The Christmas Card
Summary- AU –SasuSaku- She sent Christmas cards to shinobi. He, however, sought her out after receiving a card because she was the only one who seemed to care.
Inspired by the movie "The Christmas Card", which is such a cute and awesome movie. And to those who haven't seen it, I suggest you do, and who would have thought, I, a tomboy would like that romance movie? There are a few I enjoy. I want a man like that!
This story idea came from the movie but there are significant differences to the movie and my fic, which is created from the depths of my imagination.
I've honestly been working on this story for years and instead of making in one big one-shot, I figured I'd just make it a two part fic.
Anyway, hope you enjoy!
And enjoy the awesomeness of SasuSaku!
..-The Christmas Card-..
Part I
The air was cold.
Konoha was always freezing upon winters approach and in the summer it was sizzling hot. The Land of Fire was known for its scorching weather and even when the temperature dropped during the colder months, snow was a rarity. Colored lights decorated a few houses as it was a few weeks before Christmas.
Walking down the streets of the busy yet homey town of Konoha, a medium sized bag on his back and his footsteps were slow, unhurried, as he continued through the village. This man strode down the road of a home that was long forgotten, it had been years since he had lived here. Here is where he was born and raised for a few years before his parents moved him along with his older brother. He'd been back off and on, but never for long.
He was a shinobi, considered one of the best along with his brother and best friend. Dark onyx eyes that were so painfully beautiful to the women who dared to look in them only to get lost in those pools of never ending black. Raven colored locks of hair, spiking up in the back and his bangs parted to the sides of his angular face. Pale skin that held no form of blemishes and no evidence of ever being present and thin lips with a strong jaw, helped to make him a sight to behold. Towering at 6'2" with a lean fit body to support the fact that he was indeed a career shinobi with a large black cloak shielding him from the elements and underneath he was clothed in a white half open haori and black pants and black ninja sandals on his feet with foot warmers. A katana was strapped at his waist and a kunai holster to his right thigh. He'd been traveling nonstop from Moon country and that was a long journey in itself.
Clutching something tightly in his hand, he remembered why he was here.
"Sasuke," a deep male voice spoke. The said man looked up before turning his head back down to stare at the card he had in his hand. He sat on the cold floor of his current room leaning against the wall, which only consisted of a bed and chair and a dresser with a single window.
An older man who looked remarkably similar to the younger, only his hair was long and tied in a ponytail, onyx eyes with lines underneath which reflected wisdom. Clad in black he stood before the quiet man, eyes watching him carefully.
"You're constantly staring at that card and you've had it for a year." To anyone his voice would sound emotionless, but to the other, he knew it held concern that not many would be able to detect. "Go meet her." He stated.
"Hn." The youngest of the siblings stood up, busying himself with other things to avoid this topic.
Tired of this, the oldest gave a sigh, hand to his temples. "Sasuke, you stare at the card every time you're alone, I know she had to have written something that's got you interested or you would have tossed it. Go meet her and thank her for her support. I don't think many shinobi do that when they receive a card, if any get one that is."
"I can't leave you by yourself Itachi, get off my back." Sasuke growled, not turning.
"I can do perfectly fine on my own Sasuke," the man, Itachi, replied calmly. "You need to get out of this war zone for a while. I can handle a few weeks by myself with the others; you haven't had a decent moment's time to yourself. You need rest and a short break will rejuvenate a weary shinobi like yourself." Then a smirk played his features, "And who knows, you might actually get a girlfriend."
He smiled watching his younger brothers back tense. "Ha ha," came his sarcastic response.
"I'm serious Sasuke, besides," moving so quietly he was unheard he was standing behind his younger brother and snatched the card he always gazed at from his un-expecting hands and glanced at the name of the mystery woman, "this Sakura Haruno sounds intriguing. Konoha, it's been a long time since we've been there. That's an order from the commander."
Sasuke resisted the urge to spin on his heels and act like he cared. He shouldn't care as much as he did, but it was nice to feel like someone appreciated what he was doing. "Perhaps you're fascinated by her too if you keep staring at her card." The long haired man dropped it gently on the bed and walked toward the door, but before he exited he glanced at his dear brother and said, "Take a few weeks off Sasuke. You need it."
He couldn't believe he had actually listened to his brother. If only he hadn't stared at that card he had gotten and acted like he wasn't that interested, he would still be in Moon and fighting alongside his brother—the last family he had left.
There was a distant thought that this Sakura Haruno could be an older woman… Sighing into the frigid air the spiky haired man realized it was too late to turn back, hand tightening around the paper that held the address his every attentive orbs searched for.
He found it.
It was a simple apartment. Lifting up a hand to knock he heard voices within.
A woman opened the door, short light blonde hair and brown eyes, she had a fair build, but she appeared older than him, he had just turned twenty in July. She wore a dark blue sweatshirt and a long tan skirt. "Hello." She said, looking him up and down.
"I'm looking for Sakura Haruno." He replied, his voice thick and rich, hypnotizing.
"You are not her ex-boyfriend are you?" she asked, kind of cautious, for a reason he didn't know.
Shaking his head he hesitantly extended his hand and flashed her a card, not wanting to speak.
The woman—after seeing the name scribbled down—moved aside quickly, "Please, come in."
"I don't mean to intrude…" he said lowly as the door closed behind him, he wasn't used to such hospitality. His body was warmed nearly instantly upon setting foot indoors. For a few weeks he had either slept outside or found a cheap room to lodge in and continue on after a couple of hours of rest.
The woman pulled off his bag and was tugging at his cloak to hang it, "Nonsense. What is your name, dear? I am Mebuki Haruno." She waited for him to place his katana beside the door.
"Sasuke Uchiha," he answered.
The woman smiled up at his shy and uncertain features, 'It's been a few years since I've heard that name, and he looks just like his parents and he is quite handsome too.'
"Please, have a seat Sasuke," she gestured to the couch where there was another man sitting. "I'm afraid Sakura isn't here right now but she will be soon, she had a few errands to run. I'll have the guest room made up."
