I do not own Naruto. I didn't earn money to write this story. Masashi Kishimoto created Naruto.

Gift Fic for THEDORKYWEIRDO! Merry Christmas! We will see if we cannot get this wrapped up in one or two more chapters. Questions? Complaints? No? Ok! :) Let's get on with the story folks!

Festival in the Land of Snow (Part Four)

…Sasuke followed Naruto everywhere keeping his razor focus on the boy. Sakura followed Sasuke around like a lost puppy. They came to a booth that sold what appeared to be crystal sculptures.

Naruto looked at the booth where Ryuunosuke was selling weapons and trinkets alike. Most were crafted of silvery looking crystals but there were clear flawless crystals also. The man winked at Naruto and the boy blushed as a result. Sasuke glared at the man and moved Between Naruto and the booth.

"Hi Naruto," A husky sounding whisper came from the shadows. Ryuu stepped out. He was dressed like the other boys in a kimono. His was a modest grey fabric. Obviously nothing extravagant, but still it was nice looking. He looked really good in the slate grey silk.

He smiled at Naruto and tried to get closer to Naruto only to be blocked by an angry Uchiha. Sasuke grasped Naruto's hand gently. Ryuu pushed Sasuke out of his way and tried to grab Naruto's wrist. He was going to be Naruto's date tonight. He had been accepted by the boy and would not be denied by some, obviously, over-privileged genin brat. Sasuke jerked Naruto away from him. Naruto tripped over his sandals and fell into Sasuke's chest. Sasuke smirked. He had Naruto and he would be canceling that bastard, Ryuu's, plans of molesting his idiot.

Sakura stood on the sidelines looking slightly confused. She wasn't the only confused person. Naruto looked up into Sasuke's eyes and blinked. Sasuke nearly blushed but he held his stoic persona in place.

Ryuu frowned, "Naruto are you going to accompany me through the festival? I really wanted to show you the sights."

Naruto smiled at Sasuke shyly, but he then extracted himself from the raven's grip.

"You remember Sasuke, Ryuu, but this pretty girl back here," Naruto announced as he gestured behind Sasuke, "This is Sakura. She's on my team too! I know I'm like the luckiest boy in the world to have such a cute girl on my team!" Both of the other boys' mouths dropped. 'What a clueless little idiot!' Sasuke grumbled to himself. Ryuu frowned at Sakura in distaste. Sasuke attempted to recapture Naruto's arms but was beaten to the punch (so to speak) by the now livid Ryuu. He wondered how close his precious angel was to this pink…thing. He gently dragged Naruto away from her quickly. Sasuke followed and Sakura followed him. Naruto seemed oblivious to the turmoil that was floating in the atmosphere. Sakura wondered if she should just go find their perverted sensei before things got out of hand. There was obviously some sort of weird rivalry going on. She didn't clue in completely, wondering could have possessed Sasuke to be so angry at Ryuu for wanting to hang out with Naruto.

She just observed. She was not a genius but still very smart. Ryuu took Naruto and by default Sasuke and Sakura around the festival. Stopping at booths and suggesting the best food stalls to visit. He completely ignored Sasuke and Sakura. He gently guided Naruto around, almost protectively…almost as if he thought Naruto was some delicate thing that might break. Ryuu touched Naruto's hair brushing back a few wayward golden strands. Sakura blushed. The boy grew bolder. He wrapped his arm around Naruto's waist. Sasuke tensed. He looked about to murder someone. Ryuu or Naruto…based on the direction he was glaring. Sasuke grabbed Naruto and tried to stalk off complaining about perverts and his clueless teammate.

Sakura decided Sasuke was trying to protect Naruto from his own stupidity. She glanced Sideways at Ryuu who was holding Naruto's wrist firmly. Naruto was caught in a tug-o-war where he was the unfortunate rope. Sakura sighed and marched up to the three and pushed Naruto forward, "Come on Naruto let's go try some games."

"Ok!" He grinned and broke free of the feuding teens.

Sasuke stomped behind them. Secretly he thanked Sakrua because he knew she was in no way interested in the moron. Ryuu shoved his hands deep into his pocket and followed. His fingers touched a velvet covered box. Inside it was the key to securing Naruto's affections. He assured himself that Naruto would want this. His team hardly treated him well at all. He kept telling himself that this was the right thing to do. His grip tightened on the box until he felt the hinge beginning to give. He relaxed his hand and kept walking.

