Ok. So here is what happened... *runs and hides* I won't tell you the truth or I won't be getting any more RP time lol, but ok here it is: we've been working so HARD [and I mean that in all ways ;)] on Powerful Stuff's Prequel that I haven't had much time to work on Oh Christmas Tree!

TerasBad is to blame. Please don't kill her. She's one hell of a muse. Go check out her profile. ^_^

Anyways, I've written this simple 5k word chapter in apology for my delay in posting! I hope you all like it. I'll be working on the following chapter soon and won't let this get behind again. I won't promise weekly updates, but I will be working on it more often as the sooner I can finish this story the sooner we can begin on a new fic!

Please enjoy.

Previously on Oh Christmas Tree:

Perhaps the worst day of all was had by the ANBU guards assigned to the Hokage Building, where Tsunade went without her sake for an entire day as Shizune had refused to let her leave for refills.

She knew who's fault it was and she swore he'd pay.

The worst prank of all though was unexpected.

Neji's day was delayed. There was nothing he could do, but deal with missions that kept coming in and work to have free days that would coincide with the dates the elders would meet with him. Negotiations with Hiashi and them also seemed to have come to a standstill and yet Neji wasn't informed of the details that prevented them from proceeding.

Neji rested his head on the tree behind him. He closed his eyes and sighed into his hands as he finally relaxed.

Naruto looked up from his food and watched Neji. "What's wrong?" He asked as he slurped through his second cup of ramen.

Neji sat up and leaned forward to stretch his sore back. "Nothing. Just that I'm not sure if I celebrated a bit early." He said and smiled a bit forced.

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked and put the empty ramen cup down on top of the last one he'd emptied.

"I mean that it's past the first week of April and there hasn't been an agreement to what my uncle proposed. I'm not certain if I will be taking over the clan after all." Neji said and brushed his hair to the side over his shoulder to get the twigs and leaves out of it.

"But you're pretty good. Why wouldn't you be taking over?" Naruto asked. He knew all about the stigma of the branch family and the importance of the main family, but he assumed that was nonsense that was long over with, after all Neji was trained by Hiashi and taught all of the forbidden and secret Hyuuga techniques after the chuunin exams.

"Politics." Neji answered. "I can only assume it's the fact that no matter how hard I've tried or my uncle has, I remain and will always be a member of the branch family." He said. He lifted his hair back and showed off his seal then sighed yet again. He was frustrated. His goals were out of reach due to a bit of fate gone wrong, a few minutes, a different first born and it wouldn't be as difficult.

"That's unfair." Naruto said and started to put out the fire they'd began for their dinner. The days had been warming up fairly well and the nights were no longer cool. They wouldn't need it.

"Life is often unfair." Neji said and smiled. "You know that better than I." He said.

Naruto shrugged. "I suppose I do." He said. "But things are getting better. Things are so much better." He said and grinned. "I'm sure things will work out for you too." Naruto said with confidence.

"I can only hope." Neji said. "I can say those words thanks to you. I am the master of my fate and I won't let it rule me this time. I need to talk to Hiashi as soon as I get back and press for them to move on this decision. I can't stand in limbo for so long."

Naruto grinned to hear him say it. "Good. My own training is coming up in a few months. June, I think Tsunade said. I haven't gotten hurt, so I think I'm doing just fine." Naruto wondered then if his relationship with Sasuke would ever be called into question. Would it be something that would affect him like being a member of the branch family affected Neji? He chose not to think about it for too long. The choice between fulfilling a lifelong dream and his true love was too hard to think about. Naruto refused to think about it now that the question was being asked freshly in his mind.

Neji smiled. "I've been taking care of you." Neji said teasingly. "I want you to achieve your goals too." He said and stood up. "Then we'll both be living our dreams. Won't that be fun?" Neji asked.

Naruto nodded eagerly. "You've made me so anxious for the next few months to fly by!" Naruto said. "I feel more ready than ever and excited to begin."

Neji laughed. "I'm supposed to be able to motivate you and everybody else. How else will I survive as a leader?" Neji asked and retreated into their tent.

