When Worlds Collide

Chapter 4 – Christmas With the Akatsuki

Chapter Summary: Christmas is near, and Chiaki realizes that the boys don't know what Christmas is! And also, a special guest shows up during the holiday! Who might this visitor be? This is one heck of a Christmas everyone won't surely forget!

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Currently listening to: "Down" by Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne (so awesome^^)

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Me: Hey guys! Sorry if it took me ages to update. I didn't finish the latest-chapter-to-be on time for the setting, and I wouldn't want you, my precious readers, to read a Halloween story (WWC-style) in the middle of November, right? It's just too wrong!

Chiaki: Yeah. And she also had to earn money to buy a new laptop since hers was stolen!

Me: Yep. Sad story.

-Tsk. I had to miss a few days of school because I overworked and had the flu.

-I'll be out of your hairs this holiday season because I'm going back to the Philippines to visit my grandparents. I should be back by January or so. And in case you're wondering, I'm a pureblooded vampire… I meant, pureblooded Filipino. (Stupid addiction to Vampire Knight!!!) But I have lived here for 6 years (We moved here when I was 13), and I'm currently an American citizen. (Proud to be Fil-Am!!! :D)

-And I'd also like to thank my lil sis Momo-chan for taking over my account while I was gone. Thanks sis!

Momo-chan: Thanks for all your reviews, people!!!

Wish me luck~! And I'll try to bring presents. ^^

And, as an early Christmas gift (and a token of forgiveness for updating late), I'm making this chapter a thousand words longer than my usual length of chapter (which is at least 3,000 words)!!!

I'll also post the names of those who review.

So yeah, I love you guys like that.

Well, I'm getting off-topic so I'll just have Zetsu disclaim this story!

Zetsu: Disclaimed. Can I borrow your iPod?

Me: O_O Uhh.. Sure. Yeah. Well, roll the chapter~!

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Haruka walked home holding a shopping bag in one arm as the cold December breeze passes by. She shivered, hugging the bag and picked up her pace.

Once she reached Chiaki's doorstep, she hurriedly opened the door and rushed in. She dropped the bag and closed the door behind her.

"Guys! I'm home!" she called out to her friends.

"Oh Haruka! Thank goodness you're here! I need help with supper and I forgot to buy potatoes! Dinner is due in 30 minutes and I can't leave the other dishes! What do I do?" Tsukasa panicked, her voice coming from the kitchen.

"Don't worry, Tsukasa, I got it all right here," Haruka assured her, picking up the bag and headed straight to the kitchen.

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Meanwhile Chiaki and Namine were going through the Christmas decors. They hauled out small glass balls of every color and huge wreaths made of plastic leaves.

As Chiaki pulled out a long red ribbon from a huge box, Hidan appeared beside her. "Need help with that?" he asked.

Chiaki grinned. "Sure." She handed the box to Hidan, who just grinned back.

As the three were almost emptying the huge pile of boxes scattered in Chiaki's room, Namine asked, "Chiaki, what about the Christmas tree?"

"We'll just have the boys cut an evergreen tree from the trees in my backyard." She replied. (A/N: "evergreen" – that's my fave word! ^^)

Hidan couldn't help asking, "What's the tree for?"

"It's for the decoration for Christmas," Namine answered.

"Christmas? What the hell is that?" Hidan asked.

The girls looked at each other with surprised looks on their faces. "Seriously, you don't know what Christmas is? Don't you celebrate it?" Chiaki said.

"No. Basically at the Akatsuki, we don't celebrate much, except for birthdays, war victories and such." The albino explained.

"Christmas is near, and the boys don't know what Christmas is?!" Namine exclaimed.

"Hold a meeting," Chiaki instructed her. "We really need it."

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"We're here," Itachi, the last member of the Akatsuki to arrive, announced.

"I know. Please take a seat; I want to discuss a very important matter." Chiaki told him.

As soon as the others were seated comfortably on the couch or on the floor, Chiaki cleared her throat and started, "As you can see, there is a very important event coming up this month, and according to Hidan, it seems that you Akatsuki members don't have a clue about the event, which is Christmas."

"Christmas?" the members echoed, puzzled as they heard the word for the first time.

"Don't worry guys, Christmas is fun! All of us will receive – and give – presents to others! There's also Santa Claus and those adorable little elves who'll be giving us presents when we're asleep! Christmas is also a colourful season, with all the decorations and the Christmas lights hung up in each house. And let's not forget about the "banquet" we'll have during Christmas Eve!" Namine explained.

