Sakura and Itachi exchanged texts the rest of the week, maintaining contact for one-hundred percent certainty that things were fine. She wanted to make sure they were still on good terms. He wanted to make sure that she still was comfortable around him.

Still laying in bed at one o'clock, Shisui knocked on his door and invited himself inside, carrying a tray of food for his cousin. "How are you doing? I'm surprised you're still in bed," he greeted, setting the food at the foot of the bed.

"Just taking advantage of the break." Itachi lied, sitting up.

Shisui smiled, "If you need to talk about anything, you know I'm here. You haven't been eating a lot." It wasn't hard to see how many times Itachi had avoided him the past week. Barely any food in the house had been eaten, Itachi looked like a wreck, but Shisui didn't want to say anything.

As Shisui turned to leave, Itachi sighed, "Sakura doesn't share the same feelings as I do." He may not want his friends to know, but at least talking with Shisui may help him feel better.

Shisui looked down at his cousin, the shared feeling of losing someone that couldn't reciprocate their love gave him an unwarranted sense of empathy. "I'm sorry to hear that. Are you okay?" He knew the answer to that all ready.

"I'm kind of better. At least that's what I'm telling myself."

"I think you're better off now than continuing to question your relationship with her. Dragging it out would have only made it worse," Shisui reassured.

"You're right," Itachi stated solemnly.

Shisui knew he would need the time to really get over it. He loved her with all of his heart, so it was only expected that it would end in hurt feelings. Crossing to the door, Shisui changed the subject. "Just remember that the party's tonight at six. Hana-chan is coming a little early to help decorate."

"So what are you going to do about that?" Itachi asked, reaching for the tray.

Shisui laughed nervously, "What do you mean? Hana-chan and I are just friends."

"You've been calling her a lot. I can hear you talking after midnight in Sasuke's bedroom," he commented, taking a large bite of rice.

Shisui hastily opened the door, hiding his embarrassment with a hearty laugh. "Oh, you've heard that? Hopefully not too much! Anyway, I've got to get going, see you tonight." He shut the door, the sound of his footsteps racing down the hallway toward the living room echoing in Itachi's ears.

Taking another bite of his 'breakfast', Itachi read a new text from Sakura. He had promised her at the cabins that he'd stay friends with her, but damn was it hard. Itachi wasn't going to avoid her or cast her aside, but with the Christmas party, he didn't know if he could talk to her normally face-to-face. He also didn't want to avoid her because that would only fuel the flames.

Just try to act like yourself. This isn't about what you want, it's about Sakura, he thought, scolding himself.

...

Sasori stood idly against the brick wall of the arcade. Watching, bemused, as Deidara kicked the vending machine, his snack stubbornly stuck in its place.

"This is ridiculous! I've kicked this machine every time and it's always worked. Now, it decides to really get my candy bar stuck!" Deidara shouted, kicking the machine again.

Sasori crossed his arms and stared indifferently at the blonde. "Maybe you shouldn't take chances and use a machine that works correctly. You're just going to waste your money."

Deidara grumbled and kicked the machine once more, but to no avail did his snack fall. Stuffing his hands in his pants pockets, he walked away with his red-haired friend. They had intentionally come to the arcade solely for the purpose of wasting time before the Christmas party.

"Man, this place is getting trashed. I hate it when the tourists come... Leaving their crap everywhere, but the trash can," Deidara complained, kicking an empty soda can.

Sasori finished up a message on his phone and placed it back into his coat's pocket. "The season is almost over and we have another few months until they come back. By then, we'll be seniors."

Deidara grinned, "And one of us will have a girlfriend!" He winked at Sasori.

Sasori smiled. Receiving another text message from Sakura, he read through it:

be ready for tonight! :) we're going to be playing osama and you better hope I dont pick your number! ;)

Replying back, the thought of buying her a present came forth in his mind. "Deidara, have you heard of a person buying a present for someone they weren't dating?" he asked.

Deidara raised a brow, puzzled. "Not at all, hm. Where did that come from?"

"I was just wondering." Still, even if it wasn't common, he really wanted to show just how much he cared for her.

The blonde caught on quickly. "Just wondering? Are you sure that you weren't just wanting to buy Sakura-chan something?" He snickered as Sasori turned to him, his cheeks red and his eyes reflecting his embarrassment.

"No, it's not like that. It was just something that I was curious about," Sasori answered.

Deidara's smile widened. "You're about as opaque as a wall of glass, Sasori-kun."

