Chapter Twenty Five

"Hey!" I yelled laughing as I wiped the snowball off my face. Hinata was giggling with a wide smile with red flushed cheeks from the cold. We had a snowstorm last night that left a foot of snow of the ground. I ran after Hinata, wrapping my arms around her as we fell backwards into a pile of snow. Hinata laughed so brightly as she began to make a snow angel.

"Wait!" Hinata quickly sat up pieces of snow still in her hair, "What time is it?!"

"One-"

"We are going to be late!" Hinata grabbed my arm and tried pulling me with her. I chuckled as I followed her to the café where we were meeting friends. It didn't take us long to reach the café, its warm air rushed to greet us causing me to sigh. I loved winter but summer was my favorite time of year, I really hated being cold. Hinata waved with a smile on her lips, Sakura waved back who sat on the couch with Kakashi sitting beside her.

We joined them on the soft couch, Kakashi held Sakura's hand as she went back to looking at her phone. It has been two amazing weeks since Sakura agreed to remain inside the leaf village as she recovers. Her shoulder was still in its sling but she claims she was getting better; she had another doctor's appointment in a few days to get it looked at and hopefully removed.

I felt better about being around Kakashi and Sakura now, it took some time getting use to the idea of them being in a relationship and now they seemed so natural together, they just made sense. Carver and Raiden were still here training us, they were training right now and allowing everyone a week off for the holiday coming up, I was so excited for Christmas. Kakashi agreed to do all the cooking, we were having dinner at his apartment, since that is where Sakura has been staying while here.

I know Kakashi has been training with Sakura alone, I don't know what their training consisted of since she couldn't use her arm. But it seemed to keep her at bay and gave her an outlet so I wasn't going to complain. I leaned against my seat with a hot chocolate in my hand, my girlfriend beside me. My best friend inside the village safe and sound...everything was just perfect.

Sadly, after an hour Sakura had to get up and leave. She was still the commander of another village and had a job to do. Granted she wasn't leaving the village just like she promised, she still held video conferences with her two other commanders almost every day. Kakashi usually went with her and hung in the background. As Sakura got up and left, I stood as well. I had some last-minute shopping to do, I was meeting Sasuke at the mall. I hated shopping and had put it off to the last second like a moron, stores this time of year were always packed and filled with crazy people.

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"L-Let go!" I yelled at the old hag in front of me who was glaring back at me. We both were hovering over a discount bin. I found the perfect sweater for Hinata which was fifty percent off! But this old hag grabbed it right as I was about to walk away with it!

"Never!" The old lady yelled back.

"I had it first!" I shouted,

"No I did!"

"Are-Are you crazy you old hag!?" I yelled, "I totally had it in my hand before you did! You came up and tried to take it from me!" I growled as I tried to pull it out of her old hands but her grip was so strong! What the hell?! I placed my foot up on the bin to get a better grip on the damn thing, I was not letting this sweater go!

"This is mine!" She yelled.

"No way!" I yelled back. "There is no way I am going to give it to you!" The old woman then had an evil glare spread across her face as she let go and I flew backwards into a display case.

"Ow...." I groaned as I slowly sat up. I few people gathered around to see what happened. The old hag tried to run up and grab the sweater but I pulled it away, jumping to my feet. "Not this time you old hag!" I yelled pointing at her.

"Fighting with people again Naruto?" I looked behind seeing Sasuke giving me a blank stare. A shiny red shopping bag in his hand. Who was that for...me maybe!?

"She started it!" I defended as I made my way to the checkout line. As Sasuke and I left the store the old woman caught my eye.

"This isn't over." She glared I rolled my eyes, it sure looked over.

"Who is that for?" I asked trying to peek in the bag, but he pulled it into his other hand hiding it from me.

"No one." He said.

"Is it for me!?" I gasped but he rolled his eyes.

"No."

"Then who for?" I wondered, Sasuke sighed and looked at me annoyed.

"Sakura."