"No, ma'am that's kind and all but I can stay at a hotel," he quickly responded, but the woman insisted.
"Nonsense, Sasuke, you shouldn't have to spend money to stay at a lonely hotel. There is plenty of room here." Mebuki chirped. "And you can call me Mebuki." She placed her hands on the man's shoulders and maneuvered him toward the couch, making the young man feel awkward in this house of kind strangers. Two blue couches and a reclining chair with a rectangular coffee table in between them, side tables which held lamps. A decent sized television against the cream colored walls on an entertainment center with a rack of DVD's and a few cupboards which probably contained more discs. Light blue curtains draped over the windows.
Once he was pushed onto the comfortable cushions he noticed the other man's eyes were shifted in his direction. He would be tall if he were standing. His star-shaped light purple hair was graying and clothed in jeans and a red long-sleeved shirt and socks. Face with no wrinkles and his deep dark eyes seemingly impassive. "Honey, this is Sasuke Uchiha." Mebuki informed her husband as she sat next to him. "This is Kizashi, my husband."
"It's been a while since I've seen a shinobi in these parts," the man said, his voice reflecting wisdom, observing.
"Kizashi used to be one, but that was a long time ago," the woman stated.
"Not that long dear."
Uchiha weren't normally nervous, he hid it well, but inside he wasn't used to other people's presence—unless they were an enemy or an ally. He just wanted to meet this 'Sakura' who sent him the card, thank her and leave. A shiver ran down his spine.
Mrs. Haruno noticed this and in her concern she jumped to the younger male in the room and her unexpected movement caused Sasuke to react by appearing a safe distance away at another wall with ninja speed, hand poised to the kunai holster on his right thigh. His expression was emotionless and cautious – the way a ninja is trained to be at all times – but the elders could see a worn man from the war that was being fought.
The hostess spoke, "I'm sorry Sasuke, I saw you shiver, you should take a shower to warm yourself up and I'll make some hot tea for you. Sakura should be back by then." She missed her husbands' curious eyes glance at her before they returned to the man.
Sasuke looked away from their prying orbs, ashamed of his action of insecurity. "I should just come back, I'm sorry to have disturbed you." His tone was emotionless.
About to approach the exit Kizashi stopped him, "It's not every day we have the honor of serving a man who protects us. You've probably been traveling non-stop, even in this cold weather. Your body is tired and everything here will be provided at no extra cost. Shinobi shouldn't have to spend money for a place to stay and food to eat. Here you are our guest." The Uchiha could tell the man was serious, but it wasn't dangerous or demanding, it was a grateful kind of serious.
"…And we won't take no as an answer." With that said, the man smiled.
Unable to speak, he nodded; there was no point in arguing with this couple. Mebuki smiled and grabbed Sasuke's bag and lead him down the hall and showed him the bathroom. She even made sure there were clean towels for him and everything. Before she closed the door she smiled to the ninja again, "Take your time and if you need anything during your stay, don't hesitate to ask." With that she shut the door, leaving Sasuke alone to his thoughts, and to observe the bathroom, which was pretty big and gave you plenty of room to move. It was dark green, the shower curtain, the towels, the small rug that was placed on a white tile floor. Beside the door was the white countertop with a sink and a large mirror above it and Sasuke could see color returning to his skin slowly. He then realized he did look tired. Perhaps it was a good thing Itachi talked him into taking a break – he looked almost dead.
A toilet was next to the counter and the shower was located in the corner of the room and a large bathtub in the other corner. First he was almost unable to decide if he wanted a long bath or a quick shower. Perhaps he'd take a bath when he wasn't in desperate need to warm himself up and he had time to wait for the tub to be filled.
Turning on the shower, he felt the steam that beckoned him to enter and his chilled skin heating up he knew he was going to take his time…
..-The Christmas Card-..
The front door opened and in stepped a woman with shoulder length pink hair and jade color orbs and she removed her scarlet jacket and scarf, noticing a black cloak that hung on the coat rack hooks. 'Must be one of fathers' old cloaks.' Then as she was talking off her shoes she had seen a katana, she sighed, 'Dad must have brought those out to reminisce about his glory days.' She smiled lightly and shook her head.
"Oh, Sakura you're home," came Mebuki from the hall.
"I told you I'd be quick. Ino should be right in; I've got to get some warmer clothes on." She walked passed her mother just as she was about to inform her of something important.
'Oh well.' The woman thought, ignoring it, besides, it would be fun to see what Sakura thought when Sasuke appears.
Sakura quickly changed her shirt, from short sleeve to a red long sleeve, and put on some comfortable matching sweatpants, "Ahh," she breathed, "so much better than wet clothes." Walking out of her room and down the hallway her bathroom door opened, revealing man she had never seen in her life. They both stopped, staring at each other, onyx and emerald. He stopped drying his hair with the towel that was at his head and a gray short sleeved shirt covered his torso, but his toned muscles could be seen from underneath, and black cargo pants and bare feet.
'Who is this guy in my apartment?' Sakura thought, eyeing him up and down, to which the man did the same to her.
"Sakura what's taking you so—" another woman appeared, stopping mid-sentence as she noticed a insanely handsome man standing in front of her best friend. Blonde platinum hair in a high ponytail and bangs over her right eye which were blue, her mouth hung open. Purple sweatshirt hugged her figure and she was a little larger in the chest than Sakura was. White pants and tan slippers.
Needing to stop herself from drooling over his extremely good looks, she turned to her pink haired friend, almost accusingly. "Sakura, there's a man in your bathroom! Are you sure you're over Takashi?"
Finally breaking her glance away from the unknown male, she glared at the other woman, "We're over," in her tone Sasuke could hear detest for whoever this Takashi was, he figured it was an ex.
Before anything else could be said, Mebuki appeared, "Oh Sasuke! I hope you are warm now and you look refreshed, I have hot tea ready for you."
"Thank you," he replied lowly, his eyes drifted back toward the pink haired one, who was the woman he had come to see.
