And here's my last chapter for you guys. I actually get into my plot with this one. I'm sure some of you are wondering how the heck this is an Oc X Gaara fanfic. Well, that will all be explained later. This will be a rather long fanfiction. I actually plan on bringing Gaara back into the picture in about two chapters. Of course the release of it will depend entirely upon you readers. Now, onto the chapter!

Chapter 7: 'Tis the Season

I opened the door to see five Narutos carrying a table. I smiled lightly. "Hey Naru-kun! Just set it next to the other one. Oh, and if you could, put the table cloth over them," I said stepping lightly back into the kitchen.

"Now… oh, here. Put this on top of the TV. I've been looking for this for a while," I said handing over a box a small box. I went to the oven to pull out the turkey when I heard a loud crash. I cringed at the sound and nearly dropped the turkey. I hurried out.

"What the he…" I started to shout but stopped where I stood.

"What the hell is HE doing here?" Naruto shouted, pointing at Sasuke. I looked from one to the other. They were locked in a death glare.

I sighed and set the turkey on the table before slamming my fist down on Naruto's head. "You baka, I invited him. Honestly, making all that noise for nothing! And don't you damned ask why either! He's here because one, he's our neighbor, two, our teammate, and three, has no family or plans for today. Now help me finish setting the table."

They were stunned speechless and I realized it wasn't just because of my sudden outburst. They must have finally noticed what I was wearing based on their stares. I looked down at myself confused. I had on a flowy, blue Sunday dress and a loose, unbuttoned white sweater with a cute yellow apron over it. Whatever they were thinking, it must have been the same based on their equally blank expressions.

I sighed again. "Are you going to stand there all day or are you going to eat?" I asked turning around to finish setting the table before untying my apron. They quickly snapped out of it and, with a glare towards each other, sat down.

I sat on the other side of them smoothing the skirt of my dress out before bowing my head to give a short prayer of thanks. After which I happily dug into the delicious food I slaved for all day.

"Uh, I'm so full," I complained resting my head on the edge of the sink. I dreaded to look back up at all the dishes I had to do. I sighed. "It's too bad Naruto and Sasuke decided to leave after dinner. I could've made them do this for me. Oh, well. Let's get this over with."

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The bell rang and Ino looked up surprised. "Kia-chan?! What are you doing here? It's your day off."

I had slammed the door open in a panic. "Ino-chan! I..I.. I need a kimono!" I yelled holding up an invitation. I slowly walked in trying to catch my breath.

She laughed. "Oh, is that all? What for?" she asked.

I sighed. She didn't seem to grasp the severity of the situation. "It's for the Christmas Eve banquette at the Hyuga's," I said bitterly.

She giggled. "Oh, yeah. Ok, come on. I probably have one you can borrow," she said leading me next door to her room. She immediately dug through her closet and pulled out a few kimonos and layed them gently on her bed. "These should fit you. Pick your poison."

I stroked lovingly at a dark purple, blue, and silver kimono. "Can I try this one on?" I asked breathlessly, admiring the smooth touch of the silk. Ino nodded and pointed to the bathroom. I came out a few minutes later.

"Ino, does it look alright?" I asked walking back into the room and spun around slowly looking over my shoulder.

She gazed at me with a wide smile. "Wow, Kia-chan! You look gorgeous! It fits you perfectly! Wait, how come you didn't ask to borrow a kimono weeks ago? The party is tomorrow. "

I shrugged. "I didn't get the invite until yesterday. Maybe it got lost in the mail or something," I said uncertainly.

Ino nodded. "Maybe," she said with a frown. "Kia-chan, you should wear your hair down," she said suddenly.

I looked up surprised. "What?!"

"Well, I realized you always have it pulled up and you have such pretty hair. You should really think about letting it loose," she said with an admiring tone.

I shrugged. "I guess I never really thought about it," I said stroking my hair. "It's so long and it usually gets in the way so I keep it pulled back. Anyways, thanks again for letting me borrow it. I better head home." I said giving her a hug before I went to go change back into my clothes. "I'll see you tomorrow Ino-chan."

