Thank you so much for all the favs and alerts! They keep me motivated.
Kindly give me ideas for the next chapters! Not sure how I'm ending it just yet, but most likely with the end of Freshman year. (Meaning I might make 3 sequels for each High School year)
If there's anything you might want to see, suggest and I could try to put it in. Otherwise it might go in the sequels depending on its content!
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Sasuke and Naruto stopped and turned at hearing their voices. Surprised expression crossed their faces as they saw Hinata and two other girls. One of the girls was running towards them. They looked to each other not really sure who it was at first as she had a hood covering most of her face.
As she ran toward them, she tripped. Sasuke and Naruto raced over to catch her just in time. They could hear her breathing very hard probably from running so hard.
"Hey are you okay…?" Sasuke began but his voice caught in his throat when the girl lifted up her head. Memories of the day after Halloween flooded his mind. The girl with the beautiful green eyes was now in his arms.
"Sasuke-kun… Naruto… You're here…" She breathed out slowly. Naruto glanced blinked slowly not really coming to realize who this was.
However, Sasuke knew. He set the girl on her feet and slowly took off her hood. "Sakura…" The long pink hair flowed out of her jacket and tears rolled down her soft face.
"Sakura?" Naruto asked then his eyes widened greatly when he remembered as well. "S…Sakura-chan!"
"That's right… I've… finally found you two!" Sakura hugged both Sasuke and Naruto so hard that they fell over backwards onto their butts. They hugged her back each with one arm with their own tears flowing down their cheeks.
"You were in Konoha this entire time…" Sasuke mumbled out. "I don't believe this… Were you going to Kitsune?" Sakura nodded into his chest.
"How long have you and Naruto been here?" Sakura lifted up her head to look at the two boys.
"Since… September?" Naruto guessed not really remembering.
"What? Three months? I didn't know you were so close to me for THREE MONTHS?" Sakura gave out a large sigh then turned to Hinata who had come up with Ino. "And you… you were with Naruto for an entire month and a half!"
Hinata placed her hands up in defense with a sheepish smile. "I didn't know, Sakura-chan, remember?"
"Ah… you were friends with Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked tilting his head to the side at Hinata. Hinata looked at Naruto and sighed.
Ino came over and bent down staring at Sasuke and Naruto. The boys looked at her as she looked almost as if she was trying to pierce through them.
"Um…" Sasuke started then twitched when Ino gave a squeal.
"You girls are so lucky. They are so cuuuuute!" Ino placed her hands in front of her face and wiggled slightly. Sakura punched Ino in the arm twitching.
"Inoooooo. Stop it!" Sakura got up and went to punch Ino again, but only to be brought back down by Sasuke who hugged her. She blushed hard and calmed down immediately.
"No more… Even if it's just play fighting, I don't want to see anymore for a long while." Sasuke sighed leaning his head on Sakura's shoulder. "I can't believe it's really you… I have my best friend back, and now the girl from my childhood. What more could I ask for?"
Naruto laughed and leaned his head on Sakura's other shoulder. "You said it Sasuke…" Naruto glanced over at Ino and gave her a smile. "So your name is Ino?"
"Ino Yamanaka of the Yamanaka Florists at your service!" Ino grinned. "I'm Sakura's best friend. I've known her since she moved here. The little pinky came into my parents' shop one day, but I was the only one there. I just randomly asked her if she would help out, and we got to know each other from that."
"So this is your flower loving friend." Sasuke commented giving a knowing glance to Sakura. Sakura nodded giving a giggle. Ino narrowed her eyes at them crossing her arms.
"Wait a moment… did you guys already meet before?"
"It was by accident, Ino. I saw him sleeping outside of Kitsune High on the day after Halloween. His mummy costume intrigued me to go investigate. I had no idea it was Sasuke-kun." Sakura blushed and rubbed her head sheepishly.
"Wow, Sasuke… real fail there." Naruto snickered. Sasuke hit Naruto hard in the arm. "Ow! I thought you said no more fighting?"
"You deserved that one." Sasuke glared then suddenly shivered. "Uh… I think we better get home. It's super cold on the cement."
"Err, right!" Naruto got to his feet and helped Sakura up off of Sasuke so he could stand up. "It's a bit late for you girls to be going back home alone."
"Ah… well that is true, but we'll manage." Sakura half-smiled.
"No, Naruto's right. C'mon, come to our place. It's not too far." Sasuke placed out his hand for Sakura to grab. Sakura stared at it for a few moments for tentatively taking it. Naruto grabbed Hinata's hand leading her off.
"Well call Neji when we get to the house." Naruto suggested as Hinata leaned close against him.
"No, it's okay. He thinks I'm spending the night at Sakura-chan's house."
"Oh, that makes it quite simple then! Technically you're still at Sakura-chan's house, just with a few extra… 'guests'." Naruto laughed.
"That sounds bad the way you put it, Naruto-kun!" Hinata giggled shaking her head.
"Nyehehe. I can make it sound worse than that…." Naruto grinned making Hinata give a pouty face.
