~Sasuke's POV~

Being with Naruto was like when we were kids. When everything had been so much happier. He was happy. Well, Naruto is happy now. He's practically glowing like the sun. This is the kind of sun I wouldn't mind standing near because I know his light wouldn't burn me or even irritate my skin or eyes. I wanted to keep him to myself but he has friends. Two of them who are as protective over him as I am. At least they trust me with him now. I have proven that by rescuing Naruto and watching over him before that incident a few weeks ago. I still shudder at the memory of how his body looked with the thick scent of his blood hanging in the air. I thought I was going to lose him...

I took care of Mizuki just like I told him I had. Well, I originally intended to kill the man for almost taking the love of my life away from me but Headmistress Tsunade stopped me. That man needed to be punished and I was livid she even decided to be lenient on him for harming Naruto, an innocent student. Maybe the Kyuubi did kill Mizuki's love and their unborn child, I get it. I understand the feeling of losing everyone precious to you. However, Naruto didn't kill them. It was Kyuubi. To associate Naruto with something that is a mindless beast is just blatant profiling. Naruto never killed anyone but these ignorant adults can't see what is in front of them. A human boy who is innocent of everything except being a host for a demon spirit. That wasn't Naruto's fault. I know it wasn't and his friends know it too. Mizuki will be punished even if I'm not the one bringing forth that punishment. At least I was able to save Naruto. I'm really happy about that.

Now, Naruto is here with me, in my arms and viewing the cherry blossoms with me at the park on a weekend just like any other normal weekend. It isn't technically a date because his friends decided to come along. At least it's all his guy friends. I don't know if I can handle being around any girls. They are loud. And having to deal with telling them I have and need Naruto in my life everyday as a form of rejection is a hassle. Can't they see I'm always with him?

Situated between my legs, Naruto leans against me comfortably as he talks with Gaara about us. He does it so casually that I almost feel bashful about our relationship. The way Naruto feels about me gives me such butterflies but I rather not admit that to him. Too cheesy and out of place for me.

"...My memories of Sasuke are still fuzzy but I know it was him in my memories. He is still nice to me. His voice is different now and so is his face but no one has a face as perfect as his. And his smile—" I clamp a hand over Naruto's mouth and look down at him, his friends stifle their chuckles. He looks back at me with slightly annoyed eyes before moving my hand away.

"Why did you do that, Sasuke?" he whined.

"Are you really going to tell your friends about our past as kids together?" I sighed, pretending to sound weary of this. Truthfully, I'm feeling embarrassed. Naruto is the first relationship I ever decided to be in. He is my first love and I don't want anyone else but him.

"Yeah, pretty much," he says casually while smiling up at me. "They wanna know what kind of guy you are because they say I'm practically floating nowadays."

"Well, we actually wanted to hear more of your past together. We know what kind of guy Sasuke is now that we trust him with you." Gaara finally spoke as he took a sip of his tea. "He really is your first love."

"Yeah." Naruto murmurs happily as he holds one of my hands. Neji is looking my way, seemingly curious. I wonder what he wants. Naruto looks between me and Neji like he's wondering if we are having some sort of staring contest. Oh, I get it. I lightly push Naruto away from me and tell him I'll be right back. Neji follows me until we were standing under another tree, far from Naruto so he wouldn't hear us easily.

"You seem uneasy about me." I noted.

"I'm not, really. Naruto doesn't seem worried about you which is a good thing but..." He trails off before finally asking. "Sasuke, are you used to Naruto yet?"

"I am." I answer. "Where are you going with this?"

"You have been away from him for eight years so his scent must have been a lot to take. Especially after he hit puberty."

"It was and I regret not having better self control. But you and the others have nothing to worry about. I have no intention of feeding from him. I take extra precautions before being so close to Naruto for an extended period of time."

"That's good. I know you knew him for a little longer than we have but do understand how protective we are over him. Gaara is like that, too." I nod, understanding what he means. Of course he and Naruto's friends are protective over him. They wouldn't stop scrutinizing me for the first few weeks after I returned. Unfortunately for them, Naruto is extremely stubborn and won't yield to his friends' needs. Including moving out of the dorm, away from me.

