Author: Masqued
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Iruka invites Sasuke to partake in a tradition that himself, Naruto, and Kakashi were starting for Christmas time. ( Sasuke x Naruto ) ( Kakashi x Iruka )
Untimely Tradition
Chapter One
Chilling wind soared effortlessly through the air. Loose flecks of snow whorled with the breeze, then flung themselves onto anything within direct reach of their wind propelled speed and distance. Red noses rounded in the center of pale faces, dark lashes painting eyes with accentuation in aspects of light and dark. Still, the moon's gaze beamed pleasantly at the two walking men as they traveled over the land he bathed with his light.
"I truly hope he comes," Iruka muttered, halfly to himself, halfly to his companion. Sasuke was usually bottled up, rarely showing any form of emotion with the exception of when he was on the battlefield, and that emotion was either anger or hatred. The teenaged boy did worry him so, constantly. He wondered if perhaps he didn't work hard enough with the children he had when Sasuke was part of that age group. A smile curled anxiously over his lips - he shouldn't get down on himself. He did work hard, of course, look at what his hard work did for Naruto? That bouncy young Fox Demon was full of energy, life, and was never to put down by the lack of acknowledgement of his fellow villagers. The thought deeply encouraged Iruka, causing his smile to widen.
"I know Sasuke; he'll come," Kakashi reassured Iruka, giving the brunette's left hand another squeeze. He hadn't turned to look at Iruka as of yet, but when he did, he noticed the amazingly large grin over his usually passive lips. He himself could not help but smile, though he did wonder why Iruka was smiling so gleefully. He paused in his journey and tugged on Iruka's embracing hand to get his attention; "What's so wonderful that you're smiling so much?" He finally questioned, an interested eyebrow raising itself beneath his headband, nearly reaching his hairline, and a curious glare glazing over his eyes.
Iruka glanced at Kakashi with a slightly bewildered look, his smile unfaltering in its stance. Simply, he dropped his companion's tight gripping hand and reached his gloved fingers to the black mask that covered the scarecrow's hidden lips. Giving it a soft tug, the mask fell to a pool around Kakashi's neck, and Iruka softly dipped his fingers from Kakashi's chin to the back of his neck. Urging him forward, Iruka leaned his own face up and softly brushed his lips against Kakashi's, feeling the silver haired man's immediate response.
Short, sweet, reassurance of companionship. Iruka broke from the romantic embrace, embarrassed at his forward ways, and averted his gaze to the ground, readying himself to continue on his walk to Naruto's. A hand grabbed his own and a pink blush creeped over his usually colorless cheeks. A gentle tug called him toward his companion, Kakashi simply leaning forward and brushing his usually well hidden lips over Iruka's cheek, causing the brunette's colored cheeks to deepen in color. Kakashi had learned what moments were meant for what, and right now, the moment was of simplicity, light romance, a savory moment that added to the mood of the clear Christmas Evening.
Pulling his free hand from his pocket, Kakashi reached to the loose mask and drew it over his face again, adjusting his headband as well, is it had become dissheveled by Iruka's contact with him. A smirk of his own was once again hidden beneath his mask, though Iruka knew it was there.
Silence prevailed as Iruka had forgotten to answer Kakashi's question, and the two finally found themselves in front of the small apartment that Naruto lived in, and that Iruka paid for. Iruka paused mentally, remembering the day he'd been the one assigned to paying Naruto's rent until he was old enough to handle it responsibly and well enough himself. He hadn't minded, Naruto had always intrigued him, and it did give him a reason to pop up every now and then to check in on the boy. Naruto never minded either, he loved Iruka as though he were his parents put together, and sometimes told him that, too.
Kakashi pulled his free hand from his pocket and tapped on the door with his clenched fist, gaining the attention of the boisterous blond that waited inside.
"Finally!" Naruto grinned to his teachers and swung the door passed him to allow them entry into his home. The tall white door flung to the wall, hitting a door stop in the process, causing both Kakashi and Iruka to wince at the noise, then enter, one behind the other, hands still clasped.
Iruka shook his head from side to side, flinging pieces of snow that had clung to his hair off. Sucking in a deep breath of warm air, he exhaled in relief. Letting go of Kakashi's hand, he reached his fingers up to his mouth and tugged at his glove, holding the wool mitten in his mouth as he stretched his fingers, attempting to get the slight numb feeling out. Kakashi had already stripped his hands of gloves, his headband was hanging on a hook behind him, his mask beside it. Silver locks flopped out of place and he messily ran his fingers through his hair, attempting to make it look reasonable. He reached his own naked hands to Iruka's mouth and pulled the glove from his lips, then reached his arms out to take the bag that still sat at Iruka's hip.
"Thank you," Iruka smiled brightly, then looked to Naruto; "Sorry we're late. We ran into Sasuke on the way here and chatted for a little while." He watched as Naruto cringed slightly at the name of his rival, but then saw the blond's shoulder slump in a shrug, his bright eyes reaching to meet up with Iruka's gaze.