"Girls," the mother started, "this is Sasuke Uchiha, Sasuke this is Ino Yamanaka," who waved shyly, "and Sakura, my daughter." They stared at each other for a moment and she gave him a kind smile, one that for some reason made his heartbeat increase. "I've offered him the guest room."
"That's fine, mom." Her voice was soft, beautiful.
"I'll take these dirty clothes and have them washed for you," Mrs. Haruno gathered the grimy clothing he had in his other arm and led their guest down the hall, who could feel two pairs of eyes on his back.
Ino asked when the two were out of earshot. "Did your mother just find him on your doorstep? Picking up stray men from the street isn't safe, you know Sakura."
"Yeah, yeah, butt out Pig." And with that she headed to the kitchen, where she found Sasuke and her parents at the kitchen table. Her mother was making light conversation between them.
"Sakura," her father greeted, to which she smiled and embraced him from behind, and kissed his cheek.
"Dad," she released him and walked to the stove where there was a teapot of hot water, she needed something to warm her up from the inside. While she was grabbing a cup, she heard Ino dismiss herself and say a few words to Sasuke who responded quietly.
Once she had tea ready Sakura seated herself at the square table and listened to her mother.
When Sasuke answered softly, the young woman took in the sound of his voice, deep and strong, beautiful for man like him. It seemed hypnotizing to her ears, not many men's voices could lull her in a trance like his. He was very breathtaking too. She'd seen many striking men but of all of them he was by far the most handsome, in her opinion.
"So Sasuke," she spoke when it seemed like he and her mother were going to have a moment of silence, she nearly blushed when his dark eyes shifted over to her, "what brings you here to Konoha? Do you have family here?"
Shaking his head he replied, "The only family I have is my brother; he is in Moon right now."
Taking in this information Sakura asked, "He's a shinobi?" he nodded taking a sip of his drink. "Are you one too?" He nodded again. "So what brings you here?"
Setting his cup down he met her eyes again, "My brother told me to rest because I haven't taken time to myself in years, so here I am."
Sasuke had already spoken to the couple that he didn't want Sakura to know he was here to see her, so he left that part out. They gave him questioning looks when he told them, but they agreed not to tell, it wasn't their place anyway. While the dark haired man was in the shower, Mebuki explained to her husband that Sasuke was one of the men who had received a Christmas card from Sakura, and that that was the reason he was here. Kizashi understood, and truth be told, this young Uchiha, had a charm about him that he liked, and when it came to younger men, he was picky, but he had been correct about them when it came to his daughter when she was dating. But Sasuke, he could see a sincere man who'd been through a lot.
"You shouldn't wear yourself down without rest," her green orbs fixated on his obsidian ones. "I see countless shinobi who nearly kill themselves thinking that they don't need it. You will get plenty of rest here."
"Sakura's a medic," her mother added, smiling proudly at her daughter. "You've heard of Tsunade I'm sure, Sakura here, was her apprentice. She's head of the hospital under Tsunade herself."
Of course he'd heard of Tsunade, she was the best medic in the world of shinobi and medicine. Shinobi use chakra to perform jutsu and other means of fighting, and medics use chakra to heal. Though he'd never really seen medics mend bone, and rejuvenate skin tissue, he knew it was extremely useful. However the medic would have to have great control over their chakra, only a select few could reach the legendary Tsunade's caliber – who was in fact a medic-nin before she settled for hospital work. There are two kinds of medics—medic ninja, or shinobi who are on the field able to fight and heal their comrades, the other, were the ones who remained at hospitals and performed surgeries and other procedures.
"I considered being a medic-nin, but I don't think that's where I was supposed to be."
"You weren't meant to be one," his answer took Sakura by surprise, and truth be told, she was feeling a little offended. Who was he to tell her that? Was she not fit to be a medic-nin? Before she could retort he finished, "You are a medic, your jobs is to save lives, not destroy them." He looked at her, his eyes showing something distant and she could only imagine what he had seen as a career warrior, his words though made her heart flutter.
More chatter went around and Sasuke was beginning to feel more at ease, however, being a fighter for so long, his guard would always be up, even if he was in safe territory.
As Sakura and her mother prepped dinner Sasuke and Kizashi remained in the kitchen either listening to the women talk or add to the conversation. This meal was one of the best Sasuke had had in a while and was able to eat until he was full. So used to another routine he had to force himself to stay at the table when dinner was finished.
The medic was the first to see Sasuke's tired expression, one he was trying to hide, "You look tired Sasuke; I can show you to your room."
He chose not to speak but the two elders gave him an assuring smile, "Good night Sasuke." Mebuki chirped.
"Thank you again," he replied, sincerely. "Good night." Sasuke followed Sakura down the hall.
"My room is next to yours and my parents will be across from you." Opening the door and standing off to the side the woman let him in, "I hope it's to your satisfaction, I don't really get many visitors."
"It's fine." Sasuke was now forward, almost blunt, but with this family he didn't sound so emotionless.
The room was fairly large, and it wasn't bare like most he had been in. A window that gave a view of the street swathed in tan curtains and no moon to shine in his eyes like it had for so many nights and a blue reclining chair to enjoy the scenery. The bed was large, appearing to be queen sized and more pillows than he could count, he was used to sleeping on the ground or on a skimpy mattress that wasn't really considered a bed. Blue sheets with a darker bedspread made it look inviting. One large brown dresser and a smaller one beside the bed with a lamp and an alarm clock and the red digits read 8:47 PM. Beige carpet with specks of blue underneath his toes instead of hard, cold concrete floor.
The Uchiha noticed that his bag and katana had already been placed on the chair. Sakura closed the curtains and turned toward the tired shinobi, "I hope you will get plenty of rest, help yourself to anything and if there is anything specific you would like, to eat especially, don't hesitate to ask."
"Tomatoes." He replied quickly.
Sakura blinked, "Tomatoes?"
