It's a Christmas fic! Happy holidays ppl!


Key: Inner (doesn't show up much)
"talking"
'Thinking'

Disclaimer: Don't own.


Ch.1: Christmas Wishes

It was the beginning of December in Konoha; the snow had already started falling. The windows had frosted and everyone was inside their homes, warm and cozy.

"SAKURA-CHAN! I'M FREEZING!"

Well, almost everyone.

Naruto was rubbing his gloved hands together in an effort to keep warm. "Dobe." Naruto glared at the 19-yr-old Uchiha heir. "Shut up, teme. Unlike you, I'm not cold by nature." he said sticking his tongue out childishly.

BONK!

Sakura dusted off her pink mittens as Naruto clutched his head, moaning in pain. "It's your own fault, Naruto. It was your idea to wear only a T-shirt today."

Naruto looked down. It was true. Aside from his black shoes, jeans, and gloves, all he had on was a black T-shirt. "I had to do laundry!" he exclaimed. Sasuke just rolled his eyes.

Yep, Sasuke had come back. He had returned two years ago from Orochimaru, toting the sannin's head with him and collapsing at the gate. After a year of probation and the cold shoulder from all his friends, he was welcomed back. That same year, he accomplished his first goal: killing Itachi.

Sasuke stood in the white snow, the flakes drifting onto his black scarf and sweater. He dusted off his shoulder with a black gloved hand before returning it to the pocket of his black jeans. He kicked a rock with his black boot and looked at Sakura who smiled back.

Their relationship had cooled off. After a few months of dating, they realized that they did love each other, but it wouldn't work out. The love was there, the time wasn't. Now, they were good friends.

Sakura danced in the snow near the mailbox outside of Kakashi's apartment, her pink and white scarf twirling around her. She sneezed and pulled the white coat closer around her and dusted the snow from her jeans and shoes. "I wish he would hurry up," she thought aloud.

"That'll never happen." Sasuke chuckled.

"Yeah, he's been late for everything since we were genin." agreed Naruto.

"Plus, it's been tradition that he's late for this, remember?" said Sasuke.

Sakura sighed and leaned against the mailbox. "I guess you're right."

Naruto sat in the snow beside her. "Hey, what're we doing here again?" he asked earning a kick from the female member of Team 7.

"Naruto! We've been doing this for five years!" she screamed.

"But I keep forgetting! This is tradition too!"

Sakura sighed and chuckled to herself. She tucked a strand of her shoulder length hair behind her ear and smiled. "I guess you're right. Well, every year since we were 14, I got you and sensei to write letters to Santa about what you want for Christmas. You would write ramen, Kakashi would write Icha Icha, and I would ask for Sasuke to come home."

Sasuke blushed at how much she truly cared for him. When he came back, everyone had moved on except for her. 'Although she did hit me when I came out of the hospital.' he thought.

"And when Sasuke came back, he joined our tradition. You and Kakashi wanted the same, but I just wanted Sasuke-kun happy and he wanted Itachi dead."

Sasuke flushed a bit at how bluntly she put it. "Hey, it worked. I did kill him." he murmured in defense.

"With our help, teme!" bellowed Naruto.

"Hn."

Sakura giggled. "Looks like we'll never change."

Naruto shook his head. "I did too! I grew taller and I almost beat teme."

"Because I was sick that day." he replied.

"So?!"

Sakura shook her head. "Besides, I'm telling Santa to give me something else this year."

Sasuke and Sakura stared at Naruto like he grew tentacles. "You're not wishing for ramen this year?" Sakura asked.

"Nope."

"So what are you asking for this year, dobe?"

Naruto looked down developing a sudden interest in the snow beneath him. "Hinata." he murmured.

Sasuke and Sakura smirked mischievously. "Sorry Naruto, we didn't hear you."

"Hinata." he said.

"Come again?"

"I WANT HINATA TO BE MY GIRLFRIEND!" he screamed before slapping his hands over his mouth. "Shit."

Sakura smirked. "I knew it."

"Do you think it'll work? I mean, Santa doesn't really exist. We just do this for fun, right?" asked Naruto unsuredly.

"I wouldn't be so sure, Naruto. I mean, we have Sasuke back and Itachi did die by Sasuke's hands."

"That could be coincidence." said Sasuke. Sakura looked to the starry sky. "He's real, Sasuke." she said smiling.

Sasuke set the topic aside. Ever since he came back, Sakura's unshakable faith in Santa became more solid. "So, teme, what're you wishing for now that Itachi is dead?"

Sasuke shrugged. "I was hoping for the resurrection of my clan."

"You want a girlfriend?" asked the blonde.

"Dobe. Nothing like that. I don't really want a relationship. I mean, it's too much work and the only girl I ever loved was Sakura. I just want a few Uchihas of my own. "

Naruto chuckled. "Like that'll happen. Even I know Santa can't make something like that happen." he said.