Sasuke, Sakura, and Ino remained silent as they stared at Naruto and Hinata. Curiosity burned in them wondering how they got together. Eventually, Naruto and Hinata stopped talking noticing that they were being stared at.
"Um…what?" Naruto asked blushing.
"You're spilling everything, Naruto." Sasuke half-glared. "We haven't had a time to talk about what happened at the Hyuugas."
Naruto blushed harder and turned away. "It's… nothing special!"
"Ha! You were never one to actually try for a girlfriend…" Sasuke rolled his eyes.
Sakura smiled widely and looked back at Ino mouthing. "This doesn't feel real!"
Ino mouthed back with an "I know!"
Soon, Sasuke and Naruto came up to their house passing by Naruto's and going over to Sasuke's.
"Naruto-kun… Your house is right next door, so does that mean this is…?" Hinata asked looking over to the house next to them.
"That's right, Hinata! Sasuke and I live right next to each other." Naruto grinned and Sasuke sweat dropped.
"Living next to an idiot gives headaches. You should be careful with what you're getting into Hinata." Sasuke cautioned with a hidden grin as he opened the door.
"SAAAASSSSUUUKKEEE-KUUUN!" A voice shouted with much glee. Sasuke suddenly slammed the door shut giving a horrified expression.
"Was that…" Naruto started feeling a shiver roll down his spine.
"Oh god, that's the guy at Kakuzu-sensei's place!" Sakura muttered.
"You know him, Sasuke-kun?" Hinata asked hiding behind Naruto.
"Wow, he really is hyper just like you said, Sakura!" Ino laughed taking a step back. Sasuke frowned greatly and turned toward the girls.
"Wait, you went to Kakuzu's clothing shop?" He asked as he felt the handle turning many times and a constant "Sasuke-kun?" in the background.
"The Nibi costume was sabotaged, so we went there immediately…" Sakura responded then frowned and pointed a finger at Sasuke and Naruto. "Wait! Hinata saw the Kyuubi costume and Kakuzu-sensei said it was sabotaged and just brought in… Were you two the ones who brought it in? And were you the ones running from…?" Sakura looked back and forth between the door, Naruto, and Sasuke.
"Running from the idiot behind the door?" Naruto suggested. "Definitely."
Sakura hung her head and groaned. "How many times have we MISSED each other since you arrived here?"
"That's what I'd like to know!" Sasuke muttered. He twitched as he felt the door begin to force open. He pushed against it to keep it from opening.
"Sasuke, Naruto… What are you doing?" Everyone turned to the new face that appeared. Sakura freaked out when she looked at the new face thinking it was Naruto. She looked back and forth between Naruto and the man. Naruto gave a sigh and grinned.
"Sakura-chan, this is my father Minato. You never actually met him. You only met Itachi." Sakura slowly calmed down as Minato came up to the group. Behind him was Kushina who was smiling sweetly.
"What's going on here?" Minato asked looking between all the children.
Sasuke pointed to the door. "Tobi's in there." Minato shook his head giving a sighing smile.
"He probably took a chance and followed either Itachi or Obito here. C'mon, just come to our house. The girls can come too." Minato walked over to his house and opened the door going inside. Kushina came up next to Sasuke and pushed him aside.
She mouthed. "I'll take care of him." With a wink. Sasuke gave a sigh of relief and grabbed Sakura's hand quickly going into the Namikaze house. Naruto, Ino, and Hinata followed after.
Wanting to see how Tobi would react, Sasuke ran into Naruto's room and peeked out the window. Naruto came up next to him on the bed to watch. The three girls looked to each other and giggled before coming up behind them.
Kushina moved aside as the door came flying open with Tobi stumbling out.
"Huh?" Tobi blinked several times looking around. He looked very much like Obito without his mask on. It was easy to see that Tobi was definitely part of the Uchiha family. He looked to Kushina giving a surprised expression. "Kushina-san? Where's Sasuke-kun?"
"Hmm, Sasuke-kun? I haven't seen him today!" Kushina gave an innocent smile.
"What? But… I just saw him!"
"You must be seeing things, Tobi-kun! Why don't you go back inside?" Kushina suggested as she pushed a reluctant Tobi back into the Uchiha's house.
All of the children gave a sigh and turned to sit down.
"Who IS this Tobi character anyway, Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked getting comfortable on Naruto's bed, which surprisingly could fit all five of them on there.
"He's my cousin's younger brother." Sasuke groaned.
"OH. Sasuke!" Naruto grabbed Sasuke's shirt and began to shake him. Sasuke grabbed his arms and twitched.
"WHAT?"
"Is Obito really getting married to that Rin girl?"
"Yes! Gah, it's surprising, I know…"
"EEEH? RIN-SENSEI IS GETTING MARRIED?" All three girls shouted at the same time.
"Rin…sensei?" Sasuke turned to the girls blinking slowly.
"She's our English teacher!" Sakura explained. "I can't believe she's getting married!"
