Knocking causes, me to stir and look around my dark bedroom. Sitting up, I hold the covers close to my chest and the door opens slightly. Sasuke slowly enters the room carrying a coffee cup, there's something odd about him. His aura is calming right now and I relax reaching for the cup he's handing me.
"Thank you Sasuke. What time is it?" I take a sip and it's perfectly made. Go figure he would make it right without me telling him. Was there something Uchiha's couldn't do? His hand went to his back as he sat on the bed, a small perfectly wrapped box rested on my knee.
"What's this?" Instead of answering he motions for me unwrap the gift. Gently sitting my cup down on the nightstand, I hold my breath as I open the small box. Lifting the lid, I gasp as I see the pendent. Red and white are bright in the dark room, picking the item up softly my thumb strokes the smooth surface. Sasuke's hand joined mine and opened the pendent for me, small soldier pills were tucked inside.
"Something to wear when you go on missions. Or at the hospital…" This is probably the most thoughtful gift someone has ever given me, but why would he give me the Uchiha symbol?
"Thank you Sasuke. But can I ask one thing?"
"Hn." Shrugging his shoulders, he picked up the paper that was laying on the bed. It's almost like he's afraid that I don't like it.
"Why the Uchiha fan?" I place the necklace back into it's box and rest it on my nightstand. Sasuke's face is bunched, he's in deep thought looking for the right words.
"You'll be an Uchiha in a few weeks. It's six, everyone will start showing up at nine." He quickly exits my room and I sit there smirking at the closed door. There are a few more unanswered questions about my gift but I'm not going to press any further with them. Rolling out of the warm covers I move quickly to the bathroom to take a shower.
The tile is cold beneath my feet and a shiver runs through my body. I still can't shake the dream I had yesterday…it's something I haven't done in a long time. Ever since Sasuke's been back, it's like I become more and more drawn to him. The wall I worked so hard to build has crumbled down, this time I think I will be better at handling my emotions. When Sasuke left, I curled into a ball and couldn't think of anything but how I was useless and weak. Now I'm just as capable as my mentor so Sasuke won't have too much of an advantage.
The hot water pulls me from my thoughts and I begin to wash my hair. If I were able to talk to my genin self, I would try and reassure her that it gets harder before it gets easier. The first two years were the hardest truthfully, Tsunade's training was brutal and mentally demanding. Once Naruto came back and we started going on missions again, I felt somewhat normal but there was always a piece missing…Sasuke.
My hand reaches for the cool metal, turning it off. As I step out of the shower, I wrap a fuzzy towel around my body while rubbing the remaining water from my hair. The reflection in the mirror is something that still shocks me, I was always behind my friend's development wise but eventually I caught up. My hair is a reminder of how long Sasuke's been gone…one thing I wanted to keep to myself. I should ask him about that silly rumor.
After drying my hair and brushing my teeth, I return back to my room and I feel two very familiar chakras in my home. Sasuke and Naruto sure have been hanging out more than normal, I wonder what that's about. A white sweater is calling my name and I reach for it, Tsunade gave me this last year saying that white would make my hair stand out even more. Let's see if she's right about that.
I hear bickering between two low voices as I enter the living room. Naruto is sitting beside the tree trying to look through the gifts, at least he's not opening any of them. There's still a few more hours before everyone starts to arrive, Ino is supposed to be here soon to help me start cooking. I plop down on the couch close to Sasuke but I leave a slight distance between us. Sasuke doesn't say anything but he doesn't have to, his eyes are looking over my figure closely. A slight pink hue comes to his cheeks and I internally smirk to myself.
"Merry Christmas Sakura!" The idiot pops his head out from under the tree and smiles the goofiest smile I've seen in a long time. It's infectious as I return the smile.
"Merry Christmas Naruto. What are you doing?" It's the same scene ever since we were genin. Naruto never had anyone to celebrate the holiday with until Team 7 was formed. My heart aches at the thought of him being alone his entire childhood. I'm glad that I was teamed up with him, he brings warmth and love everywhere he goes.