He admired Naruto, who was at a stall trying to catch a gold fish with a paper scoop. He chuckled. Naruto was so innocent, yet so tempting. How could such a pure little angle look like a virtual sex kitten? The blonde wiggled his backside enticingly as he tried to catch a gold fish. He jerked his net out of the water to quickly and the paper broke. Naruto mewled cutely with a pout on his sweet looking lips.

Sakura stuck her tongue out and tried to catch a fish. She moved slowly and almost had it, but at the last second the paper broke and the fish flopped back into the water. Naruto laughed at her and she balled her fist angrily. Ryuu reacted instantly. Naruto closed his eyes and flinched expecting an impact but then none came. Ryuu was glaring icily at the girl. He stood almost a head taller than her. He squeezed her wrist until she grimaced in pain.

Naruto opened his eyes and they only grew bigger, "Why are you doing that? Please let Sakura go." He was shocked. Why would he intervene? Sakura always hit him when he acted dumb. It was just part of the natural order of things for the blond boy.

Ryuu didn't let go he only squeezed harder and twisted his hand. Sakura cried out. Naruto got angry. "Stop it!" He grabbed the boy and began to pull his arm. Ryuu, purely on instinct, defended himself shoving Naruto backward. A loud splash was heard, and Ryuu finally let go of Sakura. He turned to see Sasuke helping Naruto out of the fish tank. Sasuke looked so very angry. Naruto only looked confused and hurt. The man running the booth was screeching at them and waving his fist. But his outraged cries fell on deaf ears.

Sasuke dragged Naruto away cursing under his breath. Sakura was rubbing her wrist gingerly. She glared at Ryuu as well. She brushed past him angrily.

Naruto was struck mute. Why had Ryuu been acting so weird? Maybe Sasuke had been right. He shivered. Naruto was soaked from head to foot. So much for enjoying the evening. Naruto was dripping water everywhere and he suddenly made a face. Reaching into his kimono he pulled out little goldfish that was desperate for water. Naruto ran around for a few seconds before running back to the booth. The man glared at him as he sheepishly dropped the wriggling fish into the tank. Naruto turned to run when a hand caught him. He was turned. Ryuu looked apologetic, "I am so sorry Naruto. Please forgive me. Listen, please, come to my house and see if my step mother can do anything for your clothes." Naruto shook his head he pulled away. Water droplets flew from his drenched hair.

"I-I have to get back to Sakura and Sasuke," He jerked his arm free and ran away.

Ryuu clenched his fists. He growled. It was their entire fault! If those two interfering…no good…horrid…brats had just let him have Naruto to himself they would be enjoying the festivities and then he would ask Naruto to stay with him and not go back to a place where he was neglected and abused. How could he not want that? The brunet seethed to himself. His eyes were icy. His fingers trembled in rage. He would get Naruto back! He just had to get the others out of the way. If he had Naruto alone. All by himself. He could make things right…

…Naruto apologized about a thousand times as they left the crowded market place. He had ruined the evening.

"G-g-guys, I-I'm-m-m s-s-so s-s-sorry," His teeth chattered. The nights were still cold even if the snow was gone. Naruto's arms were covered in goose bumps. His whole body was shaking.

"Sakura do you think you can find Kakashi and let him know I'm taking Naruto back to the inn to get some dry clothes. Then we will be back," Sasuke asked in a surprisingly polite manner.

"What do you mean?" Naruto squinted at him.

"Tch," Sasuke just grabbed his hand and dragged him back to the inn. His own dark blue kimono contrasting Naruto's light blue but at the same time they fit together so very well. Honestly Sasuke was glad that they were going back he needed a break from the crowds and he really hated wearing a kimono. Naruto's silky kimono was clinging to him in a way that should have been illegal. Sasuke kept his eyes trained forward…except to glare at anyone who seemed to be staring too long at his…at Naruto.

They went to the room Naruto stripped off his wet things and took them to the bathroom to hang.

"Take a shower and get warmed up. It isn't too late to go back and we can have something to eat there." Sasuke said through the door to the bathroom. He stripped off his kimono and changed into his normal clothes. He grabbed his and Naruto's cloaks. They would need them… Naruto came out of the bathroom after a few minutes looking flushed. A cloud of steam followed him he was drying his head with a towel and, oh wow, not covering himself. Naruto was thin but muscular and Sasuke had seen him before but damn!

