Empty Eyes: Book 1

Chapter 16

So much happened in one night that I expected a big change in atmosphere going forward, but I was wrong. Ino, Mikoto, and I were so busy taking down the decorations from the ball that I struggled to focus on anything else.

I thought maybe things between Sasuke and I would continue to pick up, but that wasn't the case. A lot of it was my fault because as soon as I finished bathing and my head hit the pillow each night, sleep would take me in an instant. Although Sasuke didn't go out of his way to approach me, either.

The Subaku siblings, Temari included, left the next day so they could prepare for the festival we'd been invited to attend. We hadn't really been given too many details about the event, but I couldn't care less so long as Gaara and Kankuro don't try anything unwelcome with me or Ino.

Kankuro had expressed a mild interest in my twin sister despite her being "claimed" by Sai. The Uchiha prince even threatened him to back off, but it only did a little to hold him at bay. It seemed that the Subaku royal simply loved women and causing trouble.

Ino and I agreed that he's attractive in a similar way that Naruto was, but there's no way in hell either of us would ever be interested in him even if he was a human. He's simply too much of a playboy.

Naruto sent a letter to fill me in on what was happening outside the castle walls. Apparently our house had finally been repaired in full, thanks to him and his father, so Mom was living alone and refused to leave for any reason other than to visit the church. His mother, Kushina, has been sending groceries over once a week to make sure she doesn't starve, but isn't sure if she's actually eating them or not.

On a more surprising note, Naruto says he and Hinata have been exchanging letters quite regularly and plan on meeting again in person soon. I was equally happy and worried for the pair. It was obvious they held mutual feelings for one another, but it's her family that made me uneasy. What would they do to Naruto and maybe even Hinata if they find out?

Despite my best efforts to avoid him, Madara still found moments where he could get me alone long enough to taunt me. The older vampire loved reminding me that Obito was still in chains in the cellar and that he could release him at any moment or that Sasuke still hadn't realized the truth about what had happened down there to begin with.

To my great relief, he rarely chose to feed on me, stating that he wants to savor me and not spoil himself. I was almost grateful that we'd be going to Sunagakure for a few days and he wouldn't be coming along. That's one less problem to worry about.

The one month anniversary of me arriving at the castle came and went and the next morning I awoke with Sasuke's arm wrapped around my waist, which was becoming the new norm. He seemed to notice my awakening and tightened his grip around me.

I felt the firmness of his muscles even through my gown, a small dusting of heat rising to my cheeks as I greedily enjoyed the sensation. "Good morning..." My voice was still groggy from sleep and Sasuke replied with his usual grunt of acknowledgement.

I'd grown incredibly used to him not being as talkative as me and have even started to be able to figure out what each little sound means. To others, it may seem like he's annoyed and doesn't want to respond to me, but I've realized that he just isn't as expressive as others and I'm doing my best to accept the personality trait. He doesn't try to get me to stop talking so much, at least he doesn't try very hard, so I don't try to force him to talk when he doesn't want to.

Once we're all freshened up and at the breakfast table with the rest of the family, Fugaku surprised me by saying, "You'll be leaving for Sunagakure at noon today. I trust I do not need to remind you all how important it is that you do nothing to upset our allies." He was speaking to his three sons directly, and Ino and I indirectly. His voice was as gruff and serious as usual, his words straight to the point and borderline threatening.