I stepped carefully up the path to the manor. I could already hear laughter and music from where I was walking and figured I must have been one of the last people there. "Man, I can't believe I'm so late. I should have never taken that nap." I groaned. "I didn't even eat today. I hope I didn't miss the food," I said as the door slid open and two servants welcomed me.

"Good evening, Kiamari-san," they said bowing in unison.

I smiled and made way to Hinata, trying not to feel out of place. "Hinata-chan!" I said giving her a hug. "You look so cute!" I exclaimed seeing her lavender satin ribbons in her hair and the matching kimono.

"Kiamari-chan, I'm so glad you made it," she said in a cheerful whispered tone. Then I noticed how quiet it had gotten and looked around nervously. So much for blending in, everyone was staring at me.

I looked confusedly at Hinata. "Why is everyone staring? Is it because I'm late?" I whispered.

Ino suddenly came from behind laughing and hugged me. "Aw, Kiamari-chan! You look so beautiful!" she squealed. "I'm so glad you wore your hair down!"

I cringed at the high pitched squeal but smiled none the less. "Uh, thanks, Ino-chan."

"I'm being serious! You and Ten-ten need to put your hair down and dress up more often! Jeez, you're two peas in a pod with all your tomboyness." Sure enough, I saw Ten-ten did have her perfectly straight hair down and was wearing a nice emerald green and blue kimono. Then my eyes spotted Sakura, with her fricken pink hair pinned up and a red and gold kimono, trying to flirt with Sasuke.

I busted out laughing when I realized why her kimono seemed familiar. "Oh, wow! Ino-chan, you do know you and Sakura are wearing the same kimono, right?"

Ino gritted her teeth. "Yeah, don't remind me," she muttered then hurriedly went over to Sasuke's other side to "steal him back" from Sakura.

"Well, anyways, what's for dinner?" I asked Hinata.

She looked down, embarrassed. "Um… I'm sorry Kiamari-chan… but… well, we already ate dinner."

My mouth gaped open. "Ah, man! Are you serious? Dang, I didn't realize I was that late!" I rubbed the back of my head. "Oh, well."

Hinata smiled. "Well, if it makes you feel better, we're about to have games and later we'll all open presents!" she said trying to be optimistic. "Right now people are mostly just dancing or talking."

I smiled. "Well, that's coo- wait! Ino didn't have anything to do with these games did she?" I asked remembering her party a few months ago.

Hinata nodded. "Well, actually she did have a little to do with it."

I nodded. "Great... Well, I'll just hang about until I have to go hide," I said cutting through the room to a corner where I spotted Shikamaru napping. I poked at his dark green robes. "Come on sleepy head! Wake up! You should be dancing!"

He groaned and glared at me through half-closed eyes. "Troublesome woman." He yawned and sat up. "What do you want?"

I grinned and pulled him along by the arm. "Come on lazy bum! It's time to get up and dance!" I said laughing.

He groaned again. "But I can't dance, you idiot."

"That's ok. Neither can I!" I said laughing some more. Right when I stopped the song changed to a slower pace. "Oh, bloody hell!"

He chuckled. "Looks like your plan backfired."

I crossed my arms and sighed. "Oh, shut up." I started to walk away when he grabbed my arm as I was in mid turn. I looked up.

He smiled nervously but kept his arm outstretched. "You already dragged me here, we might as well dance," he said pretending to be annoyed. He didn't hide his blush very well.

I nodded not sure what to say. Meanwhile, I failed to notice Sasuke staring at me while Ino and Sakura desperately tried to get him to slow dance with one of them. I couldn't even look up at Shikamaru, I was too focused on my feet trying not to kill one of us with my clumsiness. For someone who couldn't dance, Shikamaru glided across the floor with ease. Such a liar.

When the song ended I heard Ino yell out, "Ok! It's time to start the first game! Everybody grab a partner because it's a dance off!" In my delusion, I could swear I felt eyes on me.