The boy's flaccid penis hung between his legs and Sasuke could not help but stare. Naruto just walked past him further into the room and bent over his bag. Sasuke's eyes were locked on him and as Naruto bent over the spell was finally broken he felt his nose itching and rubbed it absently.

Naruto pulled on his dry clothes. He sighed. Sasuke dared to peek and saw Naruto dressed. He tossed the boy's cloak at the back of his head. The cloak landed on a startled Naruto who let out a girlish eep. He turned an angry glare on a much to pleased with himself Sasuke.

"Let's go," Sasuke said throwing his cloak over his shoulders and walking out of the room. Naruto followed slamming the door a little harder than necessary…

…Kakashi and Sakura waited at the entrance to the festival. He wasn't happy with what Sakura had told him but was glad Sasuke seemed to have a handle on it. His energetic, spastic and most surprising student was getting mixed up with someone that wanted more than the child was capable of giving. Would this Ryuu try to take what he wanted by force or coercion? The jounin did not want to see the blond's innocence get taken away. It was bad enough that genin were being trained to kill. In a more peaceful world there would be no need for trained killers. Well it was about as likely for that to happen as it would be for Kakashi to wake up one morning living in the plot of his favorite little orange book.

They saw Sasuke and Naruto no longer in their kimonos but what mattered was that Naruto was chattering happily and Sasuke was ignoring him. Seems their evening was not cut short. He knew Naruto (of all of them) needed this. He was not favored in his own village, even having to hide his face on his own birthday.

Yeah Kakashi knew. Well he knew some of Naruto's plight. He knew about the nine tails demon. He knew about the predigest the majority of villagers held against the boy. He realized that the kid was not the demon but only held it. Naruto was constantly held at fault for the crimes of another. Kakashi respected the kid for remaining so strong. A lesser person would have broken by this point. As a person Kakashi respected he would do his best to protect the strongest, yet most vulnerable, member of Team 7. Naruto waved at them as they neared. He was grinning happily but there was a hint down cast in his eyes…

…Naruto tried to act cheerful but now he did not really feel up to celebrating. Sasuke grabbed his arm and dragged him to one of the food stalls.

"Six dango please," Sasuke showed his pass and the merchant smiled. She handed over dome of the sweet fried dumplings. Sasuke didn't like sweets but these were not for him. He thanked the woman and took the dumplings

"Here," He thrust the box at Naruto and the boys walked on.

"Thanks," Naruto practically whispered. He was a little embarrassed, but he offered a genuine smile to Sasuke. The Uchiha felt his cheeks warm. He walked ahead of Naruto who was already popping a sweet dumpling into his mouth. He felt his hunger returning. The fried dough was very good.

"Want one Sasuke?" Naruto offered but the Uchiha waved him off while still walking in front of him.

"I don't care for sweets," Sasuke explained.

"Hmm," Naruto mumbled as he bit down on the dango. He swallowed, "Well what do you like?"

"Hm?" Sasuke slowed down.

"What kinds of foods do you like?" Naruto repeated his question.

"I like tomatoes," Sasuke said, "Rice, onigiri, sushi. Things like that."

"Aren't tomatoes sweet?" Naruto asked tilting his head, "You know they're fruits, right?"

Sasuke snorted, "Are you trying to be smart?" He smirked at Naruto. The blond frowned and his baby blues narrowed.

"Shut up," Naruto crossed his arms and looked away, "You suck Bastard." Naruto found a waste bin to dump his dango box, and then he smiled and ran off.

Sasuke frowned. The boy had the attention span of a gnat. Sasuke wanted to roll his eyes when he found Naruto drooling over a bowl of Ramen. Not the most convenient food for carrying around, but Naruto's face was pure bliss. Sasuke just realized he had carte blanche to eat as much ramen as he wanted. Sasuke sighed. Naruto was happy and it was easier to keep him reigned in if he stayed seated at the bench next to the booth. Some teenaged girl smiled down at Naruto. She was fairly average. Perhaps pretty might be someone's description of her. She was dark, dark eyes, dark hair and tanned.

"Can I sit cutie?" She smiled at him. Sasuke growled and marched over.

Naruto opened his mouth smiling. Sasuke interrupted, "Sorry the seat is taken." He sat next to the other boy and the girl's eyes gleamed. He internally rolled his eyes.

"What a handsome guy," She fluttered her eyelashes. She believed she had a chance to upgrade from cute to sexy. "Would you like to walk around with me?" She asked.

