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cloversworldI'm way behind on this, so I'll just place entries for days 8 to 12 in one post since this is the last 5 parts of the '12 Years of Yule' collection.
For Day 8
Fandom: Naruto
Title: A Different Kind Of World
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
clover71
Pairing(s)/ Character(s): Sasuke/ Naruto
Rating: PG
Word count: 389
Disclaimer: This fan fiction is created for entertainment and non-profitable purposes only and author does not claim ownership of Naruto, its characters and settings used. Copyright remains with the creator, Masashi Kishimoto.
Summary: Sasuke is haunted with memories of Naruto
A/N:
- the title comes from the lyrics of "A Different Kind Of Christimas'
The curtain of rain makes it nearly impossible to navigate through this outpost town, but Sasuke's got the eyes for this kind of situation. The streets are almost empty now, save for a few who are rushing through the downpour with umbrellas over their heads. Sasuke only relies on the thick hooded coat to keep himself from getting completely drenched.
It doesn't take long for him to find the wretched place where the village healer lives and he's soon trudging through a dank alley, wary of his surroundings. There's no need to dally around so he does what he came here for, picks up the herbs Kabuto needs for his suspicious potions and leave.
Relief settles in him when he steps out of the humid apartment to find that the rain had stopped and the sky is slowly clearing. He traces his way back to the main gate and pauses only when a group of children run past him, trampling on the puddles left lying on the ground.
One of the children has bright yellow hair and Sasuke has to do a double take, thinking it's someone he knows. Memories of a buried past comes crawling to the surface and he can almost hear Naruto's laughter, hear his incessant pleading for Sasuke to go with him to the park just outside the village so they can watch the fireworks. It's the highlight of the Yule season, Sasuke, come on. We can't miss it!
It's been more than a year since he left Konoha. Surely Naruto must have grown, even just a little. The thought of Naruto reawakens a sense of longing that Sasuke thought he has shoved deep inside him. He wonders if his bond with Naruto is stronger than he thinks, so strong that leaving isn't enough to break it.
People are hanging paper lanterns outside their home now, colorful ones that remind him of a village he once called home, of the people he once called friends, of the festivities he hated going but loved seeing the look it brings to Naruto's face.
Naruto.
One day, perchance, he'll cross paths with him again and Sasuke knows there is a possibility that he will have to finish the job he started, knows that the inevitability will take its course and he will have to kill his best friend.
*****
For Day 9
Fandom: Naruto
Title: Cold Winter's Night
Author:clover71
Pairing(s)/ Character(s): Sasuke/ Naruto
Rating: PG
Word count: 393
Disclaimer: This fan fiction is created for entertainment and non-profitable purposes only and author does not claim ownership of Naruto, its characters and settings used. Copyright remains with the creator, Masashi Kishimoto.
Summary: On a stop over at Yukigakure, the festivities in the village reminds Naruto of Sasuke
A/N:
- the title comes from the lyrics of 'Miss You Most At Christmas'
Fifteen now and he has gained a few inches in height. Naruto studies his reflection at the full length mirror one last time before throwing the thick cloak around his shoulders. He's almost at the door when he hears Jiraiya bellow, "Naruto! Hurry up. The parade is about to start."
They're in Yukigakure and the old woman who owns the inn where they're staying says that the season of Yule is big, that they often have fireworks and lantern parades.
Excited, Naruto jogs downstairs and finds his perverted teacher waiting for him at the front door. The streets are now covered with thick layers of snow. Naruto's glad he has traded his usual sandals for a more appropriate footwear, his feet sinking in a particularly deep mound. Everything around him is white like he's in some dream land.
Sasuke would have loved it here. Naruto could almost picture them both throwing snowballs at each other. Or maybe he would challenge Sasuke on a race up the hill.
Sasuke The thought of not having his friend around anymore stabs at his heart. He's not going to give up though. Nope. Once he's done training with Jiraiya, Naruto will resume searching for Sasuke until he brings him back to Konoha. He'll never give up, never go back on his word.