Sasori conceded, "Fine, I was thinking about it." He frowned as Deidara erupted into a fit of laughter. "What's so funny?"

"Man, you've really changed! You were always so cynical and rude, but now you're just a totally different person!" Deidara hollered, holding his stomach.

"And that's funny to you?" Sasori was confused by Deidara's strange reaction. It was just a gift, nothing else.

Deidara wiped at his eyes. "No, that's not it. I'm just seriously in awe over your transformation. Looking back, I would have never expected you to show your feelings so openly!"

Sasori dropped his gaze to the pavement. It was nice to know that others were noticing how much he had changed. He decided, "Okay, I have to go run an errand."

"Eh? An errand?" Did he mean getting a present for Sakura? Why couldn't this guy just accept it?

"Yeah, I'll see you tonight." He had something in mind and he hoped he could find it somewhere by the time of the party.

Deidara waved at his friend, his smile fading as Sasori escaped his sight. "Good luck, Sasori-kun."

...

It was time. Sasori rolled on his heels, knocking on Itachi's door. Wearing a hooded sweatshirt along with one of his father's old knitted scarves, he waited in underneath the overhang. Opening the door, he smiled at Shisui as he invited him in with a cup of sake.

Initially, Sasori would have refused the alcohol, but he was a bundle of nerves. The present in his pants pocket was completely concealed, Sasori was the only one aware of its existence. But he didn't want to give it to Sakura at first sight, he wanted the moment to be perfect.

"Hana-chan isn't back yet, do you think she's with Sakura-chan?" Kisame asked, eating one of the cookies Shisui and Hana baked throughout the day.

"Yeah, she said something like that," Shisui answered, filling his glass again. "They'll be here soon."

"When they come, we'll play another game of Osama like last time!" Deidara announced happily.

"Not like last time," Shisui and Itachi deadpanned.

"That shit was hilarious. You two were seriously the butt of all the jokes then," Hidan crowed.

"It'll be different this time. No holding back!" Deidara added. "You can't just down a drink!"

Two female voices rang out beyond the door then a few hasty knocks made Hana and Sakura's presence known. Shisui answered, immediately blushing. "Hana-chan, you changed your clothes?"

Hana wore a black, sheath-styled dress running down to the middle of her thigh, wearing a red trench coat over her clothing. Her long, brown hair, trailed over her shoulders, ending at the base of her chest. "Did you expect me to wear my overalls?" she joked.

The other boys peeked over, examining Sakura's attire and reacting just as Shisui did. She was dressed in a floral, flared skirt much shorter than her school uniform's along with a pair of black tights. She tucked in a navy-colored sweater and wore a white parka unzipped. Her hair had been curled, framing her face. Make-up brightened her features, giving her eyes a boost in color.

Hana awaiting their reactions, took pride in her work. "Do you like it? Sakura-chan and I went shopping for our outfits. She's so pretty all done up, huh?" Sakura had told her everything: the realization of their feelings, the confrontation at the cabins, a few snippets of her conversation with Itachi, so it was fun teasing the boys.

"Cherry-chan, you look really good," Hidan admired, tugging at his own collar.

Sakura smiled, twirling around in her skirt. "Thanks! I wanted to look my best."

"You certainly succeeded," Kakuzu joined, taking in her beauty.

Hana guided Sakura into the living room. "Enough with the googly eyes. Let's get started! What's first?"

"Osama, Osama!" Deidara and Sakura shouted.

Hana shook her head. "That game? I haven't played that since high school." She gestured to Shisui. "I'm guessing we'll be playing by the old rules, right? The naysayer gets a drink?"

"That's right."

"Should you guys really be drinking?" Hana asked.

"Didn't you just say that the last time you played was in high school with the old rules?" Itachi countered.

Hana hunched her shoulders. "Okay, okay, but Shisui's taking the blame if we get caught."

Shisui laughed, "I don't think that'll happen!"

Sakura and Deidara set up the game together, writing the numbers on the seven chopsticks and adding the 'King' last. "Sakura-chan, you're not going to drink, right?" Deidara asked.

Sakura thought about it. "Not at all! I'm hoping that anything I'm asked to do isn't too embarrassing," she giggled. She hadn't drank sake before, but she was surrounded by people that she trusted, so if she happened to get tipsy then it wouldn't be too big of a deal.

Grabbing a bottle of sake and cups for everyone, they set the cup of chopsticks on the table and started the game.

"Okay! Let's see who is the first king!" Deidara announced.

Everyone took a chopstick, only to have Shisui stand up. "I'm the king!" He showed off the chopstick with a proud grin.

