Disclaimer: Naruto is the property of Masashi Kishimoto and Tv tokyo. This is a purely fanwritten work, with which I make no money, and write only for the pleasure of myself and my readers. I do own Shia though. She is my original character.

a/n: So, because I couldn't finish the new chapter in time for the holidays…I thought at least I could write you a short Christmas special. The new chapter is already started and hopefully will be finished a.s.a.p. But please, don't hound me. It is the Holidays after all, and I will be running around visiting family.

...

People Who are Important: Christmas Special

...

Sasuke woke up to the smell of something cinnamony and delicious smelling. The house was cozily warm, and there was just something about the atmosphere that felt….oh..what was the word?....Fluffy?...no…oh right, Cheery. There it is. Strange, the Uchiha couldn't remember the last time he felt such an emotion crackle through the halls of this household. It could be because it was the afternoon of Christmas Eve. It could be because it smelled like ginger bread, but Sasuke suspected it had more to do with the fact that Sakura was there more than anything. He glanced over at the clock.

[ 3:30pm ]

'Hm…afternoon nap went a little long. I wonder why Sakura didn't wake me. Nevermind…I know why…Physical Therapy did take a lot out of me today…'

The young ninja stretched languidly, feeling quite comfortable and lethargic in a way that was somewhat foreign to him. He slowly slid out of way to make his way towards the shower. Whatever his housemate was cooking smelled amazing. He was going to clean himself up, and go get some of that before their friends came over later. He froze after his shirt dropped to the floor. Had he really just considered all of their dinner guests his friends.

The Kaze-couple….Naruto and his girlfriend; the Nara-Sabakuno Couple, Team Guy and some other members of the rookie nine? Did he really consider these people his friends? Well, Naruto was a given, as was Kakashi...who was also, for some reason, invited. Hinata, he supposed, he considered a friend simply because he'd really gotten to know her over the last couple weeks of Naruto's daily visiting. She was a sweet girl, accepting and forgiving…the perfect girl for Naruto. Sasuke had extra respect for her because she knew about Naruto's jinchuuriki status, and still trusted him more than anyone in the world.

Then there was Shia, who he owed his life. If she hadn't caught his Curse so early on, Sasuke was fairly certain he wouldn't still be alive right now. She'd been kind and friendly to him when all others were afraid to look at him. Of course, there was also Gaara…who'd been surprisingly helpful to him as far as emotions went. Shia came to visit him once a week with her son, and wherever his family went, Gaara followed. So the Kaze-couple, and their child (whom Sasuke was admittedly fond of) he had at some point began to consider friends.

Sakura had invited a whole bunch of people over in order to re-introduce him to the people he'd once known. Sasuke tried to remain relaxed at the thought of seeing them all again. Though he knew that he would deserve any anger they had for him, he was willing to go through with this. Why? Well, first of all…five of those people saved his life. He wanted to properly thank them for it like he'd done with Sakura, Shizune, and the Hokage. The latter two came every once and a while to check his progress. At their latest visit, he was informed that this would be the last week of his physical therapy as well the first month of his chakra sealed, weaponless training.

He didn't mind too much about the chakra seal…it was annoying that he couldn't train techniques, but he was rather excited about actually getting back into training after so long of being incapacitated. Sasuke rinsed out his hair and turned off the water, grabbing for a towel to wrap around his waste. He dried his hair, passed a brush through it a couple of times before dressing himself in a comfortable sweatpants/t-shirt ensemble. The Uchiha made sure to slip on a pair of socks, not wanting to hear Sakura scold him about how he'll get sick if he doesn't, and shuffled his way toward the kitchen.

When he arrived, he leaned against the doorframe and watched his small housemate bustle around for a little bit. She had her petal pink hair pulled out of her face in a loose, short ponytail with some red ribbon that had bells tinkling at the ends. She wore a pair of pajama pants and a cozy looking, red sweater with the sleeves rolled up. To pull the whole look together was a Christmas themed, candy cane colored apron tied in a neat bow at the small of her back. Haruno Sakura was the picture of Christmas spirit, dancing around, humming the carols she had playing while she baked gingerbread cookies.

Sasuke couldn't help the smile that pulled at his lips; it was ever so much easier for him to do so now…that Sakura had helped him to remember. She had helped him remember how to do a lot of things he used to. She had helped him face his past. Slowly, with her help, he was learning to feel again. He couldn't stop the small smile…nor could he stop the thought that followed it….