"Sounds fun, yeah," Deidara commented.

"You bet it is! So do you need more information or are we all clear?" Chiaki asked.

"Tell us more about Christmas, Chiaki-chan! Oh, and Santa Claus! Tobi wants to hear about Santa Claus and the elves!" Tobi giddily answered.

"And those gifts! Are they monetary?" Kakuzu asked with a strange gleam in his eyes.

"Um Chiaki? Can I go back to my house for a while? You know, to check if it's been robbed or something. I also have to clean it up." Namine asked.

"Oh, and I also have to go back to my Nii-kun and attend my part-time job!" Haruka stated.

"Well, I'll have to go shopping for stuff. Be sure to be here by seven for dinner, okay? And Tsukasa, I hope you won't mind looking after the house and the boys, do you?" Chiaki pleaded.

"Not at all," Tsukasa smiled.

"Wait, I'll go with you, Chiaki-hime," Itachi offered, smirking at Hidan who was about to ask her the same thing.

Hidan just glared at Itachi and scowled.

"I'll also accompany Namine-san, if she doesn't mind," Kakuzu announced, who was answered with Namine's sweet and grateful smile. He felt all of his hearts twitch. Tobi, however, looked pissed.

"Bye, guys! Take care!" Tsukasa called out to them as they left the house.

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"Nii-kun! I'm here!" Haruka called out once she reached her house.

"Haruka! What brings you here? Have you eaten dinner?" Kei asked, standing up to greet her.

"Nope, and I shouldn't. Tsukasa'll be mad if I came home with a full stomach. But thanks for the offer." Haruka replied, hanging up her jacket on the coat hanger near the door.

She strode down in front of the TV and sat beside her brother. "Thanks for the part-time job," she said.

Kei smiled at her and replied, "No biggie. I know you're practically begging for money just to buy your precious Sasori a gift this Christmas. I just can't stand seeing my sister on the street clothed with rags, so I offered you a job."

Haruka glared at her and smacked him on the back of his head. "Thanks for your sarcasm and exaggeration. I really needed them. Not."

Kei just rubbed his head and stole the popcorn from Haruka.

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Namine stood in front of her empty mansion, with Kakuzu right behind her. His jaw hit the ground when he saw the size of the house.

"Are you kidding me? This is your house? If I'm not mistaken, you live alone, right? So why the huge place?!" Kakuzu interrogated her.

She just tossed her silky pale blond hair and inserted the key to the lock. "Well, I've had a family right? It's no big deal. We used to make extensions every year, that is, until my parents died and I moved to Chiaki's. Now close your mouth before a fly goes in there," she replied as she took Kakuzu's arm and headed towards the front door.

"Oh dear, the roses have wilted. And so have the daisies! And the strawberries!!! Stupid gardener…" she muttered as she approached her mini-garden.

'She looks so pretty like that, skipping around her garden like a goddess tending to her flowers…' Kakuzu dreamily thought.

"Um, Kakuzu? Kakuzu? Earth-calling-Kakuzu, hello…?" Namine called, waving her hand in front of Kakuzu's face (or mask… O_O?) .

The stitched man blinked a few times, then glanced at Namine, a blush forming on his face. "Um, I'm sorry, I kinda spaced out… Hahaha…" he laughed nervously, hoping that Namine would stop staring at him.

"Would you like to go in?" Namine asked.

"Definitely."

They entered the house with great caution, sensing if there were any intruders. Namine checked the house thoroughly for misplaced or missing items, but apparently she found none.

"Okay, it seems that everything's the same as it is since I le-"

*BLAM!*

The girl screamed, burying her face in Kakuzu's chest. "What was that..?" she asked, her voice shaking and her eyes near tears.

'She sure looks cute when she's scared…' Kakuzu thought as he comforted the girl in his arms. "Shh, Namine. The door just slammed shut, that's all. It's probably a gust or something."

Kakuzu's deep and gentle voice reassured Namine who was shaking with fear. She blushed, but reprimanded herself when she remembered that she likes Tobi. But then again, Kakuzu wasn't bad, either…

She sighed, and leaned further against Kakuzu, who seems to be enjoying every moment of it.

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"Look, Itachi-kun!" Chiaki squealed as she dragged the Uchiha to a nearby candy store. "They're selling choco bunnies!!!"

"Choco bunnies…?" Itachi asked.

"Yeah! They're rabbit-shaped chocolate covered with white frosting! Wait here, I'll buy some."

Itachi watched Chiaki as she purchased the sweets from an old woman.