"Sakura?" I asked. "That's for Sakura?" He and her had not been on good terms ever since her relationship with Kakashi was made public. She didn't really talk to him and kind of ignored his presence when he was in the room.

"Yeah."

"Oh..." I said scratching my head.

"I bought your present a while ago." Sasuke added, I jumped with joy.

"Really?! What is it!?" I pestered. "Give me a hint!"

"No." He said sighing. "This is why I didn't tell you."

"Well...what did you get Sakura?" I asked. "Because I have no idea what to get her." Sasuke handed me the bag, inside was a very nice and very expensive dark blue jacket. "That is beautiful." I complimented, "She is going to love it." Sasuke blushed, he actually blushed! The badass Sasuke Uchiha just blushed! I smiled and then looked down as my stomach growled.

"Do you want to stop at the food court? I told the others we were going to meet up there."

"So much!" I felt like I was starving! I looked up from thinking about what to get Sakura, I mean this was the first Christmas in five years! Carver and Raiden explained that they didn't celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas and since Thanksgiving was thrown off track due to the waterfall village trying to kill each other, I really wanted this holiday to be special. I pulled my gaze from the floor as we entered the food court. "Sakura?" I tilted my head, what was she doing here? How long was I inside that store?!

"Naruto." Sakura mocked me.

"What are you guys doing here?"

"Christmas shopping." Hinata smiled at me with a light blush on her cheeks. "Sakura needed to start hers and I had to finish mine!" I then noticed all the bags around Sakura, Hinata and TenTen.

"Is Carver and Raiden still training?" Sasuke questioned.

"Yes." TenTen sighed rubbing her shoulder. "I feel so sore!"

"How are you doing?" I asked Hinata, she blushed and looked into her lap.

"I-I'm fine." I smiled at her.

"Good." I looked at Sakura who was drinking a soda. "Those are way too many bags for you to carry." I said, I know her doctor told her to not lift anything to heavy.

"I am fine." Sakura brushed off.

"You may think that but-"

"She's not alone Naruto." I looked behind me to see Kakashi walking towards us. Guy was by his side and they had colorful gift bags in their hands.

"Hey Kakashi!" I smiled, "What are you doing?"

"We are shopping!" Guy explained for Kakashi giving me a thumbs up. Sasuke sat beside me, placing a hot cup of ramen before me

"Yes!" I could feel my mouth watering, I reached in my pocket to get my wallet to pay him back.

"It's on me." He said taking a bite of his burger.

"Really!?" I felt my eyes sparkle, nothing was better than free food! "You're the best Sasuke!"

Most of my friends stopped by and said hello to us. They would leave some bags for me to watch since they didn't want to carry it around with them. Since most of our group collected here it was hard to shop without the person your shopping for seeing your gift. People would come and go and switch partners to go tackle the store together. It was honestly kind of fun! I turned my head, feeling Hinata stand with Sakura. I asked where they were going but Hinata waved me off as she dragged Sakura away. I smiled, Hinata and Sakura had grown close in the past two weeks. Those two and TenTen had been hanging out a lot, it made me happy.

"How is Sakura doing?" Guy asked out of the blue, he had watched her walk away. "Her arm getting better?"

"Recovery is slow but her range of motion is improving." Kakashi answered, "My only real issue is making her take it easy so her arm can heal."

"What?" TenTen giggled,

"You have to make her take it easy?" Choji laughed, "How hard can that be?!" I rolled my eyes; it was fucking hard.

"Sakura..." I sighed not knowing how to explain what I have seen to them. "The Waterfall Village is different than we are."

"I heard." Choji nodded opening another bag of chips. "They like try to kill her or something right?"

"Yeah." I confirmed, "For her title."

"Why?" TenTen wondered setting her drink down. "From what I have seen Sakura is awesome, she has to be a cool boss."

"She is." I jumped hearing Carver behind me.

"You scared me!" I shouted as my heart slowed down, I checked to make sure I didn't spill any ramen.