'Cute…'

...

**Akito Main House**

...

"Gaara! Have you seen Senji-chan's mittens!" Shia called from the master bedroom. Her son squirmed around as she tried to fix his little elf hat on top of his fiery, red head.

"No no no no no…." the baby babbled, shaking his head back and forth to evade his mom's hands. Shia sighed exasperatedly.

"Senji-chan you need to sit still for just five little minutes. Can you do that for Mommy?" she asked the baby. He peered up at her with his big, crystal blue eyes.

"Momma..no!" he cried out, giggling wildly as he tore the hat from his head and threw it across the room.

"Senji-chan!" the Akito Head cried out.

Her son just laughed at her while she tried to bend down and get the small article of clothing. A hand grabbed her by the elbow and pulled her back up into a standing position. She looked up to see her husband, dressed in his dinner clothes and giving her that "You shouldn't be doing that look". Shia just plopped down into a nearby chair and sighed.

"You shouldn't be bending down like that Shia….it's too hard on your back," Gaara stated quietly, bending down and picking up the small hat.

"Can you just save the lecture and get him dressed?!" his wife snapped irritated.

Gaara ignored her rudeness, she was pregnant after all, and she had been quite hormonal lately. The fact that she'd also put on quite a lot of baby weight in the past weeks since the Removal Process didn't help her mood either. Now, she actually looked like a woman five months pregnant. The twins were growing healthily, and Gaara thought she'd never looked more beautiful. But….the fact of the matter was that Shia was an unstable pregnant woman who, according to her own words, was a "Bloated Beluga Whale".

"Momma no yell…" Senji scolded with a disapproving scowl.

Unfortunately for him, his cheeks were so big that he ended up just looking adorable, thus immediately diffusing his mother's mood. Shia laughed quietly, standing up (with some trouble), and waddling her way over to her son to ruffle his hair. While the baby was distracted, Gaara managed to bobby-pin the hat to the kid's head, as well as get both the mittens and scarf on safely. Senji was officially ready to go out into the snowy Konoha night. The small child looked down at his hands in wonderment….wow…the mittens appeared magically onto his hands.

"Gaara-kun…how do you get him to sit still so well?" Shia asked, smiling up at him seemingly clueless that she had only seconds before been angry with him. Ahh…the joys of pregnancy. Gaara leaned down to kiss her gently.

"I'm not any better at it than you are. You've just got to get him while he's distracted. Now, let's get going, hm? We don't want to be late," the Kazekage said quietly. Shia nodded, leaning in to seal her lips over his again.

"You're right…I promised Sakura-chan I'd help her with dinner. Besides, I know you're excited about talking with Sasuke-san again," she said with a knowing look in her eyes. Gaara glared lightly at his wife.

"Oh come on! You both deny it so hard it can only be true that you're friends!" she giggled. He rolled his eyes and lifted his son easily into his arms.

"Let's go," he said. His wife giggled behind him as they walked out into the living room. After they both zippered up their coats and bundled up, they opened the door to start their journey over to the Uchiha Complex.

...

**Hyuuga House**

...

Naruto watched silently as his girlfriend stuck her two carat, perfectly clear, princess cut, diamond earrings into her ears. Around her neck was a shimmering diamond necklace with a matching, four carat pendant. On her wrist a shining diamond bracelet and on her finger a band of glimmering platinum. It was the first time he'd ever seen the inside of her jewelry box, and he was sure that the contents were more valuable than everything he owned all together. He wasn't jealous of what she had, nor did he think she was spoiled for having it. He knew Hinata had been through her own troubles, and was nothing of the spoiled brat that most girls in her situation would be.

Seeing his girlfriend's fine possessions didn't make him angry or jealous…it made him scared. He was nervous….here it was, Christmas Eve, and he'd already bought a gift that suddenly seemed so insignificant compared to the Crown Jewels of the Hyuuga family Hinata currently donned. He'd saved up all his mission money, ran out on countless ramen deliveries, and even filled out piles of Tsunade's neglected paperwork to get the money he needed to buy it. Now, he didn't even want to give it to her. Surely she would laugh at his humble gift after being in possession of such fine things her whole life.

{You're being stupid Kit…you know she's not gonna laugh. This is Hinata we're talking about.} Kyuubi mumbled in his head.

