Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable Naruto characters, settings, etc. are the property of Masashi Kishimoto and Shueisha Inc. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended. AKA I don't own Naruto!!

A Winter Solstice

They were beautiful, the lights that decorated the various poles, buildings and shrines that surrounded the hidden village of the leaf. They shimmered through the darkness, making the dead of night a bit more tolerable to those whom walked alone in them.

Uzumaki Naruto was one of those people.

During of this time of the season, the villagers would spend time with their loved ones, huddled around their living quarters, laughing and chattering about events that had happened during the year. Naruto wasn't so lucky, being that he really never had a family to speak of. Naruto signed as he sunk deeper in his warmer coat. The black and orange jumpsuit he normally wore was nice, but couldn't beat the warmth of that winter coat he was wearing now. At least Iruka had the common sense to give the boy a warmer coat this year before he'd left.

At least Ichiraku had been open. The old man had seemed to be expecting Naruto, as it was tradition for him and Iruka to visit the Ramen bar, but seemed dismayed to see Naruto alone. Regardless of the slight let down, he cheerfully chatted with the young boy, and even slipped him a second set of noodles free of charge.

For once Naruto, the ramen eating machine, had only finished at two bowls. He had paid for his bill, and had set off walking along the streets of Konoha. Lost in thought, he found himself wandering to the bridge. The young boy smiled faintly, though it was a bit forced. The bridge held so many memories, from waiting for the (still) ever late Kakashi–sensei, to trading verbal barbs with the Uchiha protégée, and especially of the love of his life: Sakura.

Hopping up on the edge of the bridge, he dangled his feet over the edge, looking over the frozen surface. It was funny, he could see the dim reflection of the lights that hung over the top landscape of the bridge. He'd squint his eyes, giving himself a rather fox like appearance, a clear patch of the ice showing his face staring back at him.

How long had it been since he was simply the loud mouth hyperactive blonde brat?

Things changed quickly, now he was a respected ninja (at least from those whom counted in his humble opinion). He still was loud mouthed and hyperactive, and of course blonde, but it had toned down over the years. The life of a ninja was a harsh one, and was even more so when you were the container for one of the most feared and powerful demons known.

Naruto was startled from his thoughts by a rustling nearby. Hoping off the bridge, even his acute ninja senses failed to notice the flash of red and pink that came barreling into him. A grunt was made as the wind was knocked out of him, and he was sent tumbling back to land head first in a deep snow bank.

Swearing in words that would make even Gaara of the Sand blush, he turned around to face his tormentor, then blinked his sea blue eyes, tilting his head once more.

"Sakura-Chan? What are you doing here? Did you happen to see the person that just ran passed me...?"

His words where cut off as she thumped him on the head again, driving him headfirst again in the snow bank. Huffing lightly, she brushed herself off, taking special care to remove the snow from her crimson red overcoat. The kunoichi shook her head and helped him up again.

"Naruto no baka, that person that YOU ran into was me!!"

Haruno Sakura signed as she looked at the spilled goods that were scattered about the bridge. She leaned over to start gathering them up, and noted the blonde was helping her out with this. Gathering the remaining items up, the two placed them in the battered brown bag. Pausing, Sakura took a moment to study him; he appeared to be adjusting to the cold about as well as everyone else. Cold weather wasn't something common to the land of fire, so Sakura always found it interesting to see what people wore. No surprise that the bo-…er, young man in front of her was wearing orange. Looking back to his face, she offered him a smile, which he returned with that goofy grin and rubbed the back of his head.

"Sorry about that Sakura-Chan, I'll just have look were I'm going next time." With that he moved to return to the bridge, hopping to the side and leaning over it once more.

Now normally, old Sakura would have left it at that, but this wasn't the old Sakura. This was the new, insanely strong, 'I just whipped an Akatsuki member's ass and I know Naruto's secret' Sakura. Deciding it was cold enough to keep her groceries from spoiling, she moved over to her teammate, setting down the bag of groceries and hopping on the bridge next to him.

A lot had changed since the boy before had told her about the demon sealed inside him. She finally realized how strong he really was, how he'd kept himself unchanged in a village that had treated him as an outsider. Respect had slowly developed into love, and the times she found herself thinking about smooches with the Kyubi container became more frequent. After learning of the death of Asuma, she had finally had enough time thinking and she had stolen her first kiss from the boy. It had been hot and passionate, as Naruto was still hot and sweaty from his training. Somehow that only enhanced his hottie factor.

The boy was simply just a hot piece of ass, or, correction, her hot piece of ass. Shannaro!!

