And now begins the Christmas chapter(s)! I broke it into two parts. ^^
Risa's hand flew to her chest, grabbing the gem hanging there. She pulled it out, resting the small gem in her palm as she cut her finger and let one drop of blood fall onto it. Instantly a small projection of the Hokage sitting at his desk appeared. He smiled at her inquisitive look.
"Hello Risitka. How are you?"
"Fine… Is something wrong?"
"Not at all. I was just wondering if you were going to come here soon."
"Why? Did something happen? Am I needed?"
"No, no, nothing happened. It's just that this will be Sasuke's second Christmas with you. I thought it might be nice to spend it here this year and perhaps get over this altercation between us. Of course it is completely up to you. However; if you're worried about getting everything ready you are more than welcome to have dinner with me and my family." He smiled again as Risa stared at him.
"Um… I'm sorry? What?"
"You can have Christmas dinner with my family if you want. I'm just wondering what your plans are."
"Plans?" Risa said in a daze. Before Sarutobi could say anything Naruto came bounding into the clearing, leaping onto Risa.
"Hi Mommy! Oh, hi old man!"
"….I'm not that old…" Sarutobi sighed before smiling at the boy. "Naruto, perhaps you could tell me what your plans are for Christmas?"
"Christmas? What's that?" Naruto asked innocently. Risa patted his head with a sigh.
"I'm not sure sweetheart. Sir?" She looked back up to see Sarutobi's shocked face.
"You don't know what Christmas is?"
"All I know is that it's some holiday you people celebrate."
"You people? Don't you have Christmas over there?!"
"Obviously not… So Sasuke has always celebrated before?"
Naruto wriggled away and ran off yelling, "SASUKE! WHAT'S CHRISTMAS?!"
Sarutobi shook his head slightly. "Of course; it's a major holiday. A time to spend with family, be together and exchange gifts. There are decorations everywhere. It's a time of peace and love."
"… You're really a romantic, huh?"
"The entire point of Christmas is love and peace. People put a tree up in their home, decorate it with lights, garland, and ornaments, and put presents that are wrapped up under it. They get opened on Christmas day, usually in the morning. Then usually there's a rather large dinner. A Christmas feast."
Risa stared blankly at him. "That sounds like a hassle just for love and peace."
"And sharing, gift-giving, etc." Sarutobi snapped before sighing. "What of your husband? If you come celebrate I could finally meet him." Risa chuckled.
"Truly a romantic. I have no plans to bring a full-fledged demon into the village, much less my mate. As you well know."
"You should soon. It would be better for me to at least meet him once since he is caring for your children that originate from this village."
"You chose your words very carefully. " Risa shrugged. "I guess we can head there soon. When is your holiday?"
"Oh, it's two weeks from today. Make sure to let me know when you get here this time."
"Yeah, yeah." She mumbled out and deactivated the gem as both Naruto and Sasuke came running back over to her.
"Mommy! Sasuke said we get presents on Christmas!" and "Are we not gonna have Christmas?!" They yelled simultaneously. Risa sighed and pulled Naruto onto her lap, pulling a twig and some leaves out of his hair.
"We will, but we have to go back to Konoha for it. Sasuke, what do you usually do?" He was quiet for a while, watching Naruto squirm.
"You… never had Christmas? Santa never visited you? Is that why we missed it last year?"
"Santa?" Risa cocked her head. "Who's that?" She pushed Naruto off her lap and gestured for Sasuke to come over.
"Santa is… Um… Well on Christmas Eve night he comes to the house while everyone's asleep and puts presents under the tree! He's a big old guy in a red coat with a big white beard. And he rides in a sleigh pulled by his flying reindeer!" Sasuke grinned and looked back at Risa as she patted his head.
"Sounds like you're excited. Well, it's in two weeks so we'd need to head out soon. You two go tell your father and brother."
"They're not coming? Family is supposed to be together for Christmas!" Sasuke grabbed her arm anxiously.
"Sorry sweetheart, but Itachi can't and your father probably still doesn't care to go. And demons aren't welcome there, remember? It's why you weren't suppose to mention him." She looked pointedly at a suddenly sheepish Naruto.
"Sorry…"
"All right, run along and tell them the news. I'll pack up all your books for you." Both boys ran off to find Sesshomaru, yelling the entire time. Risa smiled lightly and went to find all the schoolwork that was strewn about the area. She was picking the last book from out of a tree when she heard someone below her. She dropped down right into Sesshomaru's arms.
"You're leaving? For a human holiday?"
"Sorry love. The Hokage just told me about this holiday and Sasuke has always celebrated before. I don't want to take that away from him." She smiled sadly, "When I told him we were going back without you he got upset."
"Why? I never go."
"Apparently Christmas is a time to be together with family. Hokage kept saying it's about peace and sharing and gift-giving."
"Gifts?" His slightly puzzled expression made her laugh and be put down.
"Aw, don't be angry. I don't really understand it either. Sasuke was telling me about a Santa who brings gifts in the middle of the night by using flying reindeer"
"That's ridiculous."