'But look at all that stuff…I mean…what I got her doesn't even compare…' Naruto thought nervously. Kyuubi chuckled darkly.

{Of course it doesn't Kit! Those are priceless Hyuuga Heirlooms, passed down to generations of Hyuugas. It's ok that what you got doesn't compare, no one expects you, or most people for that matter, to be able to afford such things. But this is Hinata, Kit…you know her better than I do…you know she will not laugh at you.} the fox said.

Naruto sighed. As much as he hated to admit it, the Nine-tails was right. Hinata wasn't the type to laugh at something that was given to her, no matter how dull or ridiculously miniscule it looked compared to her belongings. But…that wasn't his only problem. Honestly, Naruto really felt inadequate as a whole when it came to Hinata. She was this rich, beautiful princess that deserved to be doted on and spoiled for how warm and kind she was. He was this street rat with no family, no money, and no class that just happened to get lucky.

Sometimes he felt like he didn't deserve her….that he shouldn't let her settle for anything less than that prince character she justly deserved. He sighed…slumping down against her headboard in defeat. Hinata deserved so much more than he was capable of giving her. Why, out of all the people she could choose from, would she choose him?

"Naruto-kun? Is something wrong?" a sweet, soft voice questioned from the vanity. Naurto snapped out of his thoughts to lock gazes with a pair of snow white eyes filled with concern.

"It's nothing Hina-chan…just thinking," he answered, smiling gently at her to assure her. She frowned slightly. He should have known he couldn't lie to her.

"What are you thinking about that has you making a face like that?" she asked, folding her hands in her lap delicately and turning her body towards him. Naruto found it impossible to look away from her intense gaze.

"Nothing important…it's fine Hina-chan. Don't worry about lil'ol me," he joked half-heartedly. Her eyes narrowed slightly, silently letting him know that she wasn't buying it.

"If not me then who?" she asked evenly, "You're good at hiding your feelings Naruto-kun…but I have always been able to see right through you."

Naruto stared at her bemusedly for a few seconds. How was it she always knew exactly what he was thinking? It was like she really could read his mind sometimes, but if that was the case she'd have slapped him something fierce a long time ago. (*cough* pubescent fantasies *cough*) The blond took some time before saying anything, wanting to gather his thoughts before he did so. Hinata broke the silence before he could deny anything.

"Naruto-kun, I don't know what it is, but sometimes when you're looking at me it seems like you're unhappy with something. Have I done something to make you upset?" she asked, confronting him in a way that, before his influence, she would not have been able to do with anyone.

"Can we just drop it Hina-chan? Really, I'm fine," he pleaded. Her eyes lit with a small flash of anger.

"Naruto-kun…how can I help you, if you won't tell me what's wrong?" she asked.

"I don't need any help," he answered.

"There's obviously something bothering you, I just want to know what it is. I want to help you whatever it is. Just tell me," she said.

"I'm fine! Just leave it alone!" Naruto snapped.

He immediately regretted doing so as he watched her pure, white eyes widen before fixing nervously on her lap. Hinata fidgeted with her hands silently for a few seconds, looking downtrodden and sad. Naruto hated himself for being the reason behind her sorrowful expression. He averted his gaze in shame. She was just trying to help him. Why did he have to go and snap at her like that? She was just being a good friend…a good girlfriend. She cared about him, shouldn't that make him happy?

"I'm sorry Naruto-kun. I shouldn't have pushed. Why don't you wait in the sitting room for me? I'll just be another minute with my hair," she said softly, turning away from him and lifting up her hair brush.

"Hina-cha.."

"It's ok Naruto-kun. I'll be right down," she interrupted, not looking back at him.

Naruto didn't move. He just stared at his girlfriend as she let her long hair down out of its pins. He watched quietly as she threaded her fingers through it a couple of times, before she lifted the brush to begin untangling it. Naruto took a few steps closer, one hand closing over her wrist while the other gripped the hairbrush steadily. Their eyes locked through the vanity's mirror, and his heart clenched at the gleam of hurt he saw in those snow white depths. Slowly, he started pulling the brush through her soft, silky hair, not looking away from her eyes in the mirror.

"Hina-chan, I'm sorry, ok?" he started. She just continued staring at him, her gaze growing confused.

"I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. You were just trying to help me out, and I was an ass about it. You're always worrying about me. You're one of the only people who do worry about me, and I really love you for it Hina-chan…I do," he said, stopping his hand's movements so he could wrap his arms around her in a gentle hug. He buried his nose in her sweet smelling hair.