Hell the girl pretty much had thrown herself at him, bruising his lips with her intensity (AN: Sakura intense…nooo). She had straddled him in the dirty field with Yamato-taichou knowingly watching. But, she knew inside that this was just right! Naruto was always there for her, now it was her time turn to save him. Judging from the boys downcast look, now looked like one of those times for Sakura-Chan to come to the rescue.

"Ok Naruto, why are you out here alone? Isn't Iruka-sensei supposed to be spending some time with you?"

Sakura knew the blonde shinobi and his teacher often spent days like this together.

She didn't even get a glance from Naruto, whom was staring out over the frozen river with a thoughtful look in his eyes, as he flicked off a stray piece of snow from his black pant legs.

"Iruka-sensei had a mission in the land of waves he needed to go to. We both know the village still needs to take missions."

He didn't show it, but she could tell in the tone of his voice that he was upset.

Well that was about to change!

A mischievous grin slipped over the pink-haired girls lips. Oh she'd cheer him up alright! Reaching into her bag, she produced a hint of mistletoe. The pink haired medic reached up and dangled the plant over her and Naruto then proceeded to grab the blonde's head, and force her lips against his. Naruto's eye's shot open in surprise, but then rolled back some as he closed them once more, enjoying the kiss. Sakura ran her fingers through his hair, and pulled him down firmly to deepen the kiss.

He tasted like ramen, she noted faintly. It really wasn't surprising he had visited his favorite restaurant even at this time of year. She'd inhaled his scent, musky and strong just like the body himself. Sakura squealed as his hands found their way around her waist, lifting her to rest in his lap. Normally two people sitting on a bridge, and straddling one another would be a very unbalanced situation. These were leaf ninja though, so balancing one another's weight was quite easy.

The two broke apart and the blonde stared at the pink haired girl for a few moments before speaking. "Sakura-Chan, if you really wanted me to see my future mother-in-law, all you had to do was ask."

Naruto laughed as he ducked under Sakura fist, catching her up and kissing her lips once more. It may have been pitch black outside, but the light that shone in these lovers' hearts would fear no darkness.

0o0o0o0

So how was it that only a few moments ago Uzumaki Naruto had down trodden, cold, and expecting to spend this time of year by himself?

Curled up in a ball of misery, with a cup of ramen at his side, and some corny kung-fu flick on the tube would have been the extent of his Christmas. Oh how that had changed, for now he walked side by side with the blossom. Had there ever been a reason for that goofy grin to be plastered across his face, this was definitely the time! He felt her shiver, as she leaned closer to him. The scent of her fragranced hair struck his sensitive nostrils. She smelled like her namesake, like fresh sakura blossoms in full bloom. It was a smell he always associated with her, and it was a comfort to him so he pressed back against her.

Sakura felt her frame pressed his, possibly due to the cold weather, but she knew it was more than that. It was needy nature, plain and simple. Not in the sense that he was a replacement, more in the sense he was that pillar of strength she knew she could always depend on. He'd never leave her for power, he'd never hurt her to further his ambition, and he'd never let her down. He'd fought for his affection for her, and because of this she had become smitten with him.

As a gust of wind caught up, she'd turn to him, those dark jade eyes staring up at him. His features had changed quite a bit, as he'd grown into adulthood. No longer the runt of the litter, he'd grown far taller then most of their class, and had lost a lot of the baby fat he once had rounding his cheeks and chin. He was still sometimes the loudmouth, but he no longer went around starting fights and making irrational claims.

The more she got to know this loveable dobe, the more she loved him. He'd never given up his dreams, even though everyone told him it was impossible. She loved that after all he'd been through, the pain of the treatment of the villagers, the loneliness he had suffered, that he still was Naruto. She learned how to never trust his smile, and always look him in the eyes when he was talking to you. Those deep sea blues were the windows to his soul. He smiled, even when he was pained inside. The smile he gave her now was a genuine one, as those lips curled into a crooked little smile.

Those lips, yes they deserved to be kissed, as she grabbed that messed blonde hair dragging him down for a kiss. Her warm lips pressed against his own, as she found herself the aggressor again. He was like her drug; she couldn't cut herself off, and never could get enough. She always controlled her intake though, sometimes leaving poor Naruto's lips to pout due to their un-kissed status.

Naruto shifted his hands around her waist to pull her closer to him and she purred into his lips in response. She enjoyed his closeness because he was always so warm and inviting. The warmth wasn't just limited to his feelings to her, but his body was a heat generator. All of Konoha's ninja where said to have a will of fire, but Naruto was one of the few she could say had this both in mental and physical capacity. One could lose all thoughts and place in that embrace.

