A/N: It's that time AGAIN! Another holiday another story!
Disclaimer: Don't own the characters or the songs that may be featured, but I do own... well I can't think of anything at the moment. I'll get back to you on that.
Enjoy and my Christmas/Season Greetings go out to you!
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"Merry CHRISTMAS Sakura!" Ino tapped energetically on her friend's living room window and pressed her face against the cold glass. Her breath formed clouds of steam around the iced corners.
Sakura looked up and was startled by the sight. "INO?" She ran to her door and let her in along with a rush of cold wind.
As soon as Ino was inside her mood changed drastically. It was as if the kindness melted from her. "Took you long enough!" She rubbed her red nose and nearly toppled Sakura over.
"Sorry. What were you doing out there anyway?"
"I came to drop off your present of course." She spun around to face Sakura and tossed off her heavy coat and long scarf onto her unknowing hostess' open arms.
"…And get mine duh!"
Ino walked further into the warm room and investigated a plate of cookies and tea.
"But it's not even Christmas..."
"Shhh. I know that! But it is Christmas Eve. Close enough, right?" From the platter her fingers casually chose an interesting white dessert.
"I suppose. Hold on let me go get your gift." She disappeared with Ino's things and headed to her room.
Ino nodded and swayed to the music coming from the radio with the cookie dangling from her mouth. The majority of the stations had jumped on the bandwagon and chose to play only Christmas music.
Sakura must've finally given up avoiding it. Who doesn't play Christmas music on Christmas Eve? Ino finished up her cookie and looked to the plate for a second helping. Under it she couldn't help noticing a list.
Hmm. Christmas list? Let's see if I got her what she wanted.
She grabbed it from beneath the metal and realized it wasn't a list of wanted gifts... but a list of names and addresses.
What the heck is she doing with this? And why is Sasuke on it?!
"Here you go Ino. Sorry it took so long but I forgot where I put it." Sakura held a neatly wrapped box over Ino's shoulder. The sparkling ribbon captured her attention momentarily.
"Oo thanks." She snatched it and tossed the list back on the table.
"Should we open them now?" Sakura fiddled with the pink wrapping.
"Why not? Now's as good a time as any." Ino herself was becoming impatient and tore the paper. Sakura followed.
Within seconds both were brandishing new hair accessories. "I guess we think alike." Sakura smiled. "Yeah. This is great! Sasuke's gonna love it." Ino said in a singsong tone playing with her new kanzashi.
Both were silent for a moment and stared intently at one another. Suddenly the thought of the list returned to Ino.
"Sakura..." She began slowly not to upset her friend or think she was snooping in fear of having her gift taken away.
"Yes?"
Another lengthy pause. "What's that list for?"
"Oh this one?" Sakura pointed to the table. Ino nodded. "Christmas cards. Why?"
A weight was lifted off her shoulders, "No reason. Just curious."
"Yeah. I still have to send out one to Naruto and one to Sas..."
The 50-lbs. barbell was dropped back onto Ino. "When were you gonna send it?!"
"Today of course! It's already late as it is."
"You already have one then?" Ino said miserably. How could I forget about Christmas? I never forget to send my hottie a card.
"Well," Sakura's face turned a shade extremely similar to her hair color. "I was going to make him one today. I have this new program on my computer where you can turn a picture into a..."
"Oo can I make one, too?" Ino sat forward eagerly.
"Um... well I guess so. But I kinda..."
Ino's waving hand silenced her once she heard what she wanted. "Thanks Sakura! You're terrific! Let's start right now!"
"Hehe." She laughed nervously. "Umm... what did you have in mind exactly?"
Ino grinned back. "Let's take a look at those clothes of yours. Grab the camera and follow me!"
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"Ino I'm having second thoughts."
Ino turned to her companion on their way to the post center. She had a frown on her face.
"Second thoughts about what?"
She fidgeted with the envelope. "Sending the card. It's not very appropriate..."