"You're thinking about him again, aren't you?" Jiraiya's voice is low, almost a whisper, and though his eyes remain in the pathway, he still throws occasional side glances Naruto's way.
"I wish he's here. He would've loved the snow," Naruto says and he can hear the wistfulness in his own words.
The weight of Jiraiya's hand on his shoulders prompts him to look up and the smile sitting on the pervy sage's lips wanes. "He now walks along a path of his own choice, Naruto. There's nothing you could've done."
"I'm going to bring him back, bring him home." The determination burning inside Naruto will never be deterred. He will bring Sasuke back.
"Whatever you say, kid." Jiraiya stirs Naruto through the crowd, noise thrumming in the air. "For now, just clear your mind and enjoy the parade."
Easier said than done, Naruto thinks and though his eyes are locked on the colorful lanterns held by men and women and children dressed in pretty kimonos or hanten, his mind is filled with thoughts of Sasuke.
*****
For Day 10
Fandom: Naruto
Title: If Only In My Dreams
Author:clover71
Pairing(s)/ Character(s): Sasuke/ Naruto
Rating: PG
Word count: 306
Disclaimer: This fan fiction is created for entertainment and non-profitable purposes only and author does not claim ownership of Naruto, its characters and settings used. Copyright remains with the creator, Masashi Kishimoto.
Summary: Sasuke finds himself on a valley overlooking Konoha.
A/N:
- Title comes from the lyrics of 'I'll Be Home For Christmas'
With all the comprehensive training he's had over the past three years, Sasuke thought he's ready to face any challenge. Anything. What he didn't count on was seeing Naruto again last summer, all grown up and… Damn, that was certainly one of the few things Sasuke wasn't totally prepared for.
His world seemed to have stopped for a moment when his eyes settled on Naruto's bright blue orbs looking up at him with what Sasuke could only interpret as bafflement back then. It was a feat to keep his face from molding any expression, to remain stoic, though he couldn't ignore the pressure in his heart.
Summer came to past. Then autumn. In winter he finds himself trudging along snow covered grounds, leaving a trail of footprint in his wake. He travels for days, letting his feet take him to where his heart desires until he reaches the edge of the valley overlooking Konoha.
The village is still miles away, too far for his sharingan to reach. He can only make the outlines of the buildings and the gates that hug around the entire area. For some reason though, the laughter, the sounds of singing, Naruto's obnoxious 'Happy Yule everyone!' seem to reach his ears. Or maybe, just maybe these are mere memories of a past resurfacing.
Only if… this lifetime had been kinder to Sasuke, then he may have never left the village, may still be there celebrating Yule with his family, with Itachi and… who knows, maybe his mom will even invite Naruto for dinner, if only in his dreams.
He knows he'll never be able to go back to Konoha, that he could never call it home again. He had a goal to fulfill and even after then, he doubts he'll ever find the path that will lead him back to the village.
*****
For Day 11
Fandom: Naruto
Title: Like An Old Friend
Author:clover71
Pairing(s)/ Character(s): Sasuke/ Naruto
Rating: PG
Word count: 418
Disclaimer: This fan fiction is created for entertainment and non-profitable purposes only and author does not claim ownership of Naruto, its characters and settings used. Copyright remains with the creator, Masashi Kishimoto.
Summary: The war is over and Sasuke is back in Konoha.
A/N:
- The title comes from the lyrics of 'On Christmas Morning'
It's picking up the pieces that is hard, carrying on despite the lives lost, rebuilding villages and keeping everyone on their feet. The war has tarnished everyone's heart, but it also serves to make Naruto stronger. He has lost friends and for that he grieves. But he has reclaimed one friend he thought will never be back by his side again, at least not in the way he expected.
Sasuke had come to help out in the war and for that, the hokage had granted him a chance to redeem himself. Sure, he's still tagged as rogue ninja and is under the watchful eyes of ANBU Black Ops, but Naruto likes to believe Sasuke will get there – the path to freedom. At least Naruto's able to ask pardon for Sasuke to roam around the village at specific hours.
There are no colorful lights along the streets of Konoha, no festivities in the town square this year. But the warmth this season normally brings blossomed inside Naruto's chest. Perhaps because his wish had come true, that he's got Sasuke by his side.
