Author's Note: Hey guys! I hope you all are still enjoying the story. It's coming to an end, only two more chapters after this one. Please don't forget to tell me what you think of it all! I'll only get better with your feedback :). Anyway, please don't forget to Follow, Favorite, and Review. Enjoy!
Sasuke frowned as he helped the next customer, not even bothering with pleasantries. It was the week before Christmas and Sasuke was about at his limit. This was the first Christmas without his family and it was hitting him hard. However, instead of being a sad, sobbing mess, he was growing more agitated and he felt like he was about to snap at someone any moment. If only the people in this town weren't so damn festive. Every customer that day had been wearing something to remind him of Christmas. He could block out the fact he had to wear that stupid Santa hat, he couldn't see it, but with all the Santa hats, and reindeer antlers, and damn ugly Christmas sweaters, Sasuke was losing it.
"What do you want?" Sasuke asked, and the customer looked shocked by his tone. Sasuke just glared at them and asked again. They quickly ordered and paid before hurrying off. Before Sasuke could ask the next customer the same, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see the store manager with a frown.
"Hey, why don't you head home. I know it must be hard for you, but we can't have you scaring the customers." Sasuke just rolled his eyes and walked to the back to grab his coat and chuck the Santa hat on the counter. A few coworkers said goodbye while others remained quiet, afraid of Sasuke's temper. As soon as Sasuke walked out the café doors, he bumped into someone. He was about to yell at them, angry eyes set in a hard glare, but he paused when he saw that it was Naruto. Sasuke swallowed his angry words and sighed.
"Hi, Naruto."
"Hey Sasuke! Uh, I came to see you. Are you leaving early?" Naruto asked, glancing inside the café. Sasuke nodded, stepping to the side to allow some people to pass.
"They said I was scaring the customers."
"Is something wrong?" Naruto asked in concern. He knew Naruto was worried about him, and as much as he enjoyed Naruto's company normally, he didn't think he could handle his happy demeanor.
"I just need to go home. All this Christmas stuff is giving me a headache." Sasuke watched Naruto frown, and he was about to walk to his car, when Naruto's hand on his shoulder stopped him.
"Um, I know you probably don't want company, but I was thinking maybe we could hang out tonight?" Sasuke gazed at Naruto, taking in the warmth on his cheeks and nervous fidgeting, and he sighed. He didn't want to hurt Naruto's feelings. He did like the other man, and even if he was having a hard time, it wasn't right to ruin it for Naruto too. He had said Christmas was important to his family.
"Yeah, sure. I'll text you later," Sasuke said, trying to smile as warmly as possible. Naruto grinned and nodded.
"Okay, see you later Sasuke!" he said, then walked into the café. Sasuke sighed and walked to his car, climbing in and feeling his entire body sink into the seat. He felt so tired. With another sigh—he was full of them today—he started the car and drove home. Maybe a nap would do him some good. He hadn't been sleeping well the past few days and it wasn't helping his already sour mood.
"Sasuke!" Sasuke looked up from his steering wheel in confusion. That sounded like Sakura. Sasuke looked out his side window and lo and behold Sakura was running across the street, ignoring the oncoming cars.
"What are you doing?" Sasuke asked, glaring at the smiling girl.
"I was just coming to see you. I wanted to make sure you didn't forget your promise!" Sasuke stared at her, ignoring the honking behind him as he tried to remember what his friend was on about.
Sakura frowned and climbed in the car, motioning for Sasuke to go. The light had been green for almost a minute already. "See, I knew you forgot. But why aren't you at work?" she asked.
Again, Sasuke sighed. "I was sent home early. Now what are you talking about?" Sakura was grinning and Sasuke felt his stomach twist, nervous he had somehow shot himself in the foot.
"Great, then we can get going now," she said.
"And where are we going?" Sasuke asked, wishing she would just answer him. Clearly, he didn't remember what he had promised her, and she was just being vague to irritate him.