"It's not your fault, it's mine. I'm just so used to people buying into my mask, that it scares me how well you can see right through it. I'm not used to sharing my feelings really…I'm not used to people worrying about me…because I try my goddamned hardest to make sure they don't," he explained, kissing the top of her head.

"But you, Hina-chan…you see everything. You see everything, you care, you're always there for me. You're such an amazing person, that sometimes I don't feel like I deserve you," he said. White eyes widened in shock. Naruto kissed her temple, nuzzling his cheek against hers gently.

"I feel selfish for letting you settle for someone like me when you could have some amazing guy that treats you like the princess you are," he said, placing a soft kiss against her cheek.

"But I'm crazy about ya Hina-chan! So much so that it scares the crap out of me, to be honest. I'm so scared you'll wake up one day and realize what I've known all along, and then you'll be gone, ya know?" he said, cuddling his face into the crook of her neck and pressing his lips there.

"I'm just scared that some rich, prince-like guy will come and sweep you off your feet, and I'll be left alone again," he murmured.

"I've lost a lot of things in my life…my parents, my best friend, my mentor….but I'm not strong enough to lose you Hina-chan…"

They were both silent for a long time. Naruto, trying to calm himself down even as his nerves all jittered restlessly within him. Hinata, relieved that this was the problem, but upset that her boyfriend really felt like he wasn't good enough for her at the same time. Slowly, she reached up her manicured, slender hand and cupped it over his cheek. She turned his face so that she could stare into those breathtaking, baby blue eyes of his, and then leaned forward to kiss him gently. When they broke apart, she leaned her forehead against his and locked their gazes.

"Naruto-kun…I love you," she said firmly, a flash of happiness danced over her boyfriend's sapphire irises.

"I have loved you as long as I've known you. No onecan take me away from you, do you understand? I'm not going anywhere," she assured him, connecting their lips briefly.

"You have to get this ridiculous thought out of your head that you're not good enough for me. I don't care about what the village thinks, what my Clan thinks, or even what Father thinks. In the end, I'll still love you no matter what they say. And…what we have here, I want it to last Naruto-kun. I told you that day, that I never wanted to be without Naruto-kun," she said. Naruto let out a heavy breath, remembering all too well the day he'd told her of his most guarded secret.

"I meant it…I've waited a long time to be with you Naruto-kun. For a long time I thought I would never be with you, but now that I am…I'm not going to let anything break us apart…not even your ridiculous insecurities," she said assertively. Naruto's eyes widened as his girlfriend surprised him, once again, with her immeasurable kindness. He wove his hand into her thick, raven hair and crushed his lips to hers possessively.

"I love you too Hina-chan!" he said before kissing her again.

"I'm sorry…I'm so sorry for doubting you…" he murmured against her lips. He felt those lush, soft pillows curve into a smile.

"Don't let it happen again," she said teasingly as she pushed him away and handed him the brush again.

"Now finish up, I like it when you brush my hair," she said, smiling at him through the mirror. He beamed back at her brightly.

"Yes ma'am!" he said, bringing the brush back through her hair.

**Nara Main House**

"So, when are you two going to set a date?" Nara Yoshino asked with a smile on her face. Temari's mouth fell open in a small gape, as she sputtered for an answer while her fiancé just groaned.

"*Kaa-san, how many times to I have to tell you, we're not getting married for a while," Shikamaru mumbled with a lazy glare in his mother's direction.

"A..ah…Y..yea, Nara-san. There's no rush…we just wanted to make it more official," Temari managed through her shock. Yoshino looked between her son and her will be daughter-in-law with narrowed eyes

"So, you don't want to get married?" she asked. Her son growled.

"Yes, Kaa-san, we do. Just, not right now," he answered.

"Exactly, we can stay engaged as long as we want. There's no need to rush a wedding right now. When we're ready, we'll talk about it," Temari added.

"Right," Shikamaru concluded. He stood up, holding out a hand to his fiancé so she could do the same.

"Now, if you'll excuse us we have a dinner to get ready for," he said. His mother scowled.

"I can't believe you're going over to that Traitor's house for dinner instead of staying here with your family," Yoshino complained. Shikamaru just stared at her levelly.

"He's a changed man, Kaa-san," he said. Her scowl darkened.

"So you're little friend tells you. You don't know that he is," she said.

