It took me a long while but I have now come back to you with yet another wonderful chapter. I was not sure exactly how I would put it together or get the story back and running. It has been like about three years or so since I began writing this fiction and ended up straying away from the intended plot I planned to follow. However, after some consideration I decided to just let the ideas flow from my head naturally and voila. Rest assured the story will continue.
Naruto's dark past will enter into fruition. Neji and Gaara will continue to be a hinderance for Sasuke but only temporarily. I might add some love interest for either in the meantime. The show is not over yet people. Now let the story recommence.
Warnings: Hyper Naruto, Jerkish Shikamaru, pushy suitors, evil plots, and the usual.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto; manga or anime. Only liberties done to the main characters and all other made up ones.
Chapter 22: The Winter Festival
The village of Konoha once again flourished with life. The citizens had spent the next two weeks decorating and garnishing the town for the upcoming Winter Festival. Even though it was mid December, the traditional storms of that season seemed to stay away which all the townsfolk were thankful for. For the Uchiha Family, it was made all the sweeter because once again they would be joined by their fellow gentry. However, not all of the Uchiha's were feeling so joyful. Sasuke stood by one of upper floor windows and stared disdainfully at the winter scenery. For him, winter brought a whole lot of unhappy memories for him and his family. The Winter Festival also meant that some unwanted guest would be showing up. He was certain that two certain rivals would still adamantly pursue his love as well as his fan-girls. On the other hand, he would be able to spend Christmas with the one person who would be worth it all; Naruto Uzumaki.
In another part of the castle, Naruto was practically glowing as he played around in the winter snow. He knew he must have looked quite ungraceful but he did not care. Winter had always been one of his favorite times of the year. As a child, he would rush through the boundless mounds of snow and laugh as the cold wind blew by his face. Snow was beautiful, he mused. It made the ugliness of the world wash away and gave humanity a chance to make for a clean slate. He especially liked winter because it meant wonderful things like Christmas. It was also the time that he would not have to dread the onset of summer and the months of hell that came with it. Now, Naruto had another new reason to like winter, The Winter Festival and Christmas. It was one of the few events that he could close shop early and join in the festivities. Even though he never quite fit in with the townsfolk, he could at least still enjoy the fun activities that came with it. However, there came the feeling of loneliness as well. Many a time, he would glance enviously and sadly at the couples and families that would laugh and play together. It served as a bitter reminder of what he could never grasp again.
It was different now. He was no longer alone now that he had people he could share his new life with. He was especially happy because the guest from his birthday party would be coming over. He often thought of the friends he made and people he met. Was Hinata being treated well by her family and Kiba? He only knew Kiba for a few hours but could tell he was a bit of bastard. Then there was Neji and Gaara. He was certain that they were still deadest on hooking him (A/N: wooing his affections). He remembered Gaara's feisty siblings; Temari and Gaara. He recalled Shikamaru who last he heard had established a relationship with the 4-pigtailed haired princess. Kankuro, well he wouldn't want to touch that guy with a fifty-foot pole. He had already formed his opinion of Ino; a spoiled, pampered daddy's girl who vehemently believed she could have anything she want because of her title and expected all to bow before her without question. He remembered that she appeared to have chosen a new conquest: Sasuke's rather emotionless cousin, Sai. Naruto grimaced remembering how that perverted wretch shamelessly tried to make unsavory advances on him. He was more than certain that he was using Ino to try to make him jealous. Not that he liked the girl to begin with but still no one deserved to be screwed over like that. He inhaled once again a large breath before coughing at the harshness of the cold. He rubbed his arms rapidly to get some friction going.
"If I stay any longer, I might get sick and won't be able to go to the festival". He ran inside the house and exhaled in bliss at the warmth that surrounded him. Now was the time for that time cherished winter tradition loved by all; sitting by the fire with some hot chocolate in hand. After all, he had plenty of time before the festivities.
