Blue Christmas

Chapter 6 “The Worst Day or The Best Day?”

As the owner had said the Akatsuki packed in a full house. There was no way that the group could get anywhere near the stage or the band plus the security was tight. Again they had missed their chance to question the singing knuckle head. Sasuke was getting a little more than pissed off at his dobe for running again but that wasn’t going to stop it just made him more determined. Neji said he and Hinata would continue to search for more information through their fathers firm. Kankurou was going to keep an eye on their blond Senpai, who was crushing on the bass player, in case he got any more leads to the band. The rest of them would go home and wait if nothing came up soon then they would just meet up at the Uchiha gala.

“Sasuke!” the raven teen did not reply as he made his way into the dinning room. “I’m glad you have left yet.”

“What is it you need mother?” he did like the look in Mikoto’s eye when she smiled. It always meant trouble for him and sometimes Itachi, if she was fast enough to catch him.

“Your Uncle Madara is here and he brought Tobi and Obito with him. They are going to be staying with us maybe until after New Years.”

“Where is Karin?” Sasuke asked wondering why his uncle would not bring is girlfriend and the mother of his twins to Christmas.

“She’s in jail, on charges of fraud, embezzlement child endangerment and attempted murder.”

“What?!”

“She was a plant from a rival company. He task was to get Madara to marry her and she would take over the company from within. She had slowly been bleeding the company funds through phony accounts to try and cripple the company enough for sale. When she saw he wasn’t going to marry her she got pregnant then Madara had her move in with him but he had no plans to marry her. It seems that the company she was working for was getting impatient and wanted resolves soon if not she would be fired and the company would try to gain Sharingan Corp. some other way. She got desperate and kidnapped the twins. The stress had driven her insane and she scarred them both across their left eye. It was lucky she didn’t cut their eyes. She then sent a picture of Tobi and Obito to your uncle saying that if he didn’t marry her she would kill them. The FBI traced her cell phone and then took her into custody but the twins were traumatized.”

“And you think and Uchiha Christmas won’t make it worst?”

“Sasuke! I don’t need your sarcasm. I need you to spend time with the boys.”

“Mother I don’t know what to do with kids.”

“Sure you do sweetie you were a kid too not to long ago.”

“I don’t think you remember Sasuke as a child mother he was very dull and moody just as he is now.” Itachi replied as he entered the dining room. “Sasuke should you decide to take ours cousins out for a ride you may take my car as I am taking yours to work today.”

“Itachi what are you doing?” The younger raven hissed as the older raven took his iphone and was programming a number into it labeled emergency.

“I’m just being helpful if you have trouble with the twins can this number they’ll tell you what to do.”

“See Sasuke, even Itachi wants to help the twins have a merry Christmas. Now you go upstairs get dressed and meet the boys in the nursery.” Mikoto smiled as she shooed the moody teen up the stairs.

‘I didn’t even get breakfast. This day is going to suck, big time.’

XxXxXxXxXxXx

“Are you ready to go Shino?”

“Yes father.” It was the Aburame donation event. Shino hated going around to various places just to stand around while his father stood there looking important as he made donations on the families behalf to local charities. As heir he was obligated to attend these things and so with a heavy sigh he followed his father into the Limo.

“So Shino have you thought of anyone to take to the gala?”

“No father I have not.”

“You should socialize more son, how ever are you going to meet a souse if you don’t go out?”

“Father I am not looking for a spouse. I am 17, not an old bachelor like uncle Shido.”

“I am just worried about you. You spend more time in that lab of yours then anywhere else. Please trying and find a date of the gala. I don’t if it’s a boy or a girl I just want you to take someone.”

“Fine I will think about it.” Shino sighed in defeat. How could he arguer against someone who was worried about his happiness. “Father why are we at the police station?”

“Oh we are donating our latest computer systems to help better aid the local police. Last year at this time crimes and accidents were at an all time high and with the poor equipment the state gives them they couldn’t cover all they incidents.”

“I see.” Aburame Tech was the biggest technology corporation in Fire country. Their systems would be a great asset to the local police as well as hospitals and fire department but the state budgets were constantly getting cut so they could not afford such advanced systems. Shino followed his father into the station feeling real good about this donation. Hopefully with the new systems online they will save a lot of people. He was however unprepared for what who he saw coming out of the captains office as they enter the bullpen of the station’s detectives.