"I trust Haruno Sakura with my life, Kaa-san, and the people meeting there tonight are as much my family as you and Dad are," Shikamaru said firmly.

With a tug on Temari's wrist, he guided them both upstairs to their now shared quarters. Yoshino just stared at her son's back until he disappeared up the stairs. He'd just stood up to her in an argument….and won. The Nara Head smiled proudly. 'You're almost ready Shikamaru. You'll be a better leader than all of the ones before you, I just know it. You and that girl will be the best thing that ever happened to the Nara Clan,' she thought happily before turning down the corridor towards her own quarters.

...

**Hyuuga Main House**

...

"So, you're going to the Uchiha House for dinner?" Hyuuga Hiashi asked in an emotionless tone. Hinata just stared at her father with a small tinge of worry in her light eyes as Naruto sat at the edge of his seat, ready to defend Sasuke if it was necessary.

"Yes, Father…we are," Hinata answered steadily. Naruto was always proud with how much easier his girlfriend found it to manage her father nowadays.

"I see…for how long?" the man asked.

"I'm not sure Father, until we are finished," his daughter answered, fighting to keep eye contact with him. It was still difficult for her to do so with her father. He was a major source of fear and anxiety for such a long time for her that she hadn't completely grown out of it yet.

"I see. Well, I can not say that I am entirely comfortable with my daughter going to the house of a known traitor.."

"Sasuke has already been forgiven for his mistakes Hyuuga-san! He's a good person underneath that bastardy exterior, I promise!" Naruto interjected quickly. Hiashi held back a smile. The boy did have this strange way of being exceedingly entertaining every time he opened his mouth.

"I see, well excuse me Uzumaki-kun…if I do not entirely trust my daughter's safety to a person who nearly killed his own teammate," Hiashi said coolly. The boy's blue eyes flashed knowingly.

"I understand that Sir, but I would never let anything happen to Hinata-chan, and I trust Sasuke with my life…even after he almost killed me. He's changed Hyuuga-san…he just wants to be accepted again," Naruto explained. Hiashi's piercing white eyes landed on the boy, enjoying the uncomfortable little wiggle the blond did in his chair in that way that fathers do before he spoke again.

"Yes, I'm sure he does. However…I will be sending Neji along with you to make sure everything is alright," he said. Both teenagers' eyes widened simultaneously.

"Oh come on! He spies on us enough as it is!" Naruto complained loudly. Hinata sighed.

"Father, I do not think this is necessary," she added. He just stared back at her blankly.

"Don't worry so much you two. I'll be there to make sure Neji-kun behaves himself," a familiar voice said from the doorway. All three people in the sitting room glanced towards the entrance to see the betrothed couple standing there.

"Oh thank god!" Naruto sighed in relief. Tenten giggled.

"Fine…they can come," Hinata conceded, "but…that chaperon of theirs is taking the night off."

"Hinata, you know what the law is," Hiashi said quietly.

"I don't care. We are not going to dinner at Sasuke-san's house with that guy breathing down our necks. He'll be nervous enough as it is reacquainting himself with his old friends. It's bad enough you're sending Neji-niisan…they don't exactly like each other," Hinata explained. Her father stared at her in silence for a few seconds.

"You know I can't do anything about it. It's the clan law that they be chaperoned," he finally said.

"He's not coming. If I see him, I'll personally incapacitate him," Hinata said with an air of finality. Her father just stared back at her in surprise, shocked and a little proud that she'd just stood up to him.

"I understand…" was all he said. They all breathed a sigh of relief.

Naruto smiled proudly at his girlfriend for having finally stood up to her father. She was so kind and caring. She was so worried about Sasuke's comfort level that she argued with the main source of her anxiety in order to make sure he didn't have to worry. That, was what Naruto loved about her. That complete selflessness and dedication to people who she cared about…people he cared about, it was her most attractive character trait to him.

...

**Uchiha Main House**

...

Knock…Knock…Knock!

...

"Sasuke-kun! Could you get the door?!" Sakura called from the kitchen.

Sasuke grunted as he stood up from his position behind the bookcase, he had just been cleaning. Why he had to clean behind the bookcase, he didn't know. It's not like anyone was going to poke their head behind there and shout out, "Oi! You got dust back here!" He called back an affirmative before shuffling his way over to the front door. Briefly he checked himself over to make sure there wasn't any dust on him, and then grasped the handle of the door. Upon swinging it open, the Uchiha was greeted with a cheery,

" 'Suke!" in that tiny little voice he was all too familiar with. Sure enough, when he turned his dark eyes down, Sasuke was confronted with a pair of ice blue eyes, a big dimply smile, and a chubby, enthusiastically waving hand.