"What was he doing outside?" Curiousity dripped from Naruto's lips as he questioned his teachers, a raised eyebrow framing his wide eyes. Iruka's smile faded a little as he glanced down to the floor and unbuttoned his coat. Still ignoring the question by attempting to look as though he were preoccupied with hanging up his coat, he finally looked back to Naruto and felt compelled to tell the boy the truth. An unconscious sigh emitted his lips as he tilted his head to the side in habit.
"Training," Iruka sighed, regretfully. Naruto's eyes widened. Training? On Christmas Eve.? Where was the fun or point in that? Naruto couldn't help but feel inferior to the boy that could manage to stand outside in the freezing cold and train all night long, especially on a night that was basically designated for spending time doing things you enjoyed. Then the thought hit him, what if Sasuke actually enjoyed training, straining himself to his limits, working his body so it could get better? Naruto shook his head.
"Oh well, he's stupid," Naruto's fox grin grew wide as he looked up to his teachers and then reached for the bag that Kakashi now had in his arms. "I'm guessing you neglected Ramen?" Iruka shot the blond a mock harsh glance and Naruto smiled apologetically, scratching the back of his head with one hand and then holding the brown paper bag in the other. "All right, just kidding Iruka." The blond stepped to the side and let the two into his small living room area where it was amazingly rather tidy, then proceeded into the kitchen, where there was already a rather delicious aroma rolling from and into the rest of the house.
"Mmm, Naruto, what's that I smell?" Iruka asked curiously, unable to place the fragrance.
"My dirty laundry. The washer broke, so I needed to soak it in the sink and now they're drying in the oven." Iruka and Kakashi both stared at each other in bewilderment and then crept to the kitchen, peering, meeting the gaze of the blond as he stood in a white apron, a rather large grin over his lips. "I was kidding. It's actually spicy vegetables I found the recipe for online. At least, that's what's on the stove. In the oven is cookies!" A grin spread over the two relieved teachers that stood at the kitchen's entrance. "You got what I asked for, right?" Iruka nodded, stepping into the kitchen and leaning on the counter.
"Need any help in here?" Naruto had turned to look into the paper bag, and then looked back to his teachers, shaking his head. Walking closer to the two, wooden spoon in hand, he shooed them out of the kitchen.
"I'll do this!" Naruto smiled as the two exited and walked into the living room. The blond then proceeded to chop pieces of meat found in the bag that Iruka had brought, opened cans of various items, and set pots onto the stove. It would be about another half hour or so before dinner was ready, so Naruto knew he had to entertain what he considered to be his family for the time being. And he was about to do so, until a knock came at the door.
"I'll get it, Naruto, you just keep making us hungry," Iruka stated, pushing himself from Kakashi's embrace and off of the couch, then strode quickly to the apartment door. Peering through a small hole Naruto had made to be able to see who was at the door, surprised to see a rather cheery face from a certain pink-haired female. Swinging the door open, Iruka grinned to his former student.
"Sakura-chan! How are you?" He stepped aside so the smiling young lady could step inside and out of the cold. Leaning forward, she pecked her teacher's cheek in a hello, then pulled her light beige scarf from around her neck with her free hand, then unbuttoned her long black coat. In her right hand sat a bright orange bag, tissue paper flopping over the rims.
"I'm fine, how are you Iruka-sensei?" She asked, her smile brightening her nearly frozen features as she felt Iruka help her off with her jacket, then watched as he hung it up in a nearby closet on a hanger. She was donned in black dress pants, black snow boots, and a pink shirt that was a few shades darker then her hair.
"I'm good. Naruto!" The blond stepped from the kitchen to the living room, a spoon in his hand and some unknown sauce smudged in a small line over his cheek. The three other people occupying the room snickered a little and Iruka continued. "Sakura's here." Naruto looked to the girl and grinned a wide smile, placing the spoon down onto his table, then pulled his apron up to wipe off the smudge on his face before leaning forward and embracing the girl in a hug.
Now, many people are probably questioning the friendliness. Yes, Naruto loved Sakura, but he'd gotten over her within the past three years. Also, they'd become reasonably closer. The two were friends, surprisingly enough to anyone that knew the way she would snap at him angrily long ago at almost anything.
"It's good to see you, Sakura-chan! What can I do for you?" Naruto asked, fiddling with the sleeves on his long gray sweater turtleneck. Snapping out of her momentary space out, she reached forward and let the bag dangle in her fist, a smile over her lips. Naruto's eyes widened happily as he stared at the gift, his smile growing. "Oh, for me? But it's not even Christmas yet!" Sakura chuckled.
"But I know that both of us are going to be busy tomorrow with our families, so I thought I'd drop by tonight since I was free and give it to you now." Naruto smiled brightly then placed the gift on the table before embracing the girl in a polite and thankful hug again.
"Thanks! Hold on one sec, I've got something for you, too." Naruto disappeared from the living room and the three waited, and listened as he walked to his bedroom. A few seconds later, he reappeared with a bag in his own hands, hot pink colored, around the same size, bright blue tissue paper at the rims. Sakura smiled gratefully and took the bag from his grasp.
