Hello everyone, it has been awhile hasn't it. Sorry about that RL hit along with college and a list of other things that made writing hard, but I'm better now and ready to continue on with the story! So a few things before we begin:

-I'm making Kakashi/Iruka a couple. I'm sorry if that defends anyone, but I do love the couple and I want to put it in.

-Kiba/Shino/Takumi may be a thing. I'm not sure, but it is something to look out for in the future.

-I'm still debating on if I should make Lee/Tenten a thing, but I think I will do that as well.

Alright I think that's everything. Let's begin!

I don't own Naruto, Kishimoto-sensei does.

Naruto hummed a small tune as he walked to Sai's apartment. He couldn't stop laughing when he thought back to his lunch from the way he helped Gaara chose which ramen he wanted to joining Kankuro in teasing Gaara he couldn't have asked for a better lunch. Well, it might have been better if Iruka didn't help Gaara and Kankuro tease him, then again his silly grin did give it away. He couldn't help it when someone mentioned Hinata.

Naruto smiled as he thought back to the train set waiting for him at home. He hadn't come up with something to do for her yet, but he had enough time to think about it. Naruto wondered if he was a bit late, time passed faster whenever he ate lunch at Ichiraku's, and he knew Sai was a stickler for time. Sai was always at their meeting place before anyone on the team, sometimes even before Sakura. He checked his watch again and gave a small sigh of relief when he made it on time.

Naruto knocked on Sai's door, he didn't have to wait for long before Sai opened it with a friendly smile. "Welcome Naruto. I'm glad you are not late."

"Hey Sai! Yeah my lunch with Iruka-sensei went a little long, but Gaara and Kankuro joined us. I wanted to catch up with them a little bit before I left too." Naruto said as he walked inside with Sai behind him.

Sai nodded. "Oh yes, the Kazekage, how is he? I've recently learned more about him with my extended time with his sister, Temari."

"He's fine. He's going to be in Konoha for a couple of days, so we'll hang out soon. You can join us if you want."

"Thank you, that sounds like a very nice way to learn more about our ally."

Naruto chuckled. "I don't know what book you got that out of, but when we hang out he's only Gaara. I'm sure he won't mind if you use his name."

Sai hummed. "We'll see."

Naruto smiled as he stretched his arms over his head. "Oh, I didn't know you knew Temari-chan."

Sai nodded. "We've met many times through the combined Christmas activities between the Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi families. She's quiet direct, we've engaged in many different debates over the past few days. However, her company has been enjoyable. Ino points out the differences in Shikamaru's behavior when she's around."

Naruto chuckled as he thought back to their shopping trip. "Yeah, it's funny to see."

"It is."

Naruto smiled as he looked around the room and noticed the changes to it. Instead of the museum his apartment used to look like, it looked like someone lived in it. He walked over to the tree and took in the different decorations around it. He reached out to touch the snowflakes when Sai joined in with his sketchbook and pencils in hand.

"Do you like it? Ino decorated it, but I made the snowflakes."

Naruto nodded. "It's nice. I can't wait for you to see our place. We're going to get stockings to hang and some more garland."

"We should probably get some more too. Can you have too much garland?"

Naruto shrugged. "I don't know. I don't think you can, right?"

Sai hummed. "I don't know. I'm still quite new to the holidays, I'll check the books I have on the subject. Ino has mentioned that garland is good, so I don't think you can have too much." He smiled at the tree before he walked over to the couch and took a seat. He turned to a clean page in his sketchbook and smoothed it out before he looked up at Naruto. "Alright, what did you have in mind for the ring?"

Naruto joined him on the couch as he scratched his head. "I was thinking something that's not too big, but it looks really nice too. Like from afar people think it's a regular ring then when they see it up close it's the most beautiful ring they ever saw."

Sai chuckled and looked up from his sketchbook. "Are we still talking about the ring Naruto?"

Naruto gave a sheepish smile. "Yeah I want the ring to be something she doesn't mind wearing, but it still looks really good. You know something she can show others."

"I doubt she'll do that."

"Well, then, I can show it off!"

Sai chuckled again. "Alright. Something small, but manageable while keeping a beautiful, simple design. How's that?"