"I'm going to pry all information from her after the holidays!" Ino wiggled happily then slowly she realized something. "The holidays…That's right, Christmas is coming in just four days…"
"Oh… and we're going on a trip." Naruto mumbled. "I forgot about that. We were going to leave tomorrow morning."
Sasuke turned to Sakura feeling her eyes on him. He stared at her feeling sadness pierce him. "We aren't going to come back until the day before school started…"
"That's… That's not until January 7th…" Sakura gripped her hands then grabbed Sasuke's jacket placing her head into it. "I… No! I don't want to not see you and Naruto again even for a moment after how long it's been…"
"Then why don't you ask your parents if you can come?" Minato suggested as he came into the room. The children looked at him then back to each other.
"Do you really mean it?" Sakura asked as she slowly let go of Sasuke.
"Sure, I don't mind having more people join us. It'll give Sasuke and Naruto people their age group to talk to. And since Tobi is coming it'll give them the chance to get away easier."
"…What…Did…You…SAY?" Sasuke and Naruto shouted at the same time racing up to Minato and grabbing his shirt.
"Tobi is coming? Why is he coming?" Sasuke twitched and groaned loudly.
Minato laughed and gently rubbed Sasuke and Naruto's heads. "Why else would he be here?" Minato turned to the girls in the back then looked to the clock. "I bet your parents are still up. You better call and ask if you can come. If they ask who is the guardians tell them Minato and Kushina Namikaze, and Itachi and Obito Uchiha." Minato waved and left the room.
Sasuke and Naruto slumped to the floor. Naruto had an expression on his face as if he wanted to cry. Sasuke looked utterly depressed. Hinata and Sakura looked at each other then to Ino.
"Go for it." Ino whispered with a giggle. Hinata and Sakura scooted off the bed and knelt behind Sasuke and Naruto. Sakura hugged Sasuke from behind making him sit up straight and blush. Hinata wrapped her arms around Naruto's neck and came close to his cheek. Sasuke, Sakura, and Ino immediately watched them.
"N a r u t o - k u n." Hinata whispered out his name slowly. Naruto immediately began to blush very hard. Hinata turned her face and lightly gave his cheek a kiss before pulling back and giggling. Naruto's face went bright red then to slightly frustrated as he got up and turned to Hinata.
"You… you…" Naruto reached over and grabbed Hinata beginning to tickle her. Hinata squeaked and tried to run away, but Naruto wasn't about to let her escape after what she had done.
Sasuke and Sakura looked to each then back to Naruto and Hinata. Ino came over to them giving Sakura a knowing look.
"Was Hinata-chan… ever that bold?" Ino asked.
"No way! She's so shy…"
"Naruto!" Sasuke turned around. "Spill it now!" Naruto stopped staring wide eyed at Sasuke then began to blush again realizing what he was doing. He quickly got off of Hinata and cleared his throat. Hinata laid there trying to catch her breath as she let out soft giggles.
"Um… H-How about after the girls call their parents?" Naruto suggested. Sasuke narrowed his eyes then slowly nodded.
"I'll pass!" Ino smiled. "I'm going out with the Akimichi family. Choji wanted me to get used to his parents."
"Oh, that's right you're dating Choji. Forgot about that." Sakura grinned as she pulled out her cell phone and left the room. Hinata finally got up and went after Sakura to call her parents as well.
"Eh? Choji has a girlfriend?" Naruto asked, surprised.
"Shocking I bet!" Ino giggled twirling around.
"Definitely. He never once mentioned it." Sasuke stood up and stretched. "Wait… just how many connections do we have to each other?"
"If you know a Shikamaru Nara, that's another one!"
"Gah!" Naruto rubbed his head in frustration. "We fail so much at this!"
-oO0-o)
Naruto stared at Sasuke who was staring back. It was late at night, and the girls had been placed in another room to sleep. Sakura had easily gotten permission from her mother. Minato said he would take her over early to get her things. Hinata had a little bit harder time, but finally convinced her father if Neji was allowed to come. Neji would arrive with Hinata's things just before they left.
Sasuke sighed and rolled over. A smile came to his face. He was exploding with happiness that he almost couldn't hold it back.
"It's wonderful, isn't?" Naruto asked as he reached over grabbing the photo. Sasuke rolled to his back and looked at the photo of him, Naruto, and Sakura.
"Yeah, and I just can't believe it either. We're finally reunited with her. I was beginning to think she didn't live in Konoha." Sasuke murmured.
"Me too, but I haven't thought about her recently with everything that had happened especially since I was over at the Hyuugas' house." Naruto placed the photo down and moved his arms to behind his head.
"I can't believe that you fell in love though!" Sasuke sat up slightly staring down at Naruto.
"I know. I have a hard time believing it myself."
"The fact that you got to see her almost everyday really helped out…"
"Yup! Otherwise, I think it would have taken me much longer to get to know her…" Naruto gave a smile then glanced up at Sasuke. "And you were already in love."
Sasuke's eyes widened and a blush came to his cheeks. "W-What are you muttering about?"