"Aw, who cares, tomorrow I won't get to see your face when you open the present, so, open it now!" Sakura demanded, pointing her left index finger at the forlorn present that sat on the table beside Naruto. The blond's grin widened as he reached for the bag and tugged at the tissue paper in the bag. His eyes grew wide as the present unveiled itself before his eyes.
"Sakura!" He gasped, staring at the present in disbelief. In his hands was a long, velvet black box, the top flipped open. Inside sat a thin silver chain, a small emblem dangling in the middle. Gently tugging at the chain, he brought the necklace up in front of his face and stared at the diamond crested circle. Looking to the side, he saw a small area that could be opened, and clicked open the circle to reveal a picture of himself, Sakura, Sasuke, and Kakashi in a small group.
"I thought you'd like it," Sakure smiled happily at the effect her gift had on Naruto. The blond lept forward and embraced the girl in a tight hug.
"Sakura, this is a great gift! I love it! Thank you!" Naruto grinned and then unclasped the chain, fastening it around his neck afterward. Fixing the necklace so that the emblem was in front and the clasp of the chain was at the back of the neck, Naruto gave a satisfied smile up to Sakura. "You're turn!"
"Not yet, look in that bag again," she patted the edge of the orange bag and waited as Naruto dug his hand in further, fingers meeting the feel of fabric. His countenance questioned the gift as he pulled it out and examined it. An orange jacket, similar to the one he usually wore, sat in front of him. It left something to be seen, but as he turned it around, he read the embedded words as 'Konoha's Sixth Hokage'.
"Sakura!" He smiled widely at the present and then pulled it over his shirt, zipping it up halfway. "Thank you!" Sakure smiled pleasantly, very happy that he'd enjoyed the present so much. "Now, it's your turn." She nodded her head then dove into the bag. Surprisingly, Naruto and herself thought alike. Inside was a rather nice maroon Chinese- style shirt, pink for the trim, and pink flowers glittering in the middle. Below the shirt was a velvet box, inside a silver chain with "Sakura" in the center, two blue diamonds on the 'a's.
"Oh, Naruto, these are so beautiful!" She leaned forward and gave the boy a tight, thankful hug; "Thank you so much!" She smiled and broke from the embrace, following in suit with Naruto's actions with the necklace he'd received.
"You're very welcome. Now, if you don't mind, I have food to get to. Would you like to stay for dinner?" He asked, grabbing his spoon from the table and pulling off his new jacket to fix his apron as not to ruin the jacket. Questioning herself mentally, Sakura decided against staying.
"I would really love to, but my family needs me to help in preparation for tomorrow. I'll see you guys around!" With that, the girl swung around the corner of Naruto's living room, grabbed up her coat and scarf, made sure her new present was in place, then waved a good bye, flinging an air kiss their way. "Bye!"
Three 'bye's echoed after her in return. Iruka turned and sat next to Kakashi again and Naruto re-entered the kitchen. Silence rested within the house as Iruka prepared himself for what he needed to tell Naruto. Whispering to Kakashi, the scarecrow gave his koibito a soft peck on the forehead and wished him luck with what he had to do. Stepping from the couch, Iruka took in a deep breath, placed his hands in his pockets, and strode confidently to the kitchen.
"Naruto, I invited someone to come with us tomorrow," Naruto nodded his head, midly listening to Iruka as he spoke. The brunette figured the statement was universal enough and wouldn't cause much of a stir with Naruto if he started it simply; "I'm not sure if he'll be coming, but I just wanted to let you know that," he paused for a moment and looked away from the blond who had his back to him, "Sasuke may possibly be joining us." Naruto tensed noticeably and turned, spoon once again in hand.
"You invited that guy?" Naruto let out a befuddled grumble of annoyance, turning his attention back to the food. Iruka gently massaged his temples as though he had an oncoming headache he wished to avoid. Letting out a brief sigh, he returned to explaining everything to Naruto.
"You see, the kid's got no one to spend Christmas with. I just thought that maybe, we could help him out by showing him some Christmas affection." Naruto sighed reluctantly. Iruka noted that the blond was taking this rather well. Silence met the two, with the exception of water boiling over the pots beside them, and Naruto gently placed his spoon beside him, wiped his hands off from the mess he'd created on them with his apron, and turned back to Iruka.
"He's not going to show," Naruto stated confidently. Iruka hung his head, imaging Sasuke completely avoiding the invitation and simply staying at home, all alone, with no one to really enjoy Christmas with. The mere thought of it brought a tear to the brunette's eyes, but he blinked, brushing them away, not wanting to get to emotional. He wrote it off as simply a backfire of the season.
"I hope you're wrong," Iruka muttered; "But you don't mind if he does come, do you?" He turned to face Naruto, who once again tensed at the thought of Sasuke coming with them on their little pre-tradition tradition. Looking down at the floor as though it were an ultimate distraction, the blond's eyes widened.