Naruto closed his eyes and leaned back on the forest floor until he was laying flat on his back. He was smiling and dreaming of the day he'd be inaugurated. Would Sasuke publicly be by his side then? Naruto grinned as he manipulated his dreams with his desires and Sasuke not only stood at the celebration, but held his hand tight in his. Neji stood back watching on proudly and while Naruto felt a lingering attraction for him, it would have to melt then to just a close friendship. Naruto couldn't be a role model and a leader, if he didn't begin by making the right choices in his own life first.

It took weeks after the set upon date for Neji to earn his day before his elders to discuss the future of his training and official transition into the position he'd been craving since childhood. He was nervous. He had something to say and it was hell on the nerves. Neji chewed on a bit of his hair and felt silly when he was caught.

Hiashi chuckled then. "At least you don't bite on your nails like your father." He said and smiled before clapping him on the shoulder. "You'll do fine." He reassured. "Just be honest in there and show them all the qualities you posses and that I have bragged about." He said with a quiet confidence in Neji that was obvious in the soft look he was giving him and the strong posture he held in equally felt pride.

Neji let out a shaky breath. "You want me to palm strike the head councilman?" He asked jokingly and finally was able to laugh as Hiashi joined him.

"Only if he denies our petition." Hiashi said and finally stepped back away from Neji when they were called inside.

The large hall was soundproof and locked for the private audience. The head of the council began by a word by word reading of the proposition Hiashi had turned in in regards to making an exception to the clan rule and allowing Neji to be placed in training. It went on to list all of his qualities and why Hiashi thought Neji would make a good and qualified leader. The stapled pages were many and varied in subject, but all spoke of leadership and responsibilities. There was a very detailed training plan included and a letter of approval and recommendation from Tsunade herself. After the entire 34 page submission was read and the room had gone silent Neji was called forward.

Neji stood in the center of the room as motioned. He was put through a trial of questions then and only then did his nerves begin to calm. He knew the answers. He knew them because he honestly felt that way about his clan and the importance of their future.

"The last question pertains to your marriage." The head councilman said as he shuffled through another stack of papers. "I see here that there are two females who have been prepared." He said as if speaking about a simple transaction of goods. "Which one is the one you've chosen?" He asked.

Hiashi kept still and glanced at Neji once. He was crossing his fingers mentally as Neji deliberated his answer.

A tense silence swept over the room and only coughs and the sound of pouring water interrupted the silence.

Neji stood with his hands at his sides and his head held high. He couldn't do it. He couldn't marry a woman and do such a disservice to her and her future, when he felt so strongly for Naruto.

"I'm sorry." Neji said a bit shakily to the silent room. In the near emptiness of the room his voice echoed. "I never meant to fall in love." He said with a stronger conviction. He wouldn't be ashamed. The silence prevailed once more as he tried to piece together his words to explain himself.

Hiashi laughed nervously and shook his head. "Nonsense. You don't have to apologize for that. Who is the lucky girl?" He asked to fill the silence. The council could only wait for so long and Neji was making him nervous.

Neji smiled at his uncle apologetically and took a breath. "What I meant was that I never meant to fall in love with a man." He said and felt the confused stares of the council and his uncle on him. "I can't pick any of the girls because of that. I'm sorry uncle." Neji said and faced him with a slight bow. "I'm sorry." He said and directed his last apology at the council men sitting ahead of him. "I'm sorry if this lessens the chances or means that I can't lead the-" Neji stopped as soon as the head council member raised his hand in a sign asking for silence.

"You pick nobody then?" The head councilman asked.

Neji nodded. "Yes. I couldn't ruin a young girl's life when I feel so." He answered honestly.

The councilmen spoke amongst each other briefly. Hiashi had to stand behind a table a few feet away and behind of Neji and hope they spoke out loud soon. He wasn't undecided about the news he'd just heard, and knew that the declaration of no heir was to Neji's advantage.

"You will have no heir?" The councilman asked after a brief silence amongst them.

"I don't see how that is a possibility." Neji answered honestly.

The old men began their talking once more and Hiashi's proposal was brought up yet again. They turned off the microphone at their table and discussed amongst themselves while Neji stood nervously in the center of the room on a one foot dais made of circular wood. Engraved upon it was a pattern he knew well.

There was a loud click as the microphone was turned on and the speakers echoed the switch. "We've reached a decision." The head councilman said. "We agree with Hiashi's choice and will approve the ceremony that will officially make you the head for this clan as soon as Hiashi chooses to retire and says that you are ready." He turned to the others and once more had a brief talk.

