Blue Christmas

Chapter 10 ‘T’was the Night before Christmas”

Everyone was in awe at the painting. The Rasengan family knew the significance of the painting. They had all heard the story at one time or another having babysat Kyuubi. It was the Chibi’s favorite story he had to hear before nap time. They all knew how much this painting meant to the two brothers and were overjoyed by the happiness it brought them.

“It’s a painting of the Legend of Kyuubi No Kitsune and his Guardian host the Shinobi Naruto.” Iruka smiled softly. The other three teachers did a double take as they watched the brothers look over the painting.

“Their mother named them after the Myth. She wanted to give them apart of herself to have always.” Tsunade smiled.

“The girl always did have her head in the clouds with those Myths but she was the smartest gal around. Minato would often say she just married him because he looked like the Shinobi in the Myth.” Jiraiya chuckled.

“Minato was an air headed fool in love.” Orochimaru sneered. “I still don’t know what Kushina saw in him, but they were the perfect couple. They were so happy and sweet it was nauseating.”

“Knock it off Orochimaru. You’re just sour that Kushina was able to just pass your snaky attitude and made you like her.”

“She was an intelligent woman with no taste in men.” Orochimaru sulked. “But they did manage to raise equally intelligent offspring.”

“And that gentlemen is the closest he will ever say that he actually likes Naruto.” Tsunade smiled as the others laughed. “As hard as it has been for them they still manage to smile.”

“That’s because they have all of us Tsunade-sama.” Iruka smiled softly. “We’re not their parents but we are family and they know we are here whenever they need us.”

“You’re right Iruka-sensei.” Hiruzen smiled as he walked up to the Konoha teachers. “Naruto is a good boy Orochimaru you should ease up on the work load. He needs some sleep at night.”

“But, Sensei.” The pale Biology teacher protested.

“No buts Orochimaru. I am not telling you to change his grade that would be wrong. I am telling you give less homework so he could get some rest. He works hard and he keeps Kyuubi happy. You want your godson happy don’t you?”

“Oh fine. I’ll rewrite my lesson plans.” The biology teacher hissed and turned his head to pout.

“Stop pouting baby brother. You know you’re doing the right thing.” Tsunade smiled as she pinched his cheek.

“I am doing it because he is a manipulative old man.” Orochimaru growled before storming back to the dinning room.

“I think that we all should head back to the dinning room least our dinner gets cold.” Hiruzen said ushering the Konoha staff and the Rasengan family back to the dinning area leaving the two Uzumakis alone.

“Is it really for us to keep Aniki?”

“Yes, Kyu-chan it is.” Naruto smiled softly. “Kyuubi would you like to go to school with Tobi-chan and Obito-chan?”

“Hai! They are my best friends in the whole world! But they go to a school far away. Are you going to send me far away?” The whisker faced chibi panicked and tears filled his eyes.

“No Otouto, I am not sending you away. The Uchiha twins attend Konoha Elementary school. That would mean you go to school with me, but in a different set of buildings.”

“Really?!” Kyuubi’s face lit up with excitement. Not only would he be going to school with his best friends but he would be closer to Naruto. The chibi hugged his brother tightly in his happiness. “Hai Aniki Hai! I want to go to Konoha!”

“Okay Kyu-chan I’ll see what I can do, now go finish eating.”

“Hai!”

Naruto made up his mind. He would call Madara after Christmas about the scholarship. He would also talk to Obaa-chan Tsunade to get in contact with the Principle of Konoha Elementary. With one last look at the painting he sighed.

"Damn it Teme, you're stealing my heart."

XXxxXXxxXXxx

Dinner was a grand affair at the Uchiha Mansion. When the Sasuke and the twins arrived home they were ushered up stairs to get ready for dinner. As every year the dinning room was packed with Uchihas young and old. Sasuke never escaped with out a pat on the head, a pinched cheek or a kiss mark on his cheek from one of his various Aunts Uncles or Grandparents. This year he was not alone in his misery as Obito and Tobi were experiencing their Uchiha Family dinner.

“Nii-san?”