"*Konbanwa, Sasuke-san!" Shia chirped from beside her stoic, blank-faced husband. Gaara nodded in acknowledgement.

"Good evening Shia-san, you too Little One, Sabaku," he greeted, nodding toward the latter, and stepping aside so that they could all move inside.

He took the two elder's coats, and waited patiently for them to struggle with their wiggling child to get his coat off. Sasuke took them all in his arms, quietly gesturing the family towards the sitting room he'd just cleaned. When they were all settled, he excused himself into a near guestroom to deposit the jackets. On his way back, he poked his head into the kitchen to grab Sakura away from whatever she was chopping up so she could greet the couple who'd just arrived.

"Shia-chan! Look at you!" Sakura exclaimed, rushing into an emotional hug with her best friend. They broke apart smiling.

"Yea, yea…look at me….the blimp," Shia sighed.

"Shia, you're not fat, you're pregnant," Gaara's quiet voice chided. Navy blue eyes snapped a glare in his direction before settling fondly onto Sasuke.

"And look at you! How are you feeling?" she asked, walking over to him in a way that reminded him faintly of a penguin.

"I'm feeling much better Shia-san," he said. She glowered at him.

"How many times do I have to tell you to call me Shia…geez, you've gotta stop with the formalities Sasuke-san…" she said. He frowned.

"Shia…you should practice what you preach," her husband suggested, earning another halfhearted glare.

"Fine…if he's okay with it, I'll just call him Sasuke," she said, looking to him for confirmation.

"Shia…you saved my life…I think you've earned the right to drop formalities," he said quietly.

She beamed at him, opening up her arms in an invitation for a hug. Sasuke froze and stared at her in confusion. She wanted him to hug her? He wasn't entirely sure he was comfortable with that. He hadn't had a real hug since….since his mother died. Though, he supposed waking up with his arms around Sakura and visa versa constituted as such…did that really count? Uh oh…too late…Shia was already making her way over to him. He stiffened when he felt her arms contract around him, not quite sure what to do with himself. Immediately, he sought out his means of support, Sakura.

'It's ok', the pinkette mouthed at him, smiling and gesturing with her own arms what he should do. Sasuke then turned his eyes on the hugee's husband, who was completely unhelpful with his unreadable expression. Green eyes just stared at him blankly, while a set of clear, blue ones peered at him curiously.

" 'Suke hug Momma!" Senji cried, waving his arms ecstatically in a way that vaguely resembled an embrace.

Sasuke looked back at Gaara, who gave the most subtle of nods, and then tentatively wrapped his arms around his pregnant doctor. Well, technically she'd been taken off the case since the Removal, but he still considered her one of his doctors, because she was always at his house checking up on him. Shia just chuckled and squeezed him against her warmth so affectionately, that when he looked down, Sasuke saw a flash of his mother. He shook his head clear of the image, not wanting to ruin the occasion with his past.

'Wouldn't want to have a panic atta….What was that?!' he exclaimed in his mind, original line of thought trailing off at a sudden thumb against his abdomen. He looked down to see Shia making a very odd looking face.

'There it is again!' he thought. It was only after she broke out in a huge smile that he realized what was going on.

"Ah! They moved! Here Sasuke, feel!" Shia cried out, grabbing his wrist and laying his open palm over her swollen belly.

"Shia, what are yo…Oh my god…" he trailed off, pressing his hand firmer as he felt some more thumps against his palm.

He'd never actually known a pregnant woman before. He'd never felt the kicking of an unborn child underneath his fingers. It was pretty cool. It was so weirdly interesting. He nearly forgot he was in front of people and almost let his lips tilt up into a bemused smile. He quickly caught himself however, and shot a look over to Gaara, wondering if the father of the beings growing within Shia wanted to come over and feel this. Green eyes just watched him with a hint of amusement in their depths that had Sasuke wondering if maybe the Kazekage considered them friends like the Uchiha did (but would ever admit to).

"Don't worry about it Sasuke. He's had his fair share of baby kicks. It's always so cute to watch how amazed guys are with pregnancy. Don't you agree, Sakura-chan?" Shia said. Sakura giggled a little bit.