“Papa I’m not a little girl anymore I may perfectly able to walk to the café two blocks from here.”

“Sukora, you’re my daughter and only 17; you are not leaving here with out an escort. I can spare anyone right now because of the new equipment coming in so you will have to wait.”

“I wouldn’t have to wait if you had just dropped me off like I had asked or better yet let me walk to the café, since it is also two block away from home. I have to go or I’ll be late for work.”

“Then Let me call Pein or Zetsu. I bet Zabuza is going on break soon.” The Scarred man reasoned trying to think of the most intimidating escorts to protect his little girl.

“Papa this has gotten out of hand and if mama were still here she’d sue you for harassment.” Sukora mocked glared at her father’s voice. “I’ll be fine now I have to get going or Sarutobi-Ojii will think something happen to me and call you in worry.”

“You’re your mother’s daughter I can’t argue with that logic. Fine but I want you to call me as soon as you get to the café.” Ibiki sighed as he hugged his sightless daughter. It was had to admit what a strong independent young women she was growing into even hard to admit she wasn’t a little girl any more.

“I promise papa.” Sukora smiled returning his hug.

“But first you have to help me accept the system donation on be half of the department. You know I’m not too good with civilians.”

“So that’s why you dragged me here! Okay now you owe me and Haku a shopping spree!” Ibiki was speechless. Years of being a master of interrogations in the FBI and the Police force and he was out maneuvered by his own daughter. “Let’s go Papa they are waiting and I’m running late.”

Ibiki sighed and guided his daughter to the waiting Aburame. Sukora smiled as she held her fathers arms and letting her white guide-cane, well it was more like a stick, waves in front of her in search of any obstructions. She was use to the role of mediator between the police force and civilians. She could speak cop fluently as well as politics and civilian. One might think it’s all the same but each has their own set of rules. Growing up a cop’s daughter you find your self the voice of reason to a street hardened cop. So whenever community events need addressing Ibiki would show off his smart diplomatic daughter to avoid any screw up he might have caused had he accepted it by him alone.

“Konnichiwa Aburame-sama, I’m Captain Ibiki Morino and this is my daughter Sukora.”

“Konnichiwa Aburame-sama. I would like to thank you on be half of the Police Department for your generous donation. With the system you are providing us, the holidays are guaranteed to be safer as well as happier.” Sukora bowed then shook hands with the older Aburame.

“You are quite welcome young lady. We want our police force to have nothing but the best. Though Last years holidays were more as merry as they should have been you father and his station still cut the crime rate by twenty percent. You should be very proud of him.” The shade wearing elder smiled.

“Yes I am. His hard work inspirers me to work hard and do my best everyday.”

“He’s a lucky man to have a beautiful and insightful daughter. Oh I am forgetting my Manners, this is my Son…”

“Shino.” Sukora smiled as she shook the quite boy’s hand. She remembered the soft yet callused hand that guided her along the stage at Naruto’s production.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again Morino-san.”

“You have met this boy before?” the question came out more as a growl as Ibiki eyed the shade wearing teen. He stopped growling when he felt Sukora dug her cane sharply in his foot.

“Shino-san attends Konoha academy with Naruto Uzumaki. I met him on Saturday night at the Christmas production.”

“I thought you looked familiar.” Shibi smiled brightly. “You’re piano playing of ‘Oh Holy Night’ was exquisite.”

“Thank you Aburame-sama, I am glad you enjoyed it.” Sukora bowed again. Then she heard he cell phone alarm go off. “I’m sorry but I’m late for work. It was a pleasure to meet you all.”

“Sukora Please let me call one of your brothers to give you a ride.” Ibiki pleaded one more time hoping she wouldn’t argue in front of a crowd.

“I’m fine papa it’s just a two block walk.” She smiled and discreetly stabbed his foot with her cane again.

“A young lady shouldn’t have to walk alone in the cold it’s not safe. Shino, why don’t you escort Morino-san to her work place then call the car when you want to come back. We will be busy here for awhile setting up the new system.”

“Oh you don’t have to trouble yourself Aburame-san.” Sukora politely protested.