“Yes Tobi?”

“Why do they pinch our cheeks? It hurts.” the chibi rubbed his cheek after being pinched.

“Our aunts think we are *shutter* cute.”

“Nii-san?”

“Yes Obito?”

“Why do they pat us on the head?” the chibi frown as another uncle patted his head and mess with his hair.

“To see how much we have grown.” Sasuke pressed through his teeth as an Anut kissed his cheek leaving a lipstick mark. “You’ll just have to get use to it, because this happens at every Uchiha gathering.”

The twins looked at him in horror before another aunt and uncle assaulted them. They made their way to the head of the table were their parents were waiting. Itachi had a huge smirk on his face. That smirk was never a good sign. He kept the chibis close to him as they sat down for the evening meal. Sasuke wondered if the Dobe had gotten the gifts by now and if their Christmas Eve was so earth shattering silent. He bet that you could hear a pin drop, from across the long dinning room, that’s how quiet everyone was. He had half a mind to grab the chibis and head back to Rasengan. He never realized how stiff the Uchiha’s were until he met Naruto and his Rasengan family.

“Sasuke, how are you doing in your studies?”

“I am in the top ten percent father.” The Raven answered quietly.

“Very good this summer I want you to work with Itachi in the Recording studious. He signed a few good bands this year. You will work with the Public Relations department. This will be good training for you before you start college.”

“Hai Father.”

“Sasuke, your friend Uzumaki-san, what is his field of study?” Madara asked as the next course came to the table.

“He wants to be a Lawyer Uncle. What field of Law; I do not know.”

“Fugaku that boy has a good head on his shoulders. It would do well to keep an eye on him in the future.”

“Yes Brother. He was most favored at the Gala as was his younger brother. The Hyuugas hold him and his family in high regard.” Fugaku said to his elder brother.

He was fully aware of who favored Uzumaki the most last evening. Both his wife and Eldest son gave good arguments for Sasuke’s pursuit the blond teen. At first he thought it might be premature to intervene on the teen’s behalf. His youngest son had not expressed an interest in dating the young man. But then again his son didn’t show an interest in dating anyone. Then he saw Sasuke interact with Uzumaki and dance with him. He hated to admit it but that had been the first time he had ever seen a smile on his son’s face. It wasn’t a smirk or a sneer or the cold smile that promised your demise. It was smile of pure happiness.

He sighed there went the hope for grandchildren. At least he still had Itachi to give him and Mikoto grandchildren. If not then both had better adopt or he was going to disown them both. He was not going to retire with his lovely wife only to have her cry that they don’t have any grandchildren to spoil.

“I just loved Kyuubi-kun he was the cutest little charmer last night.” Mikoto gushed. “I hope that he and Naruto-kun will visit us again soon. You will invite them over again; won’t you Sasuke?”

“Of course mother.” Sasuke replied fighting the blush that threatened to appear on his face.

The rest of the meal went fast if not quietly. Then the clan moved to one of the larger living areas where they exchanged gifts with one another. The twins stuck close to Sasuke afraid the Aunts and Uncles would attack them again. Shisui seemed to pick up on Itachi’s interest in Sasuke. Which intern meant trouble for Sasuke because he knew Itachi and their cousin were best friends.

“Sasuke-kun, I must say you have unique friends.” Shisui crooned.

“Hn”

“I was wondering if you had their contact information.”

“Why do you need it Shisui-san?” the younger raven glared.

“Because they perfect models especially the elder Uzumaki all that golden skin and no tan lines.” The designer smirked.

“And just how do you know he has no tan lines?” the raven growled trying to keep his temper in check.

“All my adult Models do nude fittings that way the clothes flow with their every curve.” Itachi snickered at the sight of his brother trying to kill their cousin with his glare.

“Well cousin I’m sure that the Uzumakis would be flatter with your offer but he much too busy to travel with you. They are still in school.” Itachi said smoothly and sent a smirk to Shisui letting him know the teasing was well played.

“You maybe right Tachi. I can always wait till summer.”

