Author's Note: I figure that I should hop on the ship bandwagon, so what better place to start than with a Christmas Anthology? I've got the family feels, after all.

Rating: T (for the meantime)

Categories: Family, Romance

Characters: Uchiha Sasuke x Uchiha Sakura (eventual Uchiha Sarada)

Summary: Deck the halls with cheer and jest, and join us in love's perpetual fest.

Disclaimer: This applies to all future chapters. IDNON, BIDHTOS! That is all.

Sasukeluva 4eva presents;

Melt the Mistletoe

A Christmas Anthology

One: Wish

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Characters: Team 7

Categories: Hurt/Comfort, Romance

It had been five hundred and forty-seven days since Sakura had bid Sasuke adieu. Eighteen months, eighty-four weeks, thirteen thousand, one hundred and twenty-eight hours, seven hundred and eighty-seven thousand, six hundred and eighty minutes had passed without his company. Not that she was counting, not at all! She had other priorities to tend to; duties at the hospital to perform, training both her mind and her body to near-perfect resilience, and fortifying herself within her intellectual endeavours.

So much to do, so little time to think about time. Which passed much too slowly for her liking. Never had a week felt like an eternity until she had become aware that Sasuke was potentially homeward bound, and as much as she tried to deny it, her anticipation was steadily mounting.

Amidst the ever teeming crowds of civilians and shinobi alike, the pink haired medic found herself on her toes, scanning her surroundings with her peripherals for any sign of that familiar and beloved black scruff of hair. Searching almost desperately for those dark, expressive eyes that retained the intensity of his youth even now, as they had succumbed to the world weariness that utmost devastation and despair had instilled within him.

She would inflate with excitement when she thought that she had caught a glimpse of him, but when she nudged her way through the bustling bystanders peddling their wares or just meandering amidst the fray, her face would visibly deflate when she realised that she had latched onto an unseemly stranger. Disappointment filled her tightly constricting chest, but she would bear it with a brave smile every time, and apologise profusely for her mistaken identification.

And just when she thought that her hopes were all unfounded, she would catch the faintest flicker out of the corner of her eye; of a turned back, cloaked in ebony garbs emblazoned with a splatter of red and white, quickly melding seamlessly into nothingness the longer her frantic eyes sought out his own. It had to be a mirage. There was no other explanation for these inexplicable sightings. Her yearning had driven her to the very brink of impatient insanity, and she needed to get a grip before she completely lost herself to disillusionment.

He would come home when he was ready to. It was as simple as that. And when that time finally came, she would be there; hands gripping her shirt with skin stretched tautly over bone and blood and pulse thundering beneath her breast, cheeks flushed with nerves and a bright smile tugging at the corners of her lips at the sight of him on the horizon.

Yes, he would come home soon.

Fervently, for another eight months, Sakura wished upon the shooting stars sparkling throughout the cosmos that he would return to them all. To her.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*

It was on a bitter, frigidly cold winter's night that Sakura found herself being shoved to and fro amidst the streets of Konohagakure, packed with pedestrians celebrating the festive season. People everywhere, as far as the eye could see, were lined up outside of shops and market stalls, bargaining with the owners down to the tooth and nail for a more reasonable price that would not be, for it was Christmas, and as the saying goes, first come; first served.

If you leave your shopping to the last minute, then inevitably you must suffer the consequences of your ignorance or lackadaisical attitude.

Fortunately for the pinkette, she had thought ahead, and began her seasonal gifting two months beforehand. Now she could kick back and fully relish in the time leading up to the end of the year. Unfortunately, one blonde knucklehead had not been so forthright in his preparation, and was thus the central cause of Sakura being shoved around like a sack of potatoes in the tumultuous embrace of the ocean.

He had called her in sheer panic earlier that day, sweating bullets no doubt over his general thoughtlessness; although characteristic of him, it still seemed unhabitually idiotic for the blonde to have forgotten that the one day of the year where romance was one hundred percent expected was fast approaching.

He had particular reason for his stress, however. Having been in a fruitful and fast developing relationship with the ever so lovely Hyuuga heiress for the past year and a half, it was naturally a given that he was to present her with something especially extravagant and meaningful. To her great astonishment, they were the very words that Naruto had not so eloquently screamed into the headset of his phone, along with a colourful string of expletives that would have made any normal person's ears bleed had they been on the receiving end of his frenzy.

''She deserves the very best, Sakura-chan, but I just don't know what I should get her! I don't even know where to begin, 'tebayo!'' He spewed the words out in one hasty exhalation, and Sakura was sure that he was turning purple from the lack of oxygen getting to his brain between his ranting and hyperventilating. ''So I thought, well, maybe you'd, y'know, help an old buddy out? You're a girl and stuff, so you know what kind of thing girl's like to be given on days like this right?''

She rolled her eyes, leaning back against the counter in her apartment's small, but functional kitchenette, cradling the phone between her shoulder and neck as she rested her palms on the smooth marble surface of the bench. He could be so smart sometimes, but this was one of the more frequent episodes he displayed when not an ounce of thought or common sense inhabited his mind.

