaning to her side, Sasuke brought his face close to hers.

Expectant, her breathing stopped, but her heartbeat sprinted inside her chest once she noted their distances fading.

She had closed her eyes with anticipation when she heard him talk:

“You might want to hold on to me for support”

Sakura let go of the air she had been holding in when she heard the raw tone in which he called her and opening her eyes once more, she met with the characteristic scarlet eyes that distinguished his kind, but instead of frightening her, she felt captivated by them.

“Yes” was her faint response.

With her breath striking his elaborated one, she then turned fully to his direction, forgetting at the moment of the garment she had been holding between her hands to cover the light gown of delicate and loose suspenders, one of them falling at mid arm length and the other holding the cloth’s weight, exposing a little of the subtle volume of her chest.

She raised her delicate arms to circle his neck, and this time Sasuke couldn’t help to pant against her neck once he was wrapped in her fragrance and the wave of sensations, she provoked on him.

Sakura felt his face graze her neck and in an unexpected movement, she felt a warmness sink into her skin.

A small whimper escaped her lips and she tightened the grip she had on his neck and back, only to sigh in relief when the warmness of his mouth started to extract from her what she assumed must have been the poison that inhibited of all her faculties, since she had felt that increasing heaviness she had noted the last days to start dissolving.

In its place, due to the sensation of comfort that invaded her, she leaned closer to him and exposed more of her neck. Sighs and elaborated breaths escaping from them with each passing second. A warm sensation descending through her neck and back, but Sakura paid no attention to it as she felt Sasuke reclinate her on the bed, his arms supporting at her sides and it was then that Sakura felt a slight change.

Frowning when she felt a pricking on her temple, Sakura emitted a whimper and opened her eyes feeling dizzy.

“Wait, Sasuke…” her voice was barely a whisper now that she felt her head start to lighten, but after a peculiar suck from him, Sakura shivered and raised her voice “I said stop, you damn leech!”

What happened after that was quickly enough to figure out the details, but suddenly Sasuke was leaning against the wall beside the door as it opened with shock only to give entrance to an alarmed Tsunade.

Looking with amazement at the panting woman, she returned the glance with confusion, one of her hands cupping on the area Sasuke had been so engrossed. Now, both expectants looked at her face with surprise.

And that was because not only had she pushed a vampire of superhuman strength away like he was a feather, but also now, on her forehead, that mark that not only indicated her as a descendant of an immortal but also as a Senju, adorned her.

A/N: my header on twt is that screenshot of ss together at the end of the clash in the land of snow or whatever movie and i love it. I don’t really remember much of what happens in that movie lol but i love genin ss love ss so here’s this

----

It was the end of a long fight filled with the usual twists and turns. Despite the shortcomings of team 7, they were able to pull through again thanks to their improved skills and teamwork. Naruto and Kakashi were off talking with the others and Sasuke found himself lying flat on his back with his head in Sakura’s lap. He doesn’t quite remember how they got here, just that they had worked together in the battle until that point. Sakura was her usual analytical self and helped him land his attacks more effectively despite the daunting enemy.

A delicate flower that was able to bloom in adversity. He admired her, if he was being honest. On a mean spirited day, he would pity her for her lack of a clan and kekkei genkai, but on a better day like this, he was mostly impressed with how far she had come already.

He never felt like talking with his lazy sensei and idiot teammate, but today the chill in the air and the fight left him drained. He was tired and looked forward to getting some sleep later that night. He could sense Sakura’s hand nearly coming to rest on his head, but pulling away every time. Sasuke closed his eyes. It wouldn’t hurt to get a head start on rest right now.

Sakura was comfortable to lay on and his battle worn body started to relax. After a few minutes of silence apart from the distant chatter of Naruto and Kakashi, Sakura worked up the courage to run her fingers through Sasuke’s hair. The snow absorbed much of the small sounds around them, but Sakura could’ve sworn she heard Sasuke release a gentle sigh.

Most people thought of Sasuke as some ice cube that couldn’t be cracked, but even he wasn’t immune to a bit of spring sunshine. Lately it felt like his heart was thawing the most it ever had since before the night of the massacre. Where there was winter, spring would always follow, breathing new life into the world. New bonds were starting to take root in his heart, but he didn’t mind as much as he thought he would. He would just have to make a bit of room.  

The snow continued to fall around them, but Sakura wasn’t cold.

----

Thump!

Naruto screeched and turned around, the back of his neck covered in powdery snow, “what was that for, bastard?”