Ino gave a huffy sigh and put her hand on Sakura's shoulder. "Sakura, this is for Sasuke. It's not just any guy. Besides it's Christmas and we spent a long time getting it right. All guys dream of getting something like this." And in a single flash, the card was torn from Sakura's gloved hands and stuffed into a mailbox.
"Ahh! Ino!"
"Too late Sakura. No need to thank me." Ino took hold of Sakura's elbow and led her away from the box. "Now then... let's go back to your house and have some cookies."
00000 In the Quiet District of a Well-known/Well-worshipped Hottie of Naruto Fangirls 00000
"On the first day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
A partridge in a pear tree..."
The tube socked teenager lounging on an over stuffed armchair slumped lower into the warm blanket he had wrapped around himself. Most of the homes were not well insulated but Sasuke was convinced his was especially frigid.
"On the second day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Two turtledoves,
and a partridge in a pear tree..."
Not now. It's too early. Sasuke peered at the clock a ways away and noted the time. I hate carolers.
Naruto was a persistent bugger so of course he wouldn't leave his teammate be. Especially on Christmas Eve. Besides, he was too busy singing terribly. The song wouldn't have been so tormenting if her didn't attempt the Muppet version of the Christmas song.
"On the third day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Three French hens,
Two turtledoves,
and a partridge in a pear tree..."
Go away damnit!
Naruto continued from outside the screen.
"On the fourth day of Christmas, On the fifth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtledoves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.
My true love gave to me:
Five goldennnn ringssss! Badamp-bamp-bamp!
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree..."
"Kuso Naruto. Leave me alone." He muttered under his breath and pulled his feet closer to his body. No one in this weather and their right mind would venture from the comfort of their home. Sasuke was no different.
Although, his home was freezing for some reason (hence the socks). He listened drearily to the deafening tone of Naruto's shrill voice.
"On the eighth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five goldennnn ringssss! Badamp-bamp-bamp!
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree..."
When enough was finally enough, the Uchiha managed to tear himself away from the chair that was probably the only thing in the house warmer than 20 degrees. He stomped across the wood floor as fast as his numb legs allowed.
"On the tenth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a..."
"ENOUGH!" Sasuke threw open the front door and glared out. A stunned Iruka and thrilled Naruto looked back at him. Both held caroling books.
"Merry Christmas Sasuke-kun." Iruka smiled cheerfully from under a fluffy Santa hat.
Sasuke grimaced at the happy-go-lucky pair. He seriously considered destroying the books, but then where would the two go? Into his house.
Naruto showed all his teeth and greeted him bluntly. "Sasuke are you wearing PANTS?"
Always skips straight to pure loser. "Yes idiot. Why wouldn't I be..."
Naruto opened his mouth to retort but Iruka interrupted.
"...And a Happy New Year! I haven't seen you in a while, how are you?" Apparently he didn't want a fight to erupt.
"Fine." Sasuke said through his teeth.
"Did you like the song? We didn't finish it. Wanna go caroling with us?!"
"You're welcome to join us!" The Chunin added and motioned to the books.
Sasuke stared at the bright faces. "No."
Naruto laughed. "C'mon! It's fuuunnn!"
"Of course it is. I'm busy."
"Oh. Right. You're always busy with something! That's not gonna happen today Sasuke, it's almost Christmas you know you wanna!"
"Get doors slammed in my face all day. Entertaining but I'm going to pass."
Naruto pouted and Iruka wrinkled his nose at the snow that began to fall onto his vest. "That's understandable. Come on Naruto. The snow's starting to fall and we still have a lot more houses to go."
"Okay Iruka-sensei! Hey Sasuke, I'm having a party tonight. Come over okay?" He grunted lazily at the order.
The two carolers turned and headed towards the other homes that lined the streets. "Naruto how many times do I have to tell you? I'm not your teacher anymore..."
Sasuke rolled his eyes and slammed the screen shut. Spending the entire evening at Naruto's home wasn't even in the back of his mind. He crossed the cold boards to his chair but had to turn when there was a knock on the door.