"Of course I mind, you know that Iruka, but I can see your point, so, no, I don't mind for your sake," Iruka smiled brightly and gave Naruto a hug.
"You won't regret this!" He stated, smiling and letting the boy loose, and re-entering the living room.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah..." Naruto muttered, returning to his cooking.
--
A slam of a door, the stomping of boots, the flicking of light switches: these were the only noises heard in the Uchiha residence as the owner stepped into his house and pulled all of his warmer clothing off of his body. Letting out a shiver to the cold air around him, the ebony haired boy clutched his sweater covered arms and stepped about his house, scanning the empty corridoors as though there was something missing. Nothing was missing. Nothing had been missing for the past few years. Nothing would continue to be missing.
Flicking another light switch, Sasuke looked around his kitchen for something small and filling before he grabbed his current book and snuggled up in bed, reading. Loneliness clung to every part of the house as Sasuke stepped from room to room, the aroma of his food following behind him. Only one thing could deter him from his current task, and that was the thought that held onto his mind.
"Shopping, hn." He bit his bottom lip as he continued to think about going shopping with his teacher, former teacher, and rival. A smirk snapped over his thin lips, but quickly faded. The thought of shopping continued to plague his mind. It wasn't so much the shopping he couldn't tolerate, but the fact that he would be doing something to celebrate Christmas. Christmas, as in the season that he used to adore as a child. Christmas, as in the season where he would have a family dinner, a family breakfast, a family gift exchange. He winced, slapping himself mentally. Don't remember those things, Sasuke, don't remember those things.
Even still, as he tried to fight back the urge to go with them, the memories couldn't deter the fact that he knew he would have something other then training and being lonely for the holiday season. Pulling his steaming soup to the side of his bed and placing himself beneath the blankets, Sasuke was beginning to get comfortable. Then, randomly to him, a knock came at the door.
Grumbling, he pulled the blankets from around his body and decided to not be rude and actually answer the door. Still grumbling softly beneath his breath, he ran his fingers through his hair and walked through his house to the front door, quickly opening it to be met with bright emerald eyes and long, pink hair.
"Sakura?" He asked, his eyes still rubbing the pre-sleep out of themselves. She smiled brightly and motioned to be let in, and he complied. Dusting off the snow around her coat, she ran her fingers through her hair and pulled a gift from what seemed like nowhere before her, the small box wrapped in wrapping paper.
"For you! Merry Christmas." Sakura smiled brightly and watched as Sasuke pulled the present into his hands, examining it. Sakure examined him examine it, wondering if he figured it to be some kind of lethal weapon. It was, of course, but not anything that she was going to use to hurt him with.
Once again, there is some explaining to be done. Sakura is no longer obsessed with Sasuke. She knows of the little chance of ever gaining his attention as he was constantly obsessed with finding his brother and inflicting revenge on the boy. Now, she figured she could at least call on him as a friend, and had stopped bagduring Naruto about being mean to him. Instead, she rather enjoyed watching the fights the two males had.
Sasuke opened the present, revealing a black velvet pouch. Unwinding the golden thread, expensive kunai and shuriken tumbled out of the pouch. Their metal was sharpened, and made of the finest, the length and size perfect for Sasuke's hands. The boy's eyes nearly showed gratitude as he examined them thoroughly, then turned back to the pink-haired girl before him.
"Thanks," he muttered in a curt manner, giving the girl a nod. The pink haired girl could only sufface that this was a rather pleased response and then softly hugged the ebony-haired male, leaving a soft peck on his cheek.
"No problem, Merry Christmas!" She repeated, then spun out of the door, giving him a small wave. He watched her as she ran to her father's car and as the two drove off down the snow-blanketed road. Sucking in a deep breath of air, he shut the door behind him and stared at the present, noting that he hadn't even thought to get anything for her. Shrugging to himself, he re-entered his bedroom and placed the present on his dresser. Changing into a pair of pajama's, he crawled into bed and set himself up with his now cooled soup and cracked open his book.
Each word he read he paused after, still considering whether or not to go with Naruto, Kakashi, and Iruka. Letting out a breath of reluctance, the onyx-eyed boy dropped his book from where it sat in front of his eyes, pulled his glassed from his nose, then looked into the dimly lit room. The room itself was partially telling him to get out of it, to have fun, to experience some other emotion then anger or revenge, to experience something other then his common four walls.
"Fine, I'll go," he told himself, then pulled his book back up, finally able to read now that he'd come to a decision.
--
A/N: Ok, yeah, there it is. Finally finished it. I'm not sure if people consider this a long wait, or a short wait, but for me and my problem with updating, this was a rather short wait. I hope you enjoyed it, the actual getting together part will hopefully be in the next chapter. At least, I think it will.
Just for the sake of my own sanity, Sakura is with Lee. I know, she doesn't have much of a role in this particular story, but, just for my sanity's sake. Thank you.
Mm, remember, the more reviews, the sooner I update. Give me incentive!