"She's perfect, even more beautiful than Lady Aphrodite…" he muttered under his breath.

"Young lady, is that your boyfriend outside the door?" the woman at the counter asked Chiaki as she paid for the candy.

Chiaki flustered when the woman mentioned the word 'boyfriend'. "Um, no, he's not…" she replied softly.

"Oh, he isn't…?" the lady questioned. "Well, I'm sure you two would make a great couple, if you want to."

She smiled at the lady as she retrieved her package. "Thank you," she called.

The two walked along the bustling road in the marketplace as the sun set, casting a pinkish-orange color upon the sky.

"The sky… It's beautiful, isn't it?" Chiaki inquired as she stared above, munching on a choco bunny as they walked.

"Yes, I have to say it is." Itachi answered, but in his mind he thought, 'Nothing could ever compare to your beauty, my Hime…'

She fumbled around with her bag and pulled out a small red box. "I almost forgot; this is for you, Itachi-kun!!" she said as she handed the box to him. "I figured that you love sweets, so I bought it for you before I left."

"Yes, that is true. And thank you for the present. So where are we going next?" Itachi inquired as he opened the box just enough to peek in, and found a large choco bunny with a red collar.

"To the Hallmark store, of course!"

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"Thank you for your purchase! Please come again!" Haruka bid the customer goodbye just as the clock struck 6:00 pm. "Whew! Finally, it's time to take a break."

She went to the manager's office and asked if she could leave for a while. She was granted permission.

As she passed by many stalls selling different items for gifts this Christmas, she saw a very familiar face. He had sky blue hair and green eyes, the same shade as Chiaki's but lighter, and had a touch of blue on it. "Kiharu-kun?" she called.

The said man turned around and was surprised when he saw Haruka waving at him. So he walked along to her with a smile on his face. "Haruka-chan! Hola!" he greeted.

"Hey, I thought you moved to Spain long ago…?" Haruka questioned.

"Si, my senorita, but my parents allowed me to spend the Christmas here in Japan," he answered.

"Oh Kiharu! Come on, I've got a surprise for you!!!"

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Haruka and Kiharu entered the Hallmark store silently. They approached a girl and tapped her on the back.

"Yes..?" the girl asked as she turned around. Chiaki frowned when she saw Haruka. "Haruka, don't scare me like that!"

But her eyes grew wide when she saw Haruka's company. "Ki…"

"KIHARU-KUN!!!"

Chiaki glomped Kiharu who was finding it hard to breathe. Haruka just stood there with a smile on her face and Itachi was completely puzzled (and jealous).

"Kiharu! I thought you were in Spain since the sixth grade! Why are you here?!" she asked, bewildered.

"Just visiting, hun," Chiaki glared at him when he said the last word. Itachi stiffened, and Kiharu just smirked and continued, "I haven't got a place to stay at, especially since I don't want to spend all my money on worthless hotels."

"But why?" she inquired.

"You mean, why am I still so hot?" he asked as he wore a manic grin on his face.

"No, asshole," Chiaki frowned, "I meant why did you leave Spain and head here to Japan?"

"Well, I was bored, and I…"

Itachi cleared his throat and said, "Chiaki-chan, do you mind introducing me to your friend…?"

"Oh yeah I forgot! Itachi, this is my cousin imported from Spain, Kiharu Minami," Chiaki introduced. Itachi sighed with relief, to which Haruka found great amusement. "Kiharu, this is my friend, Itachi Uchiha."

"Friend? Not boyfriend?" Kiharu asked.

"Um, no…" she blushed. "Come on, we're going home," she pronounced as she handed the shopping bags to Itachi.

"Chiaki, you and the others go on without me; I'll just continue my shift, okay?" Haruka said.

"Okay, Haruka! Bye!" Chiaki bid her bestfriend goodbye.

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A few minutes later Chiaki, Itachi and Kiharu showed up at the Hirugawa residence. Kiharu looked up to the three-story house, with evergreen trees surrounding the back and small shrubs and bushes at the front. It was painted white with a hint of peach in the front. Mosaic windows tainted with different colors decorated the huge balcony on the second floor. The porch had a long almond brown bench and a swing set. It looked picture-perfect.

"I see your house had gotten bigger since I left, Cuz," he complimented.

"Thanks," Chiaki muttered.

As they entered the front door Chiaki called out, "Tsukasa-chan! We're home!"

"Oh, you're here already! Okarinasai, (sp?)" she greeted. "I see we have a guest! Waiit… Is that Kiharu?!"

"Sure is, Tsukasa," Kiharu grinned.