"WHAT?!" Sasuke was about to lose it. The postman made a funny face and took one look at Sasuke wrapped in his quilt. As strange a sight it was; he could tell he was in no mood to be messed with.
"Uh... here. Mer-merry Christmas!" An over decorated envelope was shoved at him and the messenger stumbled off without a backward glance.
Sasuke screamed after him in distress, "Is it?! I HAVEN'T NOTICED!" He savagely tore the paper and a card slipped out. Cursing madly he snatched the card and stomped inside.
His blood ran cold at the sight of what had been sent to him. Sasuke held a picture of Sakura and Ino dressed in skimpy bras with the letter "H" or "O" on each cup and topped off with the cliche Santa hats. Between them they held up a sign that finished off "Ho Ho Ho".
The irony was too much to hold in. A smile parted his lips at their own labeling. But when he opened the card, it quickly disappeared.
Inside there was a somewhat threatening note:
To Our Santa Baby,
Merry Christmas hottie! We'll be coming down your chimney tonight. So wait for us around 11:00 and we'll bring the mistletoe... and a little more. Don't try to return this gift 'cause we'll find you! And we mean it. We'll be looking for you Sasuke!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO+infinity!!!
Sakura + Ino
Christmas had become an entirely sick joke.
First Naruto's invitation and torturous duet. Now stalkers. Skanky stalkers.
Sasuke threw the letter onto the chair and flew towards his room. There was no other way around it. If he wished to maintain some level of dignity he couldn't just wait until 11:00 came and went painfully.
He desperately grabbed clothes and put them on. Something in the back of his mind had taken the note to heart. Yes, Sasuke was aware of Sakura's far inferior skill in tracking. But when it came to determination of both Sakura and Ino, he couldn't take any chances.
He had to run.
00000 In the Outskirts of Konoha 00000
"Kankuro…"
Temari's voice rang through the apartment her and her brothers were staying in for the time being.
He ducked and slid down into the sofa, trying to avoid her at all costs. All day she had been after the remote. Now her show was coming on and guess who had the controller.
"There you are! Okay give it up." Temari peered at him from above the couch and held out her hand.
Kankuro looked at her with a smirk. "Give wha"
"Oh shut up you know what. Now hand it over and there won't be any trouble."
"Trouble? What can you do to me?"
Temari pondered this for a few moments and Kankuro turned his attention back to The Grinch movie that had been playing back-to-back-to-back-to-back all morning long.
She seized this perfect opportunity and tore the device from his grasp.
"Hey!"
"Ha-ha-ha." Temari snickered cruelly as she flipped through the channels.
"How am I going to find out who stole Christmas now?" Kankuro gave her a look of concern.
"You've watched this all day. I think you could put two and two together. Move."
He shrugged. "I haven't been paying close attention to it."
"It was a five hour marathon you idiot! The movie is a half-hour. How can you miss the ending of all ten showings?"
His mouth opened to retaliate when a loud voice seemed to drift from nowhere.
"It's a marshmallow world in the winter…!
"What the hell's that?" Kankuro said bluntly.
Temari shrugged. "Sounds like it's coming from outside…"
"Go check."
"And leave my remote? I don't think so!"
"…When the snow comes to cover the ground
It's the time for play, it's a whipped cream dayyy
I wait for it the whole year rounddd…
Kankuro grimaced and put his hands over his ears, staring intently at the television. Temari was getting red in the face.
"Kami Temari. Go out there and make 'em stop!"
"NO!"
So on went the bickering. And the sluggish lyrics continued to pour in louder as the song progressed.
…Those are marshmallow clouds being friendly
In the arms of the evergreen treeeeeeees…
"TEMARI!!" Kankuro was nearly begging her now. "MAKE IT STOP!"
…And the sun is red like a pumpkin head
It's shining so your nose won't freeze!
"Argh!" He crumpled himself up in a corner of the couch. Temari clicked the volume button on the remote desperately, cursing under her breath.