''You do realise that the gift itself doesn't need to be expensive or even tangible, right? I mean, this is Hinata we're talking about here. She embodies the meaning of relatively inexpensive and honest to a fault; she wouldn't want you to go beyond your means, because she loves you for you, and doesn't want anything more than your love in turn. Why is that so hard for you to see, you jackass?'' Sakura exclaimed with an exasperated sigh, reaching up to curl the phone's cord around her fidgety fingers.

This was meant to be her one day off until Christmas Eve, and she intended on enjoying it in the peace of her own home. Or she had, until Naruto ripped the floor out from beneath her feet with his next words. ''Sakura-chan, I'm being completely serious here! I-I need to do this, before I lose my nerve. I don't want to propose to Hinata-chan when the tone hasn't been set right from the start!''

Eyes wide, Sakura nearly droopped the phone from the intensity of her surprise. Propose? Marriage? Naruto? What? Incoherent thoughts tumbled one after another through Sakura's mind, but she settled on one, which she voiced with no amount of trepidation in her voice, which trembled with emotion. ''That would have to be the best early birthday present you could ever give her, Naruto. Where did an idiot like you come up with that idea?''

''I'm not some insensitive twat, Sakura-chan! Of course I came up with it alone! I mean, I want impact, and I want it to mean something; more than anything else in the world to her. I-I really love her, y'know. I just want her to know how serious I am about her, about us.'' He sounded genuinely insulted by her offhand remark, and Sakura swallowed the guilt that rose within her gut.

''I'm sorry, Naruto. You know I didn't mean it. I just... wow. Never thought you'd be the one wanting to get hitched. And so soon too! Seriously, congratulations.'' Sakura intoned softly, smiling as she turned to rest her elbows and stomach against the bench.

He's grown so much since our childhood, she thought with eyes that were becoming increasingly moist with tears. I couldn't be more proud of him. She heard Naruto breathe out softly, before shakily responding to her, voice rich with the deep affection he had held for her for so many years.

''Yeah, I know Sakura-chan. Thanks a lot. And yeah, it was kind of unexpected for me too, but the more I thought about it―y'know, the marriage thing―the more I wanted it. Like really wanted it. I've never had a family of my own; the closest thing to it was Team 7. And although you guys will always be hugely important to me, I want Hinata-chan to know that she's my number one. Is that bad?''

''No, of course not!'' Sakura refuted resolutely, her green eyes firm as she stared at the calendar on the wall across from her. Ten days till Christmas, huh, Sasuke-kun?

''I completely understand it! You'll always have a family with us, with Kaka-sensei and Sasuke-kun,'' she flinched a little at the mention of his name, and she was sure the gesture carried through her sharp pause immediately after omitting it, as Naruto asked if she was alright. ''I'm fine, don't worry! Anyways, you'll always find family with us, but it's about time you experienced for yourself what it means to have something to call your own. I for one, am glad for it.''

Naruto paused on his end of the line, as if in thought, before he spoke softly into the receiver; as if what he was saying was a secret meant for her ears only.

''Sasuke will be back, Sakura. He came back when Toneri invaded our territory―'' Now it was Naruto's turn to flinch in discomfort. He never liked thinking back on that experience. ''To protect us all in my stead, and he made it very clear that he would definitely return to us soon. Have patience, Sakura-chan. A bastard he may be, but a liar he is not.'' Naruto quipped sagely, his blue eyes practically sparkling through the line between them.

Sakura smiled, a traitorous tear leaking out of the corner of her right eye, which she deftly wiped away. Now was not the time for tears. Naruto was making a life-changing decision, and he needed her to guide him down the right path. If anything, it was what she was best at. Giving him direction helped her with her own, and so she had then made up her mind. ''Dress warmly and meet me at The Bridge, Naruto. We have some engagement shopping to do.''

And so here she was, wading through the crowd with Naruto's hand clasped firmly in hers. It was the only surefire way of staying together and not getting sucked away into the endless void of milling masses that they were currently submerged in. His hand, big, warm and covered in callouses from hours upon hours of training, was slickened with a sheen of anxious sweat, and he continued to readjust his grip on her clasped fingers so as to ensure that their bond would endure.

Their eyes acting as a synchronised unit, they searched the surrounding area until Sakura spotted a small jeweller, out of the way enough that few people were seen loitering around it. Perfect. Sharing a grin, the two pushed their way through the flailing limbs and solid bodies, barrelling their way into the doorway of the store. Sakura steeled herself, before pushing Naruto forward, the door opening with the slightest creak of protest.

The sound of bells chiming alerted them to the pair that had been affixed to the top of the door-frame. Nostalgia washed through them as they thought back to a quiet spring day eight years passed, where three eager genin learned the essence of being a ninja. Teamwork. Compassion. Comradery. Both jonin smiled in reverence of the childhood keepsake, before their attentions were drawn to the frail old man tottering his way over to them, a warm, hospitable smile on his face.

