~Merry Christmas! A horrible work on editing this chapter, please don't hate me!

Chapter 7 :)

Autumn came and went, bringing winter along with the cold tingling sensations. It was that time of the year. Decorations all over the streets, the shops glistening with the charms of joy, evident harmony amongst the citizens of Konoha.

It was December and people were already excited for Christmas. For Naruto, Christmas was only another occasion which people enjoyed with their loved ones. Naruto had his precious people, but they all were usually busy celebrating the season with their families.

This time though, it was different. It had been almost a month since she moved in with her. Almost a month of being in another one's presence. Hinata Hyuga had unknowingly grown onto the blond.

Naruto wandered the streets of Konoha. Things had grown better. Hinata was better around his presence. Neither had she fainted in weeks nor had she stuttered in days. Hinata was more confident around him. Though Naruto was starting to doubt his own self.

Things as Hinami had been going smoothly. No one blamed her for anything, she was more accepted in the girls, especially since they all had been frequently planning their outings.

This December was special for Naruto not only because of Christmas, but for one other occasion. He had talked Hinata into opening herself up to him. Wasn't exactly fair for her to know everything about him, while to him she was nothing more than a closed book, hiding its contents underneath its covers.

Naruto knew that his task will soon come to an end. He understood the possibility of Hinata moving out. Yes, they were in a relationship but the sudden distance between the two will be not anywhere near okay between the two entities.

Naruto wanted this Christmas with Hinata to be special. He wasn't good at this of course, he never had spent it with anyone. Naruto was searching the shops at a steady pace, he wanted to buy her a gift. The only problem was, he wasn't aware what she might like.

Naruto had ideas popping up one by one. Maybe he could talk to Teuchi and get Hinata a year's worth of Ramen supply, no one would say no to that. He could give her all the signed versions of Icha Icha paradise, people seemed to like that too. But Naruto wanted to do something different for her, which was fairly a good thing.

Naruto's oblivion was adorable at times to Hinata. He may have saved the world, may have become tactical and matured up a bit. But there was still that little hyper-active, knuckle head of a ninja hidden inside of him.

Hinata Hyuga had been making the right adjustments on the scarf which she had knitted for the blond in the first place and it was almost done. Hinata smiled sub-consciously when a mental image of Naruto wearing her scarf appeared inside her head. Her efforts for the scarf had been shattered when Naruto had suddenly created Hinami at the start. But after everything, she hadn't had a chance to give it to him and Christmas was as good an occasion as ever. Tonight was Christmas Eve and it was going to be the very first time when she spends it with Naruto, away from her family.

The previous month had been amazing for Hinata, she was able to manage herself around him more. Maybe, when all this was over, she'll go out with him as her own self. There was a part of Hinata which wished things would remain the same, while the other part wanted this all to end quickly so they can advance further.

Hinata knew they both will be going out tonight. It was Christmas Eve after all. Hinata was done doing the final adjustments to the scarf. It was red in color, knitted with a thick, silk cloth. That was when Naruto entered the house. Hinata quickly hid the scarf underneath her clothes in the wardrobe.

She found Naruto downstairs, fixing a golden star on top of the decorated Christmas tree.

"You found the one?" said Hinata as she came down the stairs admiring the now complete tree. Naruto went out an hour ago in search of the final piece of decoration. Or so what she knew.

"Yeah, was the only one left in the shop too. Got lucky and took it first thing" replied the blond.

"You are ready for the party tonight, right?" asked Naruto.

Hinata looked at Naruto for his question. They both knew that they were. Naruto was nervous about something, no matter how hard he tried to hide it, he just couldn't. Hinata knew him like the back of her hand and she knew something was odd. She nodded to him nevertheless.

After staring for a while, he shook his head as a slight blush made its way to his cheeks. Naruto needed to avoid Hinata for the time being and so he passed her a smile and went up to the room. He was nervous. Any boy would be, considering the present he had prepared for Hinata. Naruto kept on consoling himself with the mere reason.

Naruto was acting strange and it was worrying Hinata. He had been avoiding her lately and that wasn't a good thing. Something was pestering him and Hinata didn't know what. Maybe she'll push him tonight and ask him at the party.

Both Naruto had Hinata had bought presents for the Konoha 11. Well technically Naruto and Hinami had. Hinata took the right moment and hid the scarf in the presents. She'd give it to him tonight during the distribution.

The party was arranged by several clan heads. It meant that Hanabi was going to be there too. It was sad that this year they both won't be able to exchange gifts as sisters.

Hinata was going to wear jeans along with a white top. It had a red leather jacket and black shoes to go with. Clothing like these often suited Hinami's form. Naruto was going to wear a white t-shirt with a blue hood along with black jeans and shoes.

Naruto and Hinami were ready to leave. The clones had already delivered the gifts to the said place. The party was outside the Kage tower in the big empty ground usually used for gatherings or when the kage wants to talk to the villagers.

Naruto and Hinami closed the door behind them. It was chilly outside tonight. The cool breeze making its way through the empty streets of Konoha. Of course the streets were empty, everyone was either at their home, or at the grand party. Hinami closed up the remaining distance between the two and intertwined their arms, trying to get as much heat as possible from the blond. Naruto blushed at the sudden change and continued their way to the party.

Hinami noticed how nervous Naruto seemed to be. Either she had done something wrong or he was hiding something.