Neji smiled at his uncle and got a reserved smile back. It was certainly what he'd wanted for Neji, but he wasn't sure how Neji would react to the clause they would add to his succession. He also knew he'd have to talk to Neji about his choices in life.

"The issue with having no heir will be resolved with an additional provision that will rule the first born child of either Hanabi or Hinata, who are of the main branch, be the next in line for succession of the title of Clan Leader after you." The head councilman informed Neji and Hiashi.

Neji smiled and nodded. "Of course." He agreed and took a relieved breath. He wouldn't lose it all because of who he really was. He didn't have to hide it anymore.

The head council seemed satisfied with the decision they'd reached and excused both Hiashi and Neji until their next scheduled meeting after a brief word of advice about being discreet in his affairs. Neji didn't need to be told. He was free to be himself in the privacy of the Hyuuga complex and he didn't need any more freedom than that.

Neji stood nervously waiting for his uncle who seemed to have other business with them as when he'd left the room his uncle had remained. He cracked his knuckles and took a breath to steady himself.

Hiashi exited the room and stopped. He smiled at Neji and this time it was wide and happy. "You could have just said no. You didn't have to add the other details of your private life." He said and leaned against the wall facing Neji.

"I'm sorry, Uncle. I should have told you first." Neji said and remained serious. "I didn't know how or if you would mind..." He said and his worry still showed in the small crease between his eyebrows.

"I am not a stranger to those drawn to the same sex." Hiashi answered and looked at Neji's hands. "Don't be so nervous." He said. "I'm still the man who trained you and helped raise you. I think no less of you." Hiashi reassured him and looked away. He took a step in the direction of the stairs. "If I didn't hold it against my brother, why would I hold it against you?" He said and began his trek up to his office knowing Neji was bound to follow after he registered what he'd said.

True to Hiashi's thoughts Neji smiled as he was told it was okay. He smiled and sighed in relief against the wall until he heard just exactly what his uncle had said. Neji bolted away from the wall and walked up the stairs behind Hiashi. "What?" He asked and chuckled thinking he'd heard wrong. "My dad was- then how did- my mom then?" Neji had too many questions and they were overlapping in his head.

Hiashi opened the door to his office and waited until Neji had shut it behind him. "Calm down. I'm not going anywhere." He said and fiddled with a pencil and some work he had on his desk.

"Okay." Neji said and took a calming breath. He sat down across from him. "My dad was gay?" He asked first.

Hiashi nodded. "He told me so when we were young and before your mother." He said.

"Then what about my mother?" Neji asked.

"Arranged marriages aren't uncommon in our clan." Hiashi said simply. "Your father married because he had to. He wasn't as bold as you are to speak his true feelings out loud."

"Then their marriage was all a fake?" Neji asked with concern evident in his voice. His happy childhood was being shaken. Were those smiles fake? Were the hugs and kisses and hand holding all for show?

"It was real." Hiashi said. "You don't have to be first physically attracted to somebody to grow to love them." He said. "I feel that your father loved your mother very much. I could tell in the way he held her hand and spoke always gently to her and only her." He said. "I know you might doubt this, but you can learn to love with time even those you don't love on sight."

Neji shook his head. "I don't see how." He said.

"Well despite my thoughts in regards to your current maturity there is still yet more time to pass for you to be wise as well." He said. "There will be a time when you will understand that kind of love too, the kind of love that grows on you and develops in time. The kind that is hard to earn, but all that much greater to have had and gained in life." Hiashi said.

Neji then knew Hiashi also spoke from experience. "My aunt-" He began, but wasn't his place to ask. Neji swallowed. "So, were they friends then, my father and my mother?" He asked.

"Best friends as far as I saw and there was enough love there for you to come along." He said and smiled at Neji with a hint of teasing.

Neji chuckled. "I can't take a woman, uncle." He said. "I don't think I could fall in love with one."

"Well, now you don't have to." Hiashi said easily. "You don't even have to try," He said. "but trust me on the love advice. The love that comes easy isn't the one you want."

The days in May seemed to grow hotter by the hour. The sun seldom did not shine and the clouds seemed to all fade away, much to Shikamaru's dismay. Only a clear blue sky was visible and it gave no cover to those below. The stubborn heat remained through the day and even the bright white moon seemed to heat the earth at night. The days spun by in relative peace as more and more came to slow realizations about some of their friends' true selves and lives.