"You promised to help me pick out outfits for Christmas and New Years," she finally said, looking a bit annoyed now.
"Why?" Sasuke asked. Sakura always spent the holidays with her family, what did she need special outfits for? Better yet, why had Sasuke promised to help in the first place? He hated shopping.
"I'm spending the holidays with Lee and his family. I need to look nice."
"Lee?" Sasuke asked, and now Sakura seemed irritated.
"The guy I've been dating for the past two months? Do you even listen when I talk to you?" Sakura groaned. They were almost at Sasuke's now.
"Most of the time," Sasuke said. Sakura groaned and glared at him.
"Well it doesn't matter. You promised you would help me. I need some of that rich boy class." Sasuke rolled his eyes. Did Sakura even see what he wore? It wasn't exactly high fashion. Sure, before he would dress up with his family, it was expected, but now he didn't have anyone to impress.
"Fine," Sasuke said, pulling into his driveway. "Let me just change." Sakura nodded and followed Sasuke into his house. He watched her shiver as he pulled off his shoes.
"Jeez, it's freezing in here."
"Is it?" Sasuke asked. He'd turned the heat down earlier in the week. It had felt rather warm and he didn't feel the need for the extra heat. Sasuke left Sakura in the living room and walked to his bedroom, opening his closet and pulling out a change of clothes. Pulling off his work shirt, Sasuke slipped into a black hoodie and a pair of dark jeans.
"Okay, let's go," Sasuke said, walking back to the living room. Sakura hopped up from the couch and looked him over before frowning.
"You used to be so good looking," she said, and Sasuke rolled his eyes.
"I still look the same."
Sakura shook her head. "You dress like you're homeless…or fat." This was a conversation he was used to. Ever since the fire Sasuke had stopped putting so much effort in how he looked. It just seemed like a waste of time and energy.
"I dress like I'm comfortable," Sasuke replied, climbing into his car and starting it.
Sakura huffed. "If you say so," she mumbled. "Turn on the heater," she said, reaching out and blasting the heat. Sasuke grunted but said nothing. He thought it was too warm, but if it made her leave him be, he would deal with it.
No sooner did they park than Sakura was pulling Sasuke into a store. He really didn't want to be shopping, especially during Christmas, when everything and everyone was overly festive to the point of being obnoxious. Half the people he saw were wearing festive outfits ranging from classy to tacky and it was all making Sasuke really want that lost nap.
"What about this one?" Sasuke looked up from his phone and took in her outfit. It was a red sweater with white snowflakes on it and green pants. Sasuke quickly shook his head. Sakura sighed and went back in the dressing room. Maybe he should text Naruto. He hadn't napped, and Naruto had wanted to hang out. It was still early though, and he was sure Naruto didn't want to play judge in Sakura's shopping trip.
"How's this? I really like the bow." This time she wore a large green sweater and red pants with a red hair bow and cream scarf. Sasuke shook his head.
"You said you wanted something classy, right? Try and find a dress." Sasuke tried to imagine what his mother used to wear for the holidays. She always looked beautiful, and captured everyone's eye.
"Ugh, fine, wait here while I look," Sakura said, changing clothes and heading back into the store. Sasuke just nodded, pulling out his phone and playing a game. Ten minutes later Sakura came back with her arms full. Sasuke immediately trashed her first outfit. It was a red dress with white trim and tool. Sasuke actually laughed at that one, calling her Mrs. Clause. The next dress was a sparkly green, but it was kind of short, and it was form fitted. Not really something for a family Christmas.
"Okay if it isn't this one I give up," Sakura said, walking out in a pretty red, strapless dress that was loose and flowy from the waist down. There was a slit in the front on the top layer, creating a pretty ruffle. Over it she wore a long, cream pea coat, and she had on a pair of red heels. Sasuke was actually a bit lost for words. All the red really accented the green of her eyes and made them shine.
"That one."