"Hi Kiharu! Long time no see!!!" Namine exclaimed as she hugged the boy.

"Hi, Namine-chan. You're still pretty, I see," Kiharu said as he affectionately patted the girl's head. Kakuzu growled under his breath, and Tobi looked pissed. Itachi, sensing that he has nothing to do with them anymore, left wordlessly.

"Thanks, Kiki-kun."

"You're welcome, Nana-chan."

"Hey guys, I'm home!" Haruka sang as she came in the doorway.

"Great! It's just 6.30. We still have half an hour to talk about things!" Tsukasa announced.

"And you haven't changed a bit, Tsukasa-san." he complimented. Tsukasa smiled sincerely.

"Hey Chiaki-baka, I heard strange noises," Hidan stated as he went to the blue-haired girl. His expression turned from amused to jealous (slightly) when he saw Chiaki's cousin. "Who's that?" he questioned.

"Tell the others to go to the living room. I'll introduce him later," Chiaki instructed.

Hidan continued to eye the newcomer until he turned to leave.

"Who was that, Chi? Your new boyfriend or something…?" Kiharu asked.

"He's not my boyfriend!!! Argh, I hate it when people ask me that!" Chiaki growled angrily.

When the two got to the living room, they found the others sprawled on or around the couch, looking at them expectantly.

"So guys, um… This is Kiharu, my cousin." Chiaki introduced. A sigh of relief was heard from Hidan. "Kiharu, these are my friends, Sasori, Deidara, Itachi, Zetsu, Kisame, Tobi, Kakuzu, and Hidan. You know the girls, right?" She continued.

"Yeah. We've been classmates in the third grade. Nice to meet ya all," Kiharu said. "So guys, wanna hear some stories about me and my cousin here when we were young?" he asked with a sly grin on his face.

"Oooh, stories!! How young, Kiharu-kun?" Haruka inquired gleefully.

"Um, about when we were five," he replied.

"Five!!! Oh, this should be interesting," Namine said.

"KIHARU, YOU TRAITOR!!! Just try to tell them about that and I'll kick you out of this house this instant!" Chiaki warned.

"And oh, somebody better tie up Chiaki before I start," Kiharu added.

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After Chiaki was tied up securely in a nearby chair, gagged and was guarded by Deidara, Kiharu started to speak.

"Well, all I remember was when Chi-chan here and I used to go out on dates when we were kids. Like one time, when we first met, she bought me an ice cream and brought me to the playground. She asked me what my name was, and she told me hers. After that she wouldn't stop going to my house every afternoon. She also became my first girlfriend! We even bought rings and a teddy bear for our son and named it Taka," Kiharu told them.

"Chiaki what the hell were you thinking?! That was practically incest!!!!" Haruka chided her.

The said girl broke free of her gag and shouted, "We were five!!! I didn't even know he was my cousin back then, for Pete's-"

"Jashin's," Hidan cut in.

Chiaki rolled her eyes and continued, "-sake! What the hell is wrong with you people?!"

"Oh! And I also remember, when we were around seven – we were still "together" back then – my mom and I went to Chiaki's house, her mom introduced me as Chi-chan's cousin – boy, Chiaki was so shocked, the chocolate milk she was drinking practically flew out of her nose!!!" Kiharu reiterated as he laughed hysterically.

The others joined him while Chiaki was practically fuming with anger and embarrassment.

"Kiharu, you sick jerk!!! When I get out of this rope, YOU ARE SO DEAD!!!" she screamed.

"Haha! Just try and get me!" Kiharu stuck out his tongue at her and hid behind the couch.

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After everyone has calmed down, Tsukasa stood up to check the dishes. Haruka, meanwhile, was busy talking to Kiharu.

"Kiharu! I haven't seen you since fifth grade! What happened to you in Spain?" she asked.

"Well, as you can see I've got this great tan, and I'm definitely taller than you now!!" Kiharu answered.

"Oh yeah! You were as pale as a vampire back then! That tan really suits you. And yeah, last time I remember I was a head taller than you!" Haruka chuckled as she reminisced.

"And you, Haruka dear? You're still as childish and naïve as ever," he commented.

Haruka, who was wearing her hair in two high ponytails and was dressed in a pale yellow snow coat with a large picture of a cat on it, definitely looked like a small kid. She even acted like one too, pouting and sulking.

"I am so not childish!" she exclaimed.

Kiharu just smirked.

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After Tsukasa had gathered everyone and ushered them into the dining room, she finally served dinner. Namine helped her in handing out the sandwiches.