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Iruka invites Sasuke to partake in a tradition that himself, Naruto, and Kakashi were starting for Christmas time. ( Sasuke x Naruto ) ( Kakashi x Iruka )
Untimely Tradition
Chapter One
Chilling wind soared effortlessly through the air. Loose flecks of snow whorled with the breeze, then flung themselves onto anything within direct reach of their wind propelled speed and distance. Red noses rounded in the center of pale faces, dark lashes painting eyes with accentuation in aspects of light and dark. Still, the moon's gaze beamed pleasantly at the two walking men as they traveled over the land he bathed with his light.
"I truly hope he comes," Iruka muttered, halfly to himself, halfly to his companion. Sasuke was usually bottled up, rarely showing any form of emotion with the exception of when he was on the battlefield, and that emotion was either anger or hatred. The teenaged boy did worry him so, constantly. He wondered if perhaps he didn't work hard enough with the children he had when Sasuke was part of that age group. A smile curled anxiously over his lips - he shouldn't get down on himself. He did work hard, of course, look at what his hard work did for Naruto? That bouncy young Fox Demon was full of energy, life, and was never to put down by the lack of acknowledgement of his fellow villagers. The thought deeply encouraged Iruka, causing his smile to widen.
"I know Sasuke; he'll come," Kakashi reassured Iruka, giving the brunette's left hand another squeeze. He hadn't turned to look at Iruka as of yet, but when he did, he noticed the amazingly large grin over his usually passive lips. He himself could not help but smile, though he did wonder why Iruka was smiling so gleefully. He paused in his journey and tugged on Iruka's embracing hand to get his attention; "What's so wonderful that you're smiling so much?" He finally questioned, an interested eyebrow raising itself beneath his headband, nearly reaching his hairline, and a curious glare glazing over his eyes.
Iruka glanced at Kakashi with a slightly bewildered look, his smile unfaltering in its stance. Simply, he dropped his companion's tight gripping hand and reached his gloved fingers to the black mask that covered the scarecrow's hidden lips. Giving it a soft tug, the mask fell to a pool around Kakashi's neck, and Iruka softly dipped his fingers from Kakashi's chin to the back of his neck. Urging him forward, Iruka leaned his own face up and softly brushed his lips against Kakashi's, feeling the silver haired man's immediate response.
Short, sweet, reassurance of companionship. Iruka broke from the romantic embrace, embarrassed at his forward ways, and averted his gaze to the ground, readying himself to continue on his walk to Naruto's. A hand grabbed his own and a pink blush creeped over his usually colorless cheeks. A gentle tug called him toward his companion, Kakashi simply leaning forward and brushing his usually well hidden lips over Iruka's cheek, causing the brunette's colored cheeks to deepen in color. Kakashi had learned what moments were meant for what, and right now, the moment was of simplicity, light romance, a savory moment that added to the mood of the clear Christmas Evening.
Pulling his free hand from his pocket, Kakashi reached to the loose mask and drew it over his face again, adjusting his headband as well, is it had become dissheveled by Iruka's contact with him. A smirk of his own was once again hidden beneath his mask, though Iruka knew it was there.
Silence prevailed as Iruka had forgotten to answer Kakashi's question, and the two finally found themselves in front of the small apartment that Naruto lived in, and that Iruka paid for. Iruka paused mentally, remembering the day he'd been the one assigned to paying Naruto's rent until he was old enough to handle it responsibly and well enough himself. He hadn't minded, Naruto had always intrigued him, and it did give him a reason to pop up every now and then to check in on the boy. Naruto never minded either, he loved Iruka as though he were his parents put together, and sometimes told him that, too.
Kakashi pulled his free hand from his pocket and tapped on the door with his clenched fist, gaining the attention of the boisterous blond that waited inside.
"Finally!" Naruto grinned to his teachers and swung the door passed him to allow them entry into his home. The tall white door flung to the wall, hitting a door stop in the process, causing both Kakashi and Iruka to wince at the noise, then enter, one behind the other, hands still clasped.
Iruka shook his head from side to side, flinging pieces of snow that had clung to his hair off. Sucking in a deep breath of warm air, he exhaled in relief. Letting go of Kakashi's hand, he reached his fingers up to his mouth and tugged at his glove, holding the wool mitten in his mouth as he stretched his fingers, attempting to get the slight numb feeling out. Kakashi had already stripped his hands of gloves, his headband was hanging on a hook behind him, his mask beside it. Silver locks flopped out of place and he messily ran his fingers through his hair, attempting to make it look reasonable. He reached his own naked hands to Iruka's mouth and pulled the glove from his lips, then reached his arms out to take the bag that still sat at Iruka's hip.
"Thank you," Iruka smiled brightly, then looked to Naruto; "Sorry we're late. We ran into Sasuke on the way here and chatted for a little while." He watched as Naruto cringed slightly at the name of his rival, but then saw the blond's shoulder slump in a shrug, his bright eyes reaching to meet up with Iruka's gaze.