A parade of carriages more glamorous than the next stopped in front of the gates of the palace. Footmen hopped off the carriages to release their charges. All who had attended the banquet months prior exited the carriages. Each was dressed in winter garb decorated with the colors of the season. Some of them had come for the Festival while others had more pressing matters to think about. Neji Hyuuga and Gaara Sabaku walked up the steps of the palace with fervent vigor. Since that time, Neji had often thought of ways he could make amends to the blonde. He figured that Naruto would be rather reluctant to want to be in the same room with much less speak with him after his outburst. He would have to tread carefully if he wanted to make things right with and possibly steal him away. Gaara entered the palace with a taciturn grimace. Inside however, his mind was reeling. He also had plans for Naruto; though his plans were far from pure. The Sand Prince knew upon laying eyes upon Naruto, he knew he just had to have him. After all, he had been instilled with the idea that if he wanted something he would have to gain it with determination and planning. He smirked when he remembered Hyuuga's attempt to cozy on up to his blond. Now all he had to do was, steal the beauty from under the Uchiha. (1) And if he did it right, he would be able to as they say, kill two birds with one stone.
"Better watch yourself, Uchiha. Naruto is mine and no one will get in my way". The red head walked away with a devious smirk on his face unaware of a pair of concerned green eyes watching his every move. Elsewhere, a certain grey haired man also had plans for the young blond.
()
Naruto quickly donned a silken kimono adorned with the colors of Christmas combined with an orange obi. Atop his head was a golden ring crown with a sapphire jewel in the center. There was little need for make-up (not that he would ever call it that); as it would wear off in the freezing cold anyway. He wore a pair of black boots in place of his sandals. Checking himself in the mirror to see that nothing was out of sorts, he marched downstairs to greet Sasuke and his parents. Mikoto was adorned in traditional empress attire alongside her husband. Mikoto, of course squealed and gushed over how adorable and beautiful he was. Fugaku just feigned indifference but nevertheless smiled in approval. (2) They ventured outside to the carriage that would transport time to the village as it was roughly a 30 minute walk.
As they rode, Naruto opened the window just slightly to inhale the clean, cold air. He smiled widely while Sasuke just rolled his eyes smiling. "Hey dobe, you want to close the window soon as your letting all the warm air out" he chided lightly. Naruto did so scowling. "Ah shut it teme, besides it was only just a sliver and besides how can you not enjoy the feeling of cold air in your lungs?" he retorted. Sasuke shook his head but did not answer. The carriage stopped signaling that they had arrived. Naruto wiped the windows to get a better view. It was just as beautiful as he imagined it. He wasted no time and before Sasuke could protest, Naruto opened those doors wide and jumped onto the streets kicking snow into the air.
He shrieked excitedly, spinning around with his arms wide. Sasuke quickly apologized to the footman and was about to chide Naruto on his 'uncouth' behavior before seeing how much fun his fiancé seemed to be having. Mikoto walked up to her son to whisper in his ears.
"He reminds me of how you used to play in the snow like that. Such a wonderful sight to behold once again" the queen recalled with nostalgia. Sasuke mulled over his mother words and couldn't help but to smile. He called to his love.
"Hey dobe, there will be plenty of time to play in the snow later. For now, it's festival time". Naruto stopped what he was doing and blushed realizing he might have looked pretty stupid (uh…yeah). He walked alongside Sasuke to the festivities. There were glittering lights strewn up atop the podiums, different games for people to try their hand at winning a prize from, and even stands with lots of hot food to sample. In the past, he would run up to the many booths and attempt to strike conversation with the villagers only to be met with cold or indifferent stares. Shaking his head of the bad memories, he dragged Sasuke up to the stands much to the latter's dismay.
Danzou sipped some hot cider from his glass watching the pair in distaste. He sneered as he saw Naruto talking with a couple street urchins. Disgusting. A commoner should know his or her place and who they should be associating with. The elder despot knew there had to be a way to turn the Uchiha's favor back to his side and get precious land in the process. He knew he would never be able to approach the blond with Uchiha holding him on a very tight leash. That left his nephew. He beckoned his nephew who was currently talking up with the platinum blonde heiress.