"Really?" Sakura asked, surprised. "I thought it might clash with my hair," she said, twirling a piece. Sasuke shook his head.
"It looks good." Sakura nodded and walked back into the room to change. Once she paid, their next stop was to find her a New Years outfit. Sasuke just followed her from store to store, shooting down all her picks.
"You are going to be with Lee's family, right? You don't want to look like a hooker," Sasuke said about Sakura's last pick. She glared at him but quickly changed. Finally fed up with store hoping, Sasuke got up and searched for himself. It had been several hours and he was going to lose it if he had to shoot down one more outfit. He searched through the store for a few minutes before making his selection and tossing it into Sakura's dressing room.
"Put that on," Sasuke said. He heard Sakura grumble, but it wasn't long until she emerged in his pick. It was a black sleeveless romper with a low v-cut neck. He paired it with a black blazer that had faux diamond detailing and black shoes with a sparkly heel.
"See Sasuke, you have such great taste. Why do you dress like a bum?" Sakura said, walking out and strutting around the dressing area. Sasuke shrugged, not bothering with an answer. Finally, they were done once she paid and they took the bags back to Sasuke's car before deciding to go get food. It was now late afternoon, and the streets were becoming quite full. Sasuke should text Naruto now. Sakura wanted to walk around after they ate, and he figured it would be fun for Naruto too. This whole week the streets would be busy with celebrations and music and games for people to partake in. it was like a weeklong festival. Sasuke would have preferred to stay home, but it couldn't be helped.
"Isn't Naruto that weird guy who was creeping in your backyard?" Sakura asked when he mentioned inviting him. Sasuke couldn't stop his sudden bark of laughter, doing his best to reign it back in.
"He isn't a creeper. He was looking for his dog," Sasuke said. "And we've actually gotten pretty close," Sasuke defended. Sakura gave him a knowing smirk and Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Don't get too ahead of yourself," he said. Sakura giggled and looped her arm around his, walking happily along the road.
"Don't be coy. You never get close to anyone." She giggled again and Sasuke just sighed. She was such a romantic, and always tried to drag him into her fantasies.
"Maybe he will be your Christmas cutie—Oh! Or your New Years kiss!" she cheered. Sasuke grunted, fighting the slight blush in his cheeks and ignoring the rest of her babbling as they walked to the restaurant.
He told Naruto where to meet them and it didn't take long for him to show up. He was wearing a pair of blue jeans and a warm looking red flannel. Sasuke couldn't help but chuckle. He kind of looked like a lumberjack.
"Hey Sasuke! And, uh, I'm sorry, I don't remember your name," Naruto said, walking up to their table. They were lucky to get in the small restraint when they did because it had gotten packed quite quickly.
"It's Sakura, and you're Naruto, right?" Sakura asked, shaking his hand. Naruto nodded and took a seat. "So how did you meet Sasuke? I'm assuming you him him before creeping in his yard," she said with a laugh, causing Naruto's face to become enflamed. Sasuke was less embarrassed about the even and more so about Sakura's behavior.
"Uh, I, uh—" Naruto tried, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. Sasuke decided to come to his rescue, because that's what a good guy does.
"He came into the café and stared at me for an hour. Then came back later that day with friends and stared at me for another hour." Now Naruto's face looked like it was about to pop from all the blood rushing to his cheeks and for a moment Sasuke was worried he might faint.
Sakura and Sasuke laughed as Naruto just stared at them in horror. Sasuke thought about apologizing, but decided it wasn't sincere. He enjoyed seeing the other man so flustered. Finally, Naruto broke out of his petrification and quickly pulled the menu up to cover his face. Sasuke was pretty sure the waitress became Naruto's messiah when she walked over and asked if they were ready to order. They quickly recited their orders and the waitress left with a warm smile.
"So how was your nap?" Naruto asked. "Are you feeling any better?" Sasuke frowned and glared at his innocently smiling friend.