"C'mon, Sasuke. I knew you were in love with Sakura-chan right before we got into seventh grade." Naruto grinned. Sasuke gulped and turned away. "You never stopped… I was jealous at first, but I only had a small crush. When she moved away, the crush went away too."
Sasuke turned back to Naruto and blinked slowly. "Really?"
"Yup! But no way could I compete with an Uchiha." Naruto laughed lightly. Sasuke frowned greatly and rolled his eyes. "So what will you do about it?"
"Do about what, idiot?" Sasuke laid back down staring at the ceiling.
"About Sakura! Are you going to confess to her on this trip?"
"Mmm… I don't know, Naruto. Is that really the best thing to do just as we got reunited with her? If I do that we all can't really spend time with each other."
"Are you kidding? Sasuke! We can still spend time with each other. No matter what goes on between you and her, we're all still friends. That'll never change regardless if you're 'better' friends with her." Naruto smiled. Sasuke looked over and gave a smile then punched Naruto in the arm.
"Idiot."
"You're only punching me cause you haven't gotten to for a month and a half!" Naruto laughed and rolled to his side.
"Ugh. Remind why I came back?" Sasuke asked jokingly closing his eyes.
"Cauuuuuse, you love me?" Another punch came to Naruto's back this time making him give an 'ow' and a laugh. Sasuke sighed loudly.
"Just go to sleep before you end up not being able to move tomorrow."
"Gotcha, Sasuke."
-oO0-o)
"Sakura, you have to make a move on him!" Ino encouraged. Sakura shook her head and turned away. "Why not? I can see you favor him compared to Naruto, and plus Naruto is already taken by Hinata-chan."
"Ino-chan! D-Don't bring me in!" Hinata pleaded feeling embarrassed. Ino stuck out her tongue before turning to Sakura expecting an answer.
Sakura sighed. "For one, Ino, I don't even know if he has a girlfriend, and… I just met him again after 3 years… There's no way he has feelings for me still." She laid down curling up in her blankets. Ino gave a frown and crossed her arms.
"You better ask and try things! Or use Naruto and…" Ino grinned as she turned to stare at Hinata. Hinata placed up her hands.
"Oh, no Ino-chan! I'm not doing spying for you!"
"It wouldn't be spying! You'd just do some simple questioning through Naruto." Ino came up to Hinata and poked her cheek. "C'mon… I bet he knows everything about little Sasuke-kun!"
"Ino! Let it go! You won't be there anyway." Sakura groaned.
"Exactly! That's why I need Hinata-chan to do it for me!"
"Just let things come naturally, and go to sleep!" Sakura commanded.
"Fine, fine…" Ino sighed and finally laid down.
Sakura stared out the window giving a silent sigh. I want it to work, Ino. I do, but I have to be realistic. It's been way too long since our departure…
-oO0-o)
December 22nd, Saturday morning.
Sasuke yawned greatly as Itachi placed his bags into the car. Tobi was dancing around him so overly eager to be here. Sasuke wanted to die that very second. He hung his head as Tobi pestered him with questions that he completely ignored.
How is he related to Cousin Obito? Sasuke sighed as he brought his head up to look over at Obito. Obito was with his fiancée packing up her things. They weren't going to stay long as he still had some work to take care of, plus he was going to go over to Rin's family as well. Tobi was going with them because Kakuzu wasn't letting Tobi have a long vacation either. That thought alone sort of lifted Sasuke's mood.
Naruto came up next to Sasuke with his bag. He placed it down with a large thump. Sasuke looked down at it and twitched.
"Naruto, what did you pack in here?" Sasuke knelt down as he poked the bag.
"Um, let's see. Clothes, manga, ramen…" Naruto began listing off useless things. Sasuke got up and punched Naruto's arm. "WHAT?"
"We're unpacking half of that!" Sasuke grabbed the bag and began pulling it away. Naruto ran after him.
"Sasuke, wait, wait, waaait! C'mon!" The boys passed Kushina as she came out of the house. Kushina sighed giving a smile.
"Don't be long boys." Kushina looked up to see her husband drive up with Sakura in the passenger seat. Kushina gave a silent squeal. Three girls were going to be on this trip. It made her happy.
Sakura got out of the car and went up to Kushina with a bow. Kushina hugged Sakura happily who blinked greatly in surprise.
"I'm so happy to meet the girl that kept my dear little boys company in Oto." Kushina smiled letting Sakura go. Sakura rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.
"Ah, Kushina-san, please… I didn't really do anything."
"Oh don't be so bashful. It was quite a surprise to know that Sasuke and Naruto had another friend." Kushina turned and glared at Sasuke and Naruto as they came out of the house. They stopped and stared at Kushina with worried expressions.
"What did we do now, Mom?" Naruto gulped. Kushina went up to them and pointed back at Sakura.
"How could you keep quite about such a lovely girl?"
"I… uh… well…" Naruto stuttered.
"Itachi knew, as well." Sasuke said in his defense pointing over at his older brother. Kushina immediately looked over at Itachi. Itachi gave a glare at Sasuke before smiling at Kushina. Kushina threw her arms up in frustration giving a sigh.