"What's that silly smile for, dobe?" Sasuke has one eyebrow raised and he pins Naruto with a skeptic glare.
"Just thinking," Naruto offers, eyes sliding down to the ground. He kicks a stone off the dirt path, lips stretching even further as he thinks back to the many Yule he shared with Sasuke when they were younger.
"About what, stupid?" Sasuke coaxes.
Several kids call out to Naruto and he raises his hand in greeting before turning back to Sasuke. "I thought I won't feel the least bit happy this season, what with the war leaving an ugly shadow behind us and all. But then you're here, and… I don't know. Everything feels right somehow."
Naruto can feel his cheeks burning, cursing himself for not thinking before blurting out what's in his mind.
"You're such a loser," Sasuke says and he almost sounds like the twelve-year-old Sasuke that Naruto once traded insults with though the words lack any hint of contempt this time.
Something flutters inside Naruto's chest. Weird, he thinks. Being with Sasuke triggers weird feelings. But he wouldn't have it any other way. At least they're not killing each other.
"Oh come on, teme. You love me for it," Naruto teases with a playful nudge on Sasuke's shoulder and Naruto almost trips on a rock lying in the middle of the street when he catches sight of the shade of scarlet spreading over Sasuke's face.
*****
For Day 12
Fandom: Naruto
Title: 'Midst The Din And Tinsel
Author:clover71
Pairing(s)/ Character(s): Sasuke/ Naruto
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 424
Disclaimer: This fan fiction is created for entertainment and non-profitable purposes only and author does not claim ownership of Naruto, its characters and settings used. Copyright remains with the creator, Masashi Kishimoto.
Summary: Amidst the celebration out on the streets of Konoha, Sasuke and Naruto spends a quiet morning at home.
A/N:
- Title comes from the lyrics of 'What Christmas Means To Me'
Sasuke awakens at the slight dip on the bed. His ninja instinct would've prompted him to grab the kunai he hides beneath the mattress but he's quick to sense Naruto's chakra caressing him like warm rays of the morning sun.
"I thought I'd make you some breakfast in bed," Naruto explains when Sasuke eyes the tray Naruto's holding.
The feeling that blossoms in Sasuke's chest is still foreign to him, but he's getting used to it. Opening up his heart to Naruto hasn't always been rainbows and sunshine, but Naruto has been patient over the past year and he never gave up on Sasuke, never once did he think that it's hopeless to save Sasuke from darkness. Who would've thought they'll end up together, like this, sharing a bed, a home, a dream of a better future?
"Thanks." Sasuke picks up the tea cup, needing something to warm his belly, then studies the content of the bamboo tray, surprised that he doesn't spy any bowl of ramen on it.
They eat in silence, Naruto humming occasionally and once the plates and tea pot are empty, Naruto sets the tray aside, slips under the cover and snuggles at Sasuke's side. "So what are our plans for today," he asks, arms tightening around Sasuke's middle.
"I thought Sakura invited us for lunch. Then there's the traditional dinner with Iruka and Kakashi, which reminds me…," Sasuke lifts his head at the thought of their former teachers, frowning a little when he asks, "when did those two start dating anyway?"
Naruto giggles – actually giggles. "They've been dating since you've been released from prison. You were just too stuck up to notice."
"Well, I'm not as nosy as you are, usuratonkachi."
Naruto's hand smacks right on Sasuke's bare shoulder. "I thought no more name calling, teme," he snaps and Sasuke can't help but laugh, the sound as foreign as the feelings swirling in his heart.
Sasuke presses his palm on the back of Naruto's head, pulls Naruto close and claims Naruto's mouth with his own. Naruto tastes like miso soup and broiled salmon and Sencha and just Naruto, so intoxicating, so addicting that Sasuke can't get enough. But he has to pull away, has to take a breath. And he does, leaving chaste kisses on Naruto's kiss-swollen lips.
"Thank you," is all Sasuke says and the smile that forms on Naruto's lips is enough to assure Sasuke that Naruto knows what he means, knows Sasuke is grateful that Naruto has given him a reason to call Konoha home again.