"I like tomatoes, and I haven't had them in a while," Sasuke answered, feeling embarrassed for just blurting that out, but she asked what he wanted…so…
He watched her smile; it was a beautiful one, like all the other ones of hers, "Sure." Walking to the door with her hand on the handle, "Extra blankets are in the closet." She pointed to his closet a little to the left of where she was. "Good night Sasuke."
She didn't give him a chance to reply as she closed the door, where Sasuke stared at for a moment, "Good night…Sakura."
After a quick change of clothes he pulled back the covers, and was instantly comfortable, he sighed slightly, 'This beats the floor any day…' his thoughts then drifted elsewhere, 'Wonder how Itachi and the others are doing…' while he was safe they could be fighting for their lives, or dead, then the family he was currently with sprung up in his mind. 'It's been a while since I've experienced a family like this.' It wasn't long after his head hit the pillow that he entered the world of dreams.
..-The Christmas Card-..
Once Sakura was back in the kitchen she informed her family that Sasuke was resting. "That's good to hear, poor dear." Her mother said.
"Honey," her husband soothed, reaching over the table and grasped her hand.
Their daughter was confused with what her parents were talking about, "What do you mean?"
Speaking for his wife, Kizashi explained, "Sakura, Sasuke's parents were friends of ours a long time ago."
'Really, you never told me this,' she thought, but didn't wish to interrupt.
"Sasuke is the youngest of two sons, Itachi is the oldest, so of course they both grew up to be shinobi because their family was a renowned clan. Their father, Fugaku Uchiha was the head of the clan and moved to Sound a few years after Sasuke was born. The Uchiha clan was murdered while Sasuke and Itachi were away on duty."
'Murdered…' she felt horrible for Sasuke now.
"That was forever ago, but the Uchiha clan's killer was killed by Sasuke—but that was when Sasuke wasn't who you've seen today. He's been through too much, more than myself. Itachi was the only one who could get him to calm down from the path that would have consumed his soul."
'I can't imagine…'
"I met Fugaku Uchiha while we were in battle, we'd become friends and we later introduced our girlfriends to each other, and they kept each other company when we were away."
Sakura's mother tightened her grip on her husband, "Mikoto Uchiha, Sasuke and Itachi's mother, became my friend when we were lonely and missing our boyfriends. We confided in each other asking if either of us heard any news about where they were…fearing that we may have missed a message. Unfortunately we lost touch before you were born, if not, you and Sasuke may have grown up together."
When her parents turned in for the night, and Sakura stayed up a little longer. Shutting off the lights as she made her way to her room, she stared at the door Sasuke was in. 'You would never guess he's experienced such hard times, but he's a gentlemen considering his past.' A light blush dusted her cheeks, 'Don't get any idea's Sakura; your luck with men is horrible.' She sighed, 'I only attract the scumbags…' with that thought she left to bed.
..-The Christmas Card-..
Morning came early for Sasuke, he was usually an early riser—also part of the reason was because shinobi only get a few hours of shut-eye. Even so, Sasuke felt refreshed, more so than he had in a while, sunlight was beginning to appear over the horizon and most of the Hidden Leaf Village would still be asleep.
Getting out of bed, he made sure he was in a decent amount of clothes; he didn't want to flash the women by revealing too much skin, and also recalling what girls of other villages had done to try to get their hands on him after trying to watch him bathe in a stream... That was a nightmare and a scowl lit up his features briefly. His idiot best friend had to laugh at the horde of women chasing after him.
Moving silently through the hall the kitchen light lit his way. Entering the area Sasuke was met with Kizashi, who was reading the news paper and sipping on a cup of coffee. Aware of the new arrival he tilted his head, "Morn'n Sasuke, I trust you had a decent nights' sleep."
Sasuke nodded and slowly moved to the cupboards above the counter that wound around half of the kitchen. A large white fridge and a microwave to its left and just across was the stove and oven and to the right was a pot of fresh brewed coffee, sugar and creamer out and ready for use. The other side of the stove and had a prep area and then a double sink for dishes. Mr. Haruno sat at the table where there was plenty of space to maneuver.
"Better than I've had in weeks," he answered the older man's inquiry.
Black coffee ready the Uchiha sat in front of the man enjoying the peace. Glancing over the paper, Sakura's father said, "That's good." Setting the paper down finished the last of his beverage and went to get a refill. "Old men like me always get up at the crack of dawn, but spending years as a shinobi it never really leaves your system. You'll learn that later on."
When he sat back down he looked at Sasuke, "The girls and I are going Christmas tree hunting, we'd like you to join us."
An expression crossed Sasuke's face and the man chuckled, "We've done that for years, since Sakura was a little girl…" the Uchiha watched the man get lost in memories. He could recall one time when he and Itachi were younger Christmas tree hunting, but it wasn't a happy memory… "But children grow up."
Smiling at the young ninja, "We're actually late this year, usually we go December first, but we have young blood to help an old man out." His smile changed to a grin, "So…any women have your interest, any one woman you're fighting for?"
That was an unexpected question but it didn't phase Sasuke, "No." The look he was given told him that he didn't believe him. "I've never had time for women, and women can't leave me alone. There's not one who would understand me."
"So what brings you here then?" Kizashi inquired, "My daughter sends cards every year to those in our service, you are the first to come and meet her in person…even when you don't want her to know you're here to see her."
"…"
"I can see you are a decent man, one of the rare ones nowadays. And Sakura…she's been walked on by men—she doesn't show it—but having a gentleman in her presence is something she hasn't encountered in a long time. I just ask that while you're here, treat her with respect." The fathers' tone was protective, and Sasuke could have sworn he'd heard some bitterness in there.
"Men who treat women poorly are of the lowest of life forms in my eyes. I don't use or beat women for the pleasure of it." Just the thought boiled Sasuke's blood, the cruelty of it all. He'd been on missions and had seen some of the women who were beaten and countless other things that defile or cause women to distrust men. There had even been a few broken women who had died in his arms.
Seeing women utterly helpless because of people they trusted most…it sickened him…but that was the cruelty of the world.
