disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, and I don't know the name of the guy who does, so I'm just gonna call him bob.

Thanks Bob, and I'm sorry for making them gay in this one, but I promise I'll write a different story to make up for it, because I know you didn't mean for them to be gay.

Ok. I know I was saying it was a sequel and all that but I felt like making just one more. JUST ONE THOUGH. Hahah, still, no sex ok?

Hey Sasuke part 3: Winter's here.

Naruto lifted his hands to the sky with acute detachment, his mind off somewhere beyond the full black clouds.

Falling gently from the cushions were tiny, dandruff sized snowflakes that drifted to the earth as if gravity was nothing. They were lazy little bits of frozen water, taking their sweet time to make a trip to the earth. It was a calming sight, one that made Naruto's face lighten and flush slightly with the joy winter brings everyone.

"Wow, it's so beautiful!" Sakura giggled, spinning around cutely in a purely flirtatious way. Standing nearby was the dark stoic Sasuke and ever distant Shikimaru, both staring at the sky as if it were evil. Sakura prettily chased snowflakes, and Naruto couldn't help it anymore, he joined her in the making of snow angels and a snowman. When they finished their beautiful masterpiece (lopsided, clumpy headed snowman with no eyes or arms) Naruto sat back laughing and Sakura shivered nearby with a grin on her face. "I love winter, it's the best time of the year. And Christmas if coming up soon..."

"That's right." Naruto muttered, glancing casually at the dark Sasuke who stood kicking a small icicle through a snow drift. There wasn't much for him to do in the winter time.

If Naruto didn't know any better, he'd think there wasn't a warm cell in that boys body, he could even see the tiny shivers going up Sasuke's pocketed arms. What was he going to get Sasuke for Christmas?

"So," Sakura grinned slightly, sitting on her knees in a snow pile, the melted ice soaking her leggings right through. Unlike Sasuke, Sakura could tolerate cold more then anything. "What are you getting me, hmm?"

"I'm not telling." Naruto teased, adding the finishing touch to the terrible snowman. He removed his scarf and wrapped it around the lopsided head, the neck tremulously shifting when he did, but it didn't fall. Not yet anyways. "It's a surprise."

The truth was Naruto didn't know what to get anyone. Maybe a puzzle for Shikimaru, and some kind of trinket for Kiba...Flowers for Hinata would send her over the edge, and a new outfit for Ino...What could he get Sakura? Maybe a pretty scarf or bow for her hair? A bracelet? How much money did he have anyways?

Enough for the holiday.

He could get LOTS of food for Chouji, or even a coupon for Ichiruka Ramen stall, that would satisfy the boy. He wasn't the best of friends with Neji, but he could always try. Maybe...Erm, Naruto hit a blank spot. What would Neji want for Christmas?

"It's getting a little cold, let's go somewhere and dry off." Sakura suggested, blowing on her shivering fingers.

"You don't have gloves?" Naruto speculated. Sakura shrugged.

"The ones I have just got ruined thanks to my neighbors dog..."

"Too bad." Naruto murmured, though an idea had sparked in his head. Christmas was in two weeks, perfect time for Naruto to get some shopping done.

Over the years Naruto had strengthened his relationship with everyone, no longer was he alone. In fact, he had never been happier in his life. Sure, he wasn't completely in love with Sakura anymore, but they remained close friends. In fact, the years had changed everyone. Shikimaru a chunin and great at what he did, Sasuke training to become an ANBU, Sakura taking on Tsunade's awesome healing techniques. Everyone changed for the better. Despite all that had happened with Sasuke in the past, things were getting better. Everything was being bandaged, one plastic band-aid after another. It was turning into a happy ending after all.

They stopped at a small shop that sold warm tea's and sat to drink and get warm. Defrost. Shikimaru said his goodbyes and left for the warmth of home. Sasuke was shivering despite the fact that he was trying not to let anyone see it. Naruto's eyes smiled at the stoic boy and when no one was looking, he let his hands drift over Sasuke's ice cold ones under the table. Sasuke gave no clue that anything was going on, but he squeezed back indefinatley, showing Naruto that he was great full for the warmth.