''Welcome! What can I do you for, Uzumaki-san, Haruno-san?'' He asked, voice smooth and strong despite his decrepit exterior. They had not expected such a powerful voice from such a timid looking elder, but appearances could never be taken at face value in the shinobi world, and this was of no exception. From the scars on his hands and face, it was easy to see that he once shared the same battlefield that they did, and no doubt would he be able to hold his own even now. His presence said everything.

Naruto swallowed, obviously nervous, allowing a quick glance in Sakura's direction. She merely smiled encouragingly, placing a comforting hand on his bicep before he vocalised his request. ''I'm here... to purchase a gift for my girlfriend. Y'know, the permanent kind?'' The old man's eyes, sharp as knives, gleamed in the soft light of his shop, a deep well of wisdom lurking in their depths as he responded just as evasively. ''There are many permanent means of showing affection, Uzumaki-san. Bracelets, earrings, necklaces. But what I sense here is that of the ring variety. Am I to assume of the casual kind, or of the marriage kind?''

''T-The marriage kind.'' Naruto stuttered out, voice eerily quiet as he met the old man's gaze with his own, without faltering. Something in the blonde's expression must have caught the man's attention, for he looked oddly impressed as he smiled gently at him, as if to break the ice. ''Well now, I have quite the collection of pretty rings that I could show you, but I suppose that you have something already in mind?'' At Naruto's stunned expression, he laughed, a booming baritone that immediately dispersed the remaining tension from their bodies.

''I have been in this business for many years now, lad. I know the nuances, know them well. You have put some thought into this, unlike a lot of other things in your young life.'' Sakura laughed at the bewildered look on the blonde's face. His antics from their youth had become legendary, after all, and that notoriety had obviously not simmered down since then.

''Old minds never forget.'' Was all the man said in that respect, before he led Naruto and Sakura out to the back of his shop, in order to settle the design schematics that he was looking for. Sakura watched quietly from her spot on the couch as they discussed the important tidbits, a soft smile lingering on her face long after the night folded into dawn.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*

Sakura blew on her hands, fluffy white clouds rising around her cupped palms as she rubbed them into biting futility. It was the Eve of the big day, and Sakura had a lot of preparations to make. The Rookie Nine (tears swum in her eyes as she recalled with a sickening lurch of her stomach that there were only eight of them now) were gathering at the Hokage's Mansion for the festivities, to be celebrated with their sensei and fellow shinobi, and she was in charge of the decorations.

After a long shift at the hospital, more work was hardly appealing to her, mind and body frazzled with exhaustion, but she swallowed her protests at the thought of seeing her sensei and shishou. It had been three months since Kakashi-sensei had had the time to entertain her requests for company (being the Rokudaime was occupying every ounce of freedom he had once had), and she hadn't seen her shishou in just as long; after Kakashi had taken the mantle of Kage off of her shoulders, she had hightailed it out of the village for some much needed ''R&R,'' cackling over the fact that she would never have to do paperwork again.

Leaving her poor sensei behind in the wake of her laziness. But no one was more capable than Kakashi-sensei; he picked up on her slack, and had the office running more efficiently than ever, at the cost of even his time to visit the graves of his loved ones. The worn, tattered orange book was nowhere in sight, tucked away for a rainy day of leisure that was beyond sight. His headband was placed quietly in the top draw of his desk, should he ever need to don it again for battle; gleaming despite the darkness it lived in.

When he was particularly stressed, he would take it out and polish it, staring into every scratch and imperfection that marred the smooth metal surface searchingly, as if he were reliving every battle and memory that had been etched into it. There was a fond sadness in his gaze that Sakura had to avoid meeting at such times, for she feared that the despair that he felt looking into those cracks of broken memories and loss would break down her carefully placed wall of composure.

Weakness was not what he needed. Her strength helped pull his wits about, and so she would never meet his eyes again when there were tears to be spilt, for it was no longer his responsibility to wipe them away. She needed to be strong, for both of their sakes. Even so, it was hard to reel in the squeal of excitement as she passed through the threshold of his office and met his warm onyx irises. He moved from his place by the window and strode toward her, placing an affectionate hand upon her head as he smiled knowingly through his mask at her, eyes crinkling at the edges as he greeted her in his soft tones.

''Lost on the path of life, Sakura? I'm glad that it happened to converge with me today, even if you are late.'' There was a teasing note lilting behind the tenor of his voice, and it did not go amiss, for Sakura smacked him playfully on his side before wrapping her arms around his waist.

''I had to save a stray ramen-loving mutt from pre-proposal jitters after I left the hospital, sensei. There was no helping it.'' She exclaimed in amusement, her voice muffled by the thick material of his black woollen sweater.

He chuckled wholeheartedly, her body jostled along with his as he gently pried her away from him, not a trace of embarrassment on his face as he ruffled her cropped hair. It was about shoulder-length now, but because it was so cold, Sakura was reluctant to chop off the only source of warmth her neck had at all times, so she had elected not to do so as of yet.