"Oh, um nothing Sakura. I couldn't sleep any more and Hinata stayed with her parents last night. I figured that I could come on over early, maybe even help cook." Bad idea. Last time I let Naruto help me cook he almost burnt my house down.
"I think I can handle it. Ino's coming over in a little bit anyways." Naruto picks himself off of the floor and sits on the other sit of me, pushing me into Sasuke's side slightly.
"It's been so long since we've spent a real holiday together. It's like our family is back…" Naruto's voice drops off as the sentence ends. He's right…we've been missing a big piece of us without Sasuke. For a long time, all we knew was each other. I can't help but let my arms wrap around them both and pull them towards me. Naruto chuckled and I could feel Sasuke smirk against my hair, years ago I made a vow to never watch their backs again. These two boys were the most important part of my life and I don't want them to think otherwise.
"Let go Sakura. No need to be all mushy, plus I'm too close to teme's face." Giggling I released them from my tight hold and placed my hand in my lap. My eyes lower and I look at the fire that was burning, no doubt that Sasuke made it himself. The door opening pulled me back into reality, Ino and Sai were carrying boxes and bags stacked as tall as them. They placed them around the tree adding to the already full stack, my living room is going to be filled with boxes by the time we eat breakfast. Which means one huge mess for me to clean up.
"Oh forehead, why aren't you cooking yet?" Ino places her hands on her hips and cocks her head towards me.
"Because I have at least another hour before I need to start cooking. It's just now seven." My arms are jerked from my lap and I'm pulled from the couch.
"I may or may not have called everyone this morning telling them to be here at eight." Of course she would do that, her and Naruto were the two worst about this holiday. It's the child that's still alive within them. Tripping over my feet, I almost fall face first into the kitchen island. Ino was able to stop me inches from the counter and I could feel my face getting warm from embarrassment.
"Thank Ino." Leaning against the counter I watch her take out most of my fridge. Turning my head, I look at Naruto and smile.
"Naruto will you turn the TV. to a music channel? Maybe something Christmas themed." He started to click through the channels as I returned back to cooking. Ino already measured out the pancake mix and I started to grease the pan as one of my favorite songs comes on. Swing to the beat I flip the cakes while Ino starts to cook the meat, I'll finish the eggs as everyone starts to arrive.
"So forehead, did you get anything special for Christmas?" Her blonde brows wiggle at me and I feel heat come to my cheeks. I don't really want Ino to know about the pendant until after Sasuke and I are living together. Shrugging my shoulders, I plate all of the golden stacks on a large platter plate.
"I could ask you the same thing Ino. Sai get you anything special?" Bumping her with my hip, I walk past her to put the platter on the dining room table. There's an energy in the air already and I can't help but smile. Today is going to be an excellent day, my feet carry back to the kitchen and I hear the front door open. The house is filling with Konoha 11 and our sensei's, the feeling in the air only magnifies as they flood into the kitchen. Hinata and Tenten take a seat at the island both have a large smile on their face.
"Sorry for Naruto being over so early, I had to stay home last night and help my father." I return her smile and wave at her. It was nice having him here early so we could have a Team 7 moment.
"It's fine. Can you guys help me carry the rest of the stuff?" They both jump up and help me finish carrying the plates of food and gallons of orange juice. Naruto is already sitting at the table watching the food closely, Choji is with him as well, laughing as Ino yells for them to join us. Tsunade walks over to me and I wrap my arms around her tightly, she's become a second mother to me over the years. I take a seat between Naruto and Sasuke while everyone else joins us, looking around the table there are smiles and laughter filling the room.
Breakfast is over and we all move into the living room; colorful wrapped gifts are filling the room. All of the females are sitting on their significate other's laps while I just sit beside Sasuke, Tsunade and Kakashi steal a glance at the scene. It's almost awkward but I shake my head ignoring them.