When Naruto returned home (which was basically Sasuke's apartment with all the time he spent there) he jumped straight into the bath, feeling the hot steam rising and enveloping him. Outside winter waited for him, waited for everyone to feel it's joy.

When Sasuke knocked on the door, Naruto reluctantly pulled himself out and drifted into a heavenly smelling kitchen, where Sasuke was making some sort of stir-fry. They ate dinner in silence, Sasuke staring down at his plate and Naruto's eyes drifting to the window. Lately talk between them had become, less desirable. Naruto could almost feel the two of them drifting farther apart. Sure they touched, they did things, but without hearing those words for himself, Naruto didn't feel like it was real. He turned his eyes from the window and stared with pain at Sasuke, who continued to eat neatly and silently. Sure, silence was perfectly fine for Sasuke, but Naruto wasn't used to this. He was always ready to laugh, to yell, to say something!

"What?" Sasuke asked suddenly, startling Naruto out of his revere.

"Hm?"

"You're staring at me." Sasuke muttered, attacking a piece of fried chicken with his chop sticks and bringing it to his mouth as he returned Naruto's stare.

"Let's go do something." Naruto suggested. "I'm bored just sitting and watching you be boring. Can we go skating or something?

Sasuke sighed and put down his food. "Fine, whatever."

The river was completely frozen over from the harsh icy cold. It was also completely deserted, everyone was either out holiday shopping or holding up in the warmth of their homes. The snow continued to fall as soft and white as earlier in the day.

Naruto tightened the skates on his feet and smiled up at the Uchiha boy who was already ready to go on the ice. Sasuke's hands were in his pockets as always and he chipped the end of his skate into the ice as he waited for Naruto to get his own on. When the blond finally got the last knot tied, he jumped to his feet and slipped up beside Sasuke with a grin, slipping his own hand into Sasuke's pockets.

Surprised at the sudden movement, Sasuke followed as Naruto led him out onto the ice. It was a nostalgic moment. Naruto was almost surprised at how sentimental the two of them were being with each other. If anyone stumbled upon this picture they'd possibly faint, because it was rare that either boy showed such tenderness towards each other. It was their secret little world.

"Are you coming to Sakura's on Christmas?" Naruto asked innocently as they swerved down the frozen river.

"Do I have a choice?" Sasuke sighed, blowing hot air on his shivering finger tips. If there was one thing Sasuke disliked, it was the snow, and icy cold air. It always went straight through him.

"No." Naruto grinned. He nudged Sasuke playfully. "So what're you getting me for Christmas?"

"Nothing." Sasuke replied. Naruto frowned angrily. However, Sasuke quickly shook his head. "I'm joking."

"Seriously?" Naruto scoffed. "One of the rare times I hear a joke from you and that's the best?"

Sasuke landed a clean punch to Naruto's shoulder and skated off ahead. Naruto grinned playfully, and quickly caught up, wrapping his arms around Sasuke's waist as they slipped along the ice.

"I like you better like this anyways." Naruto whispered into the dark blue of Sasuke's coat. Silence replied, and they continued with their small skating adventure.

:

Naruto struggled to reach the small door bell, his mountain of freshly wrapped Christmas gifts close to toppling over. Suddenly, the door creaked open and Kiba stood with one eyebrow lifted in curiosity.

"Is that you Naruto?" Kiba chuckled as he took a couple boxes off Naruto's arms. Naruto grinned from around a pretty red and green bag as Kiba led him towards the living room. Sakura's house was decorated heavily with every decoration anyone could think of. Everything was spotlessly cleaned and standing tall and proud in the living room was a magnificent Christmas tree.

Naruto sighed as he dropped all his gifts beneath the tree.

"Wow Sakura-Chan, this place is amazing." Naruto gasped, checking out all the decorations. Hinata was sitting on the sofa trying to blend in with the upholstery, and next to her sat Shino. He looked as emotionless as ever, his sunglasses reflecting the lights off the Christmas tree. Standing nearby was Ino and Sakura, both holding trays of refreshments that they placed on the coffee table in front of Shino and Hinata. Naruto grabbed a cup of punch.