"What is your desire, King Shisui," Hana joked, laying back on the couch.

Rubbing his chin, Shisui thought of an excellent idea. "Number three has to act just like a cute, lolita pop idol until they're chosen again!" he exclaimed.

Kakuzu immediately grabbed for a drink, but Hidan blocked his path. "No way! You can't start the game off with a drink! That's really lame!" Hidan chided.

Kakuzu was completely against it. "I'm not going to do something so ridiculous."

"You're built like a fucking brick wall, so the drinks don't even bother you! It's unfair!" Hidan replied.

"Come on, Kuzu-kun! Start the game out strong!" Sakura pushed.

Kakuzu looked cross. He really didn't want to do it. Standing up, he performed a cute, girly pose, his hands folded delicately underneath his chin. "Let's get this over with, guys!" His voice raised two octaves and the other had to use every ounce of self-control to contain their laughter.

They threw their chopsticks in again, swirling the cup, they all grabbed another. Deidara raised his chopstick in the air. "Hey, it's me! I choose numbers one and eight to exchange an article of clothing!"

Hana looked around, locking eyes with Kisame. "Oh..." She took off her red trenchcoat and handed it to him.

Kisame nervously removed his sweatshirt and the two tried on their new pieces of clothing.

"Kisame, that thing is so little on you!" Hidan laughed.

Kisame covered his exposed chest, his face burning.

"You look nice in red, Kisame-kun," Itachi joked.

"S-stop it!" Kisame stuttered, humiliated.

Hana lifted her arm, the sleeves hanging over her hands, dangling. "This thing swallows me," she jested, showing Sakura.

The game continued, a few being forced to strip down and run around the house while others took a drink of the sake.

"Number two has to strip down in their underwear and roll around in the snow for three minutes," Kisame ordered.

Hidan scowled, lifting himself off of the floor. "Are you serious? Why is it always me who gets saddled with this kind of stuff."

"You can always drink," Sasori offered, shaking the bottle.

"Like hell! I never back down!" He unbuckled his pants and threw off both layers of shirts onto the floor. The others crowded around the door and window, laughing or smirking as Hidan shrieked, cursing and wailing as his skin made contact with the icy snow. Once the three minutes were up, Hidan raced inside, his teeth chattering and his body shivering.

"Th-that w-w-was f-fucking cold!" he yelled, hurrying to pull on his pants and shirts.

"It didn't look that bad," Shisui joked.

Hidan glowered at him. "Th-then you do it, asshole!"

Settling down, they plucked their chopsticks out of the cup and waited for the king to make his or her identity known.

Hana wiggled the chopstick around. "I've got it. Your queen decrees that number seven has to have their nails painted by number five!"

"You're joking. Who is number five?" Sasori narrowed his eyes as Kakuzu lifted his hand. "Then who has nail polish?"

Hana presented a pair of bottles she had brought with her. "Icy blue or electric yellow?"

Sasori chose the blue, as it didn't stand out as much, and rested his hand on the table, staying still as Kakuzu painted his nails.

"This color is super duper ridiculous!" Kakuzu exclaimed, still speaking like a tiny, female pop idol.

"Isn't your turn finished? You don't have to talk like that now," Sasori reminded him.

Kakuzu slathered polish over Sasori's nail. "Oh, thank God. I was just now getting used to it."

During the course of the game, Itachi ordered Shisui to eat a spoonful of wasabi. Deidara and Hidan had to swap personalities. And Sakura made Kisame wear seaweed as facial hair.

"I think we all agree that this one will be the last," Sakura declared, revealing the 'king' chopstick.

The others accepted, awaiting the final instruction. "Number three and four have to play the Pocky game."

For a moment there was silence. Nobody moved. Slowly, Shisui stood up then Itachi.

"You've got to be kidding," Itachi muttered.

Sakura stood up along with them. "Whoa! I thought I saw Hana-chan pick up the 'three'! Not Itachi-kun!"

Hana threw her chopstick on the table. "Nope, I got 'two'."

The freshman turned back to the boys. "This wasn't on purpose, I swear!"

Hidan and Hana looked at each other, mischievous grins spreading across their lips. "Since this is the last one..." Hidan started.

"You have a choice between doing it or splitting the entire bottle between yourselves," Hana finished slyly.

"What? We'll be drunk off our asses!" Shisui argued.

"You can't make us do that," Itachi agreed.

"Let's put it to a vote," Hana decided, "Raise your hand if you think it's a fair deal." Everyone raised their hand, excluding the poor victims.