"It certainly is," she said, with a smile so warm it seemed to melt his heart. Sasuke shook the thought from his mind.

" 'Suke!" a little voice called to him from the couch.

Sasuke turned toward the sound to see Senji stretching his little arms out for a hug. He held back a smile at the child's beaming face. Why the kid liked him so much was still a mystery to him, but he wasn't complaining. Senji was everything he hoped that his children would be when it came time that he had some. He was happy and careless in a way that children his age should be. He was the child of a man who'd seen and done so many horrible things in his life, but somehow managed to find happiness. Senji, Gaara, and Shia…they were an inspiration. Because, if Gaara of the Sand could reform and make a family, then perhaps…even the Uchiha Traitor could do the same.

"It's ok Uchiha, you can pick him up. In fact, do before he topples himself over," Gaara's calm voice said.

Sasuke, after shooting a look at Gaara to make sure everything was fine, lifted the kid easily into his arms and allowed the little one to cuddle into his chest. Senji cooed, nuzzling his cubby little face against Sasuke's shirt, and looking up at him with his big blue eyes. The Uchiha just held the small child closer, liking the way he felt needed and loved by the little ball of trouble. A sudden flash caused him to snap his head in the direction of the two females in the room. They were both squeeing and giggling about something he couldn't understand because it was at a pitch that only dogs (and apparently girls) could hear.

"They'll be at it for at least ten minutes. Would you like to play chess?" Gaara asked, Sasuke smirked and nodded as he settled himself opposite of the redhead.

"Oh…Sakura-chan…they're gonna play a manly game of chess, let's get into the kitchen before we both die of boredom," Shia giggled playfully, waddling over to kiss both her husband and son on the forehead as well as ruffle Sasuke's raven hair affectionately. The girls disappeared into the kitchen before he could open his mouth to protest.

"I hope you know you won't win, Uchiha..." Gaara said ominously. Sasuke merely cocked his head to the side and smirked competitively.

"How do you figure?" he asked tonelessly. Gaara smirked back at him.

"Because anyone holding my son couldn't possibly win a game that involves grabbable pieces which can be thrown across the room," the Kazekage explained, setting up the black pieces on his side of the board. Sasuke held back a chuckle, trying to set up his own white pieces as a stubby little hand tried to snatch them away.

"We'll see what happens, Sabaku," he said.

A few hours later, dinner was cooked…the decorations were set, and the lights were all lit. Guests filled the house faster than Sasuke could keep up with, and soon he had the entire Rookie nine, plus Team Guy. Everyone was a lot more welcoming than he'd ever had the right to expect from them. Sure, they'd all been a little less than open when they'd first arrived, but…something had broken the ice, and now everyone was sitting down, filling him in on what he'd missed.

Unknown to him, it was the small child perched in his lap that had diffused the entire situation. The fact that the Uchiha Traitor, could calmly sit with his arms wrapped around a toddler, and even interact with said baby…was mind boggling to all of them. It showed them that though he was still the quiet, cool, not very open person they had once known, he was at the same time…not the same Sasuke Uchiha they'd known. He'd changed, quite a lot…and it intrigued them all. Not to mention that the way he interacted with Gaara was almost unheard of….a different kind of friendly than Naruto and Gaara's relationship.

Then there was the way he interacted with Sakura. The Uchiha they used to know would usually ignore the pinkette whenever she spoke to him. This new, rather improved version of Sasuke almost seemed to hang off of her every word. Of course, Sakura had saved his life…in the most intimate way a person could, linking their hearts together like that. So, it was understandable that he was much closer to her than he used to be. The way the two looked at each other had everyone well aware of their feelings…except perhaps themselves…which would have to be remedied at a later time, the girls of the group decided unanimously.

Because…honestly, with the exception of the Kaze-couple and the Sabakuno-Naras….all of the couples in the room had kind of owed their being together to Sakura. Tenten never would have confessed to Neji if Sakura hadn't told her he felt the same way. Naruto never would have noticed Hinata as much, if it weren't for the subtle hints that Sakura had dropped almost every day when they worked together. It was time, they all thought, that Sakura was clued in to the fact that Uchiha Sasuke most likely felt exactly the same things she felt for him…even if he didn't know it yet.