Something about the conversation strikes my interest and after remembering how Gaara smelled to me the first time I came across him. He smelled like Naruto. Well, a little bit like him. At least he probably did at first. It wasn't like he had hugged Naruto or anything but more like the scent had been with him his entire life. Now that Neji has mentioned Gaara, the suspicions about his scent rushes back into my mind again.

"Wasn't Gaara like Naruto? A Jinchuriki?" I'm not sure but his scent is diluted but he still smells like Naruto somewhat. Though I know for a fact Naruto's scent is more potent.

"Yes, he was. He had the Shukaku demon inside him." Neji stated. "Gaara was also human like Naruto. It's another reason why they were always joined at the hip when he first transferred here in junior high. Then something happened before the second semester of junior high. He was captured, had Shukaku extracted from him, then he died."

"Wait, who captured him? How did you guys not know what happened?" I am alarmed. If he is telling me Gaara had something terrible happen to him, what's to say the same thing won't happen to Naruto? Is that why they are so protective of Naruto like the elders are? And as for the Akatsuki... I definitely heard of them. I've been hearing things regarding my brother and them. I have yet to find out if those rumors are even true. I shake the thought away for now as I try to listen to what Neji is telling me.

"The Akatsuki captured Gaara. We didn't know about it until he came back to us, alive. Naruto didn't know the entire story until at the start of this school year. We hadn't intended to tell him for a while. Gaara wishes he hadn't refrained from revealing to Naruto on how he came to be. A vampire like us."

"I assume a ritual was involved in bringing him back as one of us?" I ask. Neji nods once.

"Yes. From what Gaara told us, a woman from his hometown saved him. She is no longer around since the ritual requires another life. Gaara didn't like that but he was grateful that he is alive."

"How is he handling Naruto's scent? He obviously hasn't been a vampire for long..." I'm feeling envious. How is it a young vampire have more self control over himself around Naruto so soon unlike me? I... It doesn't really make any sense to me. I can understand vampires not wanting to drink from humans but no one has self control that exceptional. It's just the reality of us vampires.

"Well, it's a number of things. Gaara was formerly a Jinchuriki. He was also human before. And Naruto is one of his best friends. He wouldn't feed from him if he wanted to."

"He loves Naruto."

"Like a brother, yes. Though, Gaara can't deny Naruto smells nice. Neither can Sai whom we met just this year. He hasn't fed from Naruto either so you don't have to worry."

"Are you worried about Sai feeding from Naruto, too? Why just worry about me?"

"Sasuke, you attacked Naruto and almost fed from him. Honestly, we shouldn't let you be with him but Naruto is so much in love with you. No matter what, he intended to be near you even if you hadn't reciprocated his feelings. He also has a tendency of being a forgiving nature."

"I am glad he forgave me but that doesn't change what I had almost done to him. I hope he doesn't forgive Mizuki for what he did. He doesn't deserve to have Naruto's forgiveness." I murmur, not suppressing the anger in my voice. "That man should have been eradicated."

"Yes, he should have been. If he had killed Naruto, I think Headmistress wouldn't allow Mizuki to live after that."

I guess everyone decided Mizuki should live and be punished instead of facing a quick execution. He almost killed a human Jinchuriki. And that Jinchuriki is the one I love. I don't want the perpetrator to be in prison. I wanted him dead. I still want him dead. Naruto tells me to not worry about it but I can't stop thinking about what if I had lost him too. There was no way I would be happy ever again.

"Well, Naruto is alive. That is the most important thing." I finally say after thinking to myself a little.

"And he's also happy. Well, actually he's glowing. He's like a schoolgirl who is in love." Neji comments as I let out an unusual snort.

"Don't let him hear you say that."

Neji chuckles lightly at my comment. "Of course not. Unlike Naruto, I have a filter so I know what to say and what not to say."

"True." We end up laughing for a moment. Knowing the conversation is over, we head back to our group. Despite some disagreements, I do think I'll get along with Neji. We have a definite agreement we should keep protecting Naruto. And I'm relieved he even allows our relationship to continue otherwise he would never hear the end of it from Naruto.