"If she is so great-" Lee spoke up, "-then why do they want to kill her for her job?"

"To bring Purgatory back." Raiden plopped in Hinata's empty seat and stole my drink. Guy choked on his food at that word, now that I knew what it meant I understood his reaction because Kakashi had the same one.

"Purga-what?" Choji asked with a mouth full of chips.

"Purgatory it's...not a fun place." Carver shrugged. "Sakura ended it but they want it back."

"Why-" Guy's face was stern, and I understood why...

"Because the Waterfall Village was Purgatory." Carver said,

"They-They-" Guy's mouth hung open.

"What did she tell you guys?" Carver wondered looking at me.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You just seem very...cool...about this conversation." Raiden said.

"Well we found all this out." I shrugged.

"Uh-Huh." Carver nodded,

"What isn't she telling us?" Kakashi's voice was stern making me feel like I was in trouble.

"She wouldn't hide-" I cut myself off, Sakura wouldn't tell us the full truth.

"Well what did she tell you?" Raiden asked.

"That the Waterfall Village was Purgatory." I recalled leaning back in my chair as Raiden sipped my soda. "That placed sucked, but Sakura stopped it like...what else is there?" I laughed.

"Well..." Carver shrugged. "...for starters the Waterfall Village was slaughtered and made into Purgatory."

"What-What?" I sat up.

"Yeah." Carver laughed, "Why does she baby you guys?"

"You think Kaguya and Sakura picked an empty field and built a village in such a short amount of time? No-" Carver laughed, "-Kaguya collected an army of anyone who would join, most of those people were rogues without a home. Kaguya can paint a really pretty picture, and after that Sakura led them into the Waterfall Village and slaughtered everyone there, the leader...what the fuck was his name?" Carver wondered,

"Shibuki." Raiden answered.

"Yeah him, he was the first to die." Carver said,

"But--What—Huh?" I stuttered,

"If you're going to love Sakura-" Raiden said mostly looking at Kakashi, "-you have to love every piece and she has this habit of shielding the people she cares about from whatever she can, us included-" Raiden said pointing to Carver.

"But why would-" I breathed,

"Oh no!" Carver laughed, "-Don't get the wrong idea, the Waterfall Village before Sakura took over was a shit show, they had the Chomei also known as the seven-tails and was going after Kaguya so Sakura just cut out the middleman and went after them first."

"You could have led with that!" TenTen breathed.

"Sorry." Carver smiled, "But yeah, after Sakura defeated whoever stood against her inside that village, she burnt the tree down that made that dumb ass hero water and that hell hole became Purgatory."

"Yeah she..." I sighed, "...she didn't not tell us that part."

"I figured Sakura didn't." Carver muttered.

"I didn't what?" Her voice turned my head, there she stood with Hinata who had two bags in her hand while Sakura had one.

"You-" Carver smiled, "-ignored me this morning when I tried to talk about sending the leaf shinobi to-"

"Kakashi-" Sakura cut Carver off, I felt my eyebrows pull together. She was doing it again, hiding something she didn't think we could handle. "-are you ready to go?"

"Sure." Kakashi stood, collecting all the bags as I groaned and jumped to my feet seeing Hinata wanted to go with them too. We walked outside and saw the temperature dropped even lower and it was snowing again. Everything was slick as we made our way back to the apartment building.

I fell on my ass twice!

We made it home without to many new bruises on my ass. I dropped off my things inside my apartment before going to Kakashi's. I sighed sitting on the soft surface. Sakura after changing sat beside Hinata as she flicked the TV on. Kakashi went to cooking dinner and it didn't take long for the place to start smelling really good!

I walked into the kitchen leaning against the counter watching Kakashi cook for a while. The apartment was quiet and still with the hollow sound of the TV floating everywhere. Kakashi looked at me a few times and then sighed putting down the vegetables in his hand.

"Yes Naruto?"

"Nothing." I said looking at my nails trying to look casual.

"Nothing at all?" He asked again. I smiled and looked over at the couch.