"So who's passing out the gifts this year?" Shizune says as she holds her sweet animal sidekick closer. We all look at each other and no one wants to get up, tensing my shoulders I stand from the couch and pull Ino from Sai's lap. It's going to take forever but slowly we hand out gifts and once the pile is back to just a few Ino returns to her seat. Walking to Tsunade with the last gift, I pass by Ino and trip landing slightly on Sasuke's lap. I tense even more as an arm wraps around my waist pulling me closer, we've never had any public display and this is pushing it. It feels like everyone is staring but as I look around the room, they are too focused on their new items. Sighing I begin to open my few boxes.
Hinata gave me a new kimono to wear to the hot springs, Tenten's gift were new fighting needles that will be useful for my next mission. Temari found a few new textbooks from Suna that she thought would be useful, but Ino's present was something I should've never opened in front of Sasuke. A black, lace lingerie set greeted me and I slammed the box shut. Sasuke looked at me with curiosity in his eyes, as Ino smirks at my reaction. I threw an empty box at her that knocked her off of Sai's lap and she landed in the pile of torn paper and bows. Laughter once again filled the air and my heart flutters from the happiness that fills my home.
Leaning back into Sasuke's chest I feel his grip tighten even more on my waist. Naruto and Neji are messing with their new weapons and they start to argue over which one was better. Ino and Hinata compare their new outfits that I bought for them, each one were styled for the specific woman. Ino like revealing clothing while Hinata liked to keep it conservative. Tsunade received a lot of sake, and I mean at least ten bottles that will last about two weeks. Kakashi was given a new porno book which he's going to read when we start training again, gross.
"Naruto stop arguing with Neji and get my house cleaned up." I wiggle out of Sasuke's grip and make my way back into the kitchen to clean up the mess. Kakashi follows behind me and helps clean.
"Have you two been getting along better lately?" Unlike Ino, he knows what's going on. He's not meaning to pry into my personal life, but I don't want to tell him every detail.
"Yeah a little bit. He's still Sasuke, still distant." Bending over I load the dirty plates into the dishwasher, Kakashi starts to wash the pans by hand.
"It's going to take time Sakura. You only have a few more weeks before your life is going to change."
"I know sensei…" I can't help but let my voice bottom out. Even though I've loved Sasuke for a very long time, it doesn't mean I'm happy with the circumstances. I'm not as naïve as I once was, Sasuke and I are getting closer but not to where a real couple should be. Would he go back into his shell after I move into the compound? What is it going to be like? So many questions without answers because I'm too afraid to ask.
"Sakura, I've watched you grow into a woman and a strong kunoichi. Trust me when I say this, Sasuke will come around just give him some time." He places a hand on my shoulder and smiles underneath the mask. My hand covers his and I return the smile, Hinata and Sai are cleaning up the rest of the trash from the dining room. Once I finish with the dishes, I lean against the doorway and watch the interactions in the living room. Naruto, Sasuke and Neji are discussing training schedules while Shikamaru and Tsunade are planning their next trip to Suna. Other's are gathering their things to leave so they can visit their families. Waving goodbye to most of them, Tsunade walks to me and looks at me with a fire in her eyes.
"See you at the hospital tomorrow. Better be on your A game." She pats my head and heads towards the front door. Eventually only Team 7 and their partners are left in the house, Hinata lays with Naruto on the love seat while Ino and Sai are sitting in the rocking chairs watching the movie on the television. Kakashi, Sasuke and I are sharing the couch and I try to curl closer into Sasuke. Looking at the clock it's almost one in the afternoon and my body wants to turn off and rest. An arm moves to the back of the couch causing me to move even closer to Sasuke, he's trying to be discreet but I know he want's me closer.