"Sounds good!"

"You can always change it. It won't be hard doing a few drafts for the ring if you have something different in mind."

"Are you sure?"

"I wouldn't offer it if I wasn't sure. At least that's what the latest book on social interaction told me."

Naruto smiled. "Thanks! I hope you don't have anything to do because I have a lot of ideas."

"I have all day." Sai flipped to another page in his sketchbook and held his pencil over his page. "Let's start."

Sasuke woke up with a frown when he felt the side next to him empty. He opened his eyes and looked over to see a note from Sakura that told him she had some holiday shopping to do with her mom. It was probably another chance for her to convince her mom that he wasn't going to hurt her or leave again. Sasuke sighed softly as he got out of bed and walked over to the bathroom. While he didn't care about the people in the village, Sakura's parents were a different story.

They didn't want him around Sakura, despite his pardon and the letters he sent her every time he left. Her mom considered him dangerous and that he wouldn't be around long enough to help their relationship grow. Her father wanted his little girl to be safe and he didn't know if Sasuke could do that. Sasuke wanted to tell him that Sakura was more than capable of taking care of herself, but he didn't want to strain things between them. Sakura reassured him that everything would work out. Sasuke didn't doubt it, but he still didn't know how he could convince her parents that she meant a lot to him.

Sasuke finished up his shower and dried his hair on his way out the bathroom. He placed the towel around his neck on his way to the living room when he stopped at the tree that sat near the corner of the room. It was half decorated something that Sakura probably wanted to surprise him with when he returned. He looked down at the boxes that sat near the tree. He walked over to one and reached down to grab an ornament.

Sasuke remembered when he decorated a tree with Itachi at the compound. His father wasn't into Christmas very much, but his mother and Itachi loved it. His mom would bake cookies while Itachi told Sasuke different stories about Santa each night before bed. When Christmas morning came he would wake up Itachi before he'd run downstairs to see his presents. He tried to get those moments from his mind though it came up on nights he couldn't sleep when he traveled around.

The only thing that came close to it was the Christmas he spent with Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi before he left. He remembered how nervous Sakura was to hand him his present. The way Naruto kept trying to get him to do some silly eggnog drinking competition that didn't end very well for him. Kakashi didn't seem to mind the commotion though he did calm Naruto down when he got too loud. It was another moment he couldn't really forget.

Sasuke hummed softly as he turned the ornament around in his hand before he placed it on the tree. He reached down in the box to put another one up, then another, until he got through half of one box. Sakura did enough of trying to get him into the holiday spirit, maybe he could finally return the favor and make some new memories in the process.

"Things with Shikamaru seems to be going well." Gaara said as Temari opened the door to her apartment.

Temari shrugged though she couldn't keep the small smile off her face. "It's going pretty well. I've never been invited to so many things before, it's nice. Can you believe we're only halfway done?" She laughed as she walked inside with Gaara and Kankuro behind her. "I have to admit though I'm enjoying it. It's good not to see him so lazy too. I know it hasn't been easy after, well, you know what happened."

Gaara and Kankuro nodded as they settled in her apartment. Shikamaru may not openly show when he was sad, but Temari could tell. After Chouji told her how many cigarettes Shikamaru smoked in one night, she knew she had to stay in Konoha a while longer. Chouji had such a big heart she didn't want him to strain himself between helping Ino and working through his own grief. Temari didn't mind. She helped Shikamaru before when he had a rough patch and she would help him again. She hoped that trend would continue well into the future.

"How are you guys liking Konoha weather?" Temari asked. She laughed at the frowns on their faces on her way to the kitchen.

"I'd rather be in Suna, at least it's warmer there." Kankuro said.

Gaara nodded. "I agree, but the ramen we had with Naruto earlier warmed us up."

"I'll give it to Konoha that place is good." Kankuro said.

"I wondered if you caught up with him." Temari walked back into the living room with their favorite drinks. Gaara thanked Temari for the drink and took a seat on the couch. "We did. We also met his mentor too, Iruka."

"Iruka is a funny guy. He has so many stories about Naruto that we didn't know." Kankuro said.