"You guys are getting pretty close." I said, Kakashi gave me a stern look.

"We are not going to have this talk." He said as he started cutting the fat off the chicken.

"What talk?" I asked laughing.

"I am busy Naruto." Kakashi said.

"Fine-Fine." I said standing on my two feet. "I'll leave you be." I smiled walking back to the living room and Raiden and Carver joined.

I started to watch what the two guys on the floor was watching. It was the Nightmare Before Christmas. Carver and Raiden never had seen it, which was odd because it was such a popular movie. Carver, Raiden and Sakura were always on the road, always on the move from what I had been told. They never got time like this to sit down and enjoy the life that they were fighting for. So I didn't mind watching the movie with them, granted I have seen it over a hundred times because it was Hinata's favorite movie. I was going through my phone, seeing TenTen had texted me. There was a Christmas party going on, it seemed fun!

"Hey, do you guys want to go to a Christmas party?" I called out,

"Who's?"

"I don't know, but it's sounds like fun." I wanted to go!

"Sounds fun." Raiden grinned. He was laying on his stomach watching the TV. "Can we go after dinner and this movie?" He asked holding up The Holiday.

"Of course." I laughed. "Sasuke?" He shrugged, he looked so out of place here. Maybe because he knew Sakura didn't like him?

"Dinner is ready." Kakashi called,

"Yes!" I high dived off the couch.

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Dinner was amazing! I never knew Kakashi could cook so good! He made grilled chicken and a salad and some grilled vegetables as well. He has been holding out on me all these years! This was nice...sitting around the table, I felt warm and happy I felt like a family was coming together.

Sakura and Kakashi have been inseparable the past two weeks, it was kind of weird seeing Sakura change and leave the apartment without him. I didn't fully understand why Kakashi wasn't coming, I think he wanted to give her space and not make her feel smothered hoping that would keep her around longer. Sakura, Carver, Raiden, Hinata, Sasuke and I stepped into the snowy streets moving towards the café where the party was being held! I glanced over my shoulder making sure everyone was together when I saw Sasuke who was behind everyone staring at Sakura.

I felt bad for him...but I have never seen Kakashi as happy as he was now and Sakura, she was breaking down the walls that were all around her, she was opening back up to us because of Kakashi and I loved that. It broke my heart to see my best friend hurting like this but, he broke her heart time and time again so for him to now pine for her was just selfish on his part. And I knew him he loved the power lacing through her veins but Kakashi on the other hand, he loved her. He saw past the commander and saw kindness, the warmth that made Sakura who she was, he saw what made Sakura fight for not just one but for every village who needed help. He was amazed by her while Sasuke he was just star struck. That was the difference between the two. I pulled Sakura close to me, wrapping my arm around her laughing, telling her she was going to slow. She rolled her eyes and ignored me, and she continued talking to Hinata.

The café was full of Christmas cheer and bright lights, I loved it! TenTen and Hinata were placing ornaments on a big green tree. Everyone else was sitting around talking and having a nice time. Christmas music played in the background. Sakura went and sat down on the couch; I saw her holding her shoulder, was she in pain?

She caught my eyes and nodded her head over to Hinata, telling me she was ok and to go help her. I did as told walking over and wrapped my arms around Hinata, she laughed and hugged me back. I pulled her to the couch where Sakura was and sat her down. I then went to the bar and got hot chocolate for everyone. I handed Hinata and Sakura their mugs and turned to Sasuke who was glaring at me, daring me to hand him a fruity drink such as hot cocoa. I smiled and handed him his mug. He grunted and took it, seeing Sakura watching us.