"Oh, shit," I muttered and hurriedly went outside. No way was I going to be stuck being someone's partner. Quite frankly, I couldn't dance worth a damn but just because I knew that didn't mean I wanted everyone else to know. Then I hit something hard and nearly fell except someone caught me. "Ow, damn it all, I'm always running into shit," I cursed rubbing my head.

"Are you alright?" I heard a monotone voice say.

I looked up and saw Neji. I sighed. Oh, this is just great. "Yes, I'm fine," I said before sitting on a stone bench in front of a koi pond. "So, not into dancing?" I presumed trying to make conversation so it didn't get too awkward.

Surprisingly he sat down next to me. "You could say that. I don't care for dancing much. So, why aren't you in there?"

I chuckled. "Simple, I can't dance. I'd rather not make a fool of myself. I may have a graceful acrobatic style while fighting, but that's mostly from years of training. I'm actually clumsy as hell. Besides, any games Ino-chan has up her sleeves is a little too much for me." I kicked a small pebble into the water. "You know, life may not be all what you think it should be but it doesn't all have to be predetermined you know. Lee told me that was your way of excepting your… um, unfair situation."

He stiffened. "You're wrong. We are given a set path and in the end it is our destiny to face the fate given to us," he said bitterly.

I shrugged. "Believe what you want. We may all die one day but our lives are different. It's ever changing based on the decisions we make and the people we know. The future is in our hands, not the other way around," I said looking up at the stars. "The sky is so vast but it doesn't make any one of us insignificant. Any one of those stars has its own little place but they are always moving, always changing, forming a beautiful pattern. If one goes out or even if it shines brighter, it changes the design that much more." I sneezed. "Anyways, I better head back inside before I get sick. I'm feeling a little whoozy as it is," I said getting up. "See you around Naji-kun."

The moment I walked back inside I was tackled by Naruto in his orange robes. I couldn't help but laugh. "Kiamari-chan! Where were you? You missed the dance contest!"

"Yeah, yeah, what else is new? So what's the next game, or was I lucky enough to miss it all?" I asked.

Naruto shrugged. "Ino's passing around two hats with some cards or something. One for girls and one for the guys. Other than that I really don't get it."

I shook my head. "This can only end badly," I muttered. I faked a yawn. "Naruto, I'm really tired. I think I'll just go home."

Naruto looked shocked. "What? You can't go home yet!" I laughed a little at the cute childness of it. "Please, Kiamari-chan? How about I take you home after presents?"

I shook my head knowing I was too nice. "Fine. But you're carrying me," I said jokingly. We each took a card out of the hats when Ino interrupted our conversation. I looked at the card confusedly. "Ino-chan, I don't get it," I said as Naruto stood up and walked off.

She looked at the card and started laughing. "You have to give a kiss to whoever was told to stand under the mistletoe."

I stiffened in shock. "W..w..what? Seriously?" I sighed. "Man, these games are so stupid. I'm really beginning to hate parties," I said getting up to see Naruto under the mistletoe. With a huff I walked over, my more conservative side taking over. I glanced at Ino and then smirked and kissed Naruto's nose, making him blush slightly. "There, I did a game. Can we please just open the presents?" I asked aloud.

Hinata agreed and led us into the main room where a tree with a lot of presents around it stood. Everyone immediately started opening their presents. I, on the other hand, slowly walked over uncomfortably.

Apparenly, everyone did a secret santa. However, since I was never told, I bought presents for almost everyone. On the upside, most of them thought of giving me presents as well so I was pretty happy about that. Ino confessed she wasn't sure what to give me so she decided to let me keep the kimono I borrowed and Chouji, in his infinite wisdom, gave me a large box full of pockey. I also received a silk scarf from Hinata and, oddly enough, some training weights from Lee. At least he had good intentions where as Sakura and Tenten must have still been bitter towards me and even told me flat out they didn't get me anything. Meh, what could you do. I can't be friends with everyone. As soon as we were done with the presents, I gave Hinata a hug and Naruto and I left.