Sasuke shrugged of the comment and focused his attention to a blushing Sakura. "So what'd you wish for from Santa?"

Sakura looked at the floor. "I'd like a meaningful relationship with someone. It's not that I don't love you, Sasuke, but we never had the time for each other. I want someone who'll love me and is able to make time for me."

Sasuke nodded sagely. "I know. I didn't expect you to keep your love focused on me only, you have so much to give someone. If and when that does happen, I'll be happy for you." he smiled. Sakura smiled and gave him a kiss. "Thanks, Sasuke-kun."


The snow was drifting down from the sky again. "Dammit! It's almost midnight and we've been out here since 9:00!" screamed Naruto. He glared towards the housing complex. "If he doesn't come down here, I'll, I'll-"

Poof!

"You'll what?" a voice drawled.

Naruto waved through the smoke. "Dammit, sensei, you're late!"

"Sorry, I was-"

"Just stop lying and tell us what you're going to ask for." said Sasuke coolly.

Kakashi shook his head. "I'm not telling any of you. It's for my eyes and Santa's."

"Hn."

Sakura waved Kakashi over. "Hurry! If we don't send it soon, he might not get them!" Kakashi relented and walked over to the mailbox. Sakura opened the mailbox and they all dropped their letters.


North Pole, December 24th, 8:30 p.m.

Santa sat at his desk littered with toys and his infamous list. He was down to his last four letters. "Sasuke." He looked at the list and skimmed it. "He's been good this year, although his request last year was unusual."

Mrs. Claus chuckled from her place by the fireplace. "I remember that one. Sasuke is a good kid. Still managed to be after what happened to his family. Poor dear. You can't blame him for all the wrong he's done. I'm glad you decided to give it to him."

Santa chuckled. "Yes, I am too. He's had a lot to deal with. Let's see what he wants this year."

Santa,

I know my request last year was strange, but I want to thank you for giving me a chance. You made it happen and I'm glad. This year, I'm not sure you can give me what I want. You see, my second goal is the resurrect my clan, but I don't want a wife. I love Sakura and I still do. I don't want anyone to replace her, so I'm asking for a kid or two to take after me when I'm gone.

P.S. Merry Christmas.

From,

Uchiha Sasuke

Santa stroked his beard. 'He doesn't want to give up his only love, but he wants children. That's admirable.'

"Let's see what the other letters say."

Santa,

I know I usually ask for ramen, but this year, I wanted something different this year. You see, I already have my dream of being Hokage. I'm getting the job next year, but there's a girl I like, but I don't think she likes me. Her name is Hyuuga Hinata and I really like her, so I was wondering if you could help me make her my girlfriend.

From,

Uzumaki Naruto

Santa laughed heartily. "He doesn't need to worry about that! I'll put it with Sasuke's letter." Grabbing another letter, he saw it was Sakura's. "Haruno Sakura. She's a bit crazy and violent, but she means well. She never did stop believing in me." he said smiling as he read the letter.

Hi Santa. How've you been? I've been well. Did you like the cookies I made last year? Anyway, I was wondering if you think my wish is possible this year. You see, I had a wonderful relationship with Sasuke and I still love him, but we never had time for each other. All I want this year is a man who can love me and make time for me. Well, thanks for reading my letter.

With love,

Haruno Sakura

Santa placed her letter atop Naruto's and looked at the last letter. "Hatake Kakashi. Probably Icha Icha again." Santa dropped the letter opener on his desk and read the letter.

Dear Santa,

I know I haven't been the best person and I'm not sure I even deserve being on your nice list, but before you disregard this letter, I want to tell you that I'm not asking for Icha Icha this year. Instead, I want help with a girl I like. You probably know her. After all, not many girls have naturally pink hair and green eyes. You see, I've liked her for a while and I'd like her to know how I feel about her. Well, if you can.

Hatake Kakashi

Santa was stunned. 'Hatake doesn't want his beloved porn this year?! It's a tradition. He must really have it bad for Sakura,' Santa smirked. He felt hands rest comfortably on his shoulders. "You alright, dear?" his wife asked.

"Fine. Look at these letters." he said handing the four to his wife.

She skimmed them over and was shocked. "They sure have changed this year."

Santa chuckled. "They sure have. I think I'll grant all of these this year."

His wife's eyes bugged from behind the glasses perched on her nose. "But Kris! I thought we had no business in the mattes of life and love?!"

He looked back smugly. "Well, the reaper and Cupid owe me for some favors. They'll just have to consider this as my payback."

His wife chuckled. "Well, you better hurry, you'll have to deliver those gifts soon."

Santa nodded and shrugged on his coat. He opened the door and looked back his wife. "Be back soon." he said before disappearing in a swirl of snowflakes.

She chuckled to herself as she waved. 'He always did know how to make an exit.'