Sasuke smirked and simply said, “target practice.” Sakura giggled and burrowed deeper into the high neck of her cloak. Kakashi was walking up ahead, leaving his genin to their own devices. Naruto kept badgering Kakashi with questions about the former enemy and recapping their mission as if he wasn’t also there. Sasuke and Sakura were following from behind when they exchanged a look and quietly gathered two large snowballs. Sakura kept hers hidden behind her back when Sasuke threw his with perfect accuracy.

“Sakura, tell him to stop being mean to me! Can you please get this snow off, I’m cold!” Naruto was swatting at the snow still stuck to his neck, but kept missing chunks that eventually slid down his shirt. Thump!

The side of Naruto’s face was now also coated with snow, even his whiskers were hidden from view. Sakura smiled at him, “sorry, what was that?” Naruto wailed in despair, “not you too! You are both going down!”

And the snowball fight commenced, with Sasuke and Sakura teaming up on Naruto just because it was easy to get him worked up. But since the three were always a team at their core, they all shared the same thought while throwing snow at each other’s faces. If they threw snow at Kakashi’s face and it somehow got underneath his mask, would he pull the mask down to wipe it? It wasn't their best idea, but definitely not the worst either.  

Kakashi turned around and sighed after feeling the stares of three pairs of eyes on his back. It was time to go home where there wasn’t any of this stupid snow.

----

  Sakura had heard the stories about the haunted Uchiha mansion. But still, she knew these stories were for children and she was not afraid, even though it was past midnight, and the woods near the mansion seemed to have a weird aura.

  The huge house loomed over her. The walls seemed black in the dark, and there wasn’t a single broken window.

   Weird, Sakura thought, no one has lived in that mansion, in about 200 years, they say. Why is it in such a good state?

   A sudden wind blew and she almost dropped her flashlight startled.

   It’s just the wind, no evil spirit or vampire, Sakura!, her inner self told her. Why did Ino picked that challenge in truth or dare? Why did I say dare in the first place? the pinkette wondered.

  She knew her friends were somewhere nearby, waiting for her. The only thing she had to do was to get in, go to the highest floor and take a few pictures of the interior, then get back to the car.

 She had stopped outside the massive doors. Fire symbols were carved all over the metal and in the middle was the Uchiha symbol, a fan.

  Sakura took a deep breath, pushed the doors open and picked inside. She saw a large staircase in the back and on the right the living room. Everything was in perfect order, there wasn’t even dust covering the furniture.

  She started to panic. She wasn’t the first to enter the mansion in 200 years, it wasn’t possible. But why was everything so neat as if somebody lived there? An old lady had once told her that who ever dared trespass the Uchiha compound, always came back with no memory of ever going in there. Those were just superstitions according to Sakura.

  Okay… Why don’t I just run upstairs,take the pics and get the hell out of here?, she thought.

  And so she did. She braced herself and started running up the stairs, floor by floor. Suddenly something caught her eye. On the second floor near the staircase was a portrait of a family. She moved closer to take a better look.

  Sakura felt her breath hitch. They were the most beautiful people she had ever seen. A mother, a father and two sons, the Uchiha, as the legends said. All with the same dark hair and terrifying but beautiful red eyes. Her eyes lingered to the youngest son, he appeared to be her age. Sakura for an instance thought she had seen him once, somewhere, but that didn’t make sense, so she pushed that thought aside. She decided to take a photo of the portrait before she continued rushing to the third and final floor.

  She stopped and looked around. It was a hall with a large window in th back. Sakura could see the entrance of the mansion and in the distance Ino’s silver car glowing in the deem moonlight.

 "That could be enough proof" Sakura laughed for her accomplishment and got her phone out ,once more, to capture the evidence of her victory.

   Suddenly, she felt chills as if somebody was breathing near her neck.

   "Proof for what?“ a cold, elegant voice made her jump from her place and land on her bottom.

   She looked back and felt her throat get dry. In front of her stood the youngest son looking as young and handsome as he was drawn in that portrait. If Sakura wasn’t terrified, she would probably be blushing like crazy right now.

  His eyes were blood red and had her captivated. His face like carved marble, hair like black feathers and an elegant cloak covered his body.

  "Well?” he demanded.

  Sakura felt she had to answer him, as if her life was depending on it.

  “I…I thought the mansion was abandoned. We… everyone in town did. They said it hasn’t been inhabited in about 200 years” Sakura stattered.

  “Hm, just like that time…” he smirked and Sakura felt some very weird things in her body, things that meant she was turned on by that complete -probably not human- stranger.

  “What do you mean? Who are you?” she dared asked.

  His eyes flashed even redder and suddenly she saw her twelve year old self in front of her. She was standing in front of the young Uchiha trembling in fear.