"No," Naruto interrupted her, "Sorry." Was Sasuke hearing a hint of jealously in the blond's voice? He liked that sound. He liked to think that he was more important than some random girl.

She flipped her hair back. "Well," She said in a crisp tone, "I'll leave you two fags alone."

Naruto frowned, "What a nasty person." Sasuke nodded in agreement. Sasuke was slightly surprised when on Naruto quit after his second bowl. He didn't question it though. Knowing Naruto they would be back so the cute little idiot could get more of the salty noodles…

Naruto looked for a bin to chuck his disposable container. He bumped into Ryuu.

"H-hey," the boy said shyly.

"Naruto, please forgive me," Ryuu looked really sad, "Would you come with me for just a bit?"

"Ummm?" Naruto looked back toward Sasuke who was waiting for him on the bench.

"I won't keep you long," Ryuu begged, "Please."

"Ok," Naruto gave in.

Ryuu lead Naruto away from the crowds. Naruto missed the glint in the boy's eyes…

…Sasuke waited impatiently for Naruto. Finally he was about to go looking for him.

"Hey Sasuke," There was Naruto. He grinned at the Uchiha, "Let's go." He grabbed Sasuke's hand and pulled him back into the crowd…

…Ryuu smirked. This was more like it. He led Naruto away from the crowds. "Can I show you something special?"

"What?" Naruto said in wonderment.

"It's fantastic but I have to show it to you," He explained to the blond.

"What is it?" Naruto asked curious.

"Not a what but a where?" The boy smiled and pulled Naruto along going further from the center of the village. Soon they were nearing the wilderness that surrounded the village. Naruto grew nervous it was quiet, dark, and cold. He hugged his cloak to himself. The boy smiled holding out a lantern and lighting it. The light seemed cold, unnatural and pure white. It was eerie, yet beautiful.

The older boy pulled Naruto toward a cave. Naruto gulped the last cave he had been in recently he had almost been run down by a train. He and the Princess. It was a close call. He saw no rails coming out of the cave. Ryuu let go of Naruto and stepped inside. Naruto saw an almost bluish glow. He stepped in and his mouth dropped. He was shocked into an awed silence.

Finally a very quiet, "Wow," Squeaked out of his mouth. It was beautiful. Weather these were ice or really made of crystals the cave was packed wall to wall with the beautiful and natural structures. They caught the light and reflected and bent it making the whole area light up.

"These crystals," Ryuu started as he gingerly brushed the side of the cave, "Can you feel the chakra? Feel your chakra. It's amplified by them. Aren't they amazing?" Naruto nodded.

"Beautiful," Naruto whispered, "So wonderful Ryuu…" Naruto paused and turned to the other, "Thank you!" Naruto hugged the older boy. Ryuu wrapped his arms around Naruto and squeezed him this was so right this was the perfect moment.

"Stay," He said. It was like a gentle command.

Naruto let go, he sighed, "I do have to go Sasuke will worry. He's had a bug up his ass lately."

"No," Ryuu felt frustrated, "Listen, I mean stay here don't go back to Konoha. Please stay with me. I promise to never take you for granted, unlike your team. They don't deserve someone like you."

"What?" Naruto backed away, "I-I have to go back else I'd be a missing ninja. 'Sides I can't abandon my friends."

Ryuu shook his head, "No you…don't you see? They mistreat you. I'll take care of you and make you happy every day!" The light caught his eyes and Naruto saw something there that scared him. He shook his back hit something rough and pointy. He was cornered. Ryuu dropped the lantern on the ground. He pulled out his gift for Naruto. He opened the box.

"I want you Naruto," There was no mirth in his voice, "I need you Naruto…" He pulled out the ring out of the box. "You don't owe them anything."

"Ryuu?" Naruto felt weird. Unnerved.

"I love you," Ryuu announced.

"D-don't say that. That's crazy!"

"Please don't make me do this?" Ryuu begged.

"Do what?" Naruto began to inch toward the mouth of the cave.

"Stay," He asked again.

Naruto shook his head, "I can't."

"Please," Ryuu whispered and grabbed Naruto's hand and stroked it gently. He slipped on the ring.

"No," Naruto whispered.

"Yes," Ryuu charged his fingers with chakra and sent it into the ring. The seals were activated. Naruto's eyes rolled back and he sagged. Ryuu caught him before he hit the floor…

I hope this was ok. And I think that next chapter will be the finale :)