Everyone was laughing at Choji who was singing on the karaoke machine in the corner when I looked at the door hearing it open. In walked in Guy, Kakashi and Asuma. Kakashi locked eyes with us, he stopped in his tracks seeing Sakura laughing with Hinata. He physically relaxed seeing that pink hair. I nodded at him, telling him I got her. By now we have learnt that Sakura was free spirited, she didn't like being told what to do and she damn sure didn't sit still. The fact she agreed to stay here with us while she recovers was a huge step. I think that is why Kakashi said nothing to us and moved to the bar he wanted to give her space, so she didn't feel like he was caging her. I respected Kakashi for his over protectiveness and his will power to give Sakura the space she needed; I wasn't sure I could do that. If it was Hinata that was hurt, I wouldn't move from her side.

Twenty minutes passed when Sakura stood, my eyes quickly went to her as Hinata stopped talking wondering where she was going. I felt my mouth drop open watching her move to the bar, she placed her hand on Kakashi's shoulder. We thought she wanted space from him, but she was annoyed he sat at the bar and not beside her. I grinned when she dragged him over to where we were with his friends.

Conversation started right back up, with our sensei's around us it felt more familiar and it was quite nice. Sakura leaned against Kakashi and he took her hand, I could tell he was happier to be beside her. Choji sat on the floor with a colorful box of donuts.

"I can't believe it is so close to Christmas!" He laughed.

"I know!" Kiba gasped, "Only eleven days left, and I barely got any wrapping done!"

"Eleven?" Carver looked up from his steaming mug.

"Yeah!" Kiba laughed, "Thanks for giving us a vacation by the way!"

"I thought it was the eleventh?" Raiden said pointing to a calendar in the back behind the bar.

"Oh!" Tamaki laughed, "Sorry, I always forget to change this thing." She said ripping a few sheets of paper off the calendar. I watched the three-waterfall shinobi all glanced at one another. I brushed it off looking at the Christmas cookies on the table that was for everyone.

"We will back." Carver smiled as he stood.

"Yep!" Radian agreed with a mouthful of cookies. I nodded not really caring until Sakura stood with them.

"Wait what?" I said looking at them, Carver smiled waving at the concern on my face.

"Don't worry about it-" Carver faked a smile.

"Why can't you tell us where you're going?" Kakashi questioned having stood beside Sakura as well.

"Do you trust me?" Sakura asked, Kakashi let out a deep breath.

"Yes." Kakashi forced.

"Then we will be back." Sakura smiled following Carver and Raiden out of the café. I looked at Kakashi, were we really going to let them take off like that looking so suspicious?!

"Naruto?" Hinata sounded worried,

"Don't worry." I smiled at her, "We will be right back." I promised kissing the top of her head. Kakashi was ahead of me already walking out of the building.

"Where the fuck did they go so fast?!" I breathed the cold air in,

"There." Kakashi nodded left, I felt Sasuke following but I didn't have time to worry about him I just needed to make sure Sakura was alright! I followed Kakashi to the training grounds, there I saw the three standing. Carver has his arms crossed looking very unhappy.

"Are you sure you can do this?" He questioned Sakura; her mouth opened to react but shut seeing us jumping into sight.

"Sakura." Kakashi called her name, moving right to her side. He looked at her as if she had been gone for longer than five minutes. He checked her shoulder then the rest of her.

"I am fine Kakashi."

"What is going on?" I asked, "You three all got up and just left!"

"Looks like you don't trust me." Sakura said, I saw the hurt flash through Kakashi's eye.

"Can you blame us!?" I snapped, "You all take off randomly and never tell us the entire truth! We just want to make sure you three are ok!"

"We are." Raiden told me as Sakura's eyes shifted into their pretty glowing eyes, she smiled at my confused face.

"We will be back." She promised.

"You-You said you wouldn't leave!" I whined as a dark portal opened behind the three.

"I am not losing you again!" Kakashi said looking into her glowing eyes. "You are not getting into that thing without me!" He demanded. Yes! Go Kakashi! Sakura looked at his face for a moment and smirked.

"Fine. Get in." She said, Kakashi was taken back a little.

"What?" He was dumbfounded.

"Can you handle that many people?" Carver asked she nodded as her response.

"Are you coming or not?" She called my way, I nodded having no idea what I was getting myself into.