Lost in the recesses of his mind he missed the old man's expression, one he knew well from when he was a shinobi.
Only a minute or two later footsteps pulled Sasuke from his thoughts and Sakura entered in gray sweatpants and a pink tank-top. Her still tired green orbs landed on her father and then her guest, she smiled and covered her mouth as a yawn replaced her smile. "Good morning Sasuke, slept well I hope." She moved over to the counter for coffee and Sasuke was watching her from the corner of his eye.
"Yes, I did." He answered and when she stretched to reach a cup a little too high for her, her lower back was exposed as her shirt rose slightly.
Embarrassed to have looked at something he shouldn't, Sasuke closed his eyes and sipped more of his coffee. Sakura's father, however, saw the Uchiha's display of shyness, a grin spread across his lips which remained hidden behind the mug that was brought to his mouth. 'Perhaps there is one woman who interests you.' He liked Sasuke, he really did. Still in tune with the perception of a ninja, he had a feeling Sasuke was also observing her after their conversation.
Sakura sat beside the young Uchiha, "What are you doing up so early Sakura?" her father asked.
"Couldn't sleep, there's no point in tossing and turning."
Silence filled the air and the medic gradually became more awake, after a refill of coffee and the rising sun having cast the room with some light, Sakura turned to Sasuke, "Did my father inform you we would like you to go Christmas tree hunting with us?"
"Hn," he nodded.
"I hope you plan to go with us," Sakura added in, "we take lunch and everything, and it's fun to get away from people and spend time together since it doesn't happen so often anymore."
Glancing at her from the corner of his eye, "I'll go." And he watched her smile again.
The rest of the morning was uneventful, peaceful and quiet, and Sasuke could not remember a time when he was so relaxed and had nothing to worry about. It had been years, just as it had been with being out of a war zone and able to get a refreshing nights' sleep. He couldn't get used to this though, in a few short weeks he'd be back in Moon, back on the battlefield with his brother and fellow shinobi.
…but he would enjoy the time he had while he could…
…for it may never come again…
..-The Christmas Card-..
High in the mountains surrounding Konoha, and shrouded within the green pines of the forest, two men and two women trekked through the rough terrain. The youngest of the men moved with agility, to which the youngest female watched from behind. She often had to chide herself…for checking him out.
Sasuke lead the way, observing the surroundings and for the chances of rouge ninja being in these woods. You could call him paranoid, but in his experience, he was trained to expect the unexpected. He never dropped his guard, even when he slept.
Casting a glance behind him to the other mans eyes, though he was busy looking around himself, the Uchiha could see that he was still in sync with a shinobi's way of being on the lookout, even veteran ninja knew better than to let something go by unnoticed.
They had been traveling for at least two or three hours, Sasuke was surprised with how in shape the girls were, though they were panting lightly. Many kunoichi he'd encountered wouldn't be able to put up with this unless they were trained in such conditions.
Sakura, he learned, was determined, confident and strong, the last one, he found out as someone she knew came up to her and had the means to say something that infuriated her—and he witnessed she had a killer right hook.
Traveling some more they came to a stop for rest. Of the four Sasuke remained standing his head held toward the sky that could barely be seen from the thickness of the canopies of the trees overhead. "It's near noon now," he said, looking over his companions.
Mebuki spoke up, "Perhaps we should eat lunch now." She and Sakura had both packed a backpack each, one for food and the other for drinks. As the medic was reaching for it, it was in Sasuke's hands and placed upon his back, and his dark eyes gave her a brief scan before he turned away and ready to their travel to search for a tree.
Both bags now in front of the older woman, she dug through its contents pulling out bento boxes and and some fruit and vegetables, a package of napkins and a few glasses and a plastic bag for trash.
Taking a thermos from the other bag Kizashi's hands glow light blue and moments later he has three glasses ready to pour its contents, "Be careful," he said, "it's hot."
The Haruno family had learned that Sasuke didn't like sweets, even if it was coco, so in his hand was a bottle of water. Bento boxes were distributed to each person and the other food was ready to be devoured.
In the distance there was the chirping of birds and not much else. Wanting to start a conversation with the young Uchiha, Sakura swallowed, "How long have you been a shinobi, Sasuke?"
"I have been in training since I was small, but active when I graduated the Academy at twelve, so for eight years."
"And your brother, what's he like?" she was eager to know as much as she could about him, it wasn't every day you got to spend time with someone in the service. She'd healed some, but that was only if they were severe cases. Konoha had the best hospital and the best medics, so when ninja are in danger of dying, they are transported here for treatment…and conversation has never been possible.
Sasuke shrugged, "He's a pain, he wouldn't let me not come here. He was trying to get rid of me."
"But he cares for you, enough to notice when you needs some time to yourself. I think that's what older siblings are for. You're lucky you have someone like that." She smiled at his look and took another bite of her lunch.
"Do you do anything for hobbies?" she then asked, he shook his head. "Nothing?"
He shook his head again, "How about for fun?"
Another shake of the head, Sakura sighed, 'This is horrible, I'll have to take him somewhere before he leaves.'
"What kinds of things do you like, dislike?"
"Training, and I don't really like anything other than that, I have a lot of dislikes…"
Sakura sighed; turning her emerald eyes elsewhere, and grew excited. Sasuke, startled by her sudden action, he looked at her, briefly glancing at her parents'. "That one!" she pointed.
'Way to be specific,' he thought, watching the pink haired woman jump up and go right to the tree she was eying.
"This one! This one for our Christmas tree!"
"It will fit in your apartment just right, Sakura." Her mother said at her side, inspecting all the pines. "If you two are done eating we can get this tree cut down and head back home."
Sasuke and Kizashi meet each others' eyes and shared an expression before getting down to business.
In the few minutes it had taken, Kizashi decided to use a quicker method of transportation and he also hoped this would play out well for his daughters' sake. After performing a few hand signs that his family hadn't seen in years and the tree disappeared before he turned to the young Uchiha. "Better make this a quick trip home, these two get crazy when they decorate."