Naruto shifted his bag full of our gifts and smiled. "Ready?" he asked. I nodded tiredly. This was just too much excitement then I could handle. I really should stop going to these parties. Not long after we started walking home, I began to feel really dizzy. I felt my feet give way and next thing I knew, I was on the cold ground.

"Are you ok, Kiamari-chan?" Naruto asked picking me up slowly. "You don't look so good."

I slowly looked up at him, his face full of worry. "I'm fine…I.. I just need some rest… maybe a big breakfast," I said sleepily resting my head on his shoulder.

"Kiamari-chan, when's the last time you ate?" he asked picking up on my hints as he slowly walked down the streets.

I shrugged. "I don't know… yesterday?" I whispered. He only sighed. I began to cough heavily. "Naruto, it's cold…" I whispered.

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"Ugh… my head hurts," I said in a hoarse voice as I woke up. I looked down to see I was still wearing my kimono. "That's weird," I said looking around. "How did I get home?" I wondered to myself. I quickly decided to shrug it off and change into some sweats. The warm aroma of ramen filled the air and I curiously went into the kitchen.

"Naruto, what are you doing?" I asked tiredly.

He turned around with a big grin. "Good morning! Merry Christmas Kiamari-chan!" he cried cheerfully. "I made you some instant ramen," he said setting down a couple bowls.

I eagerly sat down despite my soreness. "Thanks, Naruto-kun," I muttered before gulping it down. I could feel the warmth run down my sore throat and throughout m stiff body. I gave a satisfied sigh when I finished.

When I looked back up at Naruto, I saw something black and fuzzy on his head and coked my head to the side. "Naruto-kun, what is that on your head?" I asked.

He shrugged. "Some cat. I found her on your window seal last night. Here, this was was next to her," he said handing me a card. I read it.

Merry Christmas, Kiamari- san.

I hope you enjoy my little gift.

I flipped it over. "Huh, no name. Oh well." I clicked my tongue. "Come here, Nekomata," I cooed. The cat immediately jumped down from Naruto's head and began to purr as it rubbed against me. I giggled softly. "Aw, she's so cute," I said stroking her. She was a small, fluffy, black cat with a lavender bow around its neck. I smiled and got up to put on my long black sweater and my new scarf.

"Where are you going, Kia-chan?" Naruto asked.

"I'm just going out for a bit. There's some things I need to take care of," I said trying to hurry out the door.

"On Christmas? But Kiamari-chan!" he yelled.

"Yeah! Look after Neko-chan for me!" I called jumping over the balcony not staying to hear the rest of his statement. Naruto looked at the box in his hands and sighed.

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I slunk into the bench and sighed. "Finally, some time to think," I said. The cold air clung to my skin and, with a shiver, I pulled my sweater closer around me. I gazed sadly over the frozen lake. "Stupid Christmas," I muttered. "How can people be so cheerful when everything dies at this time of year?" I sighed. "At least they have families to spend the time with… unlike me."

My pathetic daydreaming was cut short and I had to quickly jump into the air to avoid a shuriken that flew through the air towards me. Despite my attempt to dodge, it still managed a cut to my side. I winced in pain as I landed on the ground. Damn, I had left my defenses down. I should've known better than not to keep the Dragon's Skin up at all times. I heard clapping as a man with silver hair tied back and glasses came into view from the mass of trees behind the bench.

"Bravo. I must say, that was excellent, Kiamari-sama," he said in a sickeningly cheerful way.

I glared at him. "Who the hell are you?" I demanded in my still raspy voice.

He smirked. "Oh, pardon me, I suppose you don't remember. I'm Kabuto, and Lord Orochimaru-sama wanted me to personally check up on you after all these years," he said mischievously with kunai knives in his hand.

"Yeah, well I'm doing just fine," I said bolting into the trees. I could hear his cackle behind me.