"Sai, come over here" he commanded. Sai bowed before Ino and walked to his uncle with a blank gaze. "What is it uncle?" he inquired impatiently. Danzou lowered himself to whisper to the younger. "I think I may have a way to turn back things to our favor. Listen, the Uchiha's all appear to be wrapped around Naruto's finger. If we were to somehow rein Naruto on our side, the Uchihas would have no choice but to give in to our demands" he explained eagerly. Sai's emotionless gaze twisted into shock. "Are you certain uncle? Knowing the blonde; which I don't, he won't be so easily swayed with pretty words. If you did not notice last time, he was not the type to be swayed by the glamour of the party or cared for the fine jewels that decorated the place" the raven-albino informed his uncle. Danzo wagged a finger. "Ah but he also has an inkling desire to befriend all who surround him. And if you were to convince him that you are someone worthy of his trust, he would be eating out of your hands". Sai lips upturned disapprovingly. Danzo's ambition for wealth could only mean disaster. All too often had he had to stand by and watch people suffer because of his uncle's greed. And as usual he could do nothing to stop it. And if Sai was correct, Naruto had better keep on his toes if he wanted to avoid becoming another victim of his uncle's depravity.
Naruto had separated from Sasuke saying that he would be find on his own for a while. He walked around waving to the people as he passed by. He caught a glimpse of Rhea waving timidly at him from behind a silk selling booth. He gave a small smile as if to say "let bygones be bygones". Rhea rejoined the rest of her family. Earlier, Naruto had managed to convince Sasuke to let up on the woman's sentence at least until after the winter months. He continued on his way until he stumbled onto Shikamaru talking or rather should I say arguing with Temari about who knows what. He laughed at the playful banter. He then remembered something the princess said to him.
"You might want to be careful of my brother tonight. You seem to have piqued his interest and can at the least be unpredictable and dangerous to deal with. However, he is not such a bad person as he is made out to be by some. He's had a rather difficult life and it has caused him to become reluctant to form any real emotional relationships with anyone. Although, it would seem that you managed to catch his eye and may yet become rather possessive of you. As I said try to be careful".
Naruto reflected over the eldest Sabaku's words and what she meant about Gaara. He personally hoped he wouldn't have to see the Sand Prince or the Hyuuga heir. The events of their last meeting shook him to the core. He was brought out of his thoughts when he spotted the younger cousin of Neji. Hinata was adorned in a pristine ice blue kimono and ornamented hair piece in her lush midnight locks. He called to the heiress.
"Hey Hinata!" Hinata blushed when she saw the blond approach her. She bowed formally before him. "H-hello N-n-naruto k-kun". Naruto smiled at her. "How have you been Hinata? Has your family been treating you well?" he asked her. Hinata twiddled her dainty fingers. "H-h-hai. They are quite the same actually but n-no-nothing I-I c-c-can't handle. I mean Neji h-has b-b-been nicer since he-he-he last saw you" she stated. Naruto raised an eyebrow. "And he f-feels re-really guilty about h-having al-almost hurt you at the banquet. He even s-said to me once that he-he- would like to find a way to make it up to you and t-t-try to befriend you once again" she explained hopefully. Naruto smiled. "Hey Hinata, you barely stuttered that time" he complemented the woman. Hinata's face glowed with happiness. Complements were a rarity in her family and hardly ever came her way. To hear it from someone outside her family was a truly wonderful feeling and from a boy she barely even knew.
"T-thanks N-Naruto-kun. You r-really are a great friend. I gue-guess you just bring out the best in me" she whispered sincerely. Naruto smiled feeling rather good to have the word 'friend' thrown at him. He had been called many things in the past but friend was never one of them. "Well if it's any constellation, I also think of you as a friend" he replied back. Hinata smiled sporting a pink blush upon her milk white skin. Naruto suddenly grasped her hand. "Now let's say we go find a booth and win some nice prize for you. That can be your Christmas gift". Hinata smiled widely and allowed the excited boy to drag her elsewhere. She did not hear the indignant cry of Kiba crying out his fiancé's name.