…The world is your snowball, see how it grows
That's how it goes whenever it snows…!
Gaara strolled out of his locked room and took a look around. He too heard the painfully drowsy tune and had come out to investigate.
Kankuro's fetal position didn't seem to help much and Temari was running out of bars of volume on the screen at a frightening rate.
…The world is your snowball just for a song
Get out and roll it alonggg!
"Caroler."
The older two looked at the redhead whose eyes narrowed at the sight of Naruto singing outside the building.
…It's a YUM-YUMMY world made for shhweetheartsss
"Uzumaki." Gaara snarled.
"Huh?" Kankuro removed his hands and perked up. "That retard? Oh jigoku no…" He rolled off the cushions and crept to the window. Gaara moved over and watched the older throw open the window.
Take a walk with your favorite girrrrlllll
It's a sugar da... Oh hey Kankuro! What's up?!"
His nose wrinkled and his eyes became slits. "Get out of here Uzumaki!"
Naruto looked hurt. "What? I'm just spreading some Christmas spirit…"
"Yeah well we don't want any!" Feeling pleased with himself he reached to slam the window shut.
"You sand guys SUCK!" Naruto shouted from the street.
"You Konohans swallow!"
SLAM!
"Nice one Kankuro."
Kankuro grinned at Temari. "I thought so…"
FWUMP!
A HUGE snowball exploded onto the glass. "He didn't get the picture." Gaara pointed out. "Sigh." Temari snickered.
"YOU do it then. Not like you can do any better."
Gaara shrugged and forced the window open again.
Surprisingly, Naruto was still standing there forming a second snowball to launch. He dropped it when he saw Gaara and started waving enthusiastically.
"Merry Christmas!"
Gaara chose his words carefully before answering to the greeting...
...No words came so he kept his tongue, knowing Naruto would continue anyway.
"Cold ain't it? At least we have a white Christmas. Remember a few years back... wait no you probably don't because you weren't here. In Sunagakure do they have snow? Haha of course not right?"
Gaara blinked and watched falling snow melt on his hands. He despised, loathed and cursed it. It was a mystery why anyone would want it for a holiday. Naruto jabbered on as he pondered.
"...Fat and red? Seriously! How can he fit down these chimneys! I don't think he can lose that much that fast. If he does I think Kankuro should get some pointers from him! Hahaha."
(A/N: Kankuro is not fat. He's just muscular that's all.)
When Gaara had had enough of not doing anything but glare at snow he moved to shut the glass.
"Wait! I'm getting some people together tonight. Wanna come over?"
Gaara paused.
(A/N: And what happened then...?
Well...in Who-ville they say
That Gaara's small heart
Grew three sizes that day!)
"No." Or not. In a flash the glass was down and Gaara gone.
"PARTY?!"
Out of NO where Lee jumped out from behind a tree wrapped up in lights. "I'll come, I'll come, I'll come!" He hopped up and down, his foot getting increasingly tangled with each jump.
Naruto's jaw hung loosely and his eyes followed the bouncing spy. "Who says you're invited bushy brows?"
He stopped and his eyes began to water.
"You're a creep."
"True. But that is no reason to not invite me!"
"Uh... yeah it is."
Lee thought. "I'll bring egg nog and cookiessss!"
"Hmm. Cookies?" Naruto rubbed his chin. "Hmmm. Okay!"
"Yippee-kai-YO!"
"But they better be good. See you at 9." And Naruto left to finish up his caroling by himself.
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A/N: The reason Iruka is not with him is that Naruto took their weekly stop at the ramen stand as a Christmas present and he took advantage of that. Poor Iruka did not bring enough so he is there washing dishes in the back.
Part 1 Done! As you can tell, there's a lot of music in this one. I guess you could consider it a musical. The Marshmallow World song is probably one of the most annoying songs out there! So I had to add it.
Merry Christmas... Eve! Please review I'll take it as my Christmas gift. ; )