Sai sat alone in his living room. He painted slowly and methodically. There was a lot on his mind. Mainly he was still thinking over Sasuke and Naruto's relationship. Sai did have an honest and curious interest in Naruto, but it was clear that Sasuke was beyond a mere 'interest' to Naruto. Sai chuckled to himself as he thought back on how fiercely Naruto had defended his love.. It was so obvious, if you cared to look for a moment. Even without the loud declarations, it was obvious. He didn't understand how there weren't more that knew.

Lee sat eating his lunch with Ten-Ten by his side. He picked at his outfit which had been torn by one of Ten-Ten's successful attacks. He was losing by chance of distraction. Sakura had shown up for dinner a few days past and Lee still couldn't believe that she'd agreed. He thought of her as he picked at the thin cloth while ignoring his food.

"Are Naruto and Sasuke really gay?" Ten-Ten asked almost too loudly into the peaceful silence.

Lee jolted to hear the question so suddenly and pulled hard on the small rip he'd been fingering before therefore turning it into a massive hole. With his knee and calf now exposed, Lee looked up at Ten-Ten.

"What do you mean?" He asked for lack of other words to say. He knew exactly what she meant. It had been long since he'd said it. It had been far too long for Ten-Ten to have been thinking on it for so long.

"I mean you told me a while back, at Neji's party, that you'd seen them together." Ten-Ten emphasized with air quotes.

"They're always together." Lee said seriously and thought of how he'd be betraying Naruto by telling, but he'd already spilled, so he didn't see the need to outright lie to Ten-Ten about them.

Ten-Ten lifted an eyebrow at Lee and crossed her arms over her chest. "Lee." She said and stared at him until he gave in.

"You can't tell anybody." Lee said and worked up the courage to tell her once more what he'd seen.

"I won't. I'm just curious." She said now that she saw that Lee was ready to ease her curiosity.

"Well, it was an accident. When I went to drop off their invitations, I accidentally walked in on them- in the act of proving their love to each other." Lee said and felt his cheeks burning.

Ten-Ten was wide eyed. Sure, she'd heard Lee tell it before, but now he was sober and still repeating the same story.

"I'm surprised. I always thought Sasuke would want to rebuild his clan." Ten-Ten said. "Naruto, well Naruto has been chasing his dream of Hokage since he was a kid. I would think being Hokage would matter more to him." She said.

"He can still be Hokage." Lee said and started eating again.

"How?" Ten-Ten asked. "It's forbidden isn't it?"

"I don't know, but it doesn't seem fair if it is." Lee said.

"Why?" Ten-Ten asked. "The Hokage has to be a good example for his followers. I don't see how men sleeping with other men is a good example."

Lee shook his head and looked up once more. "Did you learn nothing from Sensei?" He said sounding every bit as disappointed in her as he felt.

"I learned a lot. Thank you very much." Ten-Ten said and started packing up her lunch.

"Obviously not as much as you needed to." Lee said and packed up his lunch as well.

"What is that supposed to mean?" She asked.

"It means, that there is nothing more important than love, passion, dedication and hard work. Naruto has worked hard for everything he has. He seems to love Sasuke and didn't fail to bring him back after all those years of hard work and dedication. He's proven himself worthy to me and everybody else. I'll stand behind Naruto regardless of who his heart chooses to fall for." He said adamantly.

After a brief silence Lee spoke again. "Who taught you to shame those who are different?" Lee asked genuinely upset on his friend's behalf.

Naruto would make a great Hokage and leader. He was sure of it and having somebody so close to him, somebody that he loved, would only serve to increase his power. Lee was certain that Naruto would reach past the impossible to protect his best friend and lover.

Ten-Ten looked a little guilty. "Well, you're different and I don't shame you." She said and stood up with Lee.

"They're just different in who they love. What's the big deal?" Lee asked.

Ten-Ten shrugged. "Parental brainwashing?" She said sheepishly and looked at Lee. "Let's move on. I only have so much time for sparring today." She said in an effort to change the subject. Lee's opinion was obvious and she didn't want to fight him over it.

She was still doubtful about Naruto and Sasuke's relationship being the right thing for the village and future ninja, but she didn't want to upset Lee. It was something she'd have to contemplate on her own at a later time.

