Author's Note: I hope you enjoy this Christmas story. I know it is short...but some things you just can't make any longer.
As usual, there are no pairings.
The best songs to listen to while you are reading this story are nice, quiet Christmas songs.
Don't forget to R&R at the end please... I like feedback.
Oh, by the way...Merry Christmas.
Sasuke sat up groggily and glanced outside. Konoha City was covered with a beautiful blanket of pure white snow and from the view of his bedroom window, Sasuke could see clear to the city square where the large tower stood. The Season was Christmas and already Sasuke could smell the spices that Kabuto was using for the Christmas dinner.
As Sasuke sat in the stillness of his room he sighed and fell back against his fluffy pillow. For him the Christmas season was a lonely and desolate one. The excitement that tingled in the air only reminded him of years ago when he was with his family. Before disaster had struck, he had been a happy boy who, like everyone else looked forward to the Christmas excitement and, of course… presents on New Year's morning. Sasuke smiled sadly as he remembered how one Christmas he and Itachi had argued over who would get the biggest present among the assortment that was sitting under the tree that was standing proudly near their family crest on the wall. How could a tree stand proudly? Fugaku had asked his youngest son. Sasuke didn't have a reply but he still thought it looked proud. And his mother had agreed.
Sasuke let a tear run down his cheek before he reached up and wiped the rest away. He had come quite a way since the Christmas seven year ago…since his family's murder. He was in high-school now and he had one friend. He was living with Orochimaru and he did admit that he was somewhat happy.
But somehow, on Christmas he felt lonely and he almost waited for the day to end, wishing it was over before it had even begun.
As Sasuke sat deep in thought Orochimaru quietly slipped into the room and walked over to Sasuke's bed. "Merry Christmas Sasuke" he said quietly, placing a small blue box in Sasuke's lap. Sasuke looked up and managed a small smile. "Naruto will be here soon. Come down stairs when you're ready. We still have a Christmas tree to decorate." Orochimaru said as he left the room. Sasuke set the box on his nightstand and swung his legs off the side of the bed. He would open the package before he went to sleep he told himself as he went to his closet to change.
As soon as he had finished changing, Sasuke headed for the door and then stopped. Slowly he turned and walked back to his nightstand and picked up the package. Maybe he should open it now…or later… he was about to set the box back down when on an impulse he sat down on the bed and began to carefully open the box. As he lifted the lid, he stared for a moment in shock and then lifted the present out of the box. It was a simple photo in a natural wood frame but it was still probably the greatest gift he had ever received… Gently Sasuke set the photo on his nightstand and blinked back the tears as he read the note that had been in the box.
"Dear Sasuke,
I know that seeing your family has been painful
For these many past years,
But this year, I felt it right that you should see them…
even if it is just a picture.
Merry Christmas
-Orochimaru"
As Sasuke walked down the stairs and heard Naruto's distinct voice he smiled. Maybe this Christmas wouldn't be so lonely after all…
Thank you for reading...I hope you enjoyed it.