A/N: Merry Christmas to one and all. This is a KakaIru X'mas fic and dedicated to all those who have been reviewing my other fics. Wishing all of you the best in this festive season and may you have a wonderful new year ahead. To DevilishDeity and XxxblackpearlxxX: Um yeah, I promised you a fic. I didn't forget. But I don't have any ideas for now. So, take this fic as the first installment! ^_^

Disclaimer: As usual, I would like to say, no, I don't own anything other than the plot. Kakashi, Iruka and all other characters are all properties of Kishimoto-sama.


Chapter 1: Deck the Halls

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Deck the halls with boughs of holly
It's the season to be jolly
And be thankful for all that we have
All the lights and decorations
Put up in the anticipation
Of the joyful celebration
That's on its way
We're counting the days
'Til it's time for Christmas day

On the streets there's children laughing
People smile as they are passing
Christmas time is here, our waiting is done
Wishing it could last forever
Not just twelve days in December
Through the year let's try to remember
That special way
That everyone feels
It's the magic of Christmas day

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Iruka stared out of the window and watched as the snow flakes floated down, covering the white streets of Konoha. Children were out having a little snowball war against each other. A small smile formed on the tanned face as Iruka recalled the last time when he played in the snow like that. He had been so young and carefree then. But now, it seems that the world weigh on his shoulders.

He rubbed his finger against the window, tracing a pattern on the fogged glass, ignoring the sounds and laughter all around him in the room.

He was lonely.

The feeling perhaps wouldn't have been that blatantly obvious if it had been a few years ago. But now, it seems unbearable. A gentle hand landed on his shoulder, bringing him out of his musings.

"What are you thinking about, Iruka?" Kurenai smiled. Iruka shrugged.

"Nothing in particular. Isn't the snow beautiful?"

Kurenai raised an eyebrow. "Reminiscing?"

Iruka laughed softly. "I guess." He brought his gaze back outside the window and watched the white fluff decorating the pavement. "It brings back memories."

Kurenai smiled at the fond look on the chunin's face. She turned to look out of the window as well.

"There aren't many people out on the streets."

Iruka nodded in agreement. "It's too cold, I think. Most people would just prefer to stay home and prepare for the celebration."

"Are you missing him?" Kurenai asked quietly.

Iruka did not answer. He continued staring out of the window. But when the older woman turned to look at him, the downcast expression on the chunin's face was enough to tell her the answer.

"He will be back, Iruka."

"I know." Iruka whispered, a little unsure of his own answer. A loud voice broke into their quiet conversation, steering him away from his own thoughts.

"Hey, Iruka, come over and help us to set up the Christmas tree. Damn! There are so many things to do before the party tonight." Anko scowled.

Iruka laughed softly and walked over to his friend, carefully avoiding the decoration pieces, streamers and boxes crowding around the small living room. Kurenai shook her head and followed after him.

They made quick work of the tree, setting it up nicely in a corner and donning all the ornaments on it. When the star was set right at the top of the tree, Anko grinned and flicked the switch, lighting up the little piece of greenery.

"It's so beautiful." Sakura gushed. Ino squealed and held up the mistletoe.

"So where will this go?"

A few of them blushed and Anko howled with laughter. "There's three pieces of it. Place one at the main entrance, another at the kitchen entrance and the third at the bathroom entrance!"

"Why bathroom?" Izumo blinked.

"Ah…… You know, when there's a crowd, people are bound to queue to use the washroom. So that's where the traffic will be as well." Anko gave a feral grin.

Kurenai frowned. "That's ridiculous. Don't listen to her. Just put up the third one by the window."

"Let me help." Kiba grabbed one of the mistletoe and headed to the kitchen area. Naruto picked up the other and moved over to the designated window.

Iruka smiled softly as he plopped down on the couch. It was nice, seeing everyone work together like that to deck up the place for the Christmas party that night. And it had been nice of Kurenai to volunteer her apartment for the party for all their close friends and students to gather and enjoy the festive night.

But there was just something missing.

A voice at the entrance made everyone jerked and looked up. Tsunade entered the apartment with her ever faithful assistant behind her.

"So, everything set for tonight's party?" The Hokage looked around at the cluttered area. All of them nodded.

"Well, I've brought the beer and sake. And I've brought Shizune to help out too. So, let's finish up the last bits and get the food ready!"

All of them cheered. Iruka got up from the couch and helped Shizune and Kurenai store the alcohol into the fridge. As he took the bottles from the blond lady, Tsunade gave him a sad smile. Iruka returned a smile of his own before heading into the kitchen.

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