As we return, I notice Kiba there and he's chatting up a storm with Naruto. Neji looks happy for some reason when he sees wolfy there. Maybe a little too happy. I watched Neji as I go to Naruto who takes my hand as I sit down. Then Naruto gets back in between my legs like before and leans against me as comfortably as he had before. Neji takes his seat next to Kiba and they exchange glances at one another. It looked...loving? If I didn't know any better, I think they are dating. Naruto looks at me the same way. I never would have guessed Kiba and Neji would be with each other but then look at me and Naruto. I don't question it as Naruto reaches up and pats my neck.

Oh, I know what he wants. I sigh inwardly as I lean in close to his face and kiss his lips tenderly albeit hesitantly. Not that I mind kissing him, I like doing that with him, actually. I just don't like doing it in front of our friends. Well, his friends. I am still on acquaintance status with them at the moment. Still, I don't want to seem like all we do is make out wherever.

"You two should get a room." Kiba comments as he throws a potato chip at Naruto who stops kissing me and scowls at Kiba.

"We already got a room." Naruto retorts, throwing the same chip at his werewolf friend playfully.

"The school dorm rooms don't count, Naruto." I chime in. He pouts at me and I end up biting back another response. Why does he have to be adorable? "Besides, we can go back to my family's estate on the weekends."

"Okay, fine." Naruto says as he sits up for a moment and steals some of Kiba's chips.

"Naruto! Get your own chips. We have like four bags left." Kiba was obviously irritated at Naruto for pulling that stunt but Naruto didn't care. He stuck his tongue out before he started munching on the chips. This was a little amusing watching the two of them going back and forth before Neji had finally told the werewolf to calm down. I also scolded Naruto for the chip stunt. Neji and I will definitely have our hands full dealing with these two.

I notice Sai and Gaara were a little quieter than Naruto and Kiba. They did keep an eye on the four of us like they were spectators for an event though they were also here to relax like we are. I'm curious on how they met Naruto but I guess that is a story for another day. For now, I want to enjoy the present. Me and Naruto enjoying our day out with his friends. I'm getting to know them a little better. Gaara and Sai finally join in the conversation and they sometimes ask me questions. I answer them if they're not too personal. Sai tells me of Naruto's sketches of me and I notice how red Naruto's face turns as he glares at his deathly pale friend. I am definitely going to ask him about those sketches later.

Naruto munched on the chips while ignoring Kiba's glare and I rolled my eyes before poking my blond boyfriend on his cheek. "Hey, you should apologize." I tell him.

He frowns at me for a moment then lets out a sigh then gives some of the chips back to Kiba. "Sorry, man."

"It's cool." Kiba bumps Naruto's fist with his own and I figure things are good with them since they were smiling at each other as they did before. They are definitely good friends...

"How long have you known Naruto?" I ask Kiba and he glances at me.

"Maybe seven years so far." he answers casually. "We knew about each other for a while but never talked to each other. During this time, he hung out with you. Not necessarily a bad thing, though. After you left, he didn't talk to anyone. Naruto was really sad. Then one day, he came to school and he was happy and talking to everyone. So I figured I should go over and talk to him. We threw a few insults towards each other, fought each other, then became friends. Weird, huh."

"That is weird." How exactly does that work? A friendship that starts out like that can't be a good one but I guess Naruto and Kiba are the rare ones. If possible, Kiba and Naruto's friendship will last forever. Hopefully Kiba won't be bothered with the inevitable happening to Naruto just like I shouldn't be. He probably isn't since he's enjoying the present with him along with their other friends.

"It kind of is but me and Naruto have been cool for a long while. I didn't find out what he was until a few days into our friendship. That didn't put the breaks on it in case you're wondering." he explains.

"That's good. This knucklehead needs all the friends he can get." I tell him.

"Hey!" Naruto glared up at me when I said this and I just smirked at him.

"I'm being serious," I reassure Naruto then. "Your friends are definitely good ones and if I were you, I wouldn't let go of them."

"You know I won't, teme."

"Good." I lift Naruto's hand to my lips and kiss it.

"Okay, on another note, have you two been intimate yet?" Kiba asks as Naruto's face goes red. I couldn't hold back the blush spreading across my cheeks either. I knew that Kiba didn't have a filter on his mouth but this is just...!