For Day 8
Fandom: Naruto
Title: A Different Kind Of World
Author:
clover71Pairing(s)/ Character(s): Sasuke/ Naruto
Rating: PG
Word count: 389
Disclaimer: This fan fiction is created for entertainment and non-profitable purposes only and author does not claim ownership of Naruto, its characters and settings used. Copyright remains with the creator, Masashi Kishimoto.
Summary: Sasuke is haunted with memories of Naruto
A/N:
- the title comes from the lyrics of "A Different Kind Of Christimas'
The curtain of rain makes it nearly impossible to navigate through this outpost town, but Sasuke's got the eyes for this kind of situation. The streets are almost empty now, save for a few who are rushing through the downpour with umbrellas over their heads. Sasuke only relies on the thick hooded coat to keep himself from getting completely drenched.
It doesn't take long for him to find the wretched place where the village healer lives and he's soon trudging through a dank alley, wary of his surroundings. There's no need to dally around so he does what he came here for, picks up the herbs Kabuto needs for his suspicious potions and leave.
Relief settles in him when he steps out of the humid apartment to find that the rain had stopped and the sky is slowly clearing. He traces his way back to the main gate and pauses only when a group of children run past him, trampling on the puddles left lying on the ground.
One of the children has bright yellow hair and Sasuke has to do a double take, thinking it's someone he knows. Memories of a buried past comes crawling to the surface and he can almost hear Naruto's laughter, hear his incessant pleading for Sasuke to go with him to the park just outside the village so they can watch the fireworks. It's the highlight of the Yule season, Sasuke, come on. We can't miss it!
It's been more than a year since he left Konoha. Surely Naruto must have grown, even just a little. The thought of Naruto reawakens a sense of longing that Sasuke thought he has shoved deep inside him. He wonders if his bond with Naruto is stronger than he thinks, so strong that leaving isn't enough to break it.
People are hanging paper lanterns outside their home now, colorful ones that remind him of a village he once called home, of the people he once called friends, of the festivities he hated going but loved seeing the look it brings to Naruto's face.
Naruto.
One day, perchance, he'll cross paths with him again and Sasuke knows there is a possibility that he will have to finish the job he started, knows that the inevitability will take its course and he will have to kill his best friend.
*****
For Day 9
Fandom: Naruto
Title: Cold Winter's Night
Author:
clover71Pairing(s)/ Character(s): Sasuke/ Naruto
Rating: PG
Word count: 393
Disclaimer: This fan fiction is created for entertainment and non-profitable purposes only and author does not claim ownership of Naruto, its characters and settings used. Copyright remains with the creator, Masashi Kishimoto.
Summary: On a stop over at Yukigakure, the festivities in the village reminds Naruto of Sasuke
A/N:
- the title comes from the lyrics of 'Miss You Most At Christmas'
Fifteen now and he has gained a few inches in height. Naruto studies his reflection at the full length mirror one last time before throwing the thick cloak around his shoulders. He's almost at the door when he hears Jiraiya bellow, "Naruto! Hurry up. The parade is about to start."
They're in Yukigakure and the old woman who owns the inn where they're staying says that the season of Yule is big, that they often have fireworks and lantern parades.
Excited, Naruto jogs downstairs and finds his perverted teacher waiting for him at the front door. The streets are now covered with thick layers of snow. Naruto's glad he has traded his usual sandals for a more appropriate footwear, his feet sinking in a particularly deep mound. Everything around him is white like he's in some dream land.
Sasuke would have loved it here. Naruto could almost picture them both throwing snowballs at each other. Or maybe he would challenge Sasuke on a race up the hill.
Sasuke The thought of not having his friend around anymore stabs at his heart. He's not going to give up though. Nope. Once he's done training with Jiraiya, Naruto will resume searching for Sasuke until he brings him back to Konoha. He'll never give up, never go back on his word.
"You're thinking about him again, aren't you?" Jiraiya's voice is low, almost a whisper, and though his eyes remain in the pathway, he still throws occasional side glances Naruto's way.