“It is not trouble Morino-san I would be honored to escort you.” Shino said gently taking her hand in his again. He couldn’t but think that the light blush across her cheeks made the pianist even more beautiful.

“Thank you Aburame-san.” Sukora smiled shyly as she was led out of the station. His soft spoken husky voice was turning her inside into mush and she couldn’t stop the blush.

“Please, call me Shino.” She could hear the smile in his voice and she smiled back. It was going to be a long and pleasurable walk to work.

XxXxXxXxXxXx

Sasuke was having the worst day he had ever thought possible. He just didn’t to well with children. Tobi and Obito were staring at him through the rear view mirror as if he were expected to turn around attack them at any moment. The five-year-old twins were terrified of him; what on earth made his mother think this was such a great idea?

That morning, as soon as he entered the nursery, the two spiky haired ravens huddled in the corner far away from him. The two didn’t have a nanny, Madara didn’t trust any outsiders with his sons since the kidnapping, so the two were left alone most of the time with maids dropping off their meals every now and then. Like all Uchihas they didn’t say much. So Sasuke decided to take Itachi’s advice and take them out of the manor. That was the worst idea yet. He took them to a museum one of the caretakers didn’t like children and glared at the children causing them to cry. This caused Sasuke to take the chibi away while threatening to sue the museum for upsetting his cousins. No one messes with an Uchiha and gets away with it. Then they went to a park where they ran into Kiba, who was walking Akamaru. That was a disaster; as the huge white dog chased and terrorized the two frighten twins into hiding in the kid castle where the dog couldn’t reach them. It then took almost forty-five minutes to get them out of there. He then put them back in the car and where he has been driving around town hoping to find something the twins might like to do

“Do you guy what to see a movie?”

“No, Tobi doesn’t like the dark.” Obito said timidly

“No, Obito hates popcorn.” Tobi squeaked.

“Okay how about we go to lunch?” Sasuke growled trying to keep calm but it only made the boys cry.

“We sorry!!” they wailed.

“Shit I can’t do this anymore!” Sasuke pulled over and hit the emergency contact on his phone.

“Moshi-Moshi, Uzumaki residents.”

“Dobe?”

“Teme? How the hell did you get my number?”

“Shut Up Dobe! I need help and I need it now!” Sake shouted into the phone causing the twins to cry even louder.

“What’s going on? Why do I hear kids crying? Did you kidnap them?”

“No I didn’t kidnap them! They’re my cousins and I can’t get them to stop crying.” Sasuke panicked as the twins’ faces became red as they continued to cry. He swallowed his damn pride and begged. “Please Naruto I need your help.”

There was a brief pause on the phone then… “Where are you?”

“On Hokage Ave. heading south near the Kunai auto shop.”

“Good you’re not too far from here. Keep heading south for three blocks make a left on Kazekage Street. Then make a right on Raikage Blvd. Were the fourth building on the right hand side. Rasengan Estates I’ll be out front.”

“Got it! I’ll be there in five.” He hung up quickly and pulled the Hummer out into traffic again. The Twins were still crying just not as loud. “It’s going to be okay. I’m getting some help. We’re going to Naruto’s, he likes kids he has a little brother too.” The raven tried to reassure the weeping chibi Uchihas but he was trying to reassure himself that everything was going to be alright.

It didn’t take long to find Rasengan the Dobe’s directions were simple and easy to follow. He was surprised to find that Rasengan Estates was an apartment building instead of an actual manor. The Blond haired whiskered teen was standing in the front yard shivering in the cold as the H2 pulled up to the front.

“Okay were here.” Sasuke sighed in relief before getting out and helping Obito out of his car seat.

“Glad you found the place Uchiha.” Naruto said as he opened the car door and unbuckled Tobi.

“Thanks for help Uzumaki. I’m not very good with them. They have been crying since we left home this morning.” Sasuke said as he set Obito on the ground before closing the door and locking the car.

“Don’t worry Kyuubi will have them smiling in no time.” Naruto smiled to the two raven haired chibis, who looked so tired and miserable. The blond teen led them up the steps and into the apartment where Kyuubi and their teachers were waiting.

Once in side Iruka rushed over to the twins and helped them removed their winter gear Kyuubi ran up to the boys and was talking a mile a minute. Kakashi poked his head out from behind the tree and waved at the new comers. Soon Kyuubi was dragging the shy smiling twins into the kitchen for Christmas cookies.