"Thanks, my mom and I worked for hours." Sakura giggled, scratching her head slightly. "Thanks for coming! Where's Sasuke?"

"I'm not sure." Naruto replied, his shoulders drooping slightly. In fact, Sasuke hadn't met up with Naruto for the past two days, making up the excuse that he was shopping, but Naruto hadn't seen him in any stores. It was beginning to trouble Naruto. What if this was a sign? That Sasuke was breaking it off? "I hope he comes though."

"That's weird, usually he's with you." Sakura pouted. "I guess we'll wait and see. Darn, and I went to the trouble of getting him a gift and everything..."

Naruto's eyes drifted to the lightly wrapped blue box under the tree, the golden bow sparkling softly. He'd searched for hours for that gift. Where was Sasuke anyways?

"N-Naruto-k-kun." A tiny voice stuttered into Naruto's mind. He glanced to his right only to find Hinata blushing and twiddling her fingers. "M-Merry, C-Christmas."

"Oh, you too Hinata." Naruto smiled pleasantly and watched as her face immediately become more red.

Everyone's heads turned when the doors opened up and in walked Gai's team, along with Chouji and Shikimaru. They all dusted the snow off their shoulders and removed their shoes politely, before placing their gifts under the increasingly crowded tree. It was becoming a big party.

"Hey Naruto." Shikimaru said, his hands wrapped behind his head. "Where's Sasuke?"

"I don't know." Naruto muttered. He was really getting tired of people asking.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY YOUTHFUL FRIENDS!" Rock Lee's voice caused many to cringe as he ran around wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Neji glared at his hyper team mate, almost feeling sorry for the people Rock Lee was turning his attention on.

Naruto took a seat on a chair and stared at the twinkling tree, and all his milling friends. He felt sort of depressed. The one person he was looking forward to seeing among all his friends, was that black haired man. It made Naruto feel like crying when he couldn't see Sasuke in that room.

"Is everyone here already?" Sakura speculated. No, Sasuke still wasn't there. It wasn't fair, what did Naruto do to deserve this?

"We're missing one." Shikimaru replied, glancing around before casually letting his eyes land on the troubled Naruto. He was still the only one who knew about Naruto and Sasuke, and he was doing a very good job of keeping it under wraps. Though, Shikimaru wasn't one to tell secrets anyways. He probably had a thousand of Chouji's that he wasn't telling anyone.

"I wonder where Sasuke is?" Ino murmured worriedly. She turned her eyes to Naruto, as did everyone else. "He said he was coming, right?"

Naruto nervously scratched the back of his head. "Yeah I guess, but I don't know where he could be."

Sakura frowned and sat on a small chair. "Should we wait?"

Silence fell over the room then. It was strange, waiting for the one person whom no one really had much of a connection with. Sasuke had always just been there, standing around with an angry expression. Though he did have admirers, he wasn't the easiest person to get along with.

Suddenly, a noise sounded at the door. Sort of like a scratching noise, like an animal. Kiba was the first to walk towards the door with a curious expression, disappearing behind the wall. The sound of wind hurtling inside was heard as the door opened, and then some murmuring, before Kiba came inside with none other then Sasuke in tow. The male actually had arms full of presents, though his face gave them the impression that he wasn't happy at all to have to lug them around. Even Kiba looked surprised, holding some of the presents himself.

Was it everyone's imagination, or had Sasuke actually made an effort? It was simply unbelievable, especially since no one had expected anything from the Uchiha. Nothing at all. Simply amazing.

Naruto wanted desperately to jump for joy and hug the living daylights out of Sasuke, but he settled for punching Sasuke in the arm and asking him where the hell he had been, and what was his problem coming late. The ice was broken however, and everyone settled in for a wonderful evening filled with giving.

They decided to eat first before they opened presents.