Sakura couldn't help blushing as Miki teased her about her date.

"Shut up, Miki. He's not that bad." She said and shrugged. "After you get to know him and take that green spandex off-"

"Oh ho! The truth comes out!" Miki teased and giggled as Sakura turned redder still.

"That's not what I meant and you know it." She insisted and continued to doodle on the sign-in sheet. "He was very polite, kind and sweet. Just like I've known him to always be, but it was different. I think the years have done him well and that crazy obsessive one sided love has matured into a sincere affection and—"

"A two sided love?" Miki suggested.

Sakura put the pen down and shrugged. "Perhaps with time we'll see." She said and saw that she was being paged yet again. "Ew. Exorcist in room 304 again. I don't understand what parents don't understand about forcing pea soup down their kids gullets." She said and put her nurse's hat on yet again.

"Enjoy." Miki called out behind Sakura as she ran down the hall.

The mission report was turned in and Sasuke was still white as a ghost. He was pale and sweating a cold sweat as he stood in front of the Hokage. His eyes showed true fear for the first time in a long time. He felt his hands shaking as he recounted what had happened. He was no coward and he never feared for his life, but something much more precious was at stake. Knowing that brought a cold fear deep into his heart that shook him to the very core.

Tsunade listened to what Sasuke had to say and took notes before asking questions. Once she was certain she'd heard right she brought in a team to hear his report once again straight from Sasuke's mouth. Slowly they drew up a plan. Teams were formed and while Sasuke hated to have to tell secrets that weren't his to give away, for the good of the village he had to say what he dreaded to share the most.

Naruto was happy. He was anxiously waiting for Sasuke to get back. He was late from his mission, but Naruto didn't mind waiting. He just wanted to know Sasuke was alright and to spend some time together before his next mission. Naruto leaned on the sleigh and played a movie to entertain himself until his lids weighed too heavily to keep them open. He yawned and raised the volume in an effort to remain alert.

Sasuke walked for what seemed like hours. He hadn't changed. He hadn't showered. He was still wearing his sweat drenched uniform and lugging around 50 pounds of gear. He sat on the bench where Naruto and he had shared their first date. He closed his eyes and covered the moonlight with the back of his hand. He chuckled as he thought about that day. It had snowed the night before and yet that morning remained bright. Naruto's nose was red like a cherry and Sasuke recalled holding his hand tightly in his own. He sat up and looked around now. The heat had melted all of that away. Reality was entering his life once more and as he'd always assured himself he was flying into that fire and burning brightly at his end.

Sasuke swallowed down his tears and swore to never forgive himself for what he was going to have to do. He stood up and put on his backpack before making the slow trek through the tall dry grass and taking the long way home.

Sasuke returned to the apartment a night after the date he'd planned. He arrived and put his heavy backpack down before he was assaulted by Naruto and his safe embrace.

"Hey you." Sasuke whispered lovingly as he hugged the other and tried to keep his eyes dry. He leaned his head on Naruto's shoulder and inhaled every smell that was Naruto. He smelled lightly of something distinctly Naruto and orange soap. Naruto always had a naturally earthy smell. He smelled of the forest and everything Sasuke imagined was pure and solid as the earth they stood on, just like Naruto, dependable, firm and yet soft enough to yield.

He, on the other hand, felt lacking. Perhaps he smelled like water. He was more like a river, easily shifted and slow as it worked its way through difficult paths; Sasuke had no scent.

Sasuke tried not to chuckle as he thought of the orange soap, of how dry Naruto's skin always was because of it and of how Naruto bought it only for the color. He closed his eyes and smelled the bit of laundry detergent still fresh on his shirt. He'd changed into clean clothes just for him. Sasuke inhaled again and smelled a bit of apple scented shampoo, the same kind he was used to using after years as a prisoner. Konoha only provided cheap apple scented shampoo and conditioner to her prisoners.

Sasuke bit his lip and knew he couldn't do it just yet. His eyes were burning and even though he'd ran the scenario plenty of times through his mind he couldn't say the words just yet. Naruto was warm in his arms and was holding him gently around his hips. He could feel Naruto's heart beating slowly against his and while he felt Naruto's eagerness at his return pressing hotly against his thigh, he also felt Naruto's chakra reacting subtly to his own. Naruto could subconsciously read his distress and without knowing it he was soothing Sasuke's nervous chakra.