“So Teme do you want to tell what the hell is going on?”

“Tobi and Obito are my cousins. They were victims in a kidnapping plot by their own mother against my uncle. They were traumatized by it and are scared of everybody. My mother thought it would be good if I spent the day with them. What a bad idea that turned out to be. They hate me and everything I do to cheer them up seems to make them cry.”

“Poor chibis, to go through all that, and then they have to be babysat by you.”

“Dobe…” the older raven growled.

“I would even cry if you were constantly glaring and growling at me. Look right now those to need love and happiness. Let my brother do his job making them smile while we sit and relax. Iruka-sensei’s got an eye on them so there is no need to worry.” Naruto said as he gently pushed Sasuke on to the couch before taking the seat next to him

“Alright Dobe,” there were many questions running through his head but right now he just wanted sleep off his headache. “But we’ll talk later.”

“Whatever you say teme.” Naruto smiled as he watched the worn out Uchiha close his eyes and rift off to sleep.

XxXxXxXxXxXx

Shino was sitting in a cozy café sipping some delicious hot chocolate listening to the beautiful music Sukora played. It had been an interesting walk to the place called Sandaime Café. He wasn’t dress for the harsh cold as Sukora was he had a suit, loafers, and cashmere over coat while his companion had on a thick snow coat, thick denim jeans and fleece lined winter boots. Needless to say his pant legs and shoes were soaked by the time they reached their destination. Somehow Sukora knew this and insisted he stay until he had dried off. He wasn’t expecting to be hated on sight as soon as he opened the door.

Flashback *~*~*~*~*~*

“Konnichiwa Everybody.” Sukora smiled as Shino helped her off with her coat.

“Konnichiwa Sukora-nee-chan.” a spiked haired guy said with a bandage across his nose while he glared at Shino. “Where Is Ibiki-sama?”

“He’s at the station Kotetsu-kun. So I walked here.”

“Nee-chan you should have called Izumo or I could have picked you up instead of you walking in the cold.”

“That’s okay I had Shino-san to keep me company. I want you to get him some hot chocolate and put it on my tab.”

“Sukora-san you don’t have to do that.” Shino protested as the two waiters were now trying to set him on fire with their glares.

“Nonsense you go and sit by the piano and they’ll bring your drink out.” The pianist cooed pushing him toward the table closest to her piano and then hissed at her Rasengan brothers “Or else Mrs. Clause is going to make sure they get no Christmas dinner.”
With the threat of dinner being taken away they ran to the kitchen to do their sister’s bidding.

End Flashback *~*~*~*~*~*

So here he sat listening to the piano play and the angel that sang with it. He made a brief call to his father saying he would be busy the rest of the afternoon and to carrying on the donations with out him. He had expected his father to be upset but instead, Shibi wished him well and that he would see him at home.

“Kora! Sing me a song for my painting.”

“What color is it Sai?” Sukora smiled at the corner where the artist was painting. Sai often would call or to her to inspire his art. Growing up in a boy’s home with a ruthless task master emotional stunted him until he and the other children were freed by the FBI. Sai had to relearn his emotion and tried to express them through his art.

“So far blue and white.”

“Then I got just the song for you.”

I’ll have a blue Christmas without you
I’ll be so blue just thinking about you
Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree
Wont be the same dear, if you’re not here with me

And when those blue snowflakes start falling
That’s when those blue memories start calling
You’ll be doing all right, with your Christmas of white
But I’ll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas

Sukora’s fingers glided over the key without missing a beat. People walking by stopped to listen by the out door speakers as he voice filled the air.

I'll have a blue Christmas without you;
I'll be so blue thinking about you.
Decorations of red
On a green Christmas tree
Won't mean a thing if
You’re not here with me

I'll have a blue Christmas, that's certain;
And when that blue heartache starts hurting,
You'll be doing all right
With your Christmas of white,
But I'll have a blue, blue Christmas.

You’ll be doing all right, with your Christmas of white,
but I’ll have a blue, blue Christmas.