"I wish he's here. He would've loved the snow," Naruto says and he can hear the wistfulness in his own words.
The weight of Jiraiya's hand on his shoulders prompts him to look up and the smile sitting on the pervy sage's lips wanes. "He now walks along a path of his own choice, Naruto. There's nothing you could've done."
"I'm going to bring him back, bring him home." The determination burning inside Naruto will never be deterred. He will bring Sasuke back.
"Whatever you say, kid." Jiraiya stirs Naruto through the crowd, noise thrumming in the air. "For now, just clear your mind and enjoy the parade."
Easier said than done, Naruto thinks and though his eyes are locked on the colorful lanterns held by men and women and children dressed in pretty kimonos or hanten, his mind is filled with thoughts of Sasuke.
*****
For Day 10
Fandom: Naruto
Title: If Only In My Dreams
Author:
clover71Pairing(s)/ Character(s): Sasuke/ Naruto
Rating: PG
Word count: 306
Disclaimer: This fan fiction is created for entertainment and non-profitable purposes only and author does not claim ownership of Naruto, its characters and settings used. Copyright remains with the creator, Masashi Kishimoto.
Summary: Sasuke finds himself on a valley overlooking Konoha.
A/N:
- Title comes from the lyrics of 'I'll Be Home For Christmas'
With all the comprehensive training he's had over the past three years, Sasuke thought he's ready to face any challenge. Anything. What he didn't count on was seeing Naruto again last summer, all grown up and… Damn, that was certainly one of the few things Sasuke wasn't totally prepared for.
His world seemed to have stopped for a moment when his eyes settled on Naruto's bright blue orbs looking up at him with what Sasuke could only interpret as bafflement back then. It was a feat to keep his face from molding any expression, to remain stoic, though he couldn't ignore the pressure in his heart.
Summer came to past. Then autumn. In winter he finds himself trudging along snow covered grounds, leaving a trail of footprint in his wake. He travels for days, letting his feet take him to where his heart desires until he reaches the edge of the valley overlooking Konoha.
The village is still miles away, too far for his sharingan to reach. He can only make the outlines of the buildings and the gates that hug around the entire area. For some reason though, the laughter, the sounds of singing, Naruto's obnoxious 'Happy Yule everyone!' seem to reach his ears. Or maybe, just maybe these are mere memories of a past resurfacing.
Only if… this lifetime had been kinder to Sasuke, then he may have never left the village, may still be there celebrating Yule with his family, with Itachi and… who knows, maybe his mom will even invite Naruto for dinner, if only in his dreams.
He knows he'll never be able to go back to Konoha, that he could never call it home again. He had a goal to fulfill and even after then, he doubts he'll ever find the path that will lead him back to the village.
*****
For Day 11
Fandom: Naruto
Title: Like An Old Friend
Author:
clover71Pairing(s)/ Character(s): Sasuke/ Naruto
Rating: PG
Word count: 418
Disclaimer: This fan fiction is created for entertainment and non-profitable purposes only and author does not claim ownership of Naruto, its characters and settings used. Copyright remains with the creator, Masashi Kishimoto.
Summary: The war is over and Sasuke is back in Konoha.
A/N:
- The title comes from the lyrics of 'On Christmas Morning'
It's picking up the pieces that is hard, carrying on despite the lives lost, rebuilding villages and keeping everyone on their feet. The war has tarnished everyone's heart, but it also serves to make Naruto stronger. He has lost friends and for that he grieves. But he has reclaimed one friend he thought will never be back by his side again, at least not in the way he expected.
Sasuke had come to help out in the war and for that, the hokage had granted him a chance to redeem himself. Sure, he's still tagged as rogue ninja and is under the watchful eyes of ANBU Black Ops, but Naruto likes to believe Sasuke will get there – the path to freedom. At least Naruto's able to ask pardon for Sasuke to roam around the village at specific hours.
There are no colorful lights along the streets of Konoha, no festivities in the town square this year. But the warmth this season normally brings blossomed inside Naruto's chest. Perhaps because his wish had come true, that he's got Sasuke by his side.
