CHAPTER 14: THE TREASURED CHRISTMAS PARTY [part 2]

As their Christmas Party began, everything went so well. Sakura, so far, managed to tell everyone the truth about Sasuke being invited. She told them that both of them were in good terms with Naruto. But of course, there's always the certain "incident" that she could never tell and Sasuke was the only one who knew about this, along with Sakura of course. The others believed her since her smile was so genuine and Naruto grinning beside her. Sasuke kept silent but didn't object in anything the cherry said. After that, the real party began.

Everyone had a great time. Confetti's were everywhere. Different games were played, and no fights so far. From the beginning, pairs were formed. The first pair was Naruto and Sakura, obviously. Second was Lee and Tenten. Next was Kiba and Hinata. And the fourth pair was Shikamaru and Chouji. The remaining guys declined, evidently.

And as they were satisfied with their partners, the games started. The first game involved the guys' strength and their balance. The game's objective was when the music played, they would dance. On their feet was a newspaper. Whenever the music paused, the pairs would fit themselves in the newspaper that would eventually get smaller as rounds finishes. 1st round was obviously an easy one since the newspaper was wide. 2nd round came and the newspaper was folded into half. Shikamaru and Chouji lost first from the second round. Not because they didn't fit, but because as Shikamaru figured that he had to carry Chouji, he declined before the 3rd round started. They all laughed at the matter. Going on, as the next round started, the boys started carrying the girls. All of them were a bit embarrassed being carried by the guys. The audience, now with Suzuki, smiled and others laughed. The fifth round came and Lee and Tenten lost in balance. So the two pairs were left. As the seventh round came, Sakura was already laughing in Naruto's amazing one-foot balance and Hinata was blushing as Kiba carried her in the same way. The two boys were best friends, but when it comes to a duel, they never give up. The two men carried the girls in a bride style. And it was making it more challenging. As two rounds came after, Naruto was already on his tiptoes, and so was Kiba. Both were sweating and both weren't giving up until… Kiba lost his balance. And of course, the winner was Naruto and Sakura.

The next games were as hilarious as the pairs. Naruto and Kiba were always the last ones to survive. It was as if they never grew tired of competing against each other.

Well, they are best friends… We can't help it, right? Sakura thought as she observed the two, smiling.

As the time passed by quickly, it was 11 pm when everyone was happily tired from the games. And because of that, Suzuki brought out from her kitchen an apple pie that was made by Sakura and her. It was hot from the oven and everyone could smell it the second it got out of the kitchen. It looked delicious and it tasted delicious as well.

"Wow! Sakura-chan, you're really amazing!" Naruto said as he learned that his best friend made it.

"He's right, Sakura." Tenten agreed.

"As expected from Sakura-san!" Lee added.

"Oh, thanks guys." Sakura smiled.

"Well, then everyone. Dig in!" Suzuki announced.

Sakura volunteered to cut the pie and divided into 10. The guests lined up with their plates in their hands. Naruto was always first in the line and Kiba and Lee came next. But Sasuke was on the last place. And unknown to Sakura, as she was so distracted in her own heavenly happiness, she forgot that her division of the pie was wrong.

As Neji got the ninth slice, that was when Sakura learned her mistake. Sasuke was already in front of her as she was panicking deep inside.

Oh, no! There's only one slice left…she thought.

Sasuke noticed her hidden tantrum.

"It's alright. You can have it. I don't really like sweets." he said calmly.

"B-but, Uchiha-san…" Sakura looked at him.

"I told you, it's alright."

"But it's not sweet. It's just an ordinary pie." Sakura added.

"I don't care. Just take it." Sasuke offered his plate.

Naruto was eating peacefully beside Kiba then he noticed that Sakura and Sasuke were left with one slice. He thought carefully and concluded that they might be arguing on who'd take the slice. So his idea was, well, he'd offer his pie with Sakura. So he stood up and as he was about to walk towards them, he saw Sakura take Sasuke's plate.

Sakura took the plate, placed the last slice on it and then,

"Then let's share it together, Uchiha-san." Sakura smiled at him.

Sasuke's eyes widened a bit. He blinked in surprise. His eyes looked at Sakura's plate – that was used to be his – that was offered to him as well. Then he looked at Sakura that was smiling at him with the sweetest manner.

"But I told you it's-"

When he was about to decline for the third time, he heard his stomach grumble with hunger he was denying all this time. Sakura heard this as well and laughed at this.

"See? You are hungry after all." Sakura told him.

Sasuke looked away with embarrassment – but it wasn't shown on his face. He had forgotten that he didn't eat dinner that day because he was going to a party. And of course, like any other person, he'd expect that there'll be food since it is a party. But he didn't expect this. Sharing a slice of pie with a girl he'd never expect to keep and develop a secret friendship with? Was fate playing with him? I guess it is… Besides, he is hungry. And he's soon gonna die if he doesn't even take a bite of anything. And also, the pie was made by her. So…

"Fine…" he finally accepted with a grumble.