Ino sat at a booth chair with one hand beneath her chin. It had been a while since Sai had left her to discuss something with Danzo. While she could not for the life of her stomach the idea of being that man's niece-in-law, she could endure if it meant she could be with Sai. Then why does her heart still yearn for someone else? As if by magic, the object of her thoughts passed by walking hand in hand with the Suna Kingdom princess. She bit her lip trying to hold back the pain she felt. She could not explain why it hurt so much to see the deer handler happy with another. She knew that while things could never be the same with Shikamaru ever again, she could at least try to get on a best friends basis. With that in mind, she crept quietly after the pair just waiting for the time that she could talk face to face with the dark haired peasant that once held a soft spot in her heart.
"Woo-hoo!"
Naruto jumped up and down as the stack of pins came barreling down. "Dattebayo!" he yelped. (3) The booth runner grumbled under his breath and handed the boy his prize which was a silver-flower tiara. Naruto grinned and gently placed the crown atop Hinata's head (A/N: she had removed her hair ornament, just to be clear). Hinata blushed and put a strand of hair behind her ear. "Arigatou, Naruto-kun". Just as Naruto was about to reply back, someone else answered for him.
"Hinata-sama! Naruto-san!" Naruto shivered involuntarily and craned his head to see the younger Hyuuga male come toward them. "Ne-Neji nii-sama" she greeted. Neji bowed his head slightly in her direction before stopping just in front of Naruto. "Uncle has sent me after you. He did not see you with Kiba and immediately sent me after you. But now I see that you are in no immediate danger" he glanced at Naruto with a slight smile 'I can breathe easy. If you do not mind, I would like to speak privately with Naruto for a moment" he pleaded inquiringly. Naruto glanced at Hinata praying she would say no but to the blonde's dismay, she gave a different answer.
"Of course, nii-sama! I'll just be over with Kiba" she replied. Naruto groaned. It would seem he would have to talk with Neji after all. Naruto waved to Hinata and sighed. He followed after Neji where they ventured between two tents where they could speak privately without interruption. Neji clenched his fist trying to decipher exactly what he was going to say. (4) The power of words was a most effective tool and depending on how they are used, could make or destroy a person.
"Uzumaki-san, I am not here to pick a fight. I just…want to talk if you let me" he pleaded. Naruto stilled. He did not want to accidentally stir up another one of Neji's hidden tempers. He was still trying hard to recover from the last one and did not want to experience a second time. Neji bit his lips before opening his lips.
"I wanted to say that I am sorry for our last meeting. It..it was not any intention of mine to blow up like I had. See, I know I have a bit of a temper and sometimes I let it get the best of me. Hence, that time at the banquet" he replied guiltily. Naruto could sense the sincerity from the Hyuuga but was not quite ready to let him off the hook. The blond inhaled some breath before giving a reply of his own. Neji could sense he was not getting any leeway with Naruto but continued.
"I assure you I am not one who forces his will onto others. I guess something about you made me lose my control. Before meeting you, I assumed like everyone else that you were just another bimbo out for the fame and wealth that came with being wed to the son of the Uchiha Family" he admitted. Naruto frowned at the insolence. He was alright with everyone assuming things about him that weren't true but to be told that to your face, it was like a proverbial punch to the gut. "But when I saw you walking down those stairs, I knew right then I was wrong. You were far different than anyone I had met. You were not vain, shallow, or greedy. You didn't even at all seem to care that you were basically to wed Sasuke. Instead of acting all formal with your guest, you talked to them as if they were your equals. Never in my 18 years of life had I met anyone so willing to do that and not be afraid of tarnishing his or her good reputation. And do forgive my cliché but I thought I was staring at a goddess in human form" he admitted brushing the back of his head. Naruto turned his head slightly to hide his growing blush. It was not uncommon for people to comment on his looks but in comparison to Neji, they were for mostly shallow, selfish reasons.
"Now that the matter is settled, I have a proposition for you if you will" he said hopefully. Naruto held his breath preparing for what was to come from Neji's mouth.