Naruto tried to be inconspicious everytime he glanced at Sasuke was sitting casually across from him, in his own little stoic empire of quietness. Neji was perfectly comfortable in Sasuke's silence, finding it easy to be quiet, but unfortunately Lee found him and had to ruin it all. Naruto sighed and plopped his head on the table, where his empty plate was pushed to the side. The food was delicious, and Sakura was working with Ino to get rid of the dirty plates.

Naruto's mind wandered to the village of Sand, where it wouldn't snow. Did Gaara celebrate Christmas? He was depressed that he hadn't thought of inviting Gaara. This would have opened him up to Naruto's friends.

"Present time!" Sakura cried, racing Ino to the living room. Everyone proceeded, Naruto storming in as well with an eager smile. The truth was that this would be his first Christmas with all his friends, and he was so excited he almost couldn't stop smiling from ear to ear. Sasuke studied him silently from the corner of the room, where no one approached him. He wasn't the most, talkative person in the world. It was strange to even be in a room with all those people.

But watching Naruto, he realized just how much Naruto had. All of them seemed to gravitate towards his smile, as though he were the greatest friend in the world. Who would have thought he would ever get so many friends? Even Neji was smiling, because it was just so infectious. Sasuke was shocked when a smirk came to his lips, and he quickly pushed it down.

"Here, who wants to go first?" Sakura asked. They all decided on an order, the girls would go first. So they all turned to Hinata and made her open anything.

"Here Hinata-chan!" Naruto said eagerly, handing her a purple bag. Hinata blushed crimson and timidly opened the bag. Inside was a cute scarf with a bunny on the end, and pink mittens. Hinata stared at them with a completely red face. Kiba chuckled and looked at one of the mittens, scoffing at the pink. "I didn't know if you would like it. But I thought it was cute so..."

"T-Thank you. N-Naruto-kun." Hinate stammer, hugging the mittens close. Sasuke narrowed his eyes. The rest of her presents were small trinkets, and Kiba's gift was a small Naru-plushie that was handmade. Hinata flushed and almost fainted and Naruto stared in confusion.

"That's creepy Kiba." Naruto complained, but no one noticed when Hinata put it back in the bag with her scarf and mittens and retreated from the spot light. Sakura sat down with a huff on the ground and grabbed her first gift. When it came to Naruto's gift she raised an eyebrow and looked inside. Her face lit up and she pulled out some mittens and a scroll on medical-jutsu. Sasuke tightened his fist when she grabbed Naruto and hugged him greatfully, trying on her mittens happily. It went on like this for awhile. Probably the most amusing gifts were for Kiba. He took one look in Naruto's present and just about went on a rampage, because inside was a flea collar and dog buiscuits. For Shino, Naruto gave him a sluffed beetle. It was meant to be a joke, but Shino ended up staring at it in awe for a couple of minutes, before thanking Naruto and clutching the toy closely. Everyone tried to ignore it.

Finally came Sasuke's turn. Everyone looked around anxiously, wondering what his reaction would be. The only ones who had been able to think up gifts were Sakura, Ino, Hinata, Shikimaru, and Naruto. Although Shikimaru's gift was a card, and Sasuke read it over without changing his face. One it was:

Hey, Merry Christmas.

Just wanted to say, you can't hide it forever. You stare too much.

Sasuke put the card back in the envelope, nodded to Shikimaru and took the next gift. Naruto narrowed his eyes in curiosty and decided to find out later. Hinata's gift was a charm for a great year. Sakura laughed and tied it to Sasuke's sweater zipper, he glowered at her but thanked Hinata awkwardly anyways. Sakura gave him a blue scarf with her own personal embroidery of his clan's symbol. Ino giggled and wrapped that around his neck. Naruto was trying to contain his laughter when Ino produced a hat with ears on it. Everyone stared wide eyed and Sakura squeeled in glee at its 'cuteness'. One look at Naruto told Sasuke just how much he was enjoying that. He tried to refuse them, but somehow Sakura got it on his head and Shikimaru snapped the picture with a cruel chuckle. Sasuke glared at them all.

Naruto scooted forward on the ground and held out his blue box with the gold bow. Everyone stared in curiosity as Sasuke took it lightly and untied the ribbon. Inside was a small chain with a Konoha leaf charm. It twinkled lightly and Naruto shrugged with a light red tinge on his cheeks.