"What's that silly smile for, dobe?" Sasuke has one eyebrow raised and he pins Naruto with a skeptic glare.
"Just thinking," Naruto offers, eyes sliding down to the ground. He kicks a stone off the dirt path, lips stretching even further as he thinks back to the many Yule he shared with Sasuke when they were younger.
"About what, stupid?" Sasuke coaxes.
Several kids call out to Naruto and he raises his hand in greeting before turning back to Sasuke. "I thought I won't feel the least bit happy this season, what with the war leaving an ugly shadow behind us and all. But then you're here, and… I don't know. Everything feels right somehow."
Naruto can feel his cheeks burning, cursing himself for not thinking before blurting out what's in his mind.
"You're such a loser," Sasuke says and he almost sounds like the twelve-year-old Sasuke that Naruto once traded insults with though the words lack any hint of contempt this time.
Something flutters inside Naruto's chest. Weird, he thinks. Being with Sasuke triggers weird feelings. But he wouldn't have it any other way. At least they're not killing each other.
"Oh come on, teme. You love me for it," Naruto teases with a playful nudge on Sasuke's shoulder and Naruto almost trips on a rock lying in the middle of the street when he catches sight of the shade of scarlet spreading over Sasuke's face.
*****
For Day 12
Fandom: Naruto
Title: 'Midst The Din And Tinsel
Author:
clover71Pairing(s)/ Character(s): Sasuke/ Naruto
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 424
Disclaimer: This fan fiction is created for entertainment and non-profitable purposes only and author does not claim ownership of Naruto, its characters and settings used. Copyright remains with the creator, Masashi Kishimoto.
Summary: Amidst the celebration out on the streets of Konoha, Sasuke and Naruto spends a quiet morning at home.
A/N:
- Title comes from the lyrics of 'What Christmas Means To Me'
Sasuke awakens at the slight dip on the bed. His ninja instinct would've prompted him to grab the kunai he hides beneath the mattress but he's quick to sense Naruto's chakra caressing him like warm rays of the morning sun.
"I thought I'd make you some breakfast in bed," Naruto explains when Sasuke eyes the tray Naruto's holding.
The feeling that blossoms in Sasuke's chest is still foreign to him, but he's getting used to it. Opening up his heart to Naruto hasn't always been rainbows and sunshine, but Naruto has been patient over the past year and he never gave up on Sasuke, never once did he think that it's hopeless to save Sasuke from darkness. Who would've thought they'll end up together, like this, sharing a bed, a home, a dream of a better future?
"Thanks." Sasuke picks up the tea cup, needing something to warm his belly, then studies the content of the bamboo tray, surprised that he doesn't spy any bowl of ramen on it.
They eat in silence, Naruto humming occasionally and once the plates and tea pot are empty, Naruto sets the tray aside, slips under the cover and snuggles at Sasuke's side. "So what are our plans for today," he asks, arms tightening around Sasuke's middle.
"I thought Sakura invited us for lunch. Then there's the traditional dinner with Iruka and Kakashi, which reminds me…," Sasuke lifts his head at the thought of their former teachers, frowning a little when he asks, "when did those two start dating anyway?"
Naruto giggles – actually giggles. "They've been dating since you've been released from prison. You were just too stuck up to notice."
"Well, I'm not as nosy as you are, usuratonkachi."
Naruto's hand smacks right on Sasuke's bare shoulder. "I thought no more name calling, teme," he snaps and Sasuke can't help but laugh, the sound as foreign as the feelings swirling in his heart.
Sasuke presses his palm on the back of Naruto's head, pulls Naruto close and claims Naruto's mouth with his own. Naruto tastes like miso soup and broiled salmon and Sencha and just Naruto, so intoxicating, so addicting that Sasuke can't get enough. But he has to pull away, has to take a breath. And he does, leaving chaste kisses on Naruto's kiss-swollen lips.
"Thank you," is all Sasuke says and the smile that forms on Naruto's lips is enough to assure Sasuke that Naruto knows what he means, knows Sasuke is grateful that Naruto has given him a reason to call Konoha home again.