"Is it worth it?" Itachi asked him.

Shisui's gaze darkened. "The party has only started, and while I plan on getting drunk, I don't want to get there so early." He grabbed one of the Pocky packages on the table and ripped open the plastic. "Let's do this fast and quick."

The others watched in great anticipation. Shisui balanced one end of the chocolate-covered biscuit between his teeth while Itachi did the same. Growing closer, their friends cackled and snickered with each bite. The cousins closed their eyes, uncertain if they really wanted to see how close they were.

"They're seriously going to do it," Deidara whispered.

With another bite, Itachi and Shisui's lips made contact. They winced, immediately jumping back and covering their mouths, retching. The spectators laughed at their reaction, falling over, gasping for air. Tears streamed from an eye or two and everyone's sides ached.

"I didn't think it was that funny," Itachi said dryly.

"Yes it was! It was fucking hilarious!" Hidan gasped.

"You should have seen your face!" Kisame chortled.

...

After playing Osama, most of the boys excluding Itachi and Sasori participated in another drinking game of Kiku no Hana.

"Come on, Hana-chan! It's even got your name in the title!" This was the tenth or eleventh time Shisui had pleaded with her.

Hana rolled her eyes, smiling. "Okay, scoot over then." She pressed her body against his, forcing him to move over to make room.

Sakura came back from the kitchen, holding the Christmas cake she bought that morning and dropped off before shopping with Hana. "Who wants a slice of cake?" she called out.

Shisui and the others around the table called back with a unanimous 'yes', excluding the dessert-hating Kakuzu. She set it on the table, cutting servings for her friends. Humming a song, she felt a pair of hands wrap around her eyes.

"Sasori-kun?" she guessed.

Sasori leaned forward, his voice a low murmur in her ear, "Meet me on the back porch in a few minutes." He left her at the table, finishing the plates of cake for the others.

After handing out their dessert, Sakura bundled up in her parka, passing through the hall leading to the wrap-around porch in the backyard. Sasori sat, his feet dangling over the edge, breathing in the crisp, cold air. It was quiet, the sounds and voices from inside muffled. The moon in its waning phase, shining along with the countless number of stars in the sky.

"What's up, Sasori-kun?" She took a seat, crossing her legs.

Sasori's fingers grazed the gift hiding away in his pocket. Retrieving it, he swallowed hard. "Sakura-chan, I know it kind of breaks tradition, but I bought you something." He presented her the gift, wrapped in colorful paper.

Sakura audibly gasped, "What? You really got me a Christmas present?" A heavy blush painted over her cheeks as she held it in her hands.

He sat patiently as she carefully unwrapped it, revealing a jewelry box. She glanced at him and he motioned for her to continue. Unsnapping the box, her eyes set upon a beautiful, aquamarine pendant.

"It's gorgeous, Sasori-kun," she mumbled, still a little shocked that she received something.

Sasori scratched the side of his nose. "I thought it would look nice with the earrings I got for you."

"You mean these?" She pulled her hair back, exposing her ears and the aquamarine studs.

"I didn't know you wore them." He assumed that she had stored them away, or even worse, lost them. He often wondered why he had never seen her wear them before.

She shook her head. "No, I actually wear them for special occasions. Now I have a matching necklace too," she marveled, peering down at her gift.

Sasori smiled, relieved. "You look really pretty tonight." He avoided any contact with her eyes with his compliment. "But I think that about you everyday, so I don't know if it means anything."

"Thank you," she replied softly. "It does."

Inside, Itachi became aware that Sasori and Sakura were missing. Searching all of the rooms, he slid open the door leading to the backyard. Hearing their voices, he stopped, listening to their conversation.

"At that jewelry shop during Golden Week, I said something that you didn't hear. I was so embarrassed about it." he admitted.

Sakura cocked her head, curious. "I remember that... What was it that you said?"

Taking the necklace, Sasori brushed her hair to the side then clasped the two ends together. "I basically told you that your birthstone matched well with the color of your eyes. It's stupid when I think back to it because the other guys wouldn't have freaked out over something like that." He smiled to himself. "I just couldn't help myself because your eyes have such a unique color to them. I love looking at them."

Sakura stomach was swarmed by a kaleidoscope of butterflies. "Every time I hear you say things like that, my heart beats faster and my head spins. I'm really glad that you're not like other boys, Sasori-kun."

Itachi's heart stopped. Hearing her say that gave him the same sensation he had the last time they had spoken, when he realized how she really felt about him. He wanted to move away, return to the party, but his body didn't budge.

