Chapter Twenty Eight:
The Loneliness Melted By the Sun...
Christmas in Konoha! Part Two!
It was now two days before Christmas and Naruto and his family had gotten their home decorated with beautiful lights all around and had many decorations to show. They now had a huge tree fully decorated to celebrate the occasion. The invitations had also been sent and Konoha itself seemed ready for the big day to arrive. The snow had continued to fall and the group was now out finishing up some last minute shopping in the local shopping district.
"Naruto-nii-san, come on, you've stood outside that store for almost an hour. Are you going to go in and buy Hinata-nee-san a present or not?" Hanabi asked the blond boy as they stood outside a jewelry store.
"I am Hanabi, I'm just trying to decide what to get her," Naruto replied.
"Well you won't know unless you go in. I swear Naruto-nii-san, you can be so dense sometimes," Hanabi said.
"That's not very nice Hanabi-chan," Naruto said back to the girl.
"Neji-nii-san and Tenten will be coming back with Hinata-nee-san soon and you still haven't bought her anything yet," Hanabi told him.
"You're right Hanabi, let's go," Naruto said as the two entered the store.
"Hello and welcome," The shop owner said. "Can I help you find anything today?"
"My big brother here is looking to buy something for my big sister," Hanabi told the man.
"Okay, well what did you have in mind?" The man asked.
"I don't know... I've never really bought anyone a gift before, much less jewelry," Naruto told the man.
"Well tell me something about this special girl and I'll see if I can help you out," The man said with a smile.
"Let me see... Well Hinata-chan is beautiful especially when she's smiles. She's the type of person who thinks of others before she thinks of herself. She's very shy at times and she listens to everything you have to say... let's see what else... she's able to take all the pain and sadness I suffered and make it disappear. Seriously, I couldn't live without her," Naruto said blushing when he realized what he was saying.
"Naruto-nii-san really loves my sister a lot. It's amazing he's able to say all those things about her," Hanabi thought to herself.
"Well it's obvious that you love her dearly," The man said.
"Yes, I love her more than life itself. Can you help me find something that says that?" Naruto asked the man.
"Sure, I think I have the perfect thing for you," The man said to the blond as he walked over to a showcase and pulled out a box and opened it to reveal a gold bracelet, with a diamond-studded heart in the middle. "So what do you think?" The man asked.
"It's great, but I have a question, can you inscribe something on the back of the Bracelet?" Naruto asked.
"Sure, what did you have in mind?" The man asked as Naruto whispered the message into his ear. "Okay, can you come back in about two hours?"
"Yes, I'll be back then," Naruto said leaving the store with Hanabi.
"That sure was pretty wasn't it Naruto-nii-san?" Hanabi said.
"Yes, I think she'll love it. Let's go find them," Naruto said as Hanabi took a hold of his hand as they walked around. The group reunited shortly after, each carrying several bags.
"Well, how did it go Naruto?" Neji asked the boy who merely responded by giving the thumbs up. The group continued to talk as they walked around until they were interrupted by an announcement.
"Come; bring your children to visit with Santa in the town center! Come at once!" A man yelled advertising throughout the shopping district. Naruto suddenly felt Hanabi's hand tighten.
"Hanabi-chan, what's wrong?" Naruto asked. The girl looked down at the ground and began to blush slightly.
"It's nothing... I was just thinking," Hanabi replied.
"Hanabi, would you... like to visit Santa?" Hinata asked. The girl was too embarrassed to answer, merely nodded a yes.
"Hey you don't have to be ashamed of it, let's go Hanabi-chan!" Naruto said as they began to walk toward the center of the shopping district.
"Come to mention it, father never did let her do anything fun at all. We never celebrated Christmas. He even told Hanabi that Santa wasn't real when she started talking about Christmas one year," Hinata said aloud to the group.
"That's awful. How can a person be so cruel?" Tenten said. "Hanabi-chan, why do you want to visit Santa if you know he isn't real?" Tenten asked.
"I... I just want to do it, to experience it. I know he isn't real, but..." Hanabi said but couldn't finish.
"Don't worry about Hanabi-chan. So you want to do it, then let's do it. There isn't anything wrong with actually wanting to be a child. There is no real reason why you've got to grow up quickly. You should enjoy some of your childhood at least," Naruto said as they arrived to a line of kids, all gathered and one by one sitting on Santa's lap. The group got in line and it was finally their turn. Naruto was shocked at the sight he saw.