Sasuke's always been the one that I've tried to save, loving him almost killed me. So I had to put up a few walls and protect myself if I ever came across him again. We've attacked each other, tried to end the other's life a few times and yet here we are. When we were younger I would try any chance I could to be close to him, to touch him. My younger self would be doing backflips if she could see this, a chuckle leaves my mouth as I close my eyes and burry myself further into Sasuke's side and his steady breathing lulls me to sleep.
Stirring on the couch, I feel a soft pillow under my head and a blanket is covering me. The house is silent and I slowly sit up on the couch, looking at the clock it's almost six. How did I just sleep the entire afternoon away? Rubbing my eyes with the back of my hand, I look around and notice that the house was cleaned up and it's back to the original state. A noise comes from my bedroom and I start to walk down the hallway with the blanket wrapped around me. My body feels sore and I'm still tired, I'll have to go back to bed here soon for my early shift tomorrow.
Opening my door, I see Sasuke sitting on the edge with a large box beside him. Confused I walk to him and stand directly in front of him, there's no real expression on his face and I look at the box.
"What's that?" He looks at the box and back to me.
"Open it." I'm hesitant as I take the paper off and open the large box. Inside there are shirts similar to the ones I wear on missions or at the hospital but the Haruno symbol has been replaced with the Uchiha fan. My eyes start to get teary and I hug him without thinking. He's given me so much today already but I haven't given him his gift yet. Releasing him from my tight hold, I walk to my closet and pick up the heavy box. I wrapped it in a navy blue paper topped with a red bow, fitting of an Uchiha. He reaction is priceless, confusion covers his entire face and I place the box on the floor in front of him.
"What's this Sakura?" His voice is like velvet. I shudder at the sound.
"Just open it Sasuke." The ripping of paper fills the silent room and I watch closely as he opens his present. As he opens the box, I see a smirk cover his face and he touches the new gear and weapons. I feel myself start to get nervous, what if he doesn't like his present?
"Thank you Sakura." He's sharing a small smile with me and I return one as well.
"Thank you for my gifts." I move the box from the bed to my closet door, there's no need unpacking them since I have to pack my entire house here in a few weeks. Sasuke starts to get up from the bed but I don't want him to leave just yet. Today is probably the best holiday I've had in a long time even though I slept most of the day away. I want him to stay with me tonight, tomorrow he will move into his home and I begin my shifts again. Tomorrow night I will be alone for the first time in a month, and that makes my chest tighten.
Walking over to him, I grab onto his sleeve. Trying to push my nerves away, I clear my throat and take a deep breath in.
"Stay with me tonight." Sasuke's looking over me and looking for the words to say. A hand comes up to my cheek and he nods slowly, but he doesn't stop opening the door. I let go of his sleeve and watch as he walks down to his bedroom, turning I go to change into a pair of black silk shorts with a matching shirt. Taking my place on the bed, I grab my first gift from Sasuke and run my fingers over the smooth symbol again. The door closing pulls me from my trance and I'm greeted by Sasuke dressed in flannel pants and a t-shirt. I know he sleeps in his boxers most of the time but he's being modest with me.
The bed shifts under his added weight and I lay completely down on the bed facing towards him. Sasuke follows my lead and I grab for one of his hands that lay between us. It's almost surreal having him here in my bed, soon this will be every night. I wish I could lay here and try to pry open the shell that he has around himself but I need to be up by four so I can start to get ready for the day. Leaning forward, I place a soft kiss on his lips and as I move away he keeps the pressure. My heart flutters at the contact and I move closer in the bed earning a smirk in our kiss. Sasuke's the one to break contact and I look over him, his cheeks are slightly flushed and I smirk in return.
"I know you have to be up early. Sleep." Nodding my head, I roll onto my opposite side and I'm pulled towards him. His arm is wrapped securely around me and I blush even more as I feel his breath against my neck. Closing my eyes, I try to relax my breathing and right before the darkness takes me I say one more thing to him.
"Merry Christmas Sasuke."