Sasuke wanted to kill his cousin but there were too many witnesses. He watched Itachi and Shisui smirk at each other as the clan enjoyed their coffee and cake. It wasn’t long before he felt a warm weight pressed against his side. He looked to the seat beside him and saw Tobi and Obito falling asleep on him. His heart softened at the sight and he quickly excused himself and the chibi’s for the night.

Sasuke was surprised. In the short time he had spent with Naruto and the Chibis, he became proficient in readying them for bed. He helped the sleepy chibi out of their formal wear and into their sleep wear. Little pajamas one re and one dark blue both with little Uchiha fans on the shirt pockets. He then helped them brush their teeth before tucking them into bed.

“Nii-san?”

“What is it Obito?”

“Do you think Kyuubi-kun will like our gift?”

“I’m sure he will.” Sasuke gave them a small smile.

“Nii-san?”

“Yes Tobi?”

“Will we see Kyuubi-kun again?”

“I know you will. You three are best friends right?”

“Hai!” the twins chorused.

“Then nothing can break that friendship. You can count on seeing him again. Now get some sleep. Santa will be here soon.”

“Night Nii-san.” The chibi yawned and drifted off to sleep.

Sasuke turn off the bedroom lights and room was bathed in the soft glow of the nightlight. The elder raven closed the door just before turning around swinging his fist at the person behind him. But instead of hitting the person he was blocked then flipped on to his back on to the cold hard marble. He had the wind knocked out of him and was gasping for air as a figure stood over him.

“You’re still too slow Otouto.”

“A-cough-niki. –Cough- Why are –gasp- you always – wheeze- sneaking up on me?”

“It is an elder brother’s job to watch out for the younger sibling and teach them their skills. I also find your reactions amusing.”

“You are a heartless bastard.” Glare Sasuke as he got to his feet still slightly having trouble breathing.

“Thank you I try. So what did you get Uzumaki-san? You seemed rather distant at dinner.”

“Yes I was. I got the Dobe a gift and it’s none of you business what I got him.”

“That’s ungracious of you Sasuke. After all I was the one to give you the idea to give him a gift. I merely am curious of your gift choice.”

“I thank you for the idea Itachi but I still am not saying what I got him. I’m sure he’ll know that I’m thinking of him and that I am serious about a relationship with him.” Sasuke smirked before disappearing down the hall and into his own room.

“He sure told you cousin.”

“Shisui what are you plans for the next two days?”

“Everything for my show is done so I’m free.”

“Perfect we need to recruit a band.” Itachi smirked as he and his cousin returned to the Clan.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Iruka yawned as he stepped out of the shower towel still over his head. The dinner had been a loud wonderful success just like last year. They ate sang carols then Hiruzen read the Night before Christmas and then children were ushered to their apartments and to bed. Then the adults gathered around the tree, placing all the presents for the morning under the tree. Then Naruto shooed them all to bed saying that Kyuubi will be waking them up with the sun. Iruka remembered last year the little chibi had taken Naruto’s keys and went to every apartment and jumped on everyone’s bed to wake them up. Zabuza was not happy but Haku managed to tame the mercenary before he tore into the chibi. This year they were all warned it might happen again so everyone was told to wear pajamas to bed.

The teacher chuckle at the thought as he dressed in his sleep pants. He thanked Kami for Naruto coming into his life and giving him this family. Life had been really lonely since his parents died. He had been at a friend’s house when his parents died in a house fire. They had converted their basement into an office for his dad but the contractor use faulty wiring and the house went up like a Roman candle. He wasn’t as lucky as Naruto and was sent through foster care system. That was how he got his scar. In the last foster home his older foster Brother tried to rape him at knife point. Iruka was not one to just lie down and let it happen he was a blue belt in Judo and fought off his attacker. He escaped with a deep cut across his face and nothing more. After that incident he left the foster care system at 16 and put myself through school and college working three jobs to pay for his tiny apartment and his school but it was worth it. He like how his life turned out.