"Hohoho come bright youths of Konoha, Santa Gai has come to listen to all your glorious and spirited Christmas wishes!" Gai yelled with his thick brows and bowl hair cut showing through the hat and beard, the man showing off his pearly white teeth giving his Santa Gai nice guy pose.
"Gai-sensei... I mean Santa Gai, you are so incredibly generous!" Lee yelled in return as he stood wearing green with pointy ears and a green elf's hat, also showing off his nice guy pose.
"Lee the elf watch and learn from Santa Gai, how joyous giving can be!" Gai yelled. Naruto, Neji, and Tenten stood dumbfounded. Tenten and Naruto smacked Lee on the back of the head.
"What the hell is this, the Santa from hell! You two are going to scare every child in Konoha!" Naruto yelled.
"I don't know those two and I never did," Neji thought to himself turning blue in the face.
"Hanabi... do you still want to sit on his lap?" Hinata asked looking rather unsure of the situation.
"Yes, please Hinata-nee-san," Hanabi says walking up to Gai.
"Yes young lady, hop on my lap and tell me what you want for Christmas!" Gai yelled as Naruto leaned over and whispered in his ear.
"Hey this is her first time ever doing this so don't be too much like yourself alright?" Naruto pleaded with the older man.
"Forget him and tell Santa Gai what you want for Christmas," Gai said to Hanabi.
"I... I don't really want anything... I just want to be able to stay with everyone and be happy. I really love my big brothers and sisters and I want to be able to make them proud," Hanabi told the man.
"That is indeed the noblest thing I have heard all day! You will definitely get your wish because you are truly kind and care about others! If you keep it up, you'll grow up to be as great as me!" Gai said setting her down and giving her the nice guy pose.
"Santa Gai, I'm inspired as well!" Lee yelled with tears in his eyes.
"Super fuzzy brows and fuzzy brows as Santa and an elf... I think the world is doomed," Naruto said as the group walked away and headed for home.
"So did everyone get their shopping done?" Naruto asked the others.
"Yes, now I just got to wrap the gifts," Tenten said with a smile.
"We also got everything needed for the party," Hinata said.
"That's great, all the invitations were sent. I know everyone will be there," Naruto replied.
"This should be really fun," Tenten said as the group arrived back at the apartment.
"Hey guys, I got to go back out for a little while alright?" Naruto said to the group.
"Okay, be careful Naruto-kun," Hinata said to the boy.
"Wait, Naruto-nii-san, may I come with you?" Hanabi asked.
"Sure, but why do you want to come with me?" Naruto asked.
"I have my reasons," Hanabi said.
"Well, then let's go," Naruto said as Hanabi took a hold of Naruto's hand and they walked out the door. "So what did you want to come for Hanabi-chan?" Naruto asked.
"I wanted to get a few things for everyone... I-I don't have much money though," Hanabi said.
"Don't you worry Hanabi-chan, I was going out to finish my shopping as well, I'll help you out," Naruto said with a smile.
"Naruto-nii-san, you're the greatest," Hanabi said smiling at the boy.
"I know I am so cool!" Naruto said giving her his version of the nice guy pose.
The two headed back to the shopping district to finish shopping. Naruto and Hanabi surprisingly bumped into two familiar faces as Ino and Sakura finished up their own shopping.
"Hey Naruto-kun, Hanabi-chan what are you two doing out now?" Ino asked.
"Well, I had to finish my shopping, and Hanabi-chan wanted to get a few things so I brought her with me," Naruto replied.
"Hello Ino-nee-san, are you finishing up your Christmas shopping?" Hanabi asked.
"Why are you calling her Ino-nee-san?" Sakura asked.
"I told her to, I mean if Naruto is her big brother, than I'm her big sister," Ino replied with a grin.
"I see, and then call me Sakura-nee-san," Sakura said to the girl. "It's no fair leaving me out after all,"
"Okay Sakura-nee-san, thank you," Hanabi said.
"She's so cute," Sakura said hugging the girl who blushed over the extra attention.
"Well, we'll see you guys at the Christmas party," Ino said as the two girls began to walk off.
"Okay, see you guys there," Naruto said as he and Hanabi go to finish up their shopping and finally making their last stop at the jewelry store to pick up Hinata's gift.