"What's wrong Naruto Kun?" Naruto's whole body jolted at her voice, looking at her, he gave her the old-fashioned foxy smile stating that everything was fine. Hinami narrowed her gaze at him, not believing him one bit. It was Christmas Eve! Hinami was not to be moved and she kept on staring at him.

"You'll know by the end of the night" stated the blond. Hinami didn't want to push him too far, if he said he'll tell her then it meant that he would.

Upon reaching to their destination, the Hinami looked in awe at the decorations. The tables were filled with drinks and stuff to eat. Nearly every friend was there. There was a huge tree right in the center with decorations and lighting to no end. Their presents were placed alongside the other's right under the tree.

When everyone saw the couple, they waved them over. All the guys were having drinks while the girls were discussing something in the corner.

"Hey man, take this" said Kiba handing Naruto a cup. Naruto instantly slurped its contents down. It was obvious to them that he was overthinking it.

"Calm down, we have everything prepared" stated Kiba. Naruto nodded in return.

"I hope you didn't miss me out on the gifts Naruto, because it will be utterly disastrous, and a shame, if anyone of you have, on this blissful eve, because it is no surprise, that you all would since you did on the mission to bring back sas-"

"We didn't, we didn't and are you still holding a grudge over that mission?" Chouji cut of shino's monotone voice. Apparently the bug master was always left out on occasions and events. Naruto barely remembered him while checking out the items and rushed to get something for him.

The blissful night continued and so did the meetings. Hinami saw Hanabi and her father, Hanabi had flashed her a smile and then hopped off with her father. Kakashi and Tsunade were standing on the tower. They both were amazed at how Naruto and his fake character had blended in the group. Maybe he had earned the credit of being successful in his task. They both nodded to each other. It was time to call it off. Maybe at New Year's. Though he had one more test left, how was he going to explain it to everyone?

It was soon time to deliver gifts. Everyone was exchanging theirs and so the Konoha 11 decided it was time for them to do so too. Naruto and Hinami received couple of gifts from everyone. But most of them were packed. Stuff which wasn't packed were the weapon set Tenten received from Naruto and Hinami. Everybody knew that Tenten was the famous weapon's mistress and she would be delighted to receive such expensive tools as a gift.

Lee received tons of new clothing, mostly everyone understood that he needs to drop that jumpsuit and change a little. Lee in return gave Naruto ramen coupons and a jumpsuit to Hinami.

Ino and Sakura were given healing equipment, judging both of them were trained in the art of medical ninjutsu. They in return had given the couple a specially carved out wooden frame.

Next up was Kiba, he received a platinum package of imported dog food for obvious reasons. He winked Naruto in return to which the blond nodded.

Shino, Naruto almost forgot about him. He had bought new shades for him, considering the ones he wore were too old and worn. The bug user appreciated it, he had bought a male's deodorant for Naruto. Typical Shino.

Chouji was obviously gifted with packs of chips and cookies. He had packed a whole box for the couple in return too.

Shikamaru was a hard one, but Naruto and Hinami had bought a pair of socks for him. The one he always wore stank and he was lazy to ever wash them up. Temari received new fans for an addition to her set. The husband and wife had packed up a cooking set for them. Which was obviously Temari's idea.

Naruto had given kakashi a decent novel to read, who in return had given Naruto another novel of Icha Icha paradise.

While the rest of them were exchanging the gifts, Hinami took out the scarf which she had knitted for the blond. Naruto was in awe to say the least. She had the scarf all this time and he hadn't even known. Naruto immediately put the scarf around his neck and thanked Hinami for the special gift.

But now, it was the time. It was the time when he was supposed to give her his gift. Naruto turned around and glanced at Kiba. Kiba nodded to him in return. It was also the time when Kiba gives Naruto his present. He had agreed to help him out with Naruto's gift.

Hinami wouldn't even mind if the blond won't present her with a gift at all. But she was still curious with his choice, what would he give her in return. Hinami waited patiently as she kept on looking at Naruto. He was doing it again, he looked nervous. Naruto walked up to Hinami and gave her a card.

Curious she took it and opened it up. What she saw inside hit her with a mixture of feelings. The blond had actually written poetry for her. Hinami looked at Naruto who asked her to read it.

Curious, eccentric and intrigued I am,

To perceive the ability which you leak,

Bewildered, confused and struck I am,

The way you look the way you seem,

Your essence of warmth, devotion and keen,

Established this feeling of joy and glee,

It was a matter of time, a matter of cognizance,

I realized my feelings, my love for thee,

Confused, surprised and utterly mystified,

I had no guide, I had no heed,

Mousy, nervous, fearful I was,

How to react, or how to brief,

I tell you now, it's my creed,

I love you Hinata, I really love thee,

(look up)

Hinami's (Hinata's) eyes were filled with tears, tears of joy, tears of happiness. Naruto, her Naruto, had confessed that he now didn't just like her, he was in love with her. At the end of the card, he had asked to look above of her. As Hinami looked up, she saw it hanging above them, the mystical stem, the mistletoe was hanging above them both.

Naruto hesitantly placed his hands on her shoulders. While the rest of the people present, started the count down from 10, 9 the distance between the two started to decrease 8, 7 a smile graced her lips while he brought down his face 6, 5 she now knew what he had been nervous about 4, 3 she could feel his warm breath on her lips, 2, 1 and with the utmost delicacy, the two lips met each other Merry Christmas!

~It was my first time doing a chapter like this, I'm only growing. Healthy criticism is welcomed. Do Review, Cheers!