Cycle

AN: Written for Kei

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and I'm not making any money off of this story.


Christmas History

"Sasuke… What's Christmas?" Naruto honestly had no idea. He never remembered celebrating it. He often remembered Christmas sales, or a strange, large tree popping up in the middle of town, but that was all he knew in relation to Christmas. There had never been anybody to give him presents, to receive his presents, to decorate a tree with. And now, Sasuke was stuck explaining it to him.

"Christmas is … Christmas is the birth of hope." Sasuke sat down on Naruto's bed. Sasuke had had a rather large crush on Naruto for awhile. Naruto seemed to truly live, while Sasuke made a poor imitation. He stared at Naruto wistfully. "Christmas is the celebration of new life, new hope, and most of all, the miracle of our being alive."

Naruto nodded. Sasuke wondered briefly is Naruto was taking notes in his head.

"Christmas is … traditionally a family celebration." At this, both boys dropped their eyes for a second, before looking back up, more strained than before. Sasuke cleared his throat. "Traditionally, there are gifts. I've, uh, got one for you." Sasuke shyly pulled a small box from his pocket and, uncharacteristically shy, handed it to the blond boy.

"But, Sasuke, I don't have anything for you!"

"Its okay. I didn't expect you to. That's what Christmas is about as well – giving, not receiving." Sasuke let out a rare smile. "I wanted to get you something. So I did."

Naruto moved to open it, but Sasuke stilled his hand. "It's not Christmas yet – that's tomorrow. Open it tomorrow morning, okay?" Naruto pouted, but nodded slowly.

"I still don't have a present for you," Naruto said. "I should get one."

"It's okay." The two boys sat in silence for a moment.

"I got it." Naruto seemed to brighten and, if possible, give off an aura.

"Got what?"

"Your present."

"Huh?"

"Sorry its not wrapped. And sorry it's already opened." Naruto smiled widely. He gently clasped Sasuke's shoulders, turned him, and gave him a deep, slow kiss.

Sasuke could not remember any moment where he had been this happy. The kiss had set off within him a tingle, left his entire body feeling alive, so alive, filled with warmth and love and life. This feeling, this feeling of love, of purpose, had raised him to new levels of euphoria that he did not believe he could ever reach, after Itachi had murdered his family.

"Thank you, Naruto." Sasuke smiled. "Just what I've always wanted."

"Christmas is the birth of hope." Naruto smiled as well.