"You boys! Keeping secrets from me." Kushina went over and hugged Sakura again. Naruto and Sasuke gave half-horrified faces.
She's going to keep Sakura all to herself! They thought at the same time. They both inwardly sighed.
"Kushina-san, your water is boiling." Hinata popped up behind Naruto and Sasuke giving them a light fright.
"Oh! Thank you, Hinata-chan!" Kushina smiled going up to the house. "And this! My Naruto forgetting to tell me he was going to date this precious child." Kushina hugged Hinata as she dragged the Hyuuga back into the house.
Naruto groaned and hung his head. "My mom's sulking that she didn't have any girls…"
"Naruto, let your mother have her happiness." Minato smiled rubbing Naruto's head.
"You should have given her a girl then!" Naruto frowned. Minato grabbed Naruto's head and pointed it toward the car.
"Go pack your things away." Minato said firmly. Naruto bit his lip, grabbed his suitcase, and went over to the car to pack it. Sasuke shook his head as he came up to Sakura.
"Is this how you guys are all the time?" Sakura asked watching Naruto struggle to put the suitcase in the back.
"Almost everyday…" Sasuke sighed.
Sakura laughed. "It sounds like such fun!" Sasuke gave a smile at her then looked up to see Obito and Rin approach. "Oh! Rin-sensei, why didn't you say were getting married? To an Uchiha too!" Sakura grinned at Rin who gave an embarrassed smile.
"Obito wanted to wait until the right moment to tell everyone. I was fine with that." Rin smiled. Obito blushed and looked away then sighed as Tobi looked over his shoulder.
"Obito-senpai! When are we leaving, when are we leaving?" Tobi asked impatiently.
"When we're all packed, Tobi." Obito shook his head.
"Why does Tobi call Obito-sensei Senpai?" Sakura whispered looking at Sasuke.
Sasuke leaned over to her ear. "Because he's an officer, so he's showing respect in his weird ways."
"Oh, I understand." Sakura smiled then jumped when Tobi was half-way kneeling in front of Sasuke and Sakura. He was staring at them with a large grin on his face. "W-What?"
"Sasuke-kun, what dirty things are you telling this girl? Oh, oh I know! Is it your undying love for…?" Suddenly Obito came flying forward and hit his face into the ground. Behind him was Itachi was a frown on his face.
Sasuke sighed greatly and gave a 'thank you' smile at Itachi before going over to Itachi's car. "Itachi, is it alright if I ride with Minato?"
"Sasuke, Minato only has room for three others beside himself and Kushina. You'll have to suffer, and since Hinata's cousin is coming that means you and whomever else you want to come is riding with me." Itachi rubbed Sasuke's head as he went into the Namikaze's house. Sasuke placed his hands on the car and gave a depressed sigh.
"Aaah, Sasuke-kun I won't bother you!" Tobi encouraged coming up next to him.
"Leave me alone to die, better yet go die yourself." Sasuke growled. Tobi sweat dropped and turned to walk off. Sakura laughed and patted Sasuke's back. "This is going to be a very long day…"
Soon, Neji arrived with his things and Hinata's. He packed them into Minato's car and bowed his head. Naruto gave a friendly punch to Neji who countered it back giving a smile. Hinata smiled at them as she helped Kushina pack the food. Sakura came up next to Kushina giving a hand to help. Sasuke remained leaning against Itachi's car listening to his iPod.
Once packed, everyone loaded up into Itachi and Minato's cars. Sasuke and Sakura were riding with Itachi, Obito, Rin, and Tobi while Naruto, Hinata, and Neji were with Minato and Kushina. Minato started up his car and began to drive off with Itachi following behind.
-oO0-o)
Later that day, several miles away from Konoha.
Sasuke helped Sakura out of the car as they finally came to a stop. It had taken about two hours to get where they were headed. They were at an old resort that hadn't been used in a while.
"Oh, where are we?" Sakura asked. She and Sasuke had listened to their iPods the way there to ignore Tobi.
"This is the old Uchiha resort, but it's barely in use anymore since our parents died." Itachi answered as he came out of the car.
"Was this your vacation home?" Sakura pondered as she took a few steps toward it.
"That's right!" Itachi grinned as he patted Sakura on the head. Minato came up to him and gestured toward the house. "Sasuke, give your friends a tour. We need to get the houses heating up. Minato forgot to do that earlier."
"Ah, lame. Now we're out here in the freezing cold…" Sasuke mumbled. Itachi gave him a smile before grabbing Tobi, who was about to go to Sasuke, and followed after Obito, Rin, Kushina, and Minato.
Naruto, Hinata, and Neji came up to Sasuke and Sakura stretching.
"So, where should we show them first, Sasuke?" Naruto asked as he stuck his hands in his pockets. Sasuke crossed his arms as he begun to think.
"The river's probably partly frozen, and since the sun has been hiding today climbing would be difficult…" Sasuke sighed.