''Well I am sure that that went down with as much eloquence as a feral cat on fire.'' Kakashi quipped, genuinely exasperated as he led Sakura by the hand to the lounge at the back of his office.

He was informed of Naruto's plans via the horse's mouth himself, barging into his quarters at three in the morning to have a heart to heart with his very grouchy sensei, who had until then not slept for three days. Needless to say, the encounter didn't bode well, but they were both over it. Kakashi was secretly quite pleased about the events, and Sakura knew it all too well. Perhaps he felt it even more so, having been in a position where he no longer had family as well. It was wonderful seeing Naruto being accepted and loved by those around him, even more so when that love promised a family all his own.

''I can't say it was... easy to bring him back to earth,'' Sakura said with a little more acidity than necessary, but her expression softened at the memory of Naruto all worked up over Hinata's reaction. ''But he did eventually calm down enough to eat three bowls at Ichiraku's, so I'd say that's a job well done for yours truly.'' She gloated smugly, before she returned her gaze to Kakashi. He looked thoughtful.

''You really have grown a lot, Sakura. More than you even realise. More than the boys ever could have.'' It was meant to be a simple statement, an observation made out of love and deep affection, but there was a cryptic quality to his words that stopped Sakura in her tracks. What had brought this on?

''Well, I'd say you still have some growth left in you, but you really have come into yourself as of late. You look happier than I've ever seen you. I think that the promise of hope that Sasuke left with you really has done a world of good for your esteem, wouldn't you agree?'' He faced her then, with a knowing glint in his eyes; as if he knew that she had been thinking about him. But of course he knew. He always knew. She smiled, expression full of a sweetness that could only ever be brought about at the mention of her love's name.

''Mm. I don't know about that... But I am happier. Definitely happier. I miss him, of course, and more than anything in the world I wish he would just come home. But I know that he can't. It isn't that simple. He has so much to work through, so much to recover from, and I don't want to impede on his progress. When he comes home, I want it to be at his own pace, because he's ready to be here with us all again. I want him to want to be here, and not return out of some foolish sense of obligation to me, to us.'' Sakura proclaimed with a smile, fire burning in her eyes as Kakashi's crinkled up in response.

His heart warmed at her presence, at her smile. It had been lost for so long amidst tears and despair, and he had coveted its return for so long that his hope had dwindled to near nothingness; until Sasuke put it back on her lips. Now, she can smile from her heart, he thought with a swell of pride filling his chest. Now, she can truly be happy. Can you see it, Sasuke? Can you see her smiling for you?

The abrupt sound of the door thumping open jerked their attention away from each other. Standing there, piled sky-high with boxes spewing rainbows of twinkling tinsel and Christmas baubles, was Tsunade and Shizune, followed by an army of staffers dressed like elves and looking shamefaced for it.

''Sorry to interrupt the touching reunion, but we have work to do!'' Tsunade exclaimed with a smirk, before turning on her heel and yelling orders at the flustered helpers standing at the wayside. Sakura's heart warmed at the familiar sight, and she linked hands with Kakashi for a brief moment of respite; from the pesky thoughts of time too slow to pass, and of proposals and shared kisses under mistletoe and inky dark eyes that were out of her reach.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*

It was just after one in the morning when Sakura retired to her own home, eager to get some much needed sleep for the day ahead. The first Merry Christmas of the year belonged, rightfully, to Kakashi and Tsunade, and in turn Shizune and the rest of the workers who had been summoned to do the Godaime's sadistic will, and they had returned the sentiments with much zest. Well, with as much zest as fatigued shinobi leaders could manage at such an ungodly hour, anyhow.

The pink haired med-nin sauntered slowly down the darkened streets, the hustle and bustle of the final rush hours of Christmas Eve a distant echo that carried her onward. It was an idyllic scene to look upon, serene and a little sad. Lonely, melancholy. Empty. Feeling a little hollow on the inside, Sakura shook her head, little tufts of powdered snow, freshly fallen, sent flying in the air around her.

It did her very little good getting depressed on such a festive day, after all, especially at this time. But the environment, although pristine and blanketed in a thick layer of snowfall, was darkly reminiscent of that abysmal day; the fact that there were stone benches lining the sides of the pathway did not help. Even coated in snow, they were clearly discernible, and her gut rolled over unpleasantly, a feeling akin to vertigo stopping her dead in her tracks.

Closing her eyes, Sakura inhaled unsteadily, her lips numb from the wintry air nipping at them. She was sure her face was flushed with blotchy red stains, for her face was stinging from overexposure to the elements, and the fine hairs all over her body had risen, despite her warm and thickly-laden attire. Steadying herself, she opened her eyes, which were drawn to the half-covered full moon above.

It was cloaked behind the misty clouds that were sending down snowflakes, but the waning silver glow streaked through the gaps, lighting her way home. And behind those clouds, and beyond that shimmering moon, surely, there was a shooting star falling just for her.

