"Kiba's missing."

"He-he-he…he's missing?"

"Gone. Left Konoha last week. Told people he was going to Suna. He hasn't shown up here."

Sana's news pushed me down, like an invisible hand, onto my couch. I stared into space, not believing, not wanting to believe.

"They're sending a search party."

"You have to let me go!"

"I'm sure they'll let you. Just go ask."

I bounded through the dusty streets of Suna, racing toward the Kazekage's castle.

"Gaara, you have to let me go with the search party!"

"You are already going."

"Thank God!"

The search party included Sana, Mao, Kibasa, Kami, Mimi, and Wakana-the sand ninja he knew best. We packed supplies as fast as we could, racing away from Suna.

"I'm sure he'll be fine, Koyubi. He's a strong ninja."

"But…he's been missing for a week!"

"Maybe he got lost."

We followed the route most ninja use to get from Konoha to Suna. We were on our second day of travel when we saw something.

"Is that…Akamaru?"

"I think it is!"

"Maybe he knows where Kiba is!"

We dropped down to the ground. It was, in fact, Akamaru. We followed him into the forest. He kept on going and going. Kibasa translated everything he said to us.

"He says Kiba's hurt."

"He's hurt? How?"

"He says we'll see."

It seemed like forever. Kibasa chattered with Akamaru the whole way. It seemed like Kibasa was getting irritated, but it was hard to tell. We broke through the trees.

"Kiba!"

"Koyubi?"

"Oh my God, you're alive!"

I ran to him like a seven year old to a birthday present. He was sitting up, his back against a tree. He looked weak, like he couldn't sit up by himself.

"We were so worried!"

"I'm sorry. I would have sent Akamaru, but he had to take care of me."

"At least you're alive!"

He raised one of his hands, slowly but surely, to touch my face. I held it there, closing my eyes, thinking how lucky I was to be able to do this. He pulled my face closer to his, our lips meeting. I let go of his hand and put my hands behind his head, bringing him closer still. He pulled away after a few seconds, panting.

"Did I hurt you?"

"No-no that's okay."

"Wait, Akamaru told Kibasa you were hurt. We brought Sana…"

He nodded, and I turned around. Everyone was waiting at the edge of the clearing. I motioned to Sana, and she came over to us.

"Sana. Hello."

"Hello, Kiba. So, do you know where you're hurt?"

"Yes. I got distracted and fell out of the trees. I think I broke a leg."

Sana started running her hands over his leg, glowing with green chakra. I held Kiba's hand lightly, squeezing when he flinched. I watched Sana's face, searching for signs of emotion. Her face was scrunched up in concentration, and then relieved.

"Yes it's just a break. Nothing serious. Nothing I can't fix easily."

"Will we have to take him home? Or can you fix it here and now?"

"We should take him back."

Mao and Kibasa were by us now; Kibasa crouched on his other side, Mao hovering over Sana. Sana was wrapping Kiba's leg in a makeshift splint, with some sticks and extra fabric she kept with her. Kiba had his eyes closed.

"Okay, someone has to carry home while we travel."

"I can carry him!"

"Of course, Koyubi."

I gently worked my arms under Kiba's body and lifted him. I could tell he would have been heavy for someone else, but my jutsu required strong arms. His eyes opened, and he smiled when he saw I was carrying him.

"Koyubi."

"We're going to Suna to heal you. I'm carrying you there."

"Sorry I can't walk by myself."

I smiled, and took off. Akamaru looked worried, but bounded behind me. Sana was in front of the group, Mao, Kibasa, and everyone else was behind me. Kiba was still awake, gazing at me. I would have gazed back, but I had to concentrate on the path ahead.

"Koyubi? You know what distracted me and made me fall?"

"Mmm, no, what?"

"I was thinking about you."

I blushed. Dang it, why did I have to be the purpose of his injury? At least I was making up for it by carrying him home. I guess it wasn't really my fault…

"You broke your leg thinking about me?"

"Best reason I can think of to break a leg."

"Oh, shut up."

More blushing. He had such a way with words, a way that made me blush… I was getting behind. I bounded to catch up with Sana. Kiba closed his eyes, again, tired from the last few days.

"It's getting dark, Sana. Do you think we should stop?"

"I guess so."

"I'll tell the others."

I fell back to inform Mao, Kibasa, Mimi, Kami, and Wakana. They nodded their agreement, and we jumped down out of the trees. Kibasa and Mao set up the first tent, which I laid Kiba in. his eyes fluttered open.

"I'm going to go set up a few more tents, okay?"

"Yeah, okay. Don't worry about me."

"I won't. K, I'll be back in a bit."

I walked back out and helped them set up their three other tents: Two people per tent. Once we were done, I re-entered me and Kiba's tent. He was still awake, staring at the ceiling of the tent.

"How are you feeling?"

"Better, I guess. Sana is very skilled."

"Yeah. You can go to sleep if you want. I'll be awake all night, I bet."

He smiled in reply, shutting his eyes. I knelt beside him and stroked his soft hair. He was soon breathing deeply, sound asleep. I lay down on my side, propped up by my elbow, and gazed at him. I was so tired…