He brushed his teeth and brushed out his hair and turned out the light. He headed to bed not bothering to turn on the light. The apartment was basically furnished and there was nothing to trip over. Actually it was a real nice apartment and a lot nicer than where he lived now. Maybe it was time for a change of pace and maybe ask Naruto if he could rent here at Rasengan. He would like be closer to Naruto and Kyuubi and help out with his Rasengan family. Konoha paid very well and he had a bit saved since he rarely spent any on himself and only to spoil the Uzumaki brothers.

He was happy with his plan and he climbed into bed with a smile on his face excited about tomorrow. He pulled the blankets over his tired body and settled in for night. Naruto said he put extra blankets in the apartment because even with the heater going the winter nights dropped way below zero. He was just about to fall asleep when he felt a warm arm wrap around his waist.

“Iruka-sensei I thought you weren’t coming to bed.”

“Kakashi-sensei!” the English teacher bolted straight up in bed. “What are you doing in my bed?!”

“Shhh… you don’t want to wake Genma and Raido.” whispered Kakashi smiling through his mask.

“You even sleep in the mask?” Iruka shook his head. “Never mind what are you doing in my bed? You have your own bed you know.”

“This apartment has only two bedrooms. I gave Genma and Raido my room and I though we could share. Please Iruka-sensei it’s too cold to sleep on the couch.”

“Fine it’s just for the night.” The English teacher blushed. “Just keep your hands to yourself.”

“Actually it’s till the end of break. Raido told me that Naruto invited them to say the rest of the winter break.”

“What?!”

“Shhh! Not so loud. They are staying the rest of the holidays and this is the only open apartment.”

“Maybe I should sleep in Kyuubi’s room he has an extra futon.”

“Come Iruka I’m not that bad of a person you can share a bed for just sleeping am I?”

“Kakashi…” Iruka sighed. “As a person I admire how you are close with your students and you are respected as a teacher.”

“But?”

“But I am uncomfortable with your attentions to me. You are crude and rude and completely juvenile. I may not have a lot experience in flirting but I know that you have crossed the line between playful and indecency. I real don’t know if I can even be friends with you let alone date you.” Iruka said as he fiddled with the hem of the blankets. He didn’t want to see what his words did the handsome art teacher. Yes he finally admitted to himself that Kakashi was a handsome. Last night in the drunken haze of his dreams he could see Kakashi holding him tenderly and lovingly protecting him from the nightmares of his past. He dreamed of soft lips kissing his forehead soothing his battered soul, but they were just that, dreams. He awoke to reality and cold lonely bed along with a hangover headache that could crack mountains.

“Iruka…” Kakashi hesitated. He wasn’t as articulate as the English teacher that’s why he was an art teacher. He needed the right words now more than ever. Iruka just told him that was a virgin if not then had no more than one lover in his life. He had to tread gently if he ever wanted to be with this man. “First I want to say I’m sorry for the way I’ve acted. I really want to be with you seriously. If not then I do want to be your friend. I’ve grown up alone and I guess I’m really not socially adapted. In fact everyone I’ve met tonight has told me I needed to be reeducated. I’m sorry if I hurt you in my lousy attempt to get you to notice me but I do think you’re really cute!”

“Kakashi don’t say things like that.” Iruka blushed grateful that the darkness hid his red face.

“I’m sorry but you are. Please give a chance to prove to you that I am serious. At least give me until the end of winter break. If it doesn’t work out between us I won’t bother you anymore and we can remain friends. Please Iruka I really like you.”

The scarred brunette was trying hard at keeping his resolve to not give into the perverted art teacher. But he looked into the mismatched eyes of the silver head man and his will, along with his heart, began to crumble. “I’ll give you a chance.”

“Thank you” Kakashi said softly before pulling the blushing Iruka into his arms and drifting into a peaceful sleep.

‘Oh Kami, what have I gotten myself into?’ Iruka thought before drifting off to sleep in the warm embrace.

A/N: Yay! Finally, another chapter done. My Muses finally found inspiration after the Christmas crash of my Laptop. I had to wipe my hard drive and lost all the updated work I had done. Now that their pick for the Super Bowl has won they have me writing up a storm. GO SAINTS! You saved my creativity!!