As the song came to an end the crowd applauded. Sukora took a little bow and wander over to where Shino was sitting. He though she looked like a snow angel in the soft white wool sweater with her long black and red streaked hair carefully braided over her shoulder. He could sit and watch her play piano all day if he could.

“So Shino-san how do you like the Sandaime Café?”

“I think it is really nice with a homey feel, but I’m afraid the staff doesn’t like me too much.” Shino replied as he looked over the group of waiters glaring at him.

“I’m really sorry about that. They are like my overprotective brothers. You see we all live at Rasengan Estates and we’ve grown into a family. Unfortunately they all see me as the baby sister and they as well as my over-protective father don’t like me talking to boys.”

“I understand. They want to protect you from unhonorable intentions. You’re very lucky to have some many that care about you.”

“Oh I am. I love them all very much, but it can be so smothering. Especially with Pein-nii-chan, he’s the one with at the metal on his face, he has scared off more boys then my father has.”

“And I will continue to do so until your forty.” From out of nowhere the red-head was suddenly standing behind the shocked Pianist. Neither she nor Shino heard the Metal rocker walk up to there table.

“Nii-san!” Sukora squeaked.

“Imooto-san, who is your friend?” Pein asked never taking his eyes off of Shino.
Sukora winced, because it was never a good sign when Pein asked so nicely.

“This is Shino Aburame; he attends Konoha Academy with Blue Eyes. He’s nice and he walked me to work today from the Station.”

“What was he doing at the station?” Pein glared hard at the teen across from his little sister. ‘If he says I made bail I’ll kill him.’

“My family was donating new computer systems to the police department on behalf of Aburame Tech.” Shino glared back at Pein through shaded eyes. Neither was backing down and that impressed the Metal pierced teen.

“I have to start my shift but I’ll stop by every now and then.” Pein said before giving Sukora a kiss on the cheek and one final glare at the silent boy.

“Don’t mind him he really is a pussy-cat.” Shino could hear the worry in her voice. It seems big brother Pein was really good at keeping away potential boyfriends. If she was worried, than maybe he stood a chance to something more than just friends.

“I don’t. You are a very interesting person and I would like to get to know you better.”

“Really?”

“Yes, but for now it seems the artist in the corner keeps staring at the piano.”

“Sai say my music tends to call the muses from the heavens. I guess he got stuck again are you going to stick around for while?”

“I have no plans. I would like to stay if that is alright.”

“I’d like that; maybe we can grab a bite to eat, preferably somewhere away from my brothers.”

“Then I shall wait here with bated breath.” Sukora could hear the smile in his tone even if she couldn’t see it and he did not outwardly show it. She went back to the piano with a smile on her lips and her brothers growling in the kitchens.

XxXxXxXxXxXx

“Wake-up Otouto.”

“Leave me alone Aniki.”

“Very well then a room full of family friends and your Teachers can watch you drool on the couch cushions.” Itachi smirked as Sasuke bolted upward from his position on the couch.

“Where am I?”

“We’re at the Uzumaki residents. I see the Emergency number came in handy after all.”

“I remember what the hell are you doing here?” Sasuke groaned as the memories of that morning came flooding back to him.

“Uncle Madara was worried about the twins we haven heard from you all day. I used the cars GPS to find your location. I told Uncle that the boys were fine but he insisted he see for himself so I offered to drive him over. He’s in the kitchen talking with Naruto-kun.”

“Aniki, how did you know Naruto’s number?”

“That’s a secret Otouto now come say good bye to Uncle and we’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow are we all going home now?” Sasuke stood glaring at the older Raven.

“No you and the twin have been invited to spend the night. Uncle and I were just dropping off some clothes for you and the children.” Itachi handed him a black duffle bag with an Uchiha fan embroidered on it.”

“When did this happen?”

Flashback ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Moshi-Moshi, Uzumaki residents.”

“Konbanwa Naruto-san, this Itachi Uchiha, Sasuke’s older brother. I was wondering if he might be there. “

“Hai. He fell asleep on the couch but I’ll wake him up for you.”

“Oh no need for that he needs the rest he has been real stressed lately. Well since he and the twins are safely with you would it be alright if my uncle Madara, the twins’ father, and I stop by? We haven’t heard from him all day and my uncle is starting to worry.”