Elsewhere…
Shikamaru overlooked the glistening frozen lake with a quiet fondness. He would personally rather partake in his favorite pastime but since the sky was now dark due to the weather, he would have to settle with this. He had momentarily separated from Temari with the excuse that he 'needed some fresh air' or something along those lines. Temari had not needed to ask and obliged him. God, he had come to li-love the woman indefinitely but she sure could prove very overbearing. Another reason was that he hoped to avoid being spotted by another blond woman and her new beau. He knew it was immature to still be bitter over Ino's past rejection but it was the only thing that was helping him to move on with his life. He walked alongside the lakebed enjoying the glow of the lights on the icy surface. Just as he took another step, the snapping of a twig caught his attention. He swerved his head to the source of the sound. His black eyes narrowed slightly. There standing just a few feet from where he was stood Ino Yamanaka. Her hair was done up in an elegant curled bun and around her form was a midnight blue cloak which he was willing to bet hid an extravagant winter gown beneath it. Her face held nervousness in them. She had several opportunities to speak with him but never got the chance because she didn't want to risk facing his wrath or talk with him if the other blonde was in the way. Now was her chance.
"Oh hello Yamanaka-san, to what do I owe the pleasure" he began with a deadpanned expression on his face and a slightly scathing tone to his voice. Ino winced. She knew she deserved no better. The last time either had spoken, it had been a less than pleasant farewell. "H-h-hello Shika-kun" she replied in a solemn voice similar to the Hyuuga heiress. Shikamaru folded his arms and pursed his lips.
"Where is your escort? Did you get bored with him already and decided to move on to more favorable conquest?" he retorted rather harshly. Ino clenched her hands into balls. "Actually I came down here to say hello since I did not get to do so the last time" she stated in a small voice. Shikamaru gritted teeth fighting the urge to tell her off. "I am doing rather fine. I am still the son of lowly deer farmers, oh and I happened to have befriended the one who stole your precious Sasuke-kun from under your tiny little feet if you didn't already know" he enunciated hotly. Ino inhaled to cover the developing sob in her throat. "I don't care for any of that anymore! I only ask that you forgive me!" she sobbed tears streaming down her face. Shikamaru became angry. He steadily sauntered toward her causing the girl to backpedal.
"Let me get this straight" he ground out. "You want my forgiveness? Years ago you made it perfectly clear that you wanted nothing more to do with me just because I wasn't up to your level and that you wanted to pursue more suitable grounds. And now that prospect is no longer possible, you decide to move on to second best. Oh and lest I forget, you all of a sudden want to make things right when I have finally just moved on! To think you couldn't stoop any lower".
Ino sniffled. "I know that things can never go back to how they were for us before that time. I can only ask that we start over as…friends" she squeaked the last part hopefully. Shikamaru turned from angry to emotionless. "You made your choice years ago and I made mine. Dammit Ino, I practically loved you and then you-" his eyes widened realizing that he let out a secret. Ino gasped. She had long ago surmised Shikamaru saw her as a friend but never a love interest. The young duchess felt her stomach drop. From the beginning up to that point, Shikamaru had loved her? Shikamaru turned from her and glanced at the lake with an angry expression. "That day when you dumped me for a chance of riches and glory, I felt like my heart had been ripped from my body and torn asunder. After that, I did all I could to try to forget. I would spend my time helping my parents with the farm and stare at the clouds for days on end even though I knew it would cause my parents to rant and rave about 'being lazy' and such. It wasn't until I met Naruto who finally convinced me to snap out of my reclusive stage and convince me to socialize as he called it. Had he not forced me to attend that party, I would have never met that sassy, beautiful girl, Temari no Sabaku". Ino felt a sense of dread and envy pour from her being. It upset her to know that woman had taken her place in Shikamaru's life. The woman was a crude, less refined version of her. She acted less like a princess and more like an uncultured gypsy woman. Still, Ino was forced to face the facts; she had messed up badly and was now paying the consequences. She gave a bitter tear stained smile.
"I understand. I know I have much to atone for not just to you but to everyone else. However, perhaps for this night, we can forget the past and let bygones be bygones". Shikamaru looked back to her. He mulled over the suggestion for some time. He promised the quadruple-haired princess he would be back. He was about to retort his denial before the annoying voice of Naruto rang in his head. The deer handler knew the blonde would never let him live it down much like at the banquet. After some contemplation, he exhaled loudly.