"Oh! We could show them the hot spring!" Naruto suggested excitedly. "It's going to take a bit for the house to warm up, and Dad can always buzz my cell when it's time to help unpack."
Sasuke gave a nod then looked to his friends. "Is that alright with you three?"
"A hot spring sounds awesome!" Sakura grinned. "We could warm up a little."
"That is fine with me." Neji replied.
"It's been awhile since I've been to a hot spring." Hinata answered cheerfully. Sasuke nodded and began to walk off as he dug his hands into his jacket. Naruto grabbed Hinata's hand and followed after with Neji on his other side. Sakura caught up with Sasuke and walked besides him.
The area they were in was very crisp and full of many trees, which surrounded the resort in a semi-circle. Many of them were dead considering winter had finally set in, although it had yet to snow this year. A bank off to the left of the resort had a river that was barely flowing thanks to the ice that had frozen part of it as Sasuke had thought. It was a small river that could easily be hopped over. On the other side of the river where small trees and bushes that created a forest like area. Some of the bushes were white and soft looking turning with the season.
Sasuke and Naruto led the group next to the river. They were heading upstream to where the river flowed over the side of a small mountain that was right next to resort. When they reached the small waterfall, Sasuke went around the side and stopped at the stairs that were carved into the rock. He placed one foot on them and slid it back and forth.
"It's stable enough to walk on, but I'd suggest using the handrails as much as possible. Also, one person at a time, so I'll go first, Sakura, Naruto, Hinata, and then Neji." Sasuke grabbed onto the robe handrails that had been made to grip onto. Sasuke made it to the top without slipping. He turned around and waited for Sakura to proceed up.
Sakura reached out and gripped the rails as she slowly began to ascend the stairs. Just as she was about the reach the top, she slipped.
"Sakura-chan!" Naruto yelled as he was about to race up the stairs to catch her, but thankfully Sasuke had reached out and caught her hand. Both of them hung suspended in the air until Sasuke pulled Sakura up to him. Naruto heaved a sigh of relief as he began to walk up the stairs.
Sasuke took a few steps back holding onto Sakura as he looked down at the others. That was dangerous. I'll ask Itachi or Minato to salt these stairs. Sasuke looked down at Sakura softly. "Are you alright?"
"Y-Yup!" Sakura said shakily. "Just nearly had a heart attack, though." Sasuke gave a chuckle rolling his eyes.
Eventually, everyone made it up safely and they began to walk again. Sasuke and Naruto led them around the base river until it was blocked off by a rock formation. They went around the corner and it suddenly became much warmer.
Eyes widen, they saw the open, natural hot spring with steam coming out. Naruto grinned as he knelt next to it and placed his hands out. "So waaaaaarm." Naruto mumbled as he took his gloves off.
"Don't sit too close, or you'll fall in, idiot." Sasuke rolled his eyes as Naruto moved forward anyway. I'm tempted to kick him in…
"This is so lovely!" Sakura commented pulling Hinata over to the spring. She placed her arms out feeling the warmth seep through her. "I definitely want to hop into this later."
"We can, but probably not until after Christmas." Sasuke responded as he leaned against a rock watching the three warm up.
Naruto pouted his face then sighed. Oh well… Suddenly, he heard a noise making him look up and around. His eyes caught on a movement in the bushes just beyond the rocks. Squinting his eyes, he tried to see what it was then a black nose popped out sniffing. A wild animal! I wonder what it… Naruto's eyes began to wide as the animal came out of the bush more. It was that fox he had seen in the park. "AH!" Naruto shouted getting up really quickly, but being so close to the edge of the hot spring he began to lose his balance.
"Naruto!" Sasuke shouted jumping out to grab him. Naruto was falling backwards into the spring just as Sasuke grabbed his hand. Sasuke, unfortunately, lost his balance as well and started to fall. Neji reached out to try and pull Sasuke, but he couldn't handle the weight of the two boys and all three of them fell into the hot spring.
"Sasuke-kun, Naruto, Neji-san!" Sakura shouted then sighed relief when she saw the three boys come out of the water and crawl back onto the rock. "Are you three alright?"
"To… a point…" Neji replied as he stood up. "That… is really hot water."
Sasuke began to take his jacket off and shook it to get the water out. "Naruto, what were you doing?"
"There was an orange fox over there!" Naruto pointed to beyond the bushes, but blinked that the fox he had seen was now gone. Sasuke looked over then frowned greatly when he saw nothing.
"What are you talking about? You screamed for something you thought you saw?"
"I didn't THINK I saw it, I KNOW I saw it!" Naruto growled as he began to shiver.
"Whatever…" Sasuke rolled his eyes and wrapped arms around himself as he began to shiver as well.
"We should head back…" Sakura suggested as she began to head towards the stairs. The boys nodded and followed after her with Hinata behind.
-oO0-o)
Minato sighed as Sasuke, Naruto, and Neji went off to take showers. It was to help prevent them getting sick. Sakura and Hinata grinned at each as they watched them walk off.