Sakura shivered, as she opened her eyes. Another flick of cold hit her nose, and she broke off the kiss with Naruto. The pink haired kunoichi looked skywards, and her smile widened.

"Naruto look up! It's snowing again."

Tilting his head up, and let out another cheeky grin. He stuck out his tongue, trying to catch some of the falling flakes. Sakura laughed at his antics as she watched him. He still had those childish moments. Even after the bloodshed he had been through, he hadn't hardened because of it.

"Naruto! Save room for later, my mom's a great cook!"

Naruto's attentions would shift down, and that hand would come up and rub the back of his neck, finger curling upon that fur like hair.

"Sakura-Chan, are you sure that your mom's going to be ok with-"

Sakura cut him off as she smiled that warm smile to her loveable dobe, that smooth expression calming his nerves.

"It doesn't matter Naruto. If my mom won't have you…we'll just have eat at your place."

Her response brought a confused look from the Jinchūriki. "

But Sakura-Chan I don't have any food at my place".

This only brought a giggle from Sakura as she leaned up and kissed those whiskered cheeks, bringing a slight groan from Naruto. She'd found out that those whiskers could be quite sensitive.

His face lit up as she grinned slyly and replied, "I know, baka."

0o0o0o0

"Mom, I'm home!!" Sakura called out to the household, announcing her presence.

Haruno Yori looked up from her work, wiping her hands on her apron as she moved to greet her daughter with a smile. That quickly changed to a thin line as she saw whom her daughter was with.

"Welcome home Sakura….Naruto….it's a surprise to see you."

Sakura's attention turned from her mother to Naruto. The youth seemed to be shuffling his feet some, looking down to the ground as he slid off his shoes and coat before entering. That gaze continued to look at the floor as if hoping some black void would open in the carpet and swallow him whole. Sakura lightly coughed in to her hand and elbowed the brooding ninja.

"Naruto why don't' you have a seat on the couch and warm up by the fireplace."

Now Naruto wasn't the sharpest kunai in the drawer, but he could take a hint. He stepped out of view of the two Haruno women.

Sakura, seeming satisfied that he was out of ear-shot, turned to face her mother, hands on her hips. "Ok mom, we've been over this…Naruto is a good person…he's not the nine tailed fox…."

Sakura scowled as her mother turned back to kneading the dough, cutting her daughter. "Sakura …I know, and the Hokage trusts him enough…it's just hard…"

Sakura sighed, and moved over to stand next to her mother. "He won't hurt me...and I trust him."

Sakura would leave it at that, and decided to see what Naruto was up to. Peering into the other room, she found him curled up against the front of the couch, sitting on the floor with his legs crossed over one another. The flicker flames highlighted those toned muscles though his black tank top. He seemed to be intently looking at the flickering flames of the fireplace. Sakura slipped up on the couch behind him, her fingers moving to slide over his neck, and curling into his wild blonde tresses. She heard his hum of delight, leaning back, those deep blues covered by his closing lids. Tugging at his tresses some, she sat there, as he leaned his head back against her thighs.

"Ne, Sakura-Chan….you're warm…" His eye's opened slightly as he looked up at her. "Sakura…I don't wanna be a bother..."

She silenced him with a finger to his lips. He looked perplexed for a moment but then his expression changed to adorably cute as he went crossed eyed looking at her finger. She giggled again as she ruffled his hair before looking at the fire again. She felt him leaning his cheek against her red vest, burying his head in her chest to obtain a more comfortable position.

Little did either of them notice, despite the fact they were well trained ninja (AN: go figure), that Sakura's mother had been eavesdropping. Yori was not a cruel person, and in truth she'd been much kinder to the boy then most. Even more so her toleration had grown for the boy, due to the growing closeness between Naruto and her daughter. She supposed it couldn't be helped. At least Naruto wasn't the type to be driven by the lust for power like the Uchiha had. Yori sighed, stepping into the room with a pot of tea.

The appearance of Sakura's mother catching them in a rather imitate embrace startled Naruto. Sakura on the other hand took no mind of it, and clutched those stray blonde threads in her fingers. This of course forced a squeak from him, but kept him in place. It was almost like Sakura was daring her say something. Naruto felt hesitant, wondering if he should risk losing some hair, rather then get in middle of the title fight of the Haruno clan.

Yori frowned at her daughter's brashness, but merely dismissed it. Yori found herself lost in memories, of how her family didn't approve of her husband Matsu. Once the family had got to know the merchant, they'd found him very intelligent, and very respectful. With her father's consent she'd married Matsu, and he had become part of the Haruno clan.