"No...! We only been dating for three weeks!" Naruto exclaims rather quickly.

"By how often you two kiss, I doubt that you haven't done anything." Kiba is snickering now and Neji pushes him slightly as if to tell him to stop.

"I don't think it will be possible since I might hurt Naruto." I murmur. "Plus, it's too soon for that anyway."

"That's understandable. Not that I have any doubts about you, Sasuke. None at all. I just think it would be a huge risk to do anything beyond kissing and hugging with Naruto." Neji chimes in and I nod in agreement at his words.

He isn't wrong. Vampire-Human relationships aren't uncommon but if that human smells like Naruto, then that human will end up severely hurt or even dead. I don't want that to happen with Naruto if we were to become more physically intimate. The risk of him smelling like that because of him being a Jinchuriki is just too much. I would regret it if I harm him or even worse, accidentally change him into a vampire if I do bite him. Naruto doesn't want to be a vampire and I don't want him to be a vampire. It's something we agree on. He likes being human even if he has thought of how different his life would be if he was a vampire before.

I wonder if the risk of Naruto being harmed would be minimized if I take all the necessary precautions beforehand. It would take months, definitely but I'm sure it will be worth it. Plus, our relationship officially began and personally, having sex three weeks into it is too soon for me. I don't know how Naruto feels about it. When we go home, we can talk about it there.

"I'm sure when you're ready, you and Naruto will be having sex quite often." Sai comments casually. "If things go well, I think you two might switch roles, too."

"Sai!" Gaara gasps, horrified at what the chalky pale vampire just said.

"Sai, what the fuck!" Naruto covered his face in embarrassment.

"Christ..." I murmur. If my face didn't feel like it was on fire earlier, it sure feels like it will burst into flames now. Does this one not have a filter either? I don't know what else to say after Sai said that.

"So, how about that Chemistry test?" Kiba suddenly says, a little louder than usual. I see why he is doing this and I gave him a look, silently thanking him for the sudden change in conversation.

It obviously worked since we all ended up talking about school. The subject made Naruto constantly roll his eyes unless we were talking about Chemistry. I figure that is his favorite class despite not being into doing any homework we receive. Naruto is smart but he doesn't want to use his mind as often as other people. I will have to be strict about his schoolwork from now on.

The rest of our all-guy picnic and cherry blossom viewing went on without incident and embarrassing as hell conversations until the sun was beginning to set. It would be time for me and Naruto to head back home. Not to the dorms since it is the weekend. Naruto seems like he would like to stay longer but the trains stop running to certain parts of the city at certain times. It's irritating but if we catch it soon enough, we won't have to take the bus. With that decision, we help our friends clean up and we say our goodbyes to them.

Kiba jokes and says to us as he walks alongside Neji, "Don't do anything we wouldn't do, you guys!"

I just let out an exasperated sigh before waving at him and the others. I need to get away so I can unwind at home. Today was fun but it worn me out a bit. Being an introvert kind of does that to me sometimes. At least being around Naruto isn't too much of a strain on my mental, emotional, and physical health. I just love being with him despite our relationship not being as long as anyone's relationship.

The ride on the train back home was surprisingly relaxing. Naruto rested his head on my shoulder while tracing small patterns on my hand gently. He is adorable as he is so content with being with me, a vampire. It still baffles me how he isn't afraid yet I'm glad he isn't. That would have meant we couldn't be together otherwise.

"Your friends are surprisingly lively." I comment.

"Mn... They are since we haven't hung out as a group in a while. Just us guys, I mean." Naruto chuckles. "They like you."

"And I'm fine with them." That was my way of saying I like his friends too. Surprisingly, Kiba was very tolerable to be around despite being a werewolf. He's just a louder version of Naruto and doesn't smell as good. Then again, all werewolves don't smell particularly good to me or other vampires. Unless another vampire doesn't mind their blood and will drink it.

Despite this, I think I can be friends with Kiba. As for Sai... We may have issues. That one doesn't have a filter at all and his mind is...vulgar. It worries me Naruto and I won't have any privacy regarding our sex life later on. Maybe if we keep that a secret if it actually happens between us, we'll be okay.