  “Nobody is supposed to live here” she heard her younger self say.

  “What’s your name?” the red eyed man had asked her.

  “Sa…Sakura Haruno…What is your name? Why do your eyes glow red?What are you doing here?”.            

     Little Sakura was quite courageous.

  “I am Sasuke Uchiha, I live here. As for my eyes… well, I am what you humans might call a vampire” he  had answered calmly.

  Sakura saw herself getting a few steps back in terror.

  “Don’t be afraid Sakura.” the man, Sasuke had said “ I won’t hurt you”.

  And her young self had relaxed just as he had said that. His eyes had powers, she thought, the myths of vampires always said so.

  More images followed, of her going back to mansion, her face bright pink everytime she had looked at Sasuke, chills rushing through her body.

  Every time he had told her to never speak of him and to not come back. She only did the first one.

   Until one day, when she saw the young Uchiha, getting closer to her and staring deep in little Sakura’s eyes.

  “Sakura, don’t come back in here. If you do, I will drink your blood”.

  Her younger self had giggled at that.

  “But you are all alone Sasuke kun, I want to be with you” she had blurted and her cheeks had the same color of Sasuke’s eyes.

 "I must be alone" he had said “but someday you might see me again”.

 "When?“ Her eyes had watered and his hands tapped her forehead.

  "I’ll tell you next time” Sasuke’s eyes had spinned and had wipped Sakura of all memories of him.  

   Older Sakura started to remember. These things had truly happend.

   In an instance, she was back at the mansion. She looked at her body. It was her nineteen self, on the floor. His eyes weren’t glowing now.

  “Why did you do that then, Sasuke kun?” Sakura said still in shock.

  “ It was the right think to do” he answered coldly.

  “But I cared about you! I loved you!” she almost screamed.

  “You were very young and weak. You would have died if you were near me any longer” his face was serious.

  “This time, I won’t let you do it again! You won’t erase my memories!” she stood up.

  “Hn” he smirked.

  “What is it?” she asked.  

  “I had warned you Sakura” he said seductively “next time you’d be here, I would drink your blood. You smell quite… delicious.” at the he leaked his lips slowly.

  Sakura thought he was trying to intimidate her, but at the same time the sound of his voice made her want to do whatever he asked of her.

   "Well , I am not afraid of you, Sasuke kun!“

   "Okay, then…” he moved very close to her face, close enough that his enticing smell had her knees weak, sending heat in certain parts of her body. With his hand, he moved a few pink locks that had escaped her ponytail, to the side and opening his mouth. His breath was hot when his fangs digged in her neck.

Sakura let out a little cry of pain and Sasuke put his hand around her waist, pulling her closer. The pain didn’t last long and as he drunk, she started feeling lightweight, her head dizzy and a weird kind of bliss. A moan escaped her lips. The young Uchiha stopped drinking and licked her neck before moving his face right in front of hers.

  “You taste even better than you smell, Sakura” his lips were inches away from hers.

   She was mesmerized. She liked the way he touched her, so close to his body and she couldn’t help herself from moving her lips closer to his.

  The kiss was soft, Sasuke’s lips cold like metal, Sakura’s hot, almost feverish. This felt so right to Sakura. She never wanted to stop kissing him. Sasuke stopped the kiss and looked at her.

   "Aren’t you going to answer if?“ he asked

   She was baffled for a moment. Then she realized her phone had been ringing for a while now.

  She reached for her pocket and took it out, Sasuke’s hand still on her waist. She picked it up.    

  "Forehead, what the hell? What’s taking you so long?” Ino’s voice sounded a little worried.

  “ Em… I…” the pinkette looked at the Uchiha, trying to figure out how to answer that question.

  The young man watched her with a daring smile, waiting to hear her lie to her friend.

  “I can’t go in!” she blurted. “ It’s too dark and I think it’s partly collapsed inside.”

  “Hm, makes sense” her best friend said “I mean, 200 years is a long time. Anyway, I’ll just find another challenge, now get your pretty butt over here” and with that she hanged up.

  “I should….” Sakura was founding it hard to talk with Sasuke looking at her so intently.

  “Go” he offered.

  “Yes… But I’ll be back! And you can’t do nothing about it!” she said with determination, before landing a quick kiss on his lips and running down the stairs and out of the mansion, before he could ever thought of erasing her memories.

  She made it to the car panting and breathing hard, but smiling as crazy.

  “Why the smile, Forehead?” Ino wondered.

 "Nothing! Just remembered something, Ino pig" she told her.

  As the car was moving towards the town, Sakura looked at mansion.