When the dinner was over, they all retired to the sitting room in front of a beautifully decorated tree, and a roaring, cozy fire. They chatted and reminisced about old times. They talked about plans for the future, and most of all…they all saw how much they'd all grown since all those years ago. They were all stronger, smarter, and more mature. They had a trust in one another that went unparalleled, even Sasuke. Even though he betrayed them, seeing him tonight made them believe what Sakura and Naruto had been telling them since the Uchiha had woken up months ago. Uchiha Sasuke had changed, and he would stand behind them in this time that they knew was about to get really dangerous.

That night, when most of the guests went home, after it was only Sasuke, Sakura, Shia's family, Naruto, and Hinata…Sasuke decided it was time he asked for help on his mission to find out the truth of the Uchiha Massacre. These people, he could trust. These people had been there for him through it all, and he knew they would help him through this. As he explained the situation to the group, he watched the horrified expressions flicker across their faces. They all made a pact, that no matter what, they would find out who did this…they would find the evidence they needed to bring this to the Hokage.

Because…no one deserved what had happened to Uchiha Itachi, or Sasuke for that matter. And the ones who did it most certainly didn't deserve to live freely.

At the end of the night they all wished each other a Merry Christmas as they said their final goodbyes. As Sasuke watched the two couples walk away from his house, he realized something. He was happy, for the first time in a long time. After what seemed like ages, he could feel that contentedness freely…even though he knew he still had so much to do. It didn't matter, because whatever happened from then on…he was no longer alone.

Together with Sakura, he cleaned up silently. They both retired to their shared room, falling to the bed much too tired to change out of their clothing. Sasuke pulled the sheets up over them, wrapping his arms around Sakura's waist and pulling her against him. She sighed and snuggled into him closer. They were silent for some time, both of them barely evading sleep. His eyes had just begun to slide shut when she spoke…

"Sasuke-kun…why do we do this every night?" she asked curiosity evident in her tone. He lay quiet, not quite sure how to answer.

"I don't know…"

"It doesn't make me uncomfortable or anything…which is a little weird by itself, but I've been wondering why for so long…I figured I'd just ask," she explained. He sighed, resting his chin against the top of her strawberry colored hair.

"I don't have a definitive answer to that Sakura. It could be a number of things. It could be because I'm so used to it, it feels natural now. It could be because I hate to be alone in this room. It could be because of something else I don't entirely understand, but I really can't pinpoint one definite reason," he explained quietly as her flowery scent drifted up into his senses.

"However, what I do know is that I don't think I could sleep without you here. I didn't want to have to admit it, but I'm fairly certain you would have found out anyway so I guess it's fine," he finished. He felt her shift a little, her delicate hand fisting in his shirt.

"I don't think I could sleep without you either Sasuke-kun," she giggled.

"What're we gonna do when your all healed up and I don't have to stay here anymore?" Sasuke's grip tightened on the girl in his arms.

"We'll deal with that when the time comes…for now…go to sleep. It's been a long day.." he murmured. She nodded against his chest, yawning a little before settling her head in the crook of his neck.

"You're right…besides…I think Tsunade-sama's going to have me live here as your probation officer anyway. No worries," she said.

He wanted to say something back to her, but when he looked down…she had already fallen asleep. He supposed it could wait. It wasn't necessary to tell her he didn't want her to leave right now. The Uchiha figured he should be focusing on his recovery, as well as his self-imposed mission to find any clues his brother may have left behind for him. For now, he could just ponder his strange feelings for his pink haired friend. He didn't exactly know what they were yet, and Sakura didn't deserve some kind of half-assed sentiment from him. She deserved to know exactly how he felt, and he wasn't willing to tell her anything less. He sighed, closing his eyes and slowly letting sleep take him.

'I'll figure it out Sakura…till then…just stay here with me…'

...

...

a/n: so I decided to do a Christmas special, because I've taken so long with the new chapter (which won't be ready until sometime after the holidays) that I felt guilty about not giving you anything after the semester ended. This is a treat for you all, as well as a way to move out of the Sasuke Recovery Arch, and into the Massacre Investigation Arch. Once again, I want to reiterate that though I am including Madara's story into this fic, I will be molding the story of the Uchiha Massacre, as well as Konoha's involvement in it from my own imagination. From here on, this is an AU fic, so if that bothers you…I'm sorry.

That said…Happy Holidays! Please tell me what you think!

~Reigh~

*Konbanwa- good evening

*Kaa-san- mother