"Eheh, arigatou~" Sakura laughed and walked towards a seat.

On the other side of the lobby, there stood a hopeless blond that was also about to offer his pie with his one and only. But as he saw Sasuke accept Sakura's share of pie, it felt like a ton of bricks that fell on top of his chest. It was unacceptable. It was heart-breaking. He was, in fact, brokenhearted by what he has seen. And without denying it, he knew he was angry. But he wasn't angry at Sakura. He never was. Him, angry at Sakura? At his Sakura-chan? Never. Impossible. He wasn't angry at Sasuke also, was he? But what was he furious about? But of course, any human being could identify this. It was obvious except for the person who was experiencing this, which was Naruto, it wasn't. It was undeniable and unavoidable… Jealousy.

--

At the table was a small slice of pie that was made simply by a Sakura Haruno and was being shared to Sasuke Uchiha. Wasn't that a very surprising sight? But for Sakura, it wasn't. It was the best thing that she was experiencing. Finally, it felt like a real friendship and it was in public. Her friends and classmates were around and they were sharing a slice of pie because of her clumsiness in dividing the pie. Sasuke, on the other hand, wasn't enjoying this completely. He felt embarrassed, but he didn't know why. If it was the grumble of his stomach, why would he still be? It was unknown. He couldn't identify what made him feel that way. But then again, something about her presence was making him comfortable the same time. As she cut a piece and took a bite of it, he was looking at her. He noticed that her smile didn't fade. And she wasn't squirming and squealing like all the fan girls he knew. It was a true smile. It was different from the "fake" smile he saw the first time they talked in the school hallway. How long has it been since that tearful day?

Sakura wasn't an idiot at all. Naruto was right. Sasuke was mistaken. He'd been calling her the wrong way. He just wasn't aware of it. He was thick-headed. But if he did know about his mistake, what would he call her then?

Sasuke had his own fork. But he wasn't moving. He was too distracted in his personal thoughts about something. Sakura, already on her third bite, noticed the silence of her seatmate.

"Uchiha-san?"

"H-huh?" Sasuke recovered.

"Uchiha-san, you haven't eaten a single bite. And I'm already on my third. W-wah… How embarrassing…" Sakura placed a hand on her cheek. "A-anyways, what's wrong with you? Is something bothering you?"

"It's nothing." he replied, looking away.

With that, Sakura smiled a bit and Sasuke took one bite. Without insecurities, Sakura finally felt much better. She has forgotten completely of the past. It was all gone, far away from that present day that they sat together and shared one last slice. Much, much better…

--

"Everyone!" Sakura called them. And of course, they looked at her.

"What is it, Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked with a bit anxiety.

"Ne, do you want to have a little stargazing? I bet the stars are beautiful tonight." she answered.

Everyone looked at each other agreeing to what the cherry said. They never know. Even thought it was snowing, it might be beautiful as what she said. After all, it was Christmas Eve. And in a few minutes, it'll be Christmas.

"I agree!" Lee announced.

"Us too!" Hinata and Tenten followed.

And soon after, one by one, they all said yes to Sakura's invitation. She smiled with their agreement and then, she looked at Sasuke. In her thoughts, she was asking him to come too. But in a different way…

Will you come with me too, Uchiha-san?

Sasuke's face was unreadable. It wasn't seen if he was agreeing or not. So she waited for him to speak. To sigh or to even make a single movement. And suddenly, he smirked. Sakura jumped a little in wonder. Did he say yes?

"Well… I don't want to be left here in the lobby alone," his head tilted to Sakura's direction, retaining the smirk. "do I?"

Sakura gasped in joy as she flashed an overwhelming smile. Naruto, on the other hand, shouted to everyone an invitation to the building's rooftop. So they all went upstairs. And as they were walking the steps, of course they were piled in a bit tight passageway. Naruto's blue eyes were looking for his beloved princess and yes, he found her. But she was walking beside a black-haired person. He could see her from afar that she was smiling and laughing at the person. But then, soon after, he had seen the identity of this person. And it made him smile and laugh at the matter. At was just his other friend, Lee.

The others have already opened the door of the rooftop, with a few people coming outside. It was a spacious place and it felt so nostalgic for several people, reminding them of some memories that have passed by.

Lee could remember the kiss Sakura gave him from the school rooftop, even if he failed to give the bouquet personally. He could remember the closeness of their friendship after that bloody day. But then, it was all worth it.

Naruto remembered the times he and Sakura would hang out in the same rooftop whenever they had the time. And in school, they would run during recess and lunch break. Moreover, all he could think about was the precious smile of his cherry best friend.