"Namine, I don't like the vegetables. Can you pick them off? Please?" Zetsu requested.

"Oh sure, Zetsu. Hand me your sandwich." Namine replied.

Once Kiharu was seated Hidan took the seats beside him. Hidan grinned evilly as he started to interrogate the visitor.

"So Kiharu…" Hidan started. "You said you knew Chiaki since you were kids right? Especially since you two became a couple?" He frowned as he finished his sentence.

"Yeah," Kiharu answered as he munched on his sandwich.

"Any tips on her special interests…? Or maybe her favorite things?" Hidan asked, hoping to get some info about the pretty blue-haired monster.

"What do I get for that?" Kiharu questioned, becoming wary with Hidan's eagerness.

"Hmm…" Hidan wondered as he tapped on his chin. He fished around his wallet to count his money. "How about 50 bucks?" he bargained.

"Deal," Kiharu agreed.

The two talked about who-knows-what as the others ate.

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Itachi stared at Chiaki as she chatted with Namine. He really admired her lengthy midnight blue hair that blended perfectly with the night sky. He loved looking at her emerald green eyes that reminded him of grass during spring. He adored her spunky – and slightly moody – personality; how she manages to make everyone laugh even at the most serious times. To him, she was like the sun that shone through a dark and gloomy sky, a lone star that twinkles the brightest on the night sky. Mere words just couldn't express his love for her.

'Hn,' he thought. 'I could make a poem out of that.'

He stood up and left to work on his masterpiece.

Meanwhile, Chiaki noticed Itachi's abrupt exit and became slightly worried.

"Itachi-kun," she called. The Uchiha turned and looked at her.

"Is something the matter, Itachi?" she asked.

Itachi, his heart fluttering as he heard her silky voice, appreciated Chiaki's concern for him. He smiled and patted her on the head.

"If there's anything that can bother me, my Hime, you can be certain that it won't be you."

With that, he left wordlessly.

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Chiaki blushed, then shrugged and went to continue her decorations for Christmas. She and Itachi had bought lots of Christmas lights, wreaths, ribbons, gift wrappers, food, and the like. She asked helped from Zetsu and Kisame. After an hour they were finished. They stood outside to survey their work.

"Nice job, boys," Chiaki commented.

Kisame just smiled his signature shark-toothed grin, and Zetsu nodded silently, looking pleased with what they have done.

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"It's already the 17th of December. I wonder what I'll get for the boys, and for you guys…" Tsukasa thought out loud.

"Hmm… Say Tsukasa, do you want to come with me to the mall tomorrow? I can help you pick out gifts for the others, and I was hoping you'd do the same to me." Namine suggested.

"Tobi wants to go to the mall! Tobi's never gone to the mall before!" Tobi offered, jumping up and down in front of Namine.

"Okay, okay, Tobi, you can come. But you better stop hopping before Chi-chan sees you!" Namine laughed, and Tsukasa joined her as well.

Hidan, on the other hand, was planning the perfect gift for his blue-haired angel. He was choosing between a silver ring and a cute teddy bear. He spent a lot of time thinking about it when he heard faint music coming from Itachi's bedroom. as he sneaked up to check what the Uchiha was up to, he was surprised when Itachi started singing. He listened for a while then turned around to leave.

'He's good,' he thought. 'But if there's anyone who can impress Chiaki, it would be none other than me.'

With that he proceeded to his own bedroom to practice one of his songs.

ღ×ღ×ღ1 week later (December 24) ღ×ღ×ღ

"Finally! All I've got to do is to wrap up the presents and I'm done!" Chiaki cheered as she laid down the presents she had bought yesterday.

The gang had been working day and night for a week to earn money for their presents. (Well, Chiaki, Kiharu and Namine didn't need to work since they were filthy rich, so they didn't. But they did help the others in their shifts.) After receiving their pay, they raided the mall for gifts.

She went downstairs for a while and saw Tsukasa and Zetsu preparing the decorations for the party to be held tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, Namine, Sasori and Haruka were preparing the food, and Tobi and Deidara were busy tidying up the house.

"Sempai, Tobi is sure this house will be sparkly clean, just like in the commercial! Right, Sempai?" Tobi eagerly asked as he dusted the table in the living room.

"Shut up, un. And stop calling me Sempai!" Deidara angrily retorted.

Chiaki smiled, knowing that the party will be a great success.

ღ×ღ×ღChristmas Dayღ×ღ×ღ

"Merry Christmas, everyone! Now let's get this party started!!!" Kiharu announced.