“That teme…” Naruto hissed under his breath. “Not at all your both are more than welcome to come over. My brother, Kyuubi, would like it if Tobi and Obito could stay the night, if it is alright with their father. They are having so much fun I don’t want to spoil their fun just yet.”

“I’ll have to ask him but I’m sure it would alright if Sasuke is also staying the night.” Itachi grinned as he heard a straggled cry over the phone.

“That will be fine.” The whiskered teen pressed out. “Do you need directions to Rasengan?”

“No, it’s alright we’ll use the GGPS on the Hummer. We’ll be around in an hour.”

“Hai. Mata-ne.” Itachi waited for Naruto to hang up completely before he let out maniacal laugh.

End Flashback *~*~*~*~*~*

“Oh when you were sleeping.” Before Sasuke could respond his Uncle came out of the kitchen carrying Tobi in one arm and hold Obito’s hand with the other, Followed by Naruto who was carrying Kyuubi on his shoulders.

“Sasuke-kun you really have some good solid friends here.”

“Arigato Uncle.” Sasuke bowed, wondering why the dobe didn’t tell his uncle the truth about being rivals and sworn enemies.

“Naruto-kun it was a pleasure to meet you and your brother. I hope to see you, both, tomorrow night at the Gala.” Madara said turning to the blond teen that, was setting the red-headed chibi on the floor.

“It was an Honor Uchiha-sama. I’m not sure about the Gala it would be awfully late for Kyuubi.” Naruto bowed.

“Nonsense, Naruto-kun,” Sasuke purred. His uncle just gave him the perfect opening to strong arm the dobe into going to the gala. “If it gets too late you both can stay the night, there is plenty of room at the manor and you’ll be home in time for Christmas Eve dinner.”

“Than it’s settled.” Madara said with a rare smile and set Tobi down beside his brother. “We shall see you all at the gala tomorrow night.” Then he patted the twins on the head and left out the door.

“Take care, Otouto.” Itachi smirked before following his uncle out the door.

“Kyu-chan why don’t you take Obito and Tobi to your room to play.”

“Okay Aniki! Come on I have some neat movies we can watch!” Kyuubi beamed as he dragged the twins to his room. Once the door slammed shut he let Sasuke have it.

“What the hell Teme! What was that all about?”

“What I was just repaying you for your kindness toward my cousins. As you can see my uncle was happy to see Tobi and Obito finally smiling.”

“I can understand that but the Gala? Kyuubi and I don’t belong in your High society world. This is us the real us. We live here at Rasengan with our neighbors as our family. I don’t want to take Kyuubi where he will be ridiculed and laughter at for being poor and an orphan.” Naruto glared. Sasuke could see how upset the dobe was that his eyes almost looked red.

“No one is going to ridicule him or you. It’s just a party that my mom likes to throw to spread her Christmas cheer. She loves to entertain and have tons of people over she won’t allow anyone to make you or Kyuubi unhappy.”

“I don’t know teme. I mean don’t we hate each other? Why are you being less than your bastard self?”

“I’m drawn to you dobe I don’t know why but are always on my mind. Maybe it’s the holiday over maybe it’s how you got Sakura to stop chasing me, I don’t know but I want to know the mystery that Naruto Uzumaki. Maybe we can at least be friends.”

“What do you mean ‘we can at least be friends’ teme?”

“Because I’m an Uchiha and I’ll always want more, but if you just want to be friends I’ll accept it.”

“So, no pressure there.” Naruto said sarcastically. “Let just get through tonight and we’ll see where it goes. In the mean time you can help me with Iruka-sensei and Kakashi-sensei.”

“Yeah I wanted to ask. What are they doing here?”

“They like each other and I invited them over for the holidays to get them together.” Naruto smiled as the teachers entered the living room with trays of hot chocolate and cookies. Iruka had a blush highlighting his scar and Kakashi had a bump on the head.

“Dobe you’re going to need all the help you can get.” Sasuke said and Naruto nodded in agreement.

A/N: The song Blue Christmas I mixed Classic with Elvis to stretch it out a bit. I like them both because Blue Christmas is my Favorite Christmas song. Okay now that this chapter is out I’m going to work on My Chibi Dobe because that is going to be a long chapter and it will give the left over Christmas muses a chance to rest before the next chapter. Thanks for reading keep reviewing.