Temari smiled as she took a seat in the chair across from Gaara. "I met him before too. He's pretty funny and knows many more things about Shikamaru that I love to hear about."

Kankuro smirked. "Why? Don't you know enough about him?"

Gaara chuckled softly at the light blush on Temari's cheeks. It was rare for Temari to blush except when they mentioned Shikamaru. Gaara had to admit it was pretty funny to see.

"Shut up! We're still learning about each other. I mean, we're growing, um, anyway how did lunch with Naruto go?" Temari asked.

"It was good. He's still the same loud guy as always." Kankuro said.

Gaara nodded. "Yes, but he seems happier than the last time I saw him."

"No surprise there, he's been really goofy since he started going out with Hinata-chan. Do you remember her?" Temari asked.

"Yes, she's the Hyuuga girl that helped out in the war. The one Naruto was very fussy about when we were healing in the tents after the war ended." Gaara said.

"They've been going out for a while now from what Shikamaru told me. We went shopping with them the other day and the smile Naruto gives when they're together is blinding." Temari said.

"I'm glad. I grew concerned when I learned he took more missions this time of year. It's good to see that he's not doing that now." Gaara said.

Kankuro nodded. "I'm sure he wants to be home this year. Kiba told me that they're closer now too."

"When did you start talking to him?" Temari asked as Gaara looked over.

"When we were in that tent there wasn't much else to do except talk, so I got to know him better. He's not that bad of a guy even if he can be a bit loud." Kankuro said.

Gaara chuckled. "Maybe that's why he's such good friends with Naruto."

Kankuro laughed. "Makes sense! Hey Temari, how long do you plan to stay in Konoha this time?"

Temari hummed as she took a sip of her drink. She held the can in her hand and bounced her leg a little. Gaara took notice while Kankuro couldn't keep the smirk off his face. Temari glared at him, knowing it wouldn't work, since they probably had an idea of what her answer would be.

"I'm going to stay through Christmas, but I wanted to ask if it was alright if I stay here for New Year's. Unless, you need me back in Suna to welcome in the New Year I don't mind."

Gaara shook his head as Kankuro snickered. "If you want to welcome the New Year with Shikamaru in Konoha, it's fine. Many of the celebrations in Suna does not start, until the next day and continue well into the week. This year we're welcoming the other villages to join. The same way that Konoha welcomed us for the holiday party. You may bring a date that is if Shikamaru would like to join us."

Temari huffed. She could see the amusement in Gaara's eyes while Kankuro couldn't stop snickering. That meant her face had to be red again. Well, that's great. "Sure, I'll ask him when I see him tonight."

"Hmm, what's happening tonight?" Kankuro asked.

"Dinner at the Yamanaka's. Ino is going to show off some of her holiday arrangements, then everybody does one to put in their homes for the season. What are you two going to do? Wait, isn't there a meeting I need to attend with you?" Temari asked.

Gaara nodded. "Just a small one. It shouldn't interfere with your plans."

"You guys can come along if you want." Temari said.

"Thanks for the offer, but I'm going to find Kiba and catch up with him." Kankuro said.

"I would like to hang out with Naruto again." Gaara said.

Temari smiled. "Sounds like we're all going to be busy. Well, since you're here I think we have enough time to watch this movie someone suggested to me."

Kankuro smirked. "Was that someone Shikamaru?"

"No, it was Ino. I'll go and get it." Temari huffed as she got up and walked over to her room. She stopped in the hallway and looked over her shoulder to see Gaara and Kankuro talking with each other. She remembered when Kankuro would follow her everywhere so he didn't have to be alone with Gaara. Now they could sit together and not worry about Gaara trying to hurt them in anyway. She had someone to thank for that.

I'll have to figure out what to give Naruto at his Christmas party. Temari hummed as she walked to her room and looked for the movie.

Iruka couldn't be in a better mood as he carried a box of Ichiraku's ramen to Hokage Tower. He had a wonderful lunch with Naruto, it was good to see him so happy around the holiday season. Iruka worried that it would be a repeat of two years ago when Naruto left to go on a mission that left him in the hospital, until Christmas Eve. Since then, Iruka always kept an eye on him to make sure it didn't happen again. He had to admit it was good to see him so happy with his friends and the way his eyes lit up when he mentioned Hinata.