And she wished on it harder than she ever had in her life.

Please. Bring him home someday. Bring him home to me.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*

Frost had gathered on the windowpanes when the first rays of daybreak filtered into her room, spreading like wildfire over the glass like a plague of frozen sand. Sakura opened her eyes, bleary and sleepy, peering out at the brightening sky above with a neutral expression. It had felt like no time had passed at all since she had curled up under the thick quilt on her bed and fallen into a disturbed slumber, which only further enhanced her dislike of said time. Even in moments like this it was proving to be detrimental to her health.

Body heavy, Sakura lay there, prone and still as stone, burying her face into her pillows and groaning when she sensed a familiar flare of chakra pressing urgently toward her apartment. Why did he have to disturb her so early in the godforsaken morning? Pretending to be unaware of his presence, she closed her eyes and counted to twenty, hoping that in the process she would miraculously fall asleep and that he would leave her in peace.

Naturally, this was not to be. Naruto had never had any qualms invading her boundaries, after all, and this was of no exception. Just kill me please, she moaned in despair, watching the few small grains of respite crumble into dust within her mind, her Inner eloquently hurtling obscenities so colourful that a hardened shinobi operative would blush had they heard them vocalised. She didn't even flinch when her bedroom door was thrown open, and a larger than life blonde dimwit flew in without a care in the world, dressed as an obscenely orange parody of Santa Claus and toting a large napsack to match.

Sakura squeezed her eyes shut, and if possible, sunk deeper into her mattress, pulling the blanket over her head to shield her ears from his impending morning wake-up call.

''WAKE UP SLEEPY HEAD! IT'S KU-RI-SU-MA-SUUUUU!'' Naruto hollered in obvious excitement, bounding over to her bed and flopping onto it like deadweight, his hands probing for her sides before he began tickling her.

At first she was habitually enraged, having been disturbed so rudely from her near interlude with inertia, but his giddy laughter was infectious, and soon he had pulled the doona away from her writhing body as she laughed, deep and gut-busting giggles that washed away her exhaustion and left her feeling surprisingly refreshed. And they lay there for a while, looking into each other's eyes, a deep platonic affection shared in their amused expressions as she reached up and brushed the remnants of snow from his hair. It was cold, wet and mushy to the touch, and she shuddered at the unpleasant bite it packed.

''We really should get up, 'tebayo.'' Naruto stated with a calmness that defied the mischievous gleam in his bright cerulean eyes. Sakura shrugged, content to merely lie there in the residual warmth of her blankets, but when she caught the anxious glimmer that flickered across the blonde's bronzed complexion, she knew he was right.

''Yeah, yeah, I'm getting up now.'' Sakura shook her hand noncommittally, nonplussed by his dubious stare as she stretched her stiff muscles out, exposing some midriff and thigh that even Naruto couldn't help but ogle. She had gradually grown into her figure, and it seemed mother nature was finally being kind to her. Beneath that baggy shirt, her bust had filled out substantially, to the point where, if she had to, she could get away with borrowing one of Hinata's brassieres for support.

But the changes weren't limited to that. The toned muscles of her stomach had sloped outwards, widening her hips and enhancing the lovely shape of her long legs. Even if she was short, she looked deceptively tall in heels because of those limbs of hers, and Naruto drank in the sight of her with as little lust as he could manage.

He may love every inch of Hinata more than anything else in the world, but on the flip side, he had been crazy about Sakura for a long time too, so it was a little harder to not appreciate her blossoming beauty as it began to unfold into its peak. Shaking off his attentions as mere admiration (she felt her pride bolster a little at the thought that even though he was so in love with Hinata, he could still appreciate her feminine charms as well), Sakura headed over to her dresser, pulling out her attire for the day before she turned expectantly to Naruto.

''Leave. It's shower time in the Haruno household, and if I so much as catch a glimpse of your ugly mug taking a peek, I will break every bone in your body and send them to Hinata as the decorations for her Christmas tree, you hear?'' He was gone before she had even finished.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*

The day had progressed pleasantly. Having the chance to gather everyone from their youth together in one place was wonderful, and having new friends to share the day with was the icing on the cake. Sakura, noticing Tenten's glum disposition, opted to move their little party to the graveyard, so that they could involve Neji in their festivities as well.

Her chocolate brown eyes, misted over with tears, were deeply grateful, and even though it was cold as high hell, having Neji's presence near was of great comfort to everyone there. He had been a beloved friend and family member, and was sorely missed by them all.

Hinata especially, whose delicate features twisted in sadness as she held Tenten's hand comfortingly, her pale lavender irises returning every so often to gaze forlornly at the name etched into the cold, frostbitten stone. Sakura's heart ached for the both of them, who had loved him so very deeply, in ways that Lee and the rest of their group failed to comprehend.