So how was this any different? Despite being the demon container for the Nine Tails, Naruto had proven to be a reliable person. He seemed very dedicated to the village, and more so to her daughters safety. The story of Naruto defeating Gaara of the Sand had not been lost on her. He also never lusted for power, unlike the Uchiha progeny. Naruto's need for power was only to help guard those around him, and to bring back the wayward Uchiha Sasuke. He sought to protect, and that was an admiral trait.

Well it was time to test this youth's resolve.

"So Naruto…is your goal still to be Hokage?" she asked with a slight smirk.

Sakura's jade greens darkened and narrowed. Was her mother mocking Naruto's dreams? How dare she do something like that! She was about to quip some retort, but Naruto beat her response.

"Hai Haruno-san, it is my goal to become the Hokage. That's never changed…even though I'm still a genin." Naruto replied with the fiery determination that made Sakura quiver each time she heard it.

The effect didn't seem to phase Yori one bit, but then again Sakura's mother had always been good at hiding her emotions. Leaning down and taking a sip of her tea, she peered over the rim at the blonde ninja. Sakura noticed her mother was stalling, either to let the point sink in, or just to stretch the moment out.

Finally Yori spoke.

"As a Hokage, you must do what is necessary, without hesitation…are you willing to do that Naruto?"

Yori just loved baiting this one; she could see the anger slowly rising in her daughter, oh wasn't she in for a surprise. Naruto's eye's looked downcast a moment, but only for a brief one, before he looked back up. Those sea blue eyes looked directly into Yori's greens without hesitation in his reply.

"Hai Haruno-san…if it's to protect those most precious to me…and the Village…" Naruto replied with a bit of a dark undertone.

"And are you willing to serve its villagers?" she asked next.

"Of course!" Naruto answered quickly, his eyes showing determination.

"Good…then you'll finish making those cookies in the other room." Yori replied simply.

That brought surprised expressions from both Naruto and Sakura. That certainly was not the response that either of them had been expecting. Naruto had expected more grilling questions, and Sakura expected some snooty remark from her mother. Neither had been the case. Yori smiled as she set her tea down and spoke further.

"Yes, when Sarutobi-san was younger he used to make cookies for some of the ninja families. If I recall correctly, he also used to make them for the orphanage as well." Yori added with a warm smile.

Naruto blinked slowly, then seeing no hint of anger or deceit in Yori's smile, he offered her a wide grin back. That dark mood that had settled only a few moments prior now had shifted to that of child like wonder. Yori found it amusing how nothing seemed to hold him down for long, even with his shifting moods.

"I remember cookies being sent to the orphanage, and even recall getting a big bright orange one every year. I think that's why it became my favorite color…it was one of those good memories I had from there." Naruto chimed in as he offered a sheepish grin, his fingers coming up to rub against the back of his head. He blinked, suddenly remembering he was going to have to bake the Haruno's cookies.

Sakura smiled as she leaned down to rub her fingers over Naruto's. She tried to hide her giggles in Naruto's hair, but one could see she was failing miserably. Yori's smile took on a cheshire appearance, as she watched Sakura torment Naruto. Yori was sure of that; she'd seen that before, well from an outside looking in perspective. She had acted similar to this when she was with Matsu. It was for that reason she decided that Naruto shouldn't suffer alone.

"It's good you find this so funny Sakura. Being as this will be his first time making cookies as a Hokage, he'll need some expert help" Yuri chimed in as she stared down her daughter. "After all, you were Sarutobi-san's faithful helper!"

Sakura blinked, her face started to redden with embarrassment. Not only had she been put on the spot, but her little secret was out. She'd long been trying to convince Naruto she was far from the housewife type.

Naruto tilted his head back up to her, and started to snicker. "So that's why the other girls didn't like you…" Naruto said thoughtfully, then added with a grin, "Don't' worry Sakura-Chan, I'm sure you look sexy in an apron!"

Sakura would shut him up with an elbow to his head, dropping him to the ground with a thud. Cursing under her breath as she'd made her way into the kitchen. Yori would find a tremble of laughter coming to her lips watching as he pulled himself to his feet, and head after her in the kitchen. His pride was the only thing damaged.

0o0o0o0

Yori was no stranger to her daughters cursing, though she thought she heard a bit less of it then normal. Still there were moments were she mused lightly if it was such a good idea to allow the Fifth Hokage to have granted her daughter such monstrous strength. Considering it was cold out, a large hole in the house would add a considerable draft. Being it was a few hours later, Yori took a peek into the kitchen. What she found was of great amusement to her.

Naruto was busy lifting the cookies from the cooling pan, while Sakura had started cleaning the pans off.