The gang started opening their gifts from under Chiaki's enormous Christmas tree as the song "Down" by Jay Sean and Lil Wayne was playing.

"It's Taka!!!" Chiaki exclaimed as Kiharu grinned at her. "Thanks, Cuz!" she said as she hugged her cousin.

Sasori approached Haruka as she held up a dress from Tsukasa.

"Hey, Haruka," he called.

Haruka turned around to face him. "Yes?" she asked.

Sasori clutched his present for her behind his back as a small blush formed on his cheeks. "This is for you," he said as he handed a small silver bracelet with a heart carved on it. "I know I used to avoid you like the plague, but the more I got to know you, the more I realized that you were pretty awesome. Merry Christma…"

Haruka silenced him with a kiss on his cheek as she pushed her own gift in his hands. "Merry Christmas to you too, Puppet-chan." she whispered.

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Soon the party was starting to end as the gang were starting to get tired with all the games. Haruka and Tobi were soaked wet with Deidara and Sasori's sudden water gun attack, and Tsukasa and Zetsu were having their own 'private time' in Chiaki's garden. They had lots of fun, but it was time to take a rest.

Chiaki was sitting quietly in the swing set in her porch when a stuffed golden retriever puppy was dropped on her lap. The puppy had a midnight blue collar with her name embroidered on it, and an emerald tag adorned it. She turned around and saw Hidan smiling at her, so she motioned him to sit down behind her.

'You're my shining star, no matter how far you are

You're my guiding light, keeping me safe all through the night

Oooh baby I know you're fine, I know you're mine

And I'm always telling you, I'll never leave your side…'

Hidan stopped singing when he noticed that Chiaki was crying.

"What's the matter? You didn't like the song?! Or maybe my voice was horrible…" he worried.

"N-no, Hidan…" Chiaki smiled as she pulled him to a tight embrace. "Thank you so much. This is the best gift you've given me," she cried.

"I love you, Chiaki. I've always loved you, even though I don't show it most of the time. I like to express my feelings through actions…" he confessed.

Chiaki planted a chaste kiss on his lips then went to go inside. "I'll keep this in my bedroom. Merry Christmas, Hidan."

Hidan was dumbfounded as he touched his lips. "Does that mean that she loves me too…?" he wondered.

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As Chiaki was laying the teddy bear on her bed Itachi entered the bed.

'You're the one and only treasure in my life,

These feelings I can't hide from you, when you're the only one

You're the one and only pleasure in my life

The feeling that goes on and on, when you're the only one…'

Chiaki turned around and saw him standing on her doorway.

"Merry Christmas, my Hime," he said as he put a silver necklace around her neck.

Chiaki gripped the jewellery and smiled. "Thank you. And Merry Christmas to you too," she replied as she kissed Itachi on the cheek.

When Itachi left, Chiaki sat down on her bed, completely puzzled by her situation right now.

'I love them both,' she thought. 'But which of them should I choose…?'

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"So do you guys know what Christmas is now?" Namine asked the boys during breakfast the following day. She was wearing the azure sweater that Kakuzu had bought for her, as well as the pink seashell necklace that Tobi had given her. Kiharu had left last night so he wasn't around anymore.

"Yeah. And I'm looking forward to our next Christmas here, un!" Deidara exclaimed.

"You idiot! I'm sure Leader-sama will be taking us back soon," Sasori scolded.

The room grew silent as realization set in.

"You're going back…?" Haruka asked.

"But we thought you were happy here!" Namine exclaimed.

"Yes, that is true, but we are ninjas, you know. And we're supposed to be fighting enemies and serving our Leader. This is just a punishment for our past mistakes," Itachi explained.

"But don't worry; we had lots of fun with you guys…" Kisame comforted them.

Chiaki started crying silently. Soon the other girls have joined her.

"Aw, don't cry…" Hidan pleaded.

"But you're leaving soon! How can we be happy with that?!" Chiaki shouted.

The room remained silent until they finished their breakfast and Tsukasa started clearing the tables.

Me: There! Done! I hope that made up for all my lack of updates. That was 12 pages long!!!

And veryvery special thanks to Scatter Inner Sakura and wolfsrainrules!! I love you guys!!!

And I'm having a poll on which should Chiaki and Namine choose… Tell me through the reviews, people!

And the next chapter will include your questions for the gang. So start your interrogations (and throw in a few dares, if you want! ;P)

And please don't forget to review. That'll be a very nice present for me this holiday.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Lots of love,

Satsuki-chan :3