"What was he doing outside?" Curiousity dripped from Naruto's lips as he questioned his teachers, a raised eyebrow framing his wide eyes. Iruka's smile faded a little as he glanced down to the floor and unbuttoned his coat. Still ignoring the question by attempting to look as though he were preoccupied with hanging up his coat, he finally looked back to Naruto and felt compelled to tell the boy the truth. An unconscious sigh emitted his lips as he tilted his head to the side in habit.
"Training," Iruka sighed, regretfully. Naruto's eyes widened. Training? On Christmas Eve.? Where was the fun or point in that? Naruto couldn't help but feel inferior to the boy that could manage to stand outside in the freezing cold and train all night long, especially on a night that was basically designated for spending time doing things you enjoyed. Then the thought hit him, what if Sasuke actually enjoyed training, straining himself to his limits, working his body so it could get better? Naruto shook his head.
"Oh well, he's stupid," Naruto's fox grin grew wide as he looked up to his teachers and then reached for the bag that Kakashi now had in his arms. "I'm guessing you neglected Ramen?" Iruka shot the blond a mock harsh glance and Naruto smiled apologetically, scratching the back of his head with one hand and then holding the brown paper bag in the other. "All right, just kidding Iruka." The blond stepped to the side and let the two into his small living room area where it was amazingly rather tidy, then proceeded into the kitchen, where there was already a rather delicious aroma rolling from and into the rest of the house.
"Mmm, Naruto, what's that I smell?" Iruka asked curiously, unable to place the fragrance.
"My dirty laundry. The washer broke, so I needed to soak it in the sink and now they're drying in the oven." Iruka and Kakashi both stared at each other in bewilderment and then crept to the kitchen, peering, meeting the gaze of the blond as he stood in a white apron, a rather large grin over his lips. "I was kidding. It's actually spicy vegetables I found the recipe for online. At least, that's what's on the stove. In the oven is cookies!" A grin spread over the two relieved teachers that stood at the kitchen's entrance. "You got what I asked for, right?" Iruka nodded, stepping into the kitchen and leaning on the counter.
"Need any help in here?" Naruto had turned to look into the paper bag, and then looked back to his teachers, shaking his head. Walking closer to the two, wooden spoon in hand, he shooed them out of the kitchen.
"I'll do this!" Naruto smiled as the two exited and walked into the living room. The blond then proceeded to chop pieces of meat found in the bag that Iruka had brought, opened cans of various items, and set pots onto the stove. It would be about another half hour or so before dinner was ready, so Naruto knew he had to entertain what he considered to be his family for the time being. And he was about to do so, until a knock came at the door.
"I'll get it, Naruto, you just keep making us hungry," Iruka stated, pushing himself from Kakashi's embrace and off of the couch, then strode quickly to the apartment door. Peering through a small hole Naruto had made to be able to see who was at the door, surprised to see a rather cheery face from a certain pink-haired female. Swinging the door open, Iruka grinned to his former student.
"Sakura-chan! How are you?" He stepped aside so the smiling young lady could step inside and out of the cold. Leaning forward, she pecked her teacher's cheek in a hello, then pulled her light beige scarf from around her neck with her free hand, then unbuttoned her long black coat. In her right hand sat a bright orange bag, tissue paper flopping over the rims.
"I'm fine, how are you Iruka-sensei?" She asked, her smile brightening her nearly frozen features as she felt Iruka help her off with her jacket, then watched as he hung it up in a nearby closet on a hanger. She was donned in black dress pants, black snow boots, and a pink shirt that was a few shades darker then her hair.
"I'm good. Naruto!" The blond stepped from the kitchen to the living room, a spoon in his hand and some unknown sauce smudged in a small line over his cheek. The three other people occupying the room snickered a little and Iruka continued. "Sakura's here." Naruto looked to the girl and grinned a wide smile, placing the spoon down onto his table, then pulled his apron up to wipe off the smudge on his face before leaning forward and embracing the girl in a hug.
Now, many people are probably questioning the friendliness. Yes, Naruto loved Sakura, but he'd gotten over her within the past three years. Also, they'd become reasonably closer. The two were friends, surprisingly enough to anyone that knew the way she would snap at him angrily long ago at almost anything.
"It's good to see you, Sakura-chan! What can I do for you?" Naruto asked, fiddling with the sleeves on his long gray sweater turtleneck. Snapping out of her momentary space out, she reached forward and let the bag dangle in her fist, a smile over her lips. Naruto's eyes widened happily as he stared at the gift, his smile growing. "Oh, for me? But it's not even Christmas yet!" Sakura chuckled.
"But I know that both of us are going to be busy tomorrow with our families, so I thought I'd drop by tonight since I was free and give it to you now." Naruto smiled brightly then placed the gift on the table before embracing the girl in a polite and thankful hug again.
"Thanks! Hold on one sec, I've got something for you, too." Naruto disappeared from the living room and the three waited, and listened as he walked to his bedroom. A few seconds later, he reappeared with a bag in his own hands, hot pink colored, around the same size, bright blue tissue paper at the rims. Sakura smiled gratefully and took the bag from his grasp.