Mr. Haruno knelt down in front of his wife and when she realized what was going on she became a little giddy, "It's been years since we've done this." She climbed on his back and gripped his shoulders tightly.
"I'm not as young as I once was, dear." He looked into her eyes over his shoulder, smile present as she kissed his cheek hugging him tighter.
She laughed lightly, "True."
The older man turned and said, "See you two at home." And he and his wife disappeared leaving the youngsters alone.
Sasuke was the first to recover and moved in front of the woman like Kizashi had. Sakura wasn't sure what to think, she'd been in situations like this, but none of the men were gentlemen like this man who was currently waiting for her to climb on his back.
She hesitated before reluctantly leaning on him and then wrapping her arms and legs around him. His muscles tensed tighter as she did so, she momentarily wondered if Sasuke had ever been this close to a woman. She had to shake her head to rid herself of those thoughts, it wasn't her business anyway, but she supposed he would have had plenty of girlfriends. Isn't it hard for a guy with his looks—not to mention a shinobi—to not be taken?
His hands grasped under her thighs, holding her to him. He was thankful she couldn't see his face with the way he had it hidden with his dark bangs, he was probably as red as he felt. This was his first experience being so near anyone who was female.
Of course he had women ogle him, but of every one out there, Sakura was by far the most different, and of all the other women, she was the first to be touching him. It's not that he didn't like women, it's more of him not being interested in a relationship, and being a ninja took a lot of time out of such things. Another thing, who would he be in one with? There were some women he could stand who he knew, strong kunoichi, but they saw him nothing more than a friend or comrade. His fan-girls, ones he got at every place he traveled and some he could have sworn followed him from one village to the next who had tried to jump him more than once while trying to take a bath in a stream, or tried to sneak into his quarters while he was asleep. He had always felt their presence, they were like a second enemy…he could only imagine what they are constantly thinking, especially to creep in his room. Sakura's blonde friend even felt safer to be around.
Back to his current dilemma, this Haruno was the first girl to not try anything with him, and this made him relieved, his taut muscles relaxed – which Sakura felt.
Face once again composed as if her closeness had no affect on him, Sasuke spoke to her in that hypnotizing voice of his, "Hold on tight."
Her grip almost bruised him as he sped through the foliage; he wondered how she could be so strong, but then it loosened a bit.
Once they arrived at home, Sasuke let Sakura off and they entered the apartment where they found the elders embracing each other. It had been so long since the Uchiha witnessed an older couple express their affection for one another, the moments he had caught his parents like this were rare—considering his father was a strict and stern shinobi and for him to display love to his wife and children was not an everyday thing.
From the corner of his eye he could see their daughter smile at them. "You two should make an evening to yourselves."
"Let's get to the decorating; I've already got the decorations planned." Mebuki said, ignoring her only child's comment.
The two males were ordered around all in good fun, and Sasuke managed to survive the women who were perfectionists when it came to every little detail of decking out the spirit of Christmas.
Finally, after who knows how many hours, they were finished both men slumped on the couch. Tired but getting hungry, Sakura broke the silence. "I should head to the market for some groceries, for dinner, and some tomatoes for Sasuke." Seemingly startled by her words said man drew his attention to the woman, she was smiling, sincerely.
"Perhaps we should just go out to eat," Kizashi suggested, "and then we can head to the market and get some tomatoes."
"That would mean no clean up duty in the kitchen," his wife said. "I'm for it! Let's take a few minutes to freshen up and we'll head out." With that she and Sakura were off.
"Women," Kizashi sighed, catching the Uchiha's eye, "can't live without them though." And he went to his room after the girls.
Once the ladies of the house decided they were finished, they headed out, Kizashi and Mebuki in the lead holding hands. Silently Sasuke and Sakura followed, unsure of where their dinner would be. The air was cold, their breathes coming out in white puffs before their faces. The young shinobi basked in the stillness of the night. It wasn't everyday it was as quiet as it was like tonight and he would enjoy the peace it brought. He'd only spent a day with this family, something that seemed foreign to him in so many years; the only family he can actually recall would the military kinship. This family however, reminded him of his own when his parents were still living, though Kizashi and Fugaku were really nothing alike.
He heard the light chatter of the light blonde haired women, and Sasuke thought she looked like a school girl madly in love with the man to her side. Supposing that's how it should be, after you've been married for so long, he'd seen some relationships where they fall out of love and result in divorce, but fortunately, that wasn't the case for everyone. For never having a relationship of his own, he could see that they were possibly more in love with each other than when they first became a couple, how he knew this, he didn't know, he just…felt it.
Unwittingly giving the medic beside him a glance, his eyes lingered to her face. Her mouth was hanging open in awe of some of the festive decorations that marked the Christmas season. The way her glimmering green eyes light like the lights that were surrounding houses in many beautiful colors were breathtaking. He blinked, realizing where his thoughts had trespassed, but his onyx orbs didn't stray from her features.
Feeling someone's stare, Sakura tilted her head to catch Sasuke staring at her with a blank expression. She smiled slightly, "Sorry. Christmas is my favorite holiday, and I always love the beauty of it."
"Hn, I can't really remember any Christmases." He turned his attention away, hands placed in his pockets.
Sakura was so taken aback with his comment she almost faltered her steps. 'Can't remember Christmas?' then she thought he must have been so busy fighting in the war to even take time for the holidays, not to mention shinobi aren't always guaranteed to have that time off to spend with family…but Sasuke only had a brother. She couldn't sympathize with him about having no kin. She hoped that how she was acting with her parents weren't causing him pain by having something he didn't. 'I'll make sure he has the best Christmas ever then.' She'd made a promise that she'd give Sasuke a Christmas to remember.
To start, she'd say something she was thinking how to say since tree hunting. "Sasuke," courage in place, and his attention solely on her, she continued, "I'm glad I'm getting the chance to know you." She smiled with a brief moment of closed eyes.