"In case you loose your head protector and forget what village you belong to."

Everyone rolled their eyes and went on, but Sasuke stared at the chain for awhile, before taking it out and putting it on his neck. Naruto stared in surprise and Sakura frowned, watching the two of them as everyone else conjured up their gifts for Naruto.

Naruto coughed when Sasuke stood and returned to his spot at the back of the room. Suddenly Naruto was the center of attention and everyone stared eagerly as he took the first gift, Sakura's. It was a scarf like Sasuke's, but orange and with the swirl logo embroidered on it that Naruto loved so much. He grinned and wrapped it around his neck and jokingly glanced at Sasuke.

"We match!"

"Dobe."

"Bleh." Naruto stuck out his tongue and Ino handed him her gift. It was a picture in a frame of a very embarrasing moment for Naruto. They had all been out doing nothing when Naruto fell in a pond because of his crappy footing and Shikimaru had taken a picture of them all jumping in after him. Minus team Gai of course, and Shino. He didn't want to get his bugs wet.

"Thanks Ino!" Naruto said with a blush. Chouji gave him a box of twenty instant ramen cups, which Naruto worshiped him for and Sasuke inwardly groaned at. He would never see the end of ramen for awhile. Kiba gave him a book as a joke that said "How to use Jutsu for Dummies" Which Naruto glared at him for. Hinata gave him some medical cream and a coupon to Ichiraku Ramen, Shino gave him an ant farm, and Lee gave him a pair of white leg warmers and a giant thumbs up of youth! Shikimaru stepped forward and handed Naruto another card, just like the one Sasuke had gotten. Sasuke stepped forward, hoping it didn't say the same thing. This one read:

Merry Christmas Naruto,

I hope you get what you want. Just don't let that bastard get you down okay?

Oh yeah, you still owe me lunch.

Naruto rolled his eyes and put the card away, grinning at Shikimaru. Neji tossed Naruto a bag and Naruto opened it eagerly, surprised Neji had thought to get him something. In it was a book of jutsu, and some gloves for the winter. Naruto nodded happily. It wasn't much, but at least Neji was trying. Tenten had given everyone weapons, which was unnerving but thoughtful, so Naruto wasn't surprised when he saw thirteen shuriken and a kunai with his name engrave on it. That would hang on his wall. He smiled at everyone and then blinked. Everyone turned and looked straight at Sasuke, who suddenly realized what everyone was thinking.

He coughed shrugged. "Couldn't think of anything."

Sakura frowned and everyone looked at Naruto with worry. It wasn't that they didn't expect it, it was the fact that Sasuke had gotten everyone else gifts. Naruto stared down at his pile of gifts, and suddenly he felt all the eyes on him. He didn't want anyone to see how much it hurt. So he put a grin on his face and shrugged.

"Ahh, who cares right?" Naruto laughed. He put on his old sour face and glared at Sasuke. "Teme."

Everyone accepted that, but Shikimaru couldn't help but narrow his eyes at the black haired mad. What was he up to? They rest of the night, Naruto wasn't acting right. He was extra loud, extra hyper, and extra trying to avoid Sasuke. He couldn't even look across the room at him. Sasuke just stoof against the wall. Finally, when the party was almost over and everyone was talking in the living room, Sasuke snuck out the door and into the cold air. His breath was a puff of cloud in front of his eyes as he looked up at the snowflakes falling.

"I didn't realize your relationship was so fickle." Shikimaru said. Sasuke wasn't surprised. "Are you trying to break up with him?"

Sasuke glanced at him and shrugged. "No."

"I may have a high IQ Sasuke, but do you mind shedding a little light on this for me?" He growled.

"Its nothing that concerns you." Sasuke said nonchalantly. He turned back to the house and called over his shoulder. "Marry Christmas Nara."

Naruto sighed and walked out in the snow. It was cold, and he had his arms full of his presents, trudging through knee deep snow. It wasn't he greatest feeling ever. When Naruto looked up he gasped in surprise. For some reason his feet were carrying him some place utterly familiar.