Sakura recalls not just memories but beginnings when she steps on a rooftop. First was the beginning of her deal with Sasuke. Second was the secret with the same person. Third was Lee's kiss and lastly, was Naruto and her happy laughs and smiles. Ever since she came to this normal world, it was never like her hometown. It was as if she was already human. A normal one. Never once did she think of herself being a sorceress. It was really her treasured memories. Her friends, her family, her home… Her own heaven…

Sasuke, as he was left leaning by the door, smirks at the same memories. It changed him. They changed him. No, she changed him. Ever since she came, it was like an everlasting spring that bloomed from the long and cold winter. Yes. That was his life. Cold and lonely. But as she smiled at him, it was indescribable but obvious for some reason. It was warm, he never felt for a long time. She was warmth. But she was protected, like a maiden. Beautiful… and warm…

"Look everyone!" Hinata said as she pointed the night sky.

And they obeyed. It contained a thousand – probably more than that – stars. They smiled at the incomparable sight that was unforgettable, they knew. They were all smiling with awe and reverence, like they never saw the sky like that.

Naruto's eyes were slowly warming at the sight of his best friend's smile. He didn't notice the people surrounding them. He didn't hear anything else but his breathe and Sakura's. He didn't see his other friends but just Sakura. Just her… His princess… His Sakura-chan…

Lee was behind the cherry, eyeing her. With so much happiness, he wanted to touch her, hug her. He wanted to thank her for this day. It was the best Christmas he was ever going to get. And he wanted this to last forever. So he decided. He stepped one small step but suddenly, another raven-haired man approached the empty space beside the pink girl. His eyes widened. And fury came back. But then, sadness overcame him. He was wrong and right, after all. He couldn't have Sakura. He had too much interference. Naruto, her best friend and Sasuke, her new friend as well as his enemy. Naruto wasn't his enemy. Just that, he thought of them as much closer than he could be with Sakura. Chances are, for him, Naruto would have Sakura's heart first before he could even reach for it… And it was a painful thought.

"See? I told you it was beautiful." Sakura whispered to the night sky, that only those beside her could hear.

"Yeah, it is." Naruto agreed. But he wasn't pertaining to the stars. He wasn't even looking at the sky. He was referring to his princess.

Sasuke didn't react, considering he heard it.

Naruto's hands were an inch away from Sakura's fingers. And he was becoming desperate in wanting to hold it. But he didn't know why he couldn't. It felt like he was slowly losing her. But why? They'd been holding each other's hands for countless times, but why did he feel that way? Sakura wasn't going away… was she?

"…!" Sakura felt something warm on her hand. She looked at it. And there was a familiar hand holding her hand. "Naruto…" she smiled.

"Only 10 seconds and it'll be Christmas!" Kiba shouted from the other side of the rooftop. "C'mon everybody. Let's count our last seconds!!"

And they obliged.

"TEN!"

Naruto and Sakura were looking at each other, smiling. With their hands connected to each other, it seems like ten seconds was becoming slower for them…

Sasuke, on the other hand, kept looking at the sky, never noticing his hand's situation, not inside his pockets but a breath away from his warm cherry seatmate. It was similar to Naruto a while ago – an inch away. But he didn't notice this.

"NINE!"

"Thanks, Sakura-chan."

"Eheh, for what?" Sakura laughed.

"For this."

"EIGHT!"

His skin were already in contact with hers, still not noticing.

"SEVEN!"

"Eheh! You're welcome, Naruto."

"I'm not finished yet." Naruto shook his head.

"Eh?"

"SIX!"

His fingers moved on its own as it moved around to find her warm palm. Finally, both their palms were facing each other.

"FIVE!"

"Thank you…"

Sakura waited.

"…for everything."

She smiled, and so did Naruto.

"FOUR!"

Suddenly, in the slowest way of time, his fingers encircled around her palm, taking in the warmth of her veins. Cold met warmth…

"THREE!"

"Sakura-chan, I want to tell you something." Naruto continued the conversation.

"Anything." Sakura continued to smile.

"TWO!"

He tightened his hold as if there was no tomorrow, finally realizing what he was doing when his fingers were also encircled by her hand, unknowingly. His head went down to look for his tempting – unidentified – actions. His black eyes widened a little at its sight.

"Sakura-chan, I…"

"ONE!"

Everyone held their breath to shout the last words.

The raven head looked his uncontrollable hand – encircled around hers. And absent-mindedly, he smiled and tightened his grip. It felt nice. And he knew he wouldn't be able to do this again.

Naruto opened his mouth, knowing that his plan was unexpected. Sakura waited for his words.

Then…

"MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!"

…everything happened in one second.

His mouth moved without a sound.

Her eyes blinked with what she felt.

His hand tightened one last time and set her warmth free, letting it go.

They all celebrated, clapping their hands and laughed, not knowing that the world was only revolving to three people…

And with that, Christmas Eve was over.