"I'm not trying to say things to sweep you off your feet. I say it because I really mean it." He held her hand in his, gazing up at the stars. "You know, my dad would surprise my mom with flowers and gifts. He constantly told me how great and beautiful she was - I think he called her a goddess, or something like that. It embarrassed her a lot. 'Everyday is like the first day we met, ' he'd say."

"Your dad must have been really romantic." Sakura surmised.

Sasori eyed her. "I suppose so."

"You can be romantic too, Sasori-kun." she pointed out.

"Not really."

"The day at the school, the Founding Festival, even now what you said about my eyes. You're very romantic," she argued.

Sasori stood up abruptly. "It's really cold. Let's get inside before one of us gets sick." His feet were freezing, even with his wool socks.

"Sasori-kun." Sakura rose from her spot and met with him near the entrance of the house. Both unaware that Itachi stood feet away, hidden behind the wall separating them.

"What is it?"

"I..." She bit her lip. "I want to give you something too."

He swallowed hard as she approached him, backing him into the wall. "Sakura-chan, this isn't the time." he mumbled, feeling uneasy.

She could smell the faint scent of alcohol on his breath, understanding why he was reluctant. "Okay, let's go, Sasori-kun."

Itachi stealthily ran back inside, standing in the kitchen once they returned, pretending as though he was there the entire time. By the time. Entering the warm interior of the house, Sakura and Sasori found the other boys drunk, laying on the floor and blabbering about anything that popped in their heads.

"Where's Hana-chan and Shisui-kun?" Sakura asked.

"I don't have any idea," Itachi answered. "I'll go check." Since he wasn't inside, he hadn't the foggiest if they had left the house or not.

Traveling into the hallway that separated into Sasuke and Itachi's bedrooms, Itachi opened Sasuke's door, exposing Hana and Shisui in a passionate, but compromising, position.

He stared, his brain failing to register what his eyes were seeing. Hana and Shisui sat motionless on the bed, bug-eyed and red-faced.

"There's a lock, you know," Itachi said, covering his eyes.

Shisui scrambled off of the bed. "No, wait, it's not what it looks like!" He was cut off as Itachi closed the door.

Meeting with the others, his expression blank, they had to ask him. "What's wrong? Did you find them?"

"Yeah, they're fine." He just needed to wash out is eyes. What could he use? Alcohol?

Back in the bedroom, Hana smiled as Shisui's shoulders sagged. "What's wrong? Itachi-kun's old enough."

"It's just a little embarrassing to get caught," Shisui replied, rubbing the nape of his neck.

Hana patted the bed invitingly. "Same old Shisui-kun. Come over here, we have a lot to catch up on."

He grinned, locking the door. "That's true. You were saying?"

...

With the rest of the Student Council staying the night, Sakura decided it was time to leave by twelve. "Text me when you're not busy, okay?"

"Are you going to the New Year's Festival on the 31st?" Sasori asked, reading a book from the shelf.

"Yeah! My mom said I could since I missed out on the Founding Festival."

Itachi sat on the couch, looking over his entrance exams workbooks for University. "Let's all go together. One last thing to do before the school year ends," he suggested.

"Great idea, Itachi-kun. I'll tell my mom right away. Good night and Merry Christmas!" She waved to them before shutting the door behind her.

Itachi turned his attention to Sasori. "She wasn't wearing that necklace when she arrived," he prompted.

Sasori flipped to the next page. "That's because I gave it to her," he replied.

Making sure the others were asleep, Itachi moved to the side of the couch closer to Sasori. "Are you that confident?"

Sasori groaned, placing the book in his lap. "You're getting on my nerves with this constant badgering. What do you want from me? I'm not going to apologize for spending the night with her or buying her something. Seriously, if this is going to happen every time then-"

"That's not what I was getting at," Itachi broke in.

"Then please tell me what you're trying to say."

"If you happen to be right - in which she does like you - then I want reassurance that you won't hurt her," Itachi stated.

Sasori's expression grew serious. "I would never hurt her." he promised.

"All right. That's fine, then. But just remember that there are six other people who would die to be in the position you're in right now. Make sure every second counts for that and treat her like the gift she is," Itachi instructed.

Was Itachi giving him some sort of blessing? "I'll do my best."

"Thank you, Sasori." Itachi said, lowering his head.

I couldn't be the one, but I do have the power to protect her. If Sasori does hurt her, then I'll be there to help.

xxx

Votes and comments are appreciated. <3

xTsu