When the time came to head to the Hokage Mansion for the main festive celebration, their bodies were numbed to the cold, but inside they were warm. Wishing Neji a Merry Christmas was bittersweet, but the soft echo of bells in the distance seemed to be a sign of sentiment reciprocated, and they all left with spirits uplifted.

Tenten had since become more talkative, openly reminiscing on the days spent in the festive season with her quiet, brooding lover. They all listened attentively, sometimes adding onto her stories with footnotes of their own, and Sakura smiled softly as she watched Tenten laugh without restraint. She had taken his death so badly, but had internalised it until after the war had been won. Only then did she allow herself to crumble in her devastation, and it had taken her until then to show signs of healing.

Finally, she could learn to live her life without his loss constantly weighing her down. She could focus on the beautiful memories that she had shared with him, and remember him as she knew him, and that was what they had all been sincerely waiting for. Her heart bled for the loss of such a wonderful and devoted friend and ninja, and even more so for the lover and family that he had left behind.

A part of her felt guilty for not having done anything more to save him. Perhaps if she had tried harder, he would still be among them, smiling quietly as he held onto Tenten's hand and walked alongside them.

But it was an unreasonable sense of guilt, one that came from love and heartache, and not from the crux of his death itself. She could do no more for him than anyone else could have. His death was a tragedy that was unavoidable, and would live in their hearts and minds forever. But living with him inside of them... that was the one way that he could continue to live on, and so they held on with steadfast determination.

After arriving at the Mansion, they were bombarded with glittering tinsel and alcohol embellished by the sparkling fairy lights that danced suggestively against the slivers of exposed flesh and atop the watery surfaces of their beverages. Sakura found herself at the window of Kakashi's large office, peering out into the darkness that had settled in the early afternoon, which hosted the promise of a long night of partying hard. The blanket of lapis lazuli that coated the sky twinkled incandescently, and Sakura longed for a meteor shower.

She had more wishes to waste on the temptress called Time.

Naruto slipped through the crowd, making his way over to her still profile; she watched his form mirrored on the glassy surface, eyes thoughtful as she noticed the rising tension mounting in his features. Looks like the time is just about right.

''How about some liquid courage before you chicken out?'' Sakura intoned with a smirk as he settled alongside her, wringing away the tension in his hands on a defenseless napkin in the process of unwinding from his anxieties.

''Not funny, Sakura-chan.'' He interjected snarkily, the tremor in his voice enough to take away the edge of his retort. ''Look, I'm sorry. It's just... ugh, I dunno. If I fuck this up, I'll never live it down, and if I take even a sip of sake, I know I'll lose my nerve and screw my chances completely.'' Naruto explained softly, his blue eyes jittery as they searched the crowd for the lavender eyed goddess he had come to adore so completely. He found her by the punch bowl, talking with Kiba and Shino as they coddled their sensei's daughter.

He returned his gaze to hers, which was sympathetic and ready for dishing out moral support. He smiled briefly, reaching out to link fingers with hers, before he raised his biggest concern of all. ''What if she says no? Sakura-chan, what'll I do then?''

''Naruto, you are the world's biggest moron if you think that she'll ever, for a minute, turn you down. She spent most of her life chasing your shadow, loving you from a distance, and remaining faithful to those feelings unconditionally was her greatest asset. More than anything, all you have to worry about is whether your proposal will lead to one of her famous fainting spells.'' Amusement was clear in her voice when Naruto's eyes widened comically at the realisation that had not occurred to him sooner.

''Oh shit! Well, I'll be there to catch her, 'tebayo! So even if she does, I'll keep holding onto her until she says yes!'' He exclaimed with conviction, pumping his fist in the air for extra emphasis, a huge grin replacing the sour twist to his lips and spreading onto Sakura's face as well. He was so resilient. No setback would ever get the best of him. He just had to think positively, like he always had, and he would do just fine. Sakura believed that with all of her trembling heart.

''Well, I should probably...'' He trailed off suggestively, and Sakura just shoved him away playfully. Moron. Just as he was about to make his way through the large swell of shinobi, however, Naruto stopped, and turned back to face her. Stunned, Sakura could only wonder why he was coming back to her at this crucial moment. The blonde bent over, hand wrapping over hers as he whispered softly into her ear.

''I know it's kinda late, but I left you a present somewhere special. You'd better hop to it. It's cold outside.'' Was all he said, before he planted a soft kiss to her flushed cheek and melted into the crowd. Sakura watched in mute fascination as he tapped Hinata on the shoulder; watched as her features lit up brightly at the sight of his face; watched as he took her hand and excused them from the party. Her mouth was a pretty pull of bittersweet happiness as she saw Naruto peer over his shoulder at her, his thumb coming up as his expression mirrored her own. And then they were gone, and she was brought back to the reality of his words.

''A present, huh? Wonder what the idiot got for me...?'' Somewhere special? Where on earth...? She rolled her eyes. He was always bad at lying. Perhaps he had forgotten her in his panic to find the perfect ring for Hinata, and was trying to buy time to make it up to her? Well, it didn't really matter to her. There was only one thing she truly wanted, and she was prepared to wait the rest of her life before she received it.

