Day 7 – Family (19/12/2010):

Iruka woke to the sound of rustling sheets and deep, even breaths. He lifted his head just enough to peek a look up at his lover from his position tucked under Kakashi's arm, cheek to chest. The other man wasn't asleep, more dozing lightly but the rustling wasn't coming from him.

His gaze flickered across the room to see Sasuke shifting in his sheets and staring with slight confusion at the tree now situated in the corner of the room. Iruka smiled softly before shifting slowly out from under Kakashi's arm. He sat up slowly, noting that though he knew Sasuke had heard him his gaze seemed riveted to the tree, the little lights twinkling in the semi darkness.

Iruka climbed off Kakashi's bed and drifted around to the other side, now standing between Sasuke's and Kakashi's hospital beds. He moved forward and rested a hand on the sheets of Sasuke's bed, not wanting to startle the flighty ninja.

"How are you feeling Sasuke?" Iruka whispered quietly.

He frowned when the dark haired man didn't reply, though dark eyes flickered to him for a moment before flicking to Naruto then back to the tree. Iruka felt as though Sasuke was taking in everything around him, absorbing the presence of the other three people in the room, of the decorations and the presents nestled beneath the tree.

Iruka watched as Sasuke licked his lips, his voice soft when he spoke, "What's going on Iruka-sensei."

Iruka smiled, hand lifting to pat Sasuke's leg affectionately.

"It's Christmas Sasuke-kun."

Iruka matched that dark gaze with his own, letting the pale man see the emotion and happiness show through.

Iruka knew the moment Naruto woke, and waited to see what the blond would do.

When Naruto came up on Sasuke's other side, finger's wrapping around Sasuke's Iruka smiled.

"Merry Christmas, Teme."

Sasuke gaze went wide for a moment before closing tightly.

Iruka could see emotion playing in everything Sasuke was trying not to show.

"Mah, welcome to the family."

Iruka looked over at his lover, hand reaching and fingers twining with Kakashi's.

"Hn."

Iruka chuckled heartily and after a few quiet moments everyone laughed. Iruka was certain he could hear a soft, sound coming from Sasuke too.