Iruka chuckled softly when he thought back to the times Naruto came to him for advice when they started going out. He was happy that Naruto finally realized his feelings. He worried that Naruto would continue to push his feelings down so he wouldn't be hurt. Iruka knew how much Naruto feared rejection along with confrontations that he couldn't punch away. However, everything seemed to be working out for the best and he couldn't be happier for them.

Iruka greeted Genma and Shizune on his way to Kakashi's office. I wonder if Shizune finally found a gift for him yet. After the times Genma teased him, he could finally get payback. Iruka chuckled softly as he knocked on Kakashi's door. He waited a few seconds before he heard the soft "Come in" from behind the door.

Iruka walked inside and over to Kakashi who gave him a tired smile. He grinned and placed a bag of take out on his desk. "Hey Hokage-sama, I wanted to make sure you had lunch today."

Kakashi looked over at the clock with a sigh and slid his fingers through his hair. "Oh yeah, I keep forgetting to eat. I'm just trying to look over things for the holiday get together this year. There are still a few things to set up, people to invite, and security around to make sure that nothing happens. Not that something will, but you can never be too sure."

Iruka nodded as he leaned against the desk. "That's true, but I don't think you have much to worry about. I'm sure everyone is sick of fighting, not to mention it's supposed to be a happy time. I doubt there's anything to worry about."

Kakashi chuckled softly. "As Hokage I can't take that risk." He yawned before he stretched his arms over his head. He settled back in his chair and reached for Iruka's hand. "Thanks for the food sensei."

Iruka grinned and linked their fingers together. "You're welcome Hokage-sama."

Kakashi shook his head. "Don't use that title, just use my name." He tugged on Iruka's hand, until Iruka walked over and took a seat on the arm of his chair. Kakashi yanked harder for Iruka to slip into his lap. He wrapped his arms around Iruka's waist and rested his chin on his shoulder with a pleased sigh.

Iruka shook his head as he looked over at the door. "I told you about this. What if someone comes in?"

"No one comes in this time of day, well, no one except Naruto. Oh yeah, you had lunch with him today. How is he?"

"Fine, the Kazekage and his assistant joined us for lunch today. Naruto helped him pick out some ramen that the Kazekage liked while I told his assistant the different places they could visit while in Konoha. Did Naruto tell you he got invited to dinner at the Hyuuga compound?"

Kakashi shook his head. "Looks like it's getting serious. He's not getting too nervous about it, is he?"

Iruka nodded. "A little bit, but I told him he had nothing to worry about. I'm sure it will go smoothly."

"Hiashi wouldn't turn down the chance to have the Hero of Konoha in his home. Not to mention what he did for Hanabi and the way he loves Hinata he won't have much of a problem. There are the elders, but they can't deny his feats either."

Iruka smiled. "No one can anymore."

Kakashi grinned. "No, not anymore."

Iruka hummed softly as he leaned against Kakashi's chest. Kakashi closed his eye and rubbed Iruka's hand. Sometimes they had to remind themselves that hyperactive kid became hero of the village. While they didn't doubt that he would do something special, sometimes they had to stop and think about how much he did. Not to mention how proud they were of him.

Kakashi was the first to break the silence. "I'll be able to make it home a little earlier today. Can we have fried rice for dinner?"

"Sure, but that means I have to leave to go get everything." Iruka chuckled. He could feel the pout behind Kakashi's mask.

"Alright, but after I finish eating. Okay?"

"Okay." Iruka nodded. He got out of his lap and pushed the bag towards him. Kakashi opened it and pulled out the box when he looked over at Iruka. "Oh I forgot to tell you. Tsunade-sama wants to see us sometime this week."

"Oh? What for? Is everything alright?" Iruka worried that the war did some irreparable damage to Tsunade's body. Shizune told him she was alright, but he knew how Shizune didn't like for others to worry.

Kakashi nodded before he slurped up a noodle. "Everything is fine, she wants to organize this gift for Naruto and told me to tell you about it. I'll let you know when she wants to see everyone."

Iruka settled down in relief and leaned against the desk again. "That's fine."