Shirking off her negative impressions, Sakura mingled amidst the crowd, observing in absolute fascination as Ino flirted shamelessly with Sai to gay abandon. Sakura knew that he was sweet on the blonde bombshell, but he was yet to stumble upon that conclusion, so for the time being she was content watching him put the pieces together while Ino made her intentions all too clear. Captain Obvious could take a leaflet from her, that's for sure.

A brush against her shoulder and a familiar scent filled her with warmth as she turned her gaze to Kakashi, who watched the festivities with a bored glint in his dark eyes from his position alongside her. He said nothing, just kept her company, which was more than enough to content her heart, shaking with trepidation on behalf of Naruto. ''He'll be fine.'' Was all the once famous copy-nin said, turning his smiling eyes on her before he brushed her cheek affectionately.

''Don't you have somewhere to be?'' He stated blithely, the cryptic gleam of the previous night inflected in his words. Sakura shook her head, unsure as to what he was insinuating. ''Well you look like you're about to run for the hills. How about you take a walk and get some fresh wintry air for a minute or two? You look about as pleased to be around all these people as I am.'' He added emphatically, a chuckle slipping out from beneath his mask before he sauntered away to a place of quietude. He's right, she thought internally. I really do need a break from this.

Sakura huffed out an impatient sigh as she weaved expertly through the clamouring masses, green eyes plastered on the door upon which Naruto had exited only moments prior. How was he doing? Hopefully not badly enough to forever traumatise the poor girl, Sakura mused. No, she was confident in Naruto's ability to convey his feelings to the young Hyuuga woman. He could do this. Kakashi had said so himself, so it had to be true. For both of their sakes.

Crossing her fingers for a miracle, Sakura vacated the premises, opting to take a stroll through the heart of the village where she could really clear her head. Avoiding the outdoor celebrations was hard, as there were so many, which meant that she was led down the only path that cut directly through New Tanami Bridge and rounded off at the village gates. Sakura took a leisurely pace, pulling her thin woollen cardigan closer to her body. Perhaps she should have brought her coat with her. In that thin scarlet dress and leggings that were emphasised by knee-length boots, Sakura was freezing her tits off.

Definitely should have brought my coat, she moaned despairingly, rubbing her arms in a feeble attempt to stave off the cold. Naturally, her efforts of friction were feeble at best, and the hairs on her arms and neck only rose further in protest to the prickly cold nipping at her from every angle.

''Urgh...'' Sakura grunted softly, her exhalation glittering like a misty cloud of diamonds in the soft moonlight overhead. It was snowing softly, and the thick crunch of it underfoot was hugely unpleasant, as the cold seeped through to her woolly-clad feet, and she wished that she had worn another layer for just this reason.

''Ironic that I'm supposedly so intelligent, and yet I am under-dressed for the weather.'' She grunted tersely, a derisive sneer lifting at her plush lips as she let slip another shuttered breath, the sound of snow parting beneath her feet and her even breaths filling the muted silence of her surroundings. Already the commotion within the city had become a muffled buzz in the backdrop, and Sakura relished in the tranquility that came with it.

Finally, a place to escape the droning thoughts of yearning that had plagued her for so long! In that moment, Sakura finally realised just how tired she was; drained dry of her composure, it was all she could do to keep herself from bursting into tears. She had so many things, so many people, to be grateful and happy about in her life, and yet even so, she couldn't help but feel bereft as desolation crept up on her from the shadows. She missed him terribly, there was no doubt about it. But even so, it was pathetic to hold onto wishful thinking. Shooting stars are not a promise, she screamed internally, and for once, her Inner was blessedly quiet. Don't house unrealistic expectations! It isn't fair on him, nor me.

Unwittingly, tears filled her eyes, and she blinked them away, allowing the bitter chill to absolve them from her. She would not be weak. He would be ashamed of her if she was anything less than a pillar of strength in the wake of his absence. She didn't want him to witness her weakness. Never again. Sighing and shaking off the emotion with a jerk of her whole body, Sakura opened her eyes, blinking away the pesky water sprites that were clinging to her vision and blotting out the moonlit path in front of her.

Funny, how she tried and failed to be resolute at the crucial moments. Or so she thought. When she went to forcefully wipe at her eyes, she found them blessedly dry. Her path, however, was filled with shadow. It didn't help that the moon was obscured behind clouds. She held her breath, and peered into the gloom ahead. Although it was dark, it was clear that in the distance, there was a black stain that overlapped the shadows, casting a deeper darkness that extended its reaches to the tips of her toes.

Try as she might, the stain had no form from this distance, and thus she could not discern what was unfolding before her eyes. She took a hesitant step forward, pronounced by the sound of her boots scraping against the stone pathway at her feet where the snow had yet to fully cover. The sound echoed, and whatever was in the darkness had stilled. Her eyes could not discern any features, but it was big anyhow. Naruto's words fluttered to mind. I left you a present. Perhaps this was it? It made some sense, after all. Taking the path that gave her the best chance at a reprieve was only one feature that the blonde must have designed in this little scheme of his.