"Hi, Sasuke." Naruto said gently and just as quietly. He kissed Sasuke's cheek and sensed the atmosphere wasn't exactly celebratory. "Is everything okay?" He asked and pecked Sasuke's cheek once more.

"Naruto," Sasuke said and heard his voice wavering in strength. He took a breath and a step back. He couldn't do it when he could feel Naruto's love so evident in his every breath and action. Sasuke wasn't smiling. His eyes were downcast and he was crying silently.

"What's wrong?" Naruto asked with some concern. His smile faltered as Sasuke delayed his answer. "Sasuke?" He insisted and took Sasuke's soft hands in his rougher ones.

"Naruto," Sasuke took a shaky breath and pulled his hands away. "I want to break up." He said and held out his hand after a quick return to his pocket.

Naruto held his out to receive whatever Sasuke was giving him while still in shock to what Sasuke had said.

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked as he felt the weight of the ring he'd given Sasuke in his palm. He looked down at it and saw it was the ring. He looked up at Sasuke and felt his own hot tears gathering at his eyes.

"I mean, I want to break up. I don't think we should be together anymore." Sasuke said. It wasn't going as planned. His voice was shaky. His ears felt thickly stuffed with cotton and he was almost deaf. His eyes were burning and the hot tears just kept streaming down his face. It wasn't easy and he hated to say the words. "I don't want to be with you." Sasuke insisted past his salty tears even as they seem to flow directly to his mouth in an attempt to stop him.

Naruto chuckled nervously still not believing the sight before him. "Sasuke, you aren't good at pranks and this isn't a very good one because I'm not really laughing, It's also not even April anymore, so- yeah." Naruto tried to grin and hand the ring back, but Sasuke wasn't taking it.

"I'm sorry." Sasuke said and cleaned his mouth and eyes on his dirty sleeve. "J-just one more-" Sasuke begged as the tears began once more. He approached Naruto and with trembling lips gave him one last kiss. Sasuke couldn't breath anymore. He felt his tears running down his face and his bottom lip shaking with his effort to cry silently. He opened his mouth to breath as his nose was no longer helping him as it filled with snot and made it harder to breath. Worse than his nose and shaking hands was his chest. His heart ached and his chest seemed to constrict as he was saying goodbye to his one and only love.

Sasuke took a step back and took in Naruto's disheveled state. He'd been laying away in waiting. His hair was in an adorable disarray and his clothes, though clean, a rumpled mess. Sasuke bit his lip to stop himself from taking it all back and walked away to what was once their room.

"But-" Naruto was still stunned. He'd never seen Sasuke cry so much. He followed close and saw Sasuke's shoulders shaking as he shut the door and locked it behind him.

"Sasuke," Naruto whispered against the door hoping the other would hear and let him in. "I love you." He said and kneeled down to slip Sasuke's ring under the door.

Sasuke leaned against the door and covered his face as he slid to the floor. He cried silently then while resting his elbows on his knees. He heard Naruto's words and turned as he heard a slight scraping sound. Sasuke touched the ring with his finger and pulled it close to him once more. He could still feel Naruto's warmth on it as he laid his cheek against it.

And I love you. Went unsaid.

And it was the cruelest prank of all because it wasn't a prank at all.

Well, now that you've read that I can confess something. I cried while I wrote the whole Sasuke/Naruto part of this chapter. I mean it. I cried and cried. Silently, but my face was wet by the time I was done. I'm that kind of sap. It hurt me to hurt them so bad, but it's all part of 'the plan'. I also cried while I edited the chapter a second time. I'm actually tearing up right now. I'm a giant crying sappy baby.

I hope you enjoyed it and look forward to the next chapter.

I will take reviews, if you've got them. Let me know if you cried too or if that was just me T_T ... Also if you have questions please ask. I won't be doing any more bonus chapters, but I still like to answer questions. Oh and notice how I answered the question about Sasuke's green apple scented hair ;) now you know where that comes from.

Thanks for reading and reviewing guys and gals. Also thanks to all the people who are still faving and putting this story on alert. I really appreciate it. I of course also love the fav author and author alerts ;) *hint hint*

Thanks again,

Lovely Spell