"Very well, he said emotionlessly 'only for tonight. However, if I should find this is just another ploy, I won't be so generous" he threatened pointing his index finger at her. Ino bit her lips but nodded. Just as the raven was about to say something, a voice directed at him called out.
"Shikamaru?! Hey where are you?"
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "I better go. Let us talk some more later on" he said to the blonde before departing. Ino folded her arms. A small smile tugged on her lips. It would be a long shot but at least Shikamaru was willing to give her a chance. That was more than enough for her.
Naruto rushed back into the public fold. He rushed over to rest his back against a currently empty booth. His hand rested on his heart. The blonde stood against the wall trying to wrap his head around what Neji had just inquired of him.
Naruto stumbled backwards. Neji wanted to what?
"You want to what?" he asked. Neji's lavender gaze stared deep into Naruto's sapphire ones. "I know quite well you are engaged to Sasuke and are due to be wed in the spring. But hear me out. I want to take the chance to properly court you and possibly earn your affections. If within that time I do not succeed, I will cease with my courting and let you and Sasuke alone".
Naruto tried to answer but the shock had stopped him. He began to start breathing heavily. Out of all his suitors aside from Sasuke, Neji was the first person to have actually asked for his permission. He began shaking and not from the cold. Images from a rather bad time in his life ran through his eyes. Neji stared at the boy in concern. "Are you alright Naruto? Did I perhaps say something to offend you?" he asked. Naruto blinked and shook his head. "N-n-no! I…I…gotta go" he stammered and ran leaving a bewildered and confused Hyuuga. Neji was left there thinking.
Naruto clutched the folds of his kimono against his chest. He shook his head. The minute Neji had thought to ask him such questions, he was immediately struck with haunting visions from his past. Some nights he would wake up with nightmares of glowing red eyes, roving fingers that touched him in the most vile, disgusting of ways, and a voice filled with dark promises for him. He clutched his head. A gruff cough brought him out of his reverie. His eyes shot open and smiled thinking it was Sasuke. His smiled disappeared when he saw the only other person he hoped to avoid tonight; Gaara no Sabaku, royal prince of Sunagakure and heir to the Sabaku throne.
The red head smirked triumphantly finally having cornered his pretty little prey. His deep jade eyes appraised the blonde's shivering form. Naruto gulped not looking away from the red head. Gaara grinned which reminded Naruto of the many demons he read about in his storybooks. Finally Gaara spoke in his infamous chilling voice.
"Well, it seems I have finally got you where I want you, Uzumaki Naruto. Now let us say we have a chat" he suggested silkily. Naruto shuddered praying that he would leave their 'discussion' with his piece of mind in tact.
This is where I will leave things for now. Not to worry; Gaara will not rape or harm Naruto in anyway. As was mentioned in the characters profile chapters; the red head will use more "persuasive" tactics to manipulate the blond. For you ShikaXIno lovers out there, I apologize for making Shikamaru treat Ino so harshly. You have to understand however that the girl pretty much stomped on his feelings and didn't even think to apologize. If one of my friends screwed me over like that, I would have more than a few choice words to say to him/her. His bitterness over the situation is a reflection of his persona after Asuma died and him wanting revenge on Akatsuki for it. It also reminds me of the episode in "Once Upon A Time: In Wonderland" where Anastasia dumped Will Scarlet for a life of wealth and royalty. Of course, Ino is just realizing what she had lost and is doing what she can to make up for it even though she knows that she can never have Shikamaru's affections.
Sai will not be the mindless puppet for Danzo as he seems to be. He is fully aware that his uncle's plans for the blond are less than pure. He knows the man can prove dangerous and will not prove easy to foil. The albino will have but a small part to play without him realizing it. As the saying goes; keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer.
That is all I have to say on the matter.
Chapter Footnotes:
(1) I find this statement so ironic since Neji and Sasuke are both referred to as birds and that Gaara is makings plans to do away with his competition.
(2) It always amazes me how a seemingly short distance to a place can take longer on foot to get to. I would guess on carriage, it would take an average of 7-10 minutes to get to.
(3) Think of the crown given to Lucy in the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe.
(4) A recurring theme for this story and how they can affect the outcome of events.