"Do they have extra clothes?" Hinata asked as she and Sakura followed Minato outside.
"We haven't brought in their bags yet, would you help me with that?" Minato requested as he went up to his car.
"Of course, Namikaze-san." Hinata replied with a smile. Sakura nodded in agreement.
"Good! And please, just call me Minato."
An hour later.
Sakura and Hinata sat down in front of the fire as the last bags of things had been brought in. They were out of their winter jackets with warm coco in their hands. Being as they helped bring things in they didn't have to help with the cleaning. Sasuke, Naruto, and Neji were sent to work as soon as they had gotten out of their showers.
Sakura leaned back and stared up at the ceiling. "Hinata-chan?"
"Yes, Sakura-chan?" Hinata responded looking down at Sakura.
"Why do you love Naruto?"
Hinata choked on her coco as the question caught her off guard. Sakura sweat dropped as she sat up to pat Hinata's back. Hinata looked to Sakura with wide eyes. "W-W-Why do you want to know?"
"Sorry, I'm just a bit curious." Sakura smiled sheepishly.
"Is this about Sasuke-kun?"
"Ah… No, I'm really curious what you see in him. He's not a bad person, but he's loud, hyperactive, and gets carried away." Sakura sighed shaking her head.
"Even so…" Hinata looked to the fireplace, a smile coming to her face. "He does everything with all his heart. He never gives up. He always tries to find the truth behind things when no one else will. He has a kind heart, cares for all of his friends, and will never abandon someone no matter if it will cause trouble for himself. I fell in love with him for who he is… Naruto-kun… I can't help it. I love him."
Sakura stared at Hinata. Heh… she's right. He is like that even if he can go overboard. A smile crept to her face. "You should tell him that."
"Eh?"
"Tell him you love him! You haven't yet, have you?" Sakura grinned poking Hinata's cheek. Her face became a bright red as she pushed Sakura's hand away. Sakura laughed shaking her head. Why do I love Sasuke-kun, I wonder? Maybe I should find the answer…
As Sakura began to think on that, her name and Hinata's were called by Kushina. They got up and rushed over to help Kushina who was in the kitchen.
-oO0-o)
December 24th-25th, a few hours before Christmas morning.
Naruto bolted awake and looked around. He was breathing heavily and felt very hot. He took off the layer of blankets he had on, and hung his feet over his bed. That dream…Why am I dreaming of that fox…?
Sighing, Naruto placed on slippers and slowly and quietly crept out of the room. He didn't want to disturb Neji and Sasuke. As soon as he closed the door he walked down the hallway and down the long winding stairs to the large living room where the tree had been placed. The tree was very tall and brightly lit with many colored lights. Naruto walked up to and stared up at it. A smile came to his face as he remembered making the ornaments with his friends a few nights before.
Naruto looked over to the fireplace. It was unlit making it chilly in the living room. The rooms were heated, and since no one was sleeping down here there was no need to keep it warm. Frustrated that even though he was calmed down after that dream he wasn't sleepy. Clapping his hands together, Naruto grabbed the wood next to the fireplace and placed it inside. Doing as his father taught him, he started up the fire and closed the doors waiting for it to start up.
"There, now to just wait…" Naruto grabbed a blanket from the couches and curled up in front of the tree. He was staring at the presents that were under. A grin came to his face as he slowly began to reach for one of his until a voice made him froze.
"Naruto-kun…?" Naruto turned around to see Hinata coming down the stairs and towards him.
"Hinata, what are you doing awake?" Naruto asked as Hinata sat down next to him.
"I could ask you the same thing, Naruto-kun."
"Ehehe, I suppose you could… Well what's your reason first?"
"I couldn't sleep. I feel very excited for some reason." Hinata smiled as she leaned her head on Naruto's shoulder. Naruto smiled down at her before pulling the blanket over her. "What's your reason?"
The smile from Naruto's face disappeared as he turned his head toward the tree. "I dreamed of a fox… You know the Kyuubi mascot? Well… it looks similar to the chibi on our jackets and shirts' uniforms. Except, it has four tails…" Naruto sighed and shook his head. "I've seen it in real life."
"You mean… from the time we saw the hot spring?" Hinata lifted up her head and looked at Naruto with concern.
"Yeah… And I also saw it the Sunday after you and Neji found me being beat up…" Naruto frowned and hung his head. "It's real, I know it is. You believe me don't you, Hinata?"
Hinata placed her hands on Naruto's face and brought it up. "I do believe you. I've heard mythical tales of strange creatures before. I believe that they exist even though we don't see them…"
Naruto gave a smile then leaned forward lightly kissing Hinata's lips making Hinata blush greatly and bury her head in his shoulder. Naruto laughed then got up and opened up the fireplace. "Thank you, Hinata. We'll have to research though…" Naruto went back over and sat with Hinata pulling her close.
"We'll figure this out, Naruto-kun. I'll ask Neji-niisan if he knows anything."