For reasons unknown, his heart fluttered, he couldn't explain it, but he knew for a fact no one had ever told him that—to his face at least—but he felt that's what made him feel as he did.
Her mother informed them that they had arrived at their destination, which looked remarkably fancy. Leading the girls in they were seated in a more secluded area at a table. It was dim, mostly for a romantic setting and Sasuke found a few couples in other areas of the room.
A black haired waitress began walking toward the table; Sasuke internally rolled his eyes—having seen her jump at the opportunity to wait on them, 'Another fan-girl.'
When she was there she turned all googly-eyed, "Hi, I'm Iya and I'll be your server this evening," passing out menus she didn't spare any of the others a glance, her black eyes shimmering.
Sasuke, paying no attention to the women looked down the menu, "Something I can get you to drink?"
"Hot tea," he answered simply.
"We'll all have hot tea please," Sakura said, not liking the way Iya was ogling Sasuke, she could see her intentions. And said male was not a piece of property. Women like this infuriated her.
Iya's orbs turned hostile in Sakura's direction.
The Uchiha, catching the waitresses rudeness, he decided to change his tone, "I believe my friend ordered hot tea for all of us." He fixed the girl with a glare of his own, making her nearly jump with his harsh mood. She nodded dumbly and left quickly.
The Haruno family could see Sasuke's irritated expression, "I always get women who have to ogle me," he spoke, "it's annoying with their petty actions, googly-eyes and attempts for a date."
Mebuki smiled at the young Uchiha, "But you are handsome Sasuke, how else would you expect them to act?" Her tone was playful, entertained.
"Hn…"
Moments later their beverages were brought back and the waitress didn't swoon over Sasuke as before by looking anywhere but him. Orders placed and conversation of light chatter with a few laughs.
Despite the waitress's earlier attitude, Sakura left her a large tip.
Mr. and Mrs. Haruno headed home, arm in arm, while Sakura decided to take Sasuke on a stroll through the town and down to the market for some tomatoes and a few other groceries. She left him in the produce isle with the words of getting as many as he wanted and she'd be in the dairy section.
Sasuke nearly had a hard time deciding how many he wanted and which ones looked best; the store had a great batch of red juicy tomatoes. Grabbing a produce bag and filling it before going to find Sakura.
When he found her, she pulled out the milk and seen him approaching and eyed his full bag of tomatoes. She blinked as he put them in the basket on her arm before he stuffed his hands in his pockets and had a cool indifferent expression on his face.
Since the market wasn't full, it had taken a minute for them to buy their groceries and head out into the cold once again.
The walk was quiet again, not that Sasuke or Sakura minded. It was comfortable. Reaching the doorstep to the medics' apartment, there was a single yellow camellia with a note attached. Taking it in her hand Sakura read the writing:
~ "I want you back"
Having read it quickly without her notice, Sasuke wondered who it was that left this for her. But he could see so many emotions flicker in her apple-green orbs before there was a flash of anger on her face and she tossed the flower away from the door and into the ground and stormed into the building, leaving Sasuke to wonder what had happened to her and her ex. He distantly recalled what Kizashi said about her boyfriends. It wasn't his business, but whatever he had done to her, hurt her deeply and she didn't want him back…
"How was your walk?" came the mothers' voice.
Sakura just passed them without a glance and her face hard and disappeared moments later a door slammed shut. Her parents cringed and their attention immediately turned to Sasuke.
To clear things up he held the retrieved yellow camellia in his hand and read the card out loud, "I want you back."
Now understanding that it wasn't Sasuke who soured Sakura's mood, which they didn't want to jump to conclusions, and he was such a nice man, but that it was someone else who was another thought in their mind.
Ever attentive obsidian pools watched the older pair's faces. Kizashi's were of anger-filled eyes and a dangerous expression. Mebuki's was upset and tired. Having volunteered to carry the bags Sasuke went into the kitchen and put the groceries away and threw the flower in the trash.
Deciding he wanted to head to his room, Sasuke said good night the Haruno's and just before he opened his door he heard muffled sobbing. Observing his surroundings and finding no one there he leaned his ear to Sakura's closed door and she was weeping heavily, but trying to not let anyone know.
He could hear a few mumbles and grumbles, and Sasuke remembered that it wasn't his business and left to his room, but he couldn't help but feel a little bad for this kindhearted woman.
..-The Christmas Card-..
Unable to sleep, a pink haired maiden tossed and turned, she was exhausted but her mind was restless. And after countless attempts to clear her mind she sat up on her bed.
Sighing she stood up and walked over to her dressers and shuffled through her clothes, when she can't sleep on nights like this, she'd usually go for a late night walk.
In long johns and sweats and two thick long sleeved shirts she quietly opened her bedroom door and stealthily made her way down the hall, not hoping to wake anyone at this hour. Placing on her shoes and a jacket, she made her way outside.
From the confines of his room, Sasuke heard her movements, his senses keen and were tuned to her all night. He hadn't slept a wink.
Right now, he was debating whether or not to shadow her.
The air was colder and hugging the coat to herself she walked down the abandoned streets of Konoha. White puffs of steam came from her lips and nose as she breathed in the frozen air. She didn't know where she was going, anywhere her feet lead her.
Where she ended up was a more secluded area, where shinobi had trained when in the village.
She wasn't paying attention to notice someone following her and only the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps startled her from her thoughts. A hand wrapped around her waist and another covered her mouth, her mind now in a panic. "Calm down Sakura." She knew that voice and it didn't get her to calm down; in fact she was far from it.
Her struggling only increased. "Sakura," his voice turned harsher and he fought to restrain her.
"Let me go!" she shouted, she inwardly cursed herself for going so far no one would hear her screams. "Get away from me!"
"You know no one's going to hear you, so hear me out and I'll let you go. Please Sakura."
"No! I don't want you back, you left me!" Finally able to twist away just enough she sent a fist for his face, hitting him hard enough to hear a snap. He released her and held his nose, which was bleeding profusely and broken.