We get off at the stop not too far from my home and we decide to walk the rest of the way back. Naruto makes idle conversation with me and I just make small comments once in a while. The conversation was about various interests. I found that he really liked videogames like I do. Maybe he likes them a little more since he would rather play them than study. However, I will play Mario Kart against him one of these days. Hopefully it won't garter me as much attention as playing the other games usually did. That would be a hassle. Either way, it's more of a chance to bond with Naruto's friends. Maybe they'll become more friendly with me too. Not that I would mind if they didn't. It would be nice if it happens.

Soon, we reach the house and I unlock the door before we head inside. After taking off our shoes, Naruto and I make a beeline for the living room. The bedroom is too far and we fall onto the couch together. He situates himself between my legs, relaxing there as he lays his head on my chest. This is something we always do but it seems a bit much now after remembering that embarrassing conversation between us and his friends... I gently push him away which earns a look of confusion and hurt from him.

"I'm sorry," I murmur. "I just don't want to accidentally hurt you by cuddling."

"But we do this all the time. Even back at the dorms..." he protests, frowning. "Is this because of what the guys said earlier? It is, isn't it..."

"Well, yes."

"Sasuke, it's too soon for the heavy stuff. It's not like I'm gonna jump your bones while we're cuddling. Besides, you're not hungry now, right?"

"Of course not. I'm very used to how you smell now, Naruto." His frown turns into a small smile then he touches my face with one of his hands. I smile back at him as I hold his hand with one of mine. "Though I still worry I might be careless one day and hurt you..."

"Sasuke. I have a lot of faith in you. It's why I know you won't hurt me on purpose or by accident. I trust you."

"Naruto..."

"I love you." Those three words from him make my heart stutter for a moment before it picked up speed. "I know you feel the same way."

"I do. I still regret pushing you away when we saw each other again but at least we are together now. There is no one I love more." Naruto's responding smile seemed like it was going to blind me but it doesn't. I pull his hand to my mouth and kiss it gently, a tint of pink washes over his cheeks then. Seeing him react to me or my words so easily makes me happy. Who knew that I would have such a profound effect on him like he does on me.

"Sasuke, do you think we'll ever be able to touch each other more? It's too soon, I know but I mean somewhere along the road in the future?" he asks, looking at me with an expression mixed with seriousness and concern.

"I do. Once we finally make love to each other the first time, it will solidify our relationship. Sure, it can survive without sex but I feel like we may be ruled by our hormones soon enough." I tell him, sounding positive before I sigh. "There are major worries I have about it because of how you smell. Not that I'm blaming you for it. I blame myself for not having better control. I might hurt you by accident or even turn you..."

"You won't do that. Because I know when you're ready and when I'm ready, it will go well without me dying or becoming a vampire like you. Not sure if I will ever be ready to become a vampire even if I wanted to." Naruto holds my hand and laces our fingers through one another as he lays back down on my chest again. His blond hair tickles my nose a little. For some odd reason, it smells of citrus... I like that smell.

"How can you put so much trust in me?" I ask him.

"Because you're a good person and you never gave me any reason to distrust you."

"Well, there was that time when—" He clamps a hand over my mouth before I could speak of it. I'm sure he is aware of what I was about to say.

"Don't. It was by accident. You're used to my scent now, Sasuke. And you didn't hurt me like Mizuki sensei and those bullies had done..." Naruto then removes his hand from over my mouth. "I trust you, Sasuke."

There is no way I'm going to win this, isn't there...

Giving up, I take Naruto's hand off my mouth then pull him in for a small kiss. I linger on his lips for a moment before I pull apart. "I promise I won't ask to make love to you unless we are both ready. Or if you haven't asked first."

Naruto smiles then nuzzles my chest. "Deal."

Author's Note: Hi~ Sorry for leaving this fanfiction alone for a bit. I'm writing three different oneshots at the moment and taking on a few more chapter fanfictions. The ideas kept flowing in to the point I think my brain actually short circuited. As a result, my brain has been pretty much fried. I hope some of you enjoyed this chapter despite the shortness of it! Sorry for taking so long. By the way, fanfiction will be four years old on July 18th~~

Next chapter may have angst since things are getting a little too happy. Until next time~