And it looked as if Kakashi was in on it too. Why else would her lazy sensei advise her to leave the party, unattended, and in the cold no less, unless there was something to be gained from it? Rolling her pretty green eyes, Sakura huffed an amused smile at their collective ingenuity.

Well they had gotten her mind off of other matters. That counted for something. A loud, reverberating echo rang out in the din, and it was only then that she realised that it had been a footstep. Was it hers?

Surely not. She didn't recall moving―

Another step. And another. Slow and unhurried, the steps approached, bringing the dark shadow into the light that cacooned Sakura's shrinking figure. She was confident that she could handle a threat should the need arise, but in her current outfit, it would be... difficult. But none of that seemed to matter, the closer the person, easily male, came; closing the distance between them.

And when they finally stepped into the light, Sakura's breath caught in her throat. You'd better hop to it. It's cold outside. Don't you have somewhere to be? Get some air. A multitude of voices filled her mind, drowning out her own thoughts as she gaped at the dark stain that had been plaguing her thoughts for the last two and a half years.

A heartbreakingly beautiful face stared back at her, expression neutral but expressive never the less. He was clearly amused, flickering merth dancing in his heated onyx orbs as he held her gaze with an intensity that could smoulder through metal without issue or qualm. His lips parted, but he paused, watching Sakura fumble for words that were clearly escaping the reach of her tongue.

There was so much to say, too much. Sakura didn't even know where to begin. A garbling sound resembling a flustered puppy's whine was all she could physically omit, her mind still catching up with her out of body experience. This was real. He was real. She unconsciously reached out with a trembling hand, pressing it hesitantly against the solid build of his chest. His heart thrummed slowly beneath her palm, and she curled her fingers into the coarse warmth of his shirt in response.

''Sasuke...-kun...?'' He inclined his head in affirmation, the slightness of the movement so very him that tears sprung into her eyes, unbidden, once more.

''You're really here...?'' Sasuke nodded, eyes carefully exploring the familiar yet changed features of his female team mate. She had grown up. With a perfunctory glance down at the rest of her, Sasuke concluded to himself that yes, she really had grown a lot in his absence.

As had he. In Sakura's eyes, he had become so painfully handsome that her whole body ached the longer she looked at him. It didn't seem fair that one man could be so blindingly perfect in every way, but she couldn't complain; only stand there in absolute awe of his realness.

Sasuke watched as her green eyes glistened with tears unshed as she gazed up at him with her neck craned; he had grown immensely tall, much taller than Naruto, and certainly taller than their sensei. It hit her then, in that moment, that he was now a man. Not a child turned teenager ridden with sorrow and profound hatred, a thirst for vengeance and bloodlust, but a young man, who had shed the shell of his youth and become an exceptional Adonis.

And here she was, as short and homely as ever in comparison. Never the less... all thoughts fell away when he leaned closer to her, peering into her face as if truly fascinated with what he had found there. She could scarcely breathe. So startled was she at his presence and his current proximity that she blurted out the first thing that came to mind. ''If you're my Christmas present, then where's the pretty wrapping paper?''

His expression morphed into stunned surprise at her strangely bold question, before the ghost of a smile tugged furtively at the stubborn pull of his lips, and a reverberating chuckle filled the air between them, the tenor deep and smooth like satin against silk.

''It got lost in courier. I told the dobe that it was better to travel express, but he's surprisingly uptight. Said that my own natural wrapping was as good as any.''

Sakura bit her lip in surprise at his joke, stunned that he had the good humour to share it with her so casually, before she threw her arms around his neck and laughed. Her laughter turned into sobs when his sole hand came to rest upon the small of her back, holding her to him in blissful rapture, and she clung fast to his craning figure, which had dipped down to accommodate for her lack of height.

''Looks like my wish finally came true...'' Sakura mumbled into the crook of his neck, Sasuke pulling back to look at her questioningly. When she merely brushed it off as ''It's nothing,'' he held her gaze for a precious moment, before he raised his right hand, pressing his fore and middle fingers to the centre of her forehead against the dark diamond that rested there, mirroring the affectionate gesture of his departure nearly three years ago.

Her cheeks flushed prettily under his hooded gaze, and under the lapis lazuli stained sky, he smiled for her.

''I'm home.''

*.*.*.*.*.*.*

Ending Remarks: Well, how about that. I go in to write a drabble, and out comes a fucking novella. Whoops? Uh, so yeah, I suck at this anthology thing, but I will do my very best to post a new one every day for the remainder of this month. (:

Hopefully, they won't turn out as long-winded as this one did. Never the less, I loved writing the fluff, as progressively as it appears, so please excuse me while I go flail over the ships~~ *^*

Please do drop me a review! Look forward to the next one!

-x-Rin-x-