"I'll tell her." Kakashi said before he blew on some noodles. "Did you do anything else today?"

"Not much."

"I'm sure it's better than paperwork."

Iruka laughed. "I suppose,"

Kakashi grinned as he sat back and enjoyed his meal while Iruka told him about his day. It was definitely better than paperwork.

Hinata giggled when Mirai put a ribbon in her hair. She stepped back and clapped her hands. "Hinata's a present mommy! She's a present!"

Kurenai smiled. "I see honey, but I don't think we can wrap her up."

"I'm sure Naruto would love to do that." Kiba snickered as Hinata flushed and shook her head. "Kiba!"

Kurenai laughed as she moved some wrapping paper out of her lap and stood up. "I'm going to get some snacks. What would everyone like?"

"Cookies!" Mirai shouted.

Kurenai shook her head. "You already had cookies today. How about graham crackers for you and the delicious chips we bought for everyone else?"

"Okay! Can Hinata help?" Mirai asked while she tugged on Hinata's hand.

"Of course she can. Kiba, Shino would you like something?" Kurenai asked while Mirai bounced as Hinata got up.

"Um, I'm good with whatever you have." Kiba said.

Shino nodded. "I feel the same, however I don't mind assisting you with the tray."

Kurenai waved it away. "You don't have to do that you know."

Shino shook his head as he stood up. "It's fine."

Mirai tugged Hinata over to Shino as she grabbed his hand and led them to the kitchen. Kurenai laughed softly as she followed behind them. Hinata giggled and looked over at Shino to find him deep in thought. Normally, he gave Mirai a grin at least so she wouldn't think he was scary, but Hinata noticed that Shino seemed distracted today. Once they walked into the kitchen, Mirai let go of their hands and took off to look for the snacks with Kurenai close by.

While they were working Hinata turned to Shino and tapped his shoulder. "Shino-kun? Are you alright?"

Shino turned to Hinata and nearly cursed under his breath at the concern he saw in her eyes. She worried enough about the people in her life, he didn't need to add to it.

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure? You seem quieter than usual."

Shino nodded. "I've just been going over the plans for the holiday season. I didn't mean to alarm you."

Hinata shook her head as she gave him a sheepish smile. "Oh, it's alright, I just thought it was something about Kiba. Whenever you two fight, you're always really quiet afterward. You two aren't fighting are you?"

Shino forgot how perceptive Hinata could be when it came to them. He wondered if he should tell her that he didn't know where he stood when it came to Kiba. They would always be friends, that wouldn't change, however the addition of their physical intimacy added a new layer to their relationship that Shino hadn't fully thought over. Then there was Takumi and while there was nothing serious happening with her and Kiba, Shino couldn't help thinking that maybe the physical part would only be that. He didn't like when he didn't have a definite answer to something, something that he couldn't even try to describe.

Shino wondered if he should tell Hinata about it, but decided against it. He didn't want to bring up something so heavy at their party with Mirai around.

"We're not fighting. I'm a bit tired after the celebrations my family has indulged in since the war ended. You and Kiba are welcomed to join the next one that's going to happen next weekend."

Hinata knew there was something Shino wasn't telling her. Then again, if it was something Shino wanted her to know, he would tell her in time. She nodded with a smile.

"I would love to join. Um, can I…"

Shino chuckled. "Yes, you can bring Naruto if you want."

Hinata giggled. "Thank you!"

"Hey!" Mirai called out as she puffed up her cheeks and walked over to them. She grabbed their hands and led them to the counter. "Help!"

"Alright Mirai, we're going to help, don't worry." Hinata smiled and took the box of crackers Mirai handed her while Shino walked over to Kurenai to help her with the drinks. Hinata looked over at Shino one more time before she turned down to Mirai.

She hoped that Shino would tell her what was bothering him soon.

This had a plot before I noticed. I'm trying not to make things too heavy with this fic, though I know if something is too heavy I will clear up everything. The continuing shipping wars did make me step back a little though with the way everything else was going I couldn't write or participate without changing this fic and that wouldn't be right. I'm doing fine now and I hope to get another chapter out soon in between my original stuff.

Anyway enough rambling until next time!