"Here it is, I engraved the message you wanted on the back of the bracelet, please make sure it is to your liking," The shop owner said as he handed the box to Naruto.
"This is great, more than I could have hoped for," Naruto said checking out the bracelet's inscription. Naruto than paid the man and he and Hanabi headed back home. On the way home Naruto was suddenly hit in the head by a snowball.
"Hey, I got him!" Konohamaru yelled as he and his two friends ran up to check on Naruto.
"Leader, are you alright?" The little girl Moegi asked.
"Yes, I'm fine," Naruto replied getting up. Naruto then fired several snowballs at the trio knocking them flat on their backs. "Konohamaru, if you do that again I'll make you eat it,"
"Sorry, didn't think you'd get so upset," Konohamaru said getting up. "Hey who's the cute girl?"
"This is Hinata-chan's little sister, Hanabi-chan," Naruto said.
"Hanabi-chan, you're really cute, want to join our team?" Konohamaru asked the girl.
"No... You're an idiot... I'd rather not," Hanabi said taking Naruto's hand and walking away as Konohamaru stood there crying as his two teammates console him.
"See you later Konohamaru!" Naruto yelled as they walked away and headed back to their apartment.
The day passed by quickly and now it's Christmas Eve and the day of the party. The group got everything ready as Naruto headed out for a Christmas Eve bowl of ramen. Naruto arrived to find Gaara sitting at his usual spot.
"Hey Gaara, what are you up to?" Naruto asked sitting down beside the boy.
"I was hungry... I was also hoping to bump into you," Gaara said to the boy.
"What did you want me for?" Naruto asked as Gaara reached into a bag and handed him a gift. "It's for you. Temari wrapped it for me. It's from all three of us," Gaara said. "Please open it,"
"Okay..." Naruto said as he opened the gift and opened the box. Naruto pulled the item out of the box to reveal a stuffed animal of a fox and in the animal's mouth is a small book. Naruto looked at the book to reveal a month worth of free ramen coupons. "Hey this is so awesome!" Naruto yelled. "You're the best Gaara, thank Temari-chan as well. You can just give Kankurou a smack for me as well," Naruto told the boy. "But I'm afraid I don't have anything for you," Naruto said frowning.
"Naruto... you've already given me enough... You gave me a life, a family, and true friendship... It's all I could ever ask for," Gaara said to the boy with an actually smile on his face. The two shared a meal before paying and leaving the ramen stand.
"Thanks again Gaara, make sure you come to the party tonight," Naruto said to the boy.
"We shall be there," Gaara said as the two went there separate directions. Naruto headed back home to help finish preparations for the party.
The evening came quickly and was time for the party. Gaara and his siblings were the first to arrive.
"Hey welcome guys; you're the first ones to arrive," Naruto said greeting the guests.
"Thanks for inviting us Naruto-kun. Gaara has been quite excited to attend his first Christmas party," Temari told the boy.
The next group arrived quite quickly as Ino, Chouji, Shikamaru, Shino, and Kiba all arrived together.
"Hey welcome guys," Tenten said this time answering the door.
"Hey Tenten, do you live here yet?" Ino asked.
"I don't live here officially, but I spend enough time here," Tenten replied.
Hinata was next one to answer the door as Iruka, Kakashi, Shizune, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Kurenai, and Asuma all arrived together.
"Hello and good evening everyone. Thank you so much for coming," Hinata said bowing politely.
"Thank you for inviting us Hinata," Kurenai said as the group entered.
Neji answered the door this time as Gai and Lee arrived together.
"Greetings Neji on this fine evening, I humbly appreciate the invitation!" Gai yelled as Neji plugged his ears.
"Yes, come in and please try not to break anyone else's ear drums," Neji said welcoming the guests.
Finally, Naruto answered the door as Sasuke and Sakura arrived. Sakura gave Naruto a hug and kiss on the cheek. Sasuke and Naruto shook hands.
"Hey I'm glad you guys came," Naruto said smiling.
"I wouldn't miss it moron. We did promise to spend Christmas together, so I guess this will have to do," Sasuke said.
"Sasuke-kun wouldn't miss it, especially since I threatened him. I told him if he didn't come I'd make him listen to Gai-sensei's lectures for a month," Sakura told Naruto.