"I didn't get to take one. Sakura kidnapped me to go shopping."
"You made a promise, I was upholding it," Sakura argued. Naruto seemed a bit confused, and if Sasuke pushed it, a bit annoyed, but he just nodded.
"She's spending the holidays with her boyfriend's family, so she wanted to impress them."
"Yeah, despite what he looks like, Sasuke actually has an eye for fashion."
"I think he looks fine," Naruto said, and Sasuke had to work to hide his smile.
"I'm sure you do," Sasuke said, her one eyebrow raising conspiratorially. Sasuke couldn't handle her sometimes. Naruto didn't seem to understand her implications though, so Sasuke didn't mind it too much.
As they walked out of the restaurant, Sakura suggested walking around to see the festivities, and of course Naruto agreed. In the restaurant it hadn't been too bad, but the overwhelming Christmas cheer was impossible to escape on the streets. Even with the snow and wind, people were still happily milling about and enjoying themselves. Sasuke couldn't stop a frown from making camp on his face.
"Oh, look over there! It's ice carving," Sakura called out, dragging the two of them over to a small stage where a man was carving a reindeer out of ice. There was already a gift box glistening in the lights.
"I love ice carving!" Naruto cheered. Sasuke wanted to enjoy the bright shining light in Naruto's pretty blue eyes that nearly mimicked the ice before them, but he couldn't. The whole day Sasuke felt the weight in his chest getting heavier and heavier and while he'd had a bit of a reprieve, it hadn't dwindled at all. Now it was only getting worse and it was making things impossible to enjoy. It was as if everything was covered in a dark haze and Sasuke actually found himself squinting at things, wondering if it was all in his head or not.
"Are you okay?" Naruto asked, walking back to Sasuke and laying a hand on his shoulder. Sasuke looked at it a moment, not sure whether he felt warm or cold form the touch. He nodded. He didn't need to worry the other man, especially when he was having fun.
"Yeah, come on, let's look at something else." Naruto nodded and the three of them made their way down the street. There were a bunch of food stands, but they had just eaten, and so didn't pay them any mind. There were a couple of pop-up shops selling handmade crafts, advertising them towards last minute shoppers. Sakura dragged them to a few, fawning over the cute trinkets and handmade blankets. They had come across a shop that had small handmade figurines. Some of them were original, but most looked like replicas of Christmas motifs. There was the Virgin Mary, gift boxes, wreaths, and even a few Christmas trees.
"Look Sasuke!" Sasuke turned tiredly to see—for the hundredth time—what Sakura wanted to show him. His eyes widened and a large lump formed in his throat.
"It's a perfect replica of the Uchiha Christmas tree. I used reference photos to make every detail as accurate as possible," the woman at the stand said. Sasuke was aware his family's tree was a Christmas treasure in their town, but this was too much for him.
"I don't want to see this," Sasuke growled, turning away and walking down the street. The woman hadn't lied. The tree was an exact replica, down to the large fan tree topper they had custom made. Even the ornaments were the same, at least the recognizable ones, like the ones he and Itachi had made for their parents when they were young.
Sasuke felt sick. He felt a cold chill engulf him and Sasuke could feel his heart pounding as panic began to set in. He shouldn't be upset. The tree was a happy memory for the townspeople, of course they would want to celebrate it. Why couldn't Sasuke just be happy his family had been so loved?
Because it didn't matter, they were dead, gone, and no matter how much the people loved them it wouldn't fix that. Sasuke didn't want to be constantly reminded that he was alone now, and would have to face the holidays without his family. It wasn't fair. He looked up and glared at a family laughing as they played one of the games set out. How could they be so happy? What was so great about this stupid holiday in the first place? The gifts? The presents? It was supposed to be a time to celebrate with family, but he had lost his, and no one seemed to acknowledge that. His family was just a token to these people, a damn motif. The Uchihas weren't real people to them, and neither was he. Why did they deserve to celebrate?