Now why would she find a scene like this humorous?

Well considering there was more flour over Naruto's face than was, most likely, in the cookies was one reason. The second was the seeing the once vehemently denying anti house wife of a daughter doing dishes.

Oh a picture was worth one thousand words indeed.

"Naruto….since they are your cookies, you can do what you want with them. Though I'm sure you should ask your cooking partner what she would like to do. Now this old woman is going to bed. Don't stay out too late Sakura." Yori added as an afterthought as she headed upstairs.

Naruto didn't seem to notice, though Sakura's eye twitched with her mothers last remark. She was about to give Naruto grief for her mothers saying, when she noticed his arms around her waist, as he leaned close to her. His hot breath on her ear sent a shiver down her spine.

Leaning back slowly she tilted her eyes in his direction and spoke with a low growl, "You could help you know…" She shifted as she felt his hands making hand signals against her waist

"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu" Naruto spoke, but not in the loud mouth method he normally announced it with.

With a poof of smoke, two clones appeared next to Naruto. Pulling Sakura away from the sink, the couple watched as the Naruto clones went to work. Naruto let her go only to take the bags of cookies, and slip then under his arm. He nipped her ear, whispering to her where she wanted to take the cookies, and then let her go. Sakura only smiled as she moved to gather her coat. Turning to the door, she found Naruto already waiting outside the door for her.

New traditions were made to continue old ones.

0o0o0o0

It had been a long time since the children of the orphanage had gotten sweets delivered at Christmas. Several years ago, the older children could remember, a jolly old man with a grizzled beard had handed out cookies. He was kind hearted, and had spent time with the children reading stories from the worn books that littered the bookcase till the wee hours of the night. Ever since the attack on Konoha however, the jolly old man hadn't been around to see them. There was one time were a blonde woman had come in, but she'd been red in the face and hiccupping the entire time.

This year, though, had felt like old times. Sure it wasn't a jolly old bearded man, but the blonde man with the brightly colored coat did just as good. He even seemed more excitable then the old man, and he waved his hands around in wild gestures as he described the story to them.

Another change was the pretty lady that came with the man this time. Anoko, one of the children, said she knew her from the hospital. The little girl had gone there after skinning up her knee really bad, and the beautiful pink haired lady had been so nice! The medic had made her giggle, and she had forgotten all about her hurt knee. It was only natural that Anoko had found herself a spot on the nice lady's lap and had fallen asleep there.

Even though he'd told the stories and brought them cookies, the blonde man had insisted on tucking each one of them in. He spoke special words to each one of them; some he told they'd make great ninja, and some he told they had a will of fire, and some he told them to believe in themselves. These were Konoha's forgotten children, and he wanted them to feel loved and wanted. It wasn't surprising that each one of those kids fell asleep soundly; with their dreams strengthened from the funny man in the orange coat.

Sakura and Naruto walked outside the orphanage arm in arm. Naruto looked tired, but very pleased. Sakura could only smile knowingly; no amount of training or winning could compare to the accomplishment she felt right now.

Sakura turned to Naruto, stopping him at the edge of the steps. Confused, Naruto turned to her. He wondered briefly if she was going to give him a hard time for being so loud.

As she pointed upwards, Naruto's deep blues followed her direction and his grin widened. He felt those strong hands wrap around and draw him into her. Placing a solid kiss on those rough lips, Sakura pressed against Naruto with a fiery passion that could warm both teens during the cold night. Barriers had been broken, assumptions changed, and cheer had been spread.

All that was left was them, the mistletoe, and their own little winter solstice.

0o0o0o0

Author's notes: Holy crap on a stick! I finally pumped one of my stories out. This is my first attempt in a really long time to write a story. Normally I write in poem format, but this time, I wanted to try something different.

This fiction was written for the Great Heaven and Earth Fanfic/Fanart Contest II: Holiday Edition. The keyword used in this one was mistletoe, though there were a few other keywords used.

Little mention of Sasuke yes I know, because I don't like him. I do admit I did lift two things from the fanfic "Experiments". That is Sakura parent's names. For the life of me I couldn't find their names online! I searched Google and Wikipedia! So there, I'm a thief!

I also want to clear up any concern about Yori accepting Naruto right off the bat. She hasn't fully accepted him, but she's starting to shine up to him. You really think I'm going to let something as important as that get cleared up in just a one shot?!

I wanna give a shout out to Ashleyroit whom helped beta the first part of the fic.

I wanna give a BIG shout out to Miss Soupy whom beta-read the rest of it! I couldn't have done this without you! Not to mention your nagging and bugging me to finish it!