"That's a punishment far worse than death," Sasuke said shuddering just thinking about it.
The party was now in full swing. Jiraiya had gotten beaten repeatedly for trying to kiss girls under the mistletoe. Shikamaru and Temari spent time together trying to out smart each other in their own conversation. Ino smacked Chouji for trying to steal all the food. Gai, Asuma, and Kakashi had to restrain Lee when he drank too much eggnog, but everyone was having a really good time.
"Naruto, this is a great party you guys put together," Tsunade told the boy.
"Hinata-chan and the others did the work, I only helped a little," Naruto said.
"My little brother isn't trying to take all the credit, are you sick or something?" Tsunade said putting her hand on his forehead to check Naruto's temperature.
"Hey, until recently I hated the holidays. It's because of all these great people that I can start to enjoy this time of year," Naruto told the older woman.
"Well, just continue enjoying yourself then," Tsunade said with a smile.
The party continued for several hours, and it was now late at night and as the party came to a close. The remaining members of the party were enjoying each other's company as Sakura and Sasuke shared a moment under the mistletoe and Shikamaru was forced to do the same even though everyone around him swore they saw him blushing. Shikamaru merely replied by thinking it was troublesome as always. Naruto, Hinata, Hanabi, Neji, Tenten, Sasuke, Sakura, and Gaara were the only ones remaining from the party.
"Hey look Hanabi-chan fell asleep," Naruto said looking down at the sleeping girl. "I'll put her to bed," Naruto said as she scooped her up in his arms and walked her into his room.
"Naruto, isn't that your room?" Neji asked.
"Yes, if I put her in her room she'd just wake up and come to my room anyway, so I figured it save us all the trouble," Naruto replied as he emerged from his bedroom.
"Hey moron, Sakura and I are going to get going," Sasuke said to the boy.
"Don't call me a moron, you idiot," Naruto said as the two shook hands once again.
"Thanks for inviting me. I had fun. It's the first time in a very long time I enjoyed this holiday," Sasuke said whispering in Naruto's ear.
"Anytime, you are my brother after all," Naruto said showing the two out the door.
"Naruto... I must go as well," Gaara said.
"Okay, see you later. I hope you had fun," Naruto said to the boy.
"I did, just being able to be apart of something like this makes me happy," Gaara said as he walked out the door.
"Well I'm glad you had fun, don't worry this won't be your last party," Naruto said with a grin, as the red haired boy left. Naruto then turned to his roommates. "Well that was a lot of fun," Naruto said.
"Yes it was, and I'm glad you had fun Naruto-kun," Hinata said to the boy.
"So Tenten would you like me to walk you home?" Neji asked.
"No, I'll be staying over," Tenten said kissing Neji on the lips as she pointed up to show that they were under the mistletoe.
"Well, then I guess this really will be a great Christmas, since I'm spending it with the ones I love," Neji said with a smile.
"Hinata-chan, before we go to bed, I want to give you your present now. I mean it is Christmas and I'm just so excited," Naruto said as he handed Hinata a small gift. Neji and Tenten left the room to let the two be alone.
"Naruto-kun, are you sure you want me to open it now?" Hinata asked as Naruto merely nodded in approval. Hinata opened the gift to reveal a small box. Hinata opened the box to reveal the beautiful bracelet. Naruto grinned spread ear to ear as Hinata's face lighted up with joy as she hugged the boy tightly. "Thank you so much, it's beautiful," Hinata said to the boy.
"Flip the bracelet over Hinata-chan. I had something engraved on the back." Naruto said as the girl opened the locket and read the message. Hinata's eyes quickly filled with tears as she openly cried tears of joy as she hugged the boy again even tighter than before and their lips once again meet.
The bracelet's message...
"To the one I love more than life itself, you are the light through my darkness," That was the message on the back of the bracelet as Christmas Day arrived quickly. The families of Konoha all enjoyed being together. Naruto and his family also awakened on Christmas morning and spent the day in good cheer. Many people who once had hated the holiday were slowly being able to enjoy it. Naruto, Sasuke, Gaara, three who share bonds of sorrow and loneliness and had hatred for holidays were slowly going to recover lost or hidden emotions. Those who thought they were alone now awakened to find that they've found someone or something precious. The spirit of the holiday continued to fill the air and even with the Chuunin Exam coming that much closer, today was a day where only celebration would occur.