His eyes turned murderous as he glared at her backing up form, "I'll kill you," she watched him lunge at her and she didn't have enough time to evade him. But before he could touch her, he was punched in the face again and skidded meters away on the cold frozen ground and into a tree.
Unsure of what just happened, the frightened jade orbs turned from her ex to the one who showed up before serious damage could be done to her. Disarrayed onyx hair and crimson orbs present with a fierce expression. Sasuke looked ready to kill, "Sasuke." He didn't look her over; he was too pissed and watched the man stagger to his feet – eyes back to onyx, whipping the blood that ran down his face. His hair was blue and his eyes a lighter shade.
"This is none of your business. Leave." He said.
"Hn, this is how you treat women." Sasuke's face was still hard, his tone like ice – Sakura shivered.
"It's none of your business."
"It doesn't look like she wants anything to do with you."
"That's why I'm here, now beat it!"
"I'm not leaving her with scum like you. Whatever you have to say you'll say in front of me, or you can leave." The Uchiha's expression was now composed, as if nothing had happened, but he did stay remarkably close to Sakura, the man noticed this and it only fueled his fury.
The man cracked his knuckles, ready to fight, "I'll mess up your face, pretty boy."
Eye's bleeding crimson again, three black comma-like shapes present, Sasuke only had to look into the man's eyes to cause him fear, he fought it down, but the young shinobi could see the terror he tried to hide.
As the unwelcomed visitor approached Sakura made sure to inch closer to Sasuke's side – which both men were keenly aware of. This infuriated the other man even more.
"I want you back," he said, voice growling as he glared at Sakura's protector, who only glared back.
Appalled Sakura crossed her arms and turned away, "Who left who for someone else, Takashi, not to mention when I caught you with her. If you didn't want to be with me you should have just said it." Anger laced through her.
"Sakura don't act like you know the situ-"
"But I do, I was there for all of it, you initiated the actions. I didn't want to assume, so I watched every action and heard every word. Don't say another word. I'm always snagging scumbags, and you're the biggest one of all. I don't want you back, I won't take you back." When the man, Takashi, comprehended her words his anger showed, taking a threatening step forward…that was until Sasuke grabbed Sakura's waist and pulled her close to him, and he stood in front of her and only a little pink hair could be seen behind his shoulders. She peaked over and Takashi could see a slight blush dusting the woman's features.
"You won't come near her ever again, should you try I will know, you won't be able to hide from me."
"Is this your boyfriend now?" he asked her.
"My relationship with Sakura," she shivered as he said her name, though he took it as her being cold, "is none of your business. She doesn't want you and now knowing about your worthless existence I don't want you near her either. Men like you give men a bad name."
Sasuke felt oddly protective of this woman, she seemed fragile but not. Perhaps it was his shinobi instinct to serve and protect, especially when it came to women, ill treated or not. He felt that this feeling over females was because of his mother. While she was alive she had taught him to respect women but when they swarmed him in hordes he tried everything to evade them, but he never caused them harm, or too much if they were an enemy kunoichi.
Stare fixated on the other man the Uchiha watched as he debated what to do. Huffing Takashi turned away with not even a glance in Sakura's direction, "Whatever, you're not worth it," and stormed off into the night.
When they were both alone Sasuke shifted his head in the females direction. She looked crushed; her shimmering eyes were now dull and forlorn. "I was a fool to think you were ever worth it," she mumbled, but Sasuke heard clearly, and she turned on her heel and the male followed silently.
It was a good thing he shadowed her, but he was a good distance away, he didn't want to interfere with her life but when Sasuke felt another chakra presence with an intent in it that told him something bad was about to happen and he came running.
"I found him with someone else," Sakura's soft voice broke his thoughts. Her head was still down, her bangs hiding her face. "I never told my parents this, but we were engaged for a few days before I caught him with another woman. He left me after. With my luck with men, they always leave me," she sighed, "maybe I'm not meant to be loved."
"Everyone is meant to be loved, Sakura," Sasuke continued to stare straight ahead. "There will be one man who will treat you like a queen, just don't go engaging yourself to the wrong man before he shows up."
That sounded so corny! Coming from an Uchiha, Sasuke inwardly scolded himself.
Sakura blinked, looking up at the raven haired ninja, surprised by his words. "You sound so sure. Tell me Sasuke, would you wait for some woman to come along and treat you like a king, and decide to settle down and have a family? If you haven't already met that person anyway, would you give up the shinobi lifestyle for that person?"
He shrugged, "Haven't thought about it."
"Wouldn't that mean you are meant to be loved Sasuke? Men like you who are disciplined and truly loyal to their country and comrades probably give you many women after your heart and marriage vows. Many women, myself included, would desire that in a man, and in my experience, men with those qualities are one in a million…that's one thing that brought my mother and father together. I would like to have a relationship like that." Sasuke could hear a dreamy sigh coming from the medic beside him and resisted the urge to roll his eyes with her actions, but a small smirk quirked his lips, amused.
"Then stop looking for Prince Charming and wait for him to come to you," he couldn't believe he was talking like this.
"Sasuke," she started, "thank you."
He looked at her full on.
"For helping me just now," she looked away quickly, shyly. "…I don't want to think of what could have happened…if you hadn't come."
"Hn, I was already out, I felt your chakra and came to meet you, but I felt another presence and I came quickly." He lied smoothly; he didn't want her to know that he was concerned for her.
'I thought his shoes were at the door…?' Sakura thought, slightly skeptical, 'Or I could have been out of it.'
"I have to say, that was one hell of a punch," his tone held a bit of pride, a sideways smirk on his features.
Sakura had to smile, "My father taught me some taijutsu, but I haven't practiced in so long I don't remember much else."
"Perhaps I'll show you some before I leave."
"I'd like that," the walk back home was in comfortable silence once again, Sakura felt safe and Sasuke enjoyed her calming company, which was rare for him to think about a female…she was quite intriguing…
..-The Christmas Card-..
Hope you enjoyed! I hope to have the finale part up sometime soon! Don't forget to review!