"Aw, who cares, tomorrow I won't get to see your face when you open the present, so, open it now!" Sakura demanded, pointing her left index finger at the forlorn present that sat on the table beside Naruto. The blond's grin widened as he reached for the bag and tugged at the tissue paper in the bag. His eyes grew wide as the present unveiled itself before his eyes.
"Sakura!" He gasped, staring at the present in disbelief. In his hands was a long, velvet black box, the top flipped open. Inside sat a thin silver chain, a small emblem dangling in the middle. Gently tugging at the chain, he brought the necklace up in front of his face and stared at the diamond crested circle. Looking to the side, he saw a small area that could be opened, and clicked open the circle to reveal a picture of himself, Sakura, Sasuke, and Kakashi in a small group.
"I thought you'd like it," Sakure smiled happily at the effect her gift had on Naruto. The blond lept forward and embraced the girl in a tight hug.
"Sakura, this is a great gift! I love it! Thank you!" Naruto grinned and then unclasped the chain, fastening it around his neck afterward. Fixing the necklace so that the emblem was in front and the clasp of the chain was at the back of the neck, Naruto gave a satisfied smile up to Sakura. "You're turn!"
"Not yet, look in that bag again," she patted the edge of the orange bag and waited as Naruto dug his hand in further, fingers meeting the feel of fabric. His countenance questioned the gift as he pulled it out and examined it. An orange jacket, similar to the one he usually wore, sat in front of him. It left something to be seen, but as he turned it around, he read the embedded words as 'Konoha's Sixth Hokage'.
"Sakura!" He smiled widely at the present and then pulled it over his shirt, zipping it up halfway. "Thank you!" Sakure smiled pleasantly, very happy that he'd enjoyed the present so much. "Now, it's your turn." She nodded her head then dove into the bag. Surprisingly, Naruto and herself thought alike. Inside was a rather nice maroon Chinese- style shirt, pink for the trim, and pink flowers glittering in the middle. Below the shirt was a velvet box, inside a silver chain with "Sakura" in the center, two blue diamonds on the 'a's.
"Oh, Naruto, these are so beautiful!" She leaned forward and gave the boy a tight, thankful hug; "Thank you so much!" She smiled and broke from the embrace, following in suit with Naruto's actions with the necklace he'd received.
"You're very welcome. Now, if you don't mind, I have food to get to. Would you like to stay for dinner?" He asked, grabbing his spoon from the table and pulling off his new jacket to fix his apron as not to ruin the jacket. Questioning herself mentally, Sakura decided against staying.
"I would really love to, but my family needs me to help in preparation for tomorrow. I'll see you guys around!" With that, the girl swung around the corner of Naruto's living room, grabbed up her coat and scarf, made sure her new present was in place, then waved a good bye, flinging an air kiss their way. "Bye!"
Three 'bye's echoed after her in return. Iruka turned and sat next to Kakashi again and Naruto re-entered the kitchen. Silence rested within the house as Iruka prepared himself for what he needed to tell Naruto. Whispering to Kakashi, the scarecrow gave his koibito a soft peck on the forehead and wished him luck with what he had to do. Stepping from the couch, Iruka took in a deep breath, placed his hands in his pockets, and strode confidently to the kitchen.
"Naruto, I invited someone to come with us tomorrow," Naruto nodded his head, midly listening to Iruka as he spoke. The brunette figured the statement was universal enough and wouldn't cause much of a stir with Naruto if he started it simply; "I'm not sure if he'll be coming, but I just wanted to let you know that," he paused for a moment and looked away from the blond who had his back to him, "Sasuke may possibly be joining us." Naruto tensed noticeably and turned, spoon once again in hand.
"You invited that guy?" Naruto let out a befuddled grumble of annoyance, turning his attention back to the food. Iruka gently massaged his temples as though he had an oncoming headache he wished to avoid. Letting out a brief sigh, he returned to explaining everything to Naruto.
"You see, the kid's got no one to spend Christmas with. I just thought that maybe, we could help him out by showing him some Christmas affection." Naruto sighed reluctantly. Iruka noted that the blond was taking this rather well. Silence met the two, with the exception of water boiling over the pots beside them, and Naruto gently placed his spoon beside him, wiped his hands off from the mess he'd created on them with his apron, and turned back to Iruka.
"He's not going to show," Naruto stated confidently. Iruka hung his head, imaging Sasuke completely avoiding the invitation and simply staying at home, all alone, with no one to really enjoy Christmas with. The mere thought of it brought a tear to the brunette's eyes, but he blinked, brushing them away, not wanting to get to emotional. He wrote it off as simply a backfire of the season.
"I hope you're wrong," Iruka muttered; "But you don't mind if he does come, do you?" He turned to face Naruto, who once again tensed at the thought of Sasuke coming with them on their little pre-tradition tradition. Looking down at the floor as though it were an ultimate distraction, the blond's eyes widened.