"It does sound fantastical, but it makes him happy. Christmas is in two weeks so we should be back within three." He didn't say anything so she continued, turning her gaze to the ground. "You could always come too. Hokage does want to meet you after all, so it's not like you'd be an intruder."
"No." He answered immediately and she sighed.
"All right. We'll leave as soon as you say goodbye."
"I have all ready."
"Well fine. Enjoy your time with Itachi." She spun around and jumped away before he could stop her.
They arrived in the village late the next day and she barely managed to restrain the boys as the lights got turned on for the night. They walked through the village to the Hokage's tower, gazing at them all. Twice she had to pull Naruto along when he would stop to stare. Risa finally smiled when Kakashi appeared next to her, taking Naruto's hand.
"Merry Christmas. This must all seem ridiculous to you."
"Not completely. There's a nice thought behind it all and the energy here is… warm. People seem happier, but it could just be from the lights. The boys are certainly entertained."
"I can tell." He said as he tugged Naruto along. "So are you going to have dinner with the Hokage?"
"Of course not. Why should I ruin their holiday?" She paused and looked at Kakashi. "What do you do on Christmas?" Kakashi shrugged.
"Stay home mainly. Go for a walk late at night."
"Can you cook?"
"What?" He stopped and stared at her.
"Can you cook?"
"Well… yeah. Not gourmet, but I can do the basics. Why?" Risa smiled and continued walking.
"Then you're going to celebrate with me. Help me out with all of it."
"I can't do that."
"Sure you can. You'll be my Christmas helper for the next two weeks. Hokage allowing of course. And if you don't show up Christmas day I will hunt you down." She grinned outside of the Hokage tower and nudged Sasuke over to Kakashi. "Wait here. I'll be right back." She left Kakashi gaping at her retreating back.
She was let into his office immediately and before she could say anything she noticed the tree standing in the corner. She went straight over to it and ran a hand over some of the garland.
"Like it?" The Hokage finally asked, making her spin around.
"I… don't understand why you have wrapped a tree up in your office."
"It's a Christmas tree. Where are the boys?"
"Outside with Kakashi. Speaking of which… Is he available for the next two weeks?"
"Why?" Sarutobi's eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion. Risa smiled at him.
"To help with this holiday of course. I assume there is some prep involved."
"Oh… Of course then." There was a pause and Risa went back to inspect the tree. Sarutobi watched her for a moment before speaking again. "Are you going to accept my offer on Christmas dinner?"
"No. Not only do we disagree more often than not, but I doubt your family would appreciate having me there." She held up a hand before he could argue. "I've invited Kakashi to spend it with me as well as help so there is no need for you to be concerned."
"… Very well. Merry Christmas Risa. Enjoy the holidays." Without another word she went out and clapped Kakashi on the shoulder, informing him that he had permission to help her. With a grin she gabbed the boys and went to her apartment. For the next two weeks Kakashi led her around the village trying to teach her the usual traditions and getting gifts. By the time Christmas eve came around she was tired of even trying to understand it all. Risa sat on the floor that night with her head against the wall, and a mug of hot chocolate which she quickly deemed as far too sweet, as Kakashi read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to the boys. She realized too late that they didn't think the drink was too sweet and had gulped as much as they could down. Once the story was done and Kakashi had left Risa tried to put the boys to bed. They finally went after much grumbling and gazing one last time at the barrier surrounding the tree and presents. She watched them jump around their room and discuss what their presents might be for a while before groaning.
"Boys! Calm down!"
"But we can't!"
"Yeah! This is GREAT!" They continued to race around.
"Boys you either get into bed and quiet down to sleep or I swear I will make the night last a week!" She finally shouted out in frustration. Both boys immediately got into bed and stared at her with wide eyes.
"…But it's Christmas Mommy…" Naruto whimpered out. Risa went and ruffled his hair.
"I know sweetheart, but you need to sleep now. The Santa will only come if you sleep after all." Naruto pouted and cuddled farther into his blanket. Risa smiled and looked over at Sasuke who hurriedly did the same.
Across the barrier Itachi had just finished explaining Christmas to Sesshomaru for the eleventh time. There was a silence and Itachi sighed.
"You still don't get it, do you?"
"No."
"Okay… It's a human holiday where families spend time together and basically celebrate that. Gifts are also exchanged… Do you celebrate the boys' birthdays?"
"Yes."
"Think something like that but on a much larger scale." Another silence followed before Sesshomaru spoke.
"We should go." He turned and walked away, Itachi quickly following.
"Go where?"
"Konoha." Itachi froze.
"What? You're going across the barrier? Why?"
"We are. You are coming along."
"I can't! I'm a criminal remember? And you're a full-blooded demon lord. Why are you even considering this?"
"I am not. I have decided. We are going." He began walking again, making Itachi have to run after him.
"Why? You've never wanted to and it's dangerous."
"Not for me."
"It is for me though!" Itachi snapped. Sesshomaru looked over at him calmly.
"They would have to defeat me to capture you." Itachi's frustration melted away at that.
"… Thank you…"
"We are going for this odd human holiday. Only a short time." Itachi slowly smiled.
"I supposed it's worth the risk then."
I hope you like it so far! Happy Holidays! ^^