Sasuke's apartment building loomed over him. Naruto glared up at it and dropped his presents. He rolled up a snowball and threw it at the window he recognized as Sasukes, knowing the boy wouldn't be there. Naruto angrily threw snowball after snowball, getting increasingly pissed off with every throw. He just didn't want to admit to himself the fact that he wasn't to cry at that moment. He was man, and he certainly wasn't going to cry over Sasuke.

"Stupid dumb Teme!" Naruto cursed, kicking the snow bank angrily and sending a shower of snow everywhere. Some of it hit his eyes and he closed them, rubbing furiously. When he opened his eyes Sasuke was staring at him in confusion and a tear was rolling down his cheek. "Ah, Sasuke you ass don't sneak up on me!"

Naruto lashed out but Sasuke stepped back before he got a fist in the jaw.

"What's wrong with you?" Sasuke muttered. His face was red in the cold and Naruto saw his presents piled at the apartment doors.

Naruto wiped the tear away furiously.

"Nothing."

"Dobe."

"Sasuke I swear I'm going to-"

Naruto chocked on his own words when Sasuke held out a box. It was orange, his favorite color. Naruto hesitantly grabbed the box, and paused.

"But at the party..."

Sasuke looked away embarrassed.

"You think I want everyone prying into our business?" Sasuke muttered. "Besides they don't have to see it."

Sasuke just didn't want everyone to think he had a heart. Naruto let himself smile and opened the box. It was a ring on a necklace. Naruto's eyes widened and he looked up at Sasuke in horror. "I-I don't-"

"Not that Dobe!" Sasuke cried in frustration, his cheeks even redder. He snatched the necklace out of the box angrily. "Its just a ring I found in my apartment. You left it there and I thought it might mean something to you, so I put on this so you wont loose it."

Naruto took a closer look at the ring. It was one Iruka gave him that used to belong to Iruka's father. Iruka didn't have a son to give it to, and since he regarded Naruto as one, he thought that would be the best person to give it to. Naruto smiled and put the chain around his neck.

With a sigh, Naruto kicked the snow.

"I thought you weren't getting me anything." Naruto muttered.

"Come on." Sasuke said. "Let's go eat."

"Ugh, I don't think I can after Sakura's dinner."

"Liar."

"..." Naruto ran after Sasuke, both of them hauling their gifts. When they entered the small apartment Naruto looked up in horror. Hanging from the ceiling was a mistletoe, winking at them. Sasuke didn't seem to notice, but Naruto did. He glanced nervously at Sasuke as the boy checked his mail box. When Sasuke turned around to glance at Naruto, the blond pounced.

The building was silent as they kissed and Naruto decided then and there that no matter what direction their future took, that he wasn't going to question it anymore. Doubting Sasuke only ended up hurting him in the end, so there was no point anymore. So what if they weren't perfect for each other, or that they were both guys? Sasuke was there at least, trying.

"Merry Christmas." Naruto said softly, pulling away.

"D-Dobe." Sasuke muttered. "Doing that all of a sudden."

"I love you."

"I-I love you too..."

Naruto blinked. "Really?"

"Yeah." Sasuke snapped. "Why is that hard to believe?"

"You never said it before."

"Shut up."

"Say it again."

"No."

"Aw come on..."

"Grab you gifts."

"Please?"

"I'm leaving you here then."

"Aw but I said it to you so many times."

"Fine I love you."

"Really?"

"Stop saying that!"

Naruto grinned. So what if they were imperfect, at least he was happy. And at least Sasuke was there next to him, no matter how strange they were.

GAH! The Fluff! Kill meeee. I have no idea why its so gushy this time. I was going insane with shounen-ai and this is what happens. Thanks a lot stupid soft yaoi.

Any who, umm, yeah this is the last one. So there will be no more, but send me requests if you want more SasuNaru from me. I kind of need ideas, so feel free to suggest. You're my feeback, so don't be afraid to be brutaly honest. I'm still not great at lemons, just to warn you.