"Yeah! Now then… After it gets warm in here, I'll make us some coco! Then we just wait for everyone else to wake." Naruto smiled and stared up at the tree as he held Hinata closer.
-oO0-o)
"….suke-kun…Sasuke-kun!" Sasuke opened up his eyes to see bright green ones staring down at him.
"Whoa!" He sat up straight and shook his head. "Sakura? Is something wrong?" Sasuke asked as he yawned greatly. He rubbed his eyes and reached for his cell phone reading the time: 5a.m.
"No, no! Just come on!" Sakura grabbed Sasuke's arm to pull him up.
"Jeez, wait, Sakura. Let me get dressed first." Sasuke gave a small laugh as he pulled his arm away. Sakura blushed and rubbed the back of her head before heading out of the room. Sasuke gave a smile before stretching and getting out of bed. Quickly, he changed out of his pajamas and into warm long sleeves. He came out of the room and gestured for Sakura to lead.
They headed down the stairs and came into the living room. Sasuke looked to the bright tree that illuminated the room then blinked when he realized it was warm. Is Minato or Itachi up early? As they came up to the tree Sasuke finally noticed Naruto, Hinata, and Neji over by the large window just behind the tree.
"Sasuke, Sakura-chan!" Naruto waved them over and pointed outside. "Look, look, look! It's hard to see since the sun isn't up, but you can barely see it thanks to the tree."
Sasuke came up next to Naruto and squinted his eyes. He could just make out white powder on the trees and ground. Snow! Although, there isn't a lot of it. "It almost seems so cliché for it to snow on Christmas day…"
"I hope it snows a lot more!" Naruto grinned then skipped over to the fireplace plopping down on a very large blanket. Hinata and Neji followed with Sakura and Sasuke behind.
"How long have you been up, Naruto?" Sasuke asked with a yawn.
Naruto placed a hand up to count. "Hmmm, a couple of hours? Maybe a few? I don't remember. I think it was still Christmas Eve just barely." Sasuke sweat dropped and couldn't help but smile.
"Why don't we play a card game as we wait for the adults to wake?" Neji suggested. Sasuke nodded in agreement and went over to a cupboard. He opened it up and brought out two decks of cards before plopping down next to Sakura.
A few hours past and by then the five children were getting exceedingly loud waking up the rest of the house. Minato and Obito were the first ones to come down the stairs to see what the fuss was about. They gave sighs with a few chuckles as they watched the children play Spoons. They were all very happy and in good moods, which made Minato smile. Minato exchanged a look with Obito before walking into the living room.
"I see you kids are up early." Minato commented making them freeze in the middle of their game, although their fits of laughter continued. Naruto snuck a spoon out making Sasuke tackle him. They began to wrestle on the floor with laughter and jumping around from the other three. Minato gave a laugh and stood back as Sasuke and Naruto rolled around.
Eventually, they all calmed down and Minato asked for them to help prepare Christmas dinner. As happy as they were, they agreed without a second thought. The rest of the family finally came down and everyone was helping with making the dinner. It took several hours, but they were finally able to relax to open presents.
Later that evening.
"C'mon!" Naruto grabbed Hinata's hand and pulled her out the door. Neji was close behind. Sasuke and Sakura were already outside with Sakura having her hands up in the air. "It's snowing!" Naruto grinned largely and bent down picking up snow to throw at Sasuke, but Hinata grabbed his hand.
"Naruto-kun, he's talking with Sakura-chan. Let's leave them be for the moment." Hinata smiled as she held Naruto's hand. He dropped the snowball and nodded then looked up into the sky watching the snow slowly drift down.
Sasuke watched Sakura skip around as the snow fell down on them. A smile came to his face as he gripped something in his pocket. Taking a deep breath, he went up to her and grabbed her hand to make her come to a stop. Puffs of warm air came from her mouth as she smiled happily at Sasuke.
"Having fun?" Sasuke asked. Sakura nodded. "Turn around for me and close your eyes."
"Eh? What for?" Sakura tilted her head with a grin.
"Just do it!" Sasuke turned her around himself and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Eyes closed?" Sakura gave a nod. "Good." Sasuke reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver-chained necklace with an emerald, oval gem attached to it. He softly dropped it onto her neck and pulled the chain to the back of her neck and latched it over her hair before moving her hair aside for the chain to go under.
Sakura opened her eyes and gently touched the necklace. "Sasuke-kun…what's this for…?" She turned around with a sweet smile on her face. Sasuke blushed and looked away.
"I didn't give you a Christmas gift yet." Sasuke looked back at her with a light smile. Sakura smiled more and hugged Sasuke almost making him fall back. He regained his balance returning the hug giving a larger smile.
"Thank you, Sasuke-kun… I love it." Sakura continued to hug Sasuke as she rested her head on his chest. Sasuke closed his eyes content with the way things were now.
Sakura… I love you, but I'm just not ready to tell you yet. Please, continue to wait for me…
The snow softly fell down upon the touching scene giving a warm feeling to the cool air of the winter day.
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Remember, if you have suggestions or ideas please don't be afraid to tell me!