"Wait!" I heard someone yell but I refused to slow down. My legs instinctively carried me forward as my heart raced in a near panic. Unfortunately, my clumsiness took over as fatigue began to settle and I tripped and slid across the ground into a tree.

Hearing the bushes rustle I threw a kunai as the figure came into view but they dodged it with ease. "Stay back!" I yelled holding up another kunai and meekly slid up the tree to a standing position as my other hand clutched my side.

"Kiamari? What are you doing?" Sasuke said in that unreadable tone as he stepped from the shadows.

"Sasuke?" I said confusedly. "But, I thought…" I muttered looking around.

"Hmph, well, the great Kiamari knows a little thing called fear," he mocked darkly stepping closer. "Looks like that Dragon's Skin isn't holding up too well."

"Shut up you damned Uchiha! I'm not the one sneaking around chasing people!" I snapped. I'm not sure how much I was making sense but I was scared and angry and Sasuke was asking for it.

He shoved my shoulder firmly against the tree I was leaning on. He came down dangerously close, his body pressing lightly against me. He glared straight at me.

'Oh great, not this shit again. I'm so tired of being pinned to walls,' I thought. "What, you going to threaten to kill me again… Sasuke-kun?" I said provoking him.

He squeezed harder on my upper arm and leaned in slightly. However, his dark eyes seemed to sadden and he gave a sigh. "Why do you do that?" he asked.

I narrowed my eyes. "Do what?"

"Every time I decide I hate you, you have to open that stupid mouth of yours and confuse me," he said softly.

This took me by surprise for a second. That definitely didn't sound very Sasuke like. "Maybe because you don't hate me at all?" I offered.

His eyes met mine and he stroked my cheek, wiping away my frightened tears. Then he slowly leaned in and kissed me. My eyes widened in shock at the shear force and desperation of it. Too exhausted to fight, I slowly closed my eyes in acceptance. This sort of thing seemed to be happening to me a lot lately.

He gently broke the kiss. "Stupid girl, don't you know you shouldn't have to suffer either," he whispered kissing my tear stained cheek lightly.

My eyes fluttered open but he was already gone. Slowly I slid down the tree onto the cold ground. I could see the snow fall heavily all around me, much like the warm sand in the wind used to back in Suna. Wishing for that same warmth, I slowly drifted off into darkness. For a moment I almost though I could hear my name being yelled as a figure walked towards me.

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"Hello dark oblivion, have we met before?" I asked into the darkness, my voice echoing all around me. "Oh, really? Only once before? Hm, well, that's nice," I said walking aimlessly. I could feel warmth as if I was walking on sand yet, it felt as if I was walking on nothing at all.

A blue flame seemed to engulf me and project a faint glow. I could feel a light pain but I ignored it. "Hello? Is anyone out there!?" I shouted.

A large pair of deep purple eyes with silver slits for pupils appeared in front of me. I heard a rough chuckle as a row of pointed fangs smiled down upon me.

"Ah, a young girl. Hm, you don't seem like you'd make much of a snack," a rich feminine voice rang out.

I sighed. "Everyone's a critic. Wait, you wouldn't happen to be Jin?" I asked not sure how I knew that.

The blue flame's glow seemed to spread and the beast came into view. "Ah, yes, I would be Jin, the great two-tailed demon dragon. To what do I owe the pleasure? Oh! You wouldn't happen to be here to give back my Crystal Heart, now would you?" she said eyeing the blue gem tied on a black cloth around my neck.

I sighed. "What does my cursed necklace have to do with you?" I asked stubbornly.

Jin chuckled. "Cursed? How interesting. It seems there isn't enough time to explain. I have a feeling we'll be meeting again, though. You're seem to be such a troublesome host…" The voice began to fade and I was thrown back into darkness.

Dun dun dun! Cliff hanger. I ended up doing more than I intended. Some of my friends requested more fluff scenes with Sasuke and Naruto because they thought it was humorous. Well, this is my last free chapter for you all. Two reviews will get you the next one. Next chapter, Chapter 8: Back to the Hospital.