"Of course I mind, you know that Iruka, but I can see your point, so, no, I don't mind for your sake," Iruka smiled brightly and gave Naruto a hug.
"You won't regret this!" He stated, smiling and letting the boy loose, and re-entering the living room.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah..." Naruto muttered, returning to his cooking.
--
A slam of a door, the stomping of boots, the flicking of light switches: these were the only noises heard in the Uchiha residence as the owner stepped into his house and pulled all of his warmer clothing off of his body. Letting out a shiver to the cold air around him, the ebony haired boy clutched his sweater covered arms and stepped about his house, scanning the empty corridoors as though there was something missing. Nothing was missing. Nothing had been missing for the past few years. Nothing would continue to be missing.
Flicking another light switch, Sasuke looked around his kitchen for something small and filling before he grabbed his current book and snuggled up in bed, reading. Loneliness clung to every part of the house as Sasuke stepped from room to room, the aroma of his food following behind him. Only one thing could deter him from his current task, and that was the thought that held onto his mind.
"Shopping, hn." He bit his bottom lip as he continued to think about going shopping with his teacher, former teacher, and rival. A smirk snapped over his thin lips, but quickly faded. The thought of shopping continued to plague his mind. It wasn't so much the shopping he couldn't tolerate, but the fact that he would be doing something to celebrate Christmas. Christmas, as in the season that he used to adore as a child. Christmas, as in the season where he would have a family dinner, a family breakfast, a family gift exchange. He winced, slapping himself mentally. Don't remember those things, Sasuke, don't remember those things.
Even still, as he tried to fight back the urge to go with them, the memories couldn't deter the fact that he knew he would have something other then training and being lonely for the holiday season. Pulling his steaming soup to the side of his bed and placing himself beneath the blankets, Sasuke was beginning to get comfortable. Then, randomly to him, a knock came at the door.
Grumbling, he pulled the blankets from around his body and decided to not be rude and actually answer the door. Still grumbling softly beneath his breath, he ran his fingers through his hair and walked through his house to the front door, quickly opening it to be met with bright emerald eyes and long, pink hair.
"Sakura?" He asked, his eyes still rubbing the pre-sleep out of themselves. She smiled brightly and motioned to be let in, and he complied. Dusting off the snow around her coat, she ran her fingers through her hair and pulled a gift from what seemed like nowhere before her, the small box wrapped in wrapping paper.
"For you! Merry Christmas." Sakura smiled brightly and watched as Sasuke pulled the present into his hands, examining it. Sakure examined him examine it, wondering if he figured it to be some kind of lethal weapon. It was, of course, but not anything that she was going to use to hurt him with.
Once again, there is some explaining to be done. Sakura is no longer obsessed with Sasuke. She knows of the little chance of ever gaining his attention as he was constantly obsessed with finding his brother and inflicting revenge on the boy. Now, she figured she could at least call on him as a friend, and had stopped bagduring Naruto about being mean to him. Instead, she rather enjoyed watching the fights the two males had.
Sasuke opened the present, revealing a black velvet pouch. Unwinding the golden thread, expensive kunai and shuriken tumbled out of the pouch. Their metal was sharpened, and made of the finest, the length and size perfect for Sasuke's hands. The boy's eyes nearly showed gratitude as he examined them thoroughly, then turned back to the pink-haired girl before him.
"Thanks," he muttered in a curt manner, giving the girl a nod. The pink haired girl could only sufface that this was a rather pleased response and then softly hugged the ebony-haired male, leaving a soft peck on his cheek.
"No problem, Merry Christmas!" She repeated, then spun out of the door, giving him a small wave. He watched her as she ran to her father's car and as the two drove off down the snow-blanketed road. Sucking in a deep breath of air, he shut the door behind him and stared at the present, noting that he hadn't even thought to get anything for her. Shrugging to himself, he re-entered his bedroom and placed the present on his dresser. Changing into a pair of pajama's, he crawled into bed and set himself up with his now cooled soup and cracked open his book.
Each word he read he paused after, still considering whether or not to go with Naruto, Kakashi, and Iruka. Letting out a breath of reluctance, the onyx-eyed boy dropped his book from where it sat in front of his eyes, pulled his glassed from his nose, then looked into the dimly lit room. The room itself was partially telling him to get out of it, to have fun, to experience some other emotion then anger or revenge, to experience something other then his common four walls.
"Fine, I'll go," he told himself, then pulled his book back up, finally able to read now that he'd come to a decision.
--
A/N: Ok, yeah, there it is. Finally finished it. I'm not sure if people consider this a long wait, or a short wait, but for me and my problem with updating, this was a rather short wait. I hope you enjoyed it, the actual getting together part will hopefully be in the next chapter. At least, I think it will.
Just for the sake of my own sanity, Sakura is with Lee. I know, she doesn't have much of a role in this particular story, but, just for my sanity's sake. Thank you.
Mm, remember, the more reviews, the sooner I update. Give me incentive!