Didn't get a chance for someone to look over it. Please forgive the mistakes.

Disclamier: I don't own Naruto

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 4: Man's Best Friend.

It was a cold fall night in Konoha, the first of the season in fact, and while most were snuggled up in blankets with their lovers, two men blew it away like their breathe on the wind, those men were Kiba and myself. I wasn't exactly sure why I did this ritually every fall, I always kinda assumed a bit of Shikamaru had finally rubbed off on me, but unfortunately it was his laziness rather than his intelligence. Laying there letting the cold wind hit my body under the same tree, the same hill Shikamaru watched the clouds, I watched as Kiba stared off into space.

"You cold buddy?" I asked

Kiba took a deep breathe as he closed his eyes. I knew his answer; he was just tired, his coat was keeping him warm for now. I couldn't but smile wondering if Kiba appreciated the cold like I did. Whatever the answer was he was lying down next to me and that's all I really cared about. I couldn't help but stare at the dark sky as a few grey clouds began to wash over the moon. From what I could see of the moon I knew it was beginning to get late but I couldn't care less, I only had so many chances to enjoy nights like these without worry. Closing my eyes, I started enjoying the short burst of cold air that hit my burning cheeks. I awoke up after what felt like a few minuets of sleep to Kiba nudging my shoulder with his hand. It was late now and was much colder than before, Kiba rubbed his chest to gain some of the lost body heat. "Wake up dude, we should head back."

"Sorry I didn't mean to fall asleep on you like that."

He helped me up and smiled. "S'ok, I did too."

"I meant to talk to you about something."

"Tomorrow. It's late now and I'm too tired to talk. By the way would you mind if I stayed at your house again?"

"Yeah sure. Let's go." We made our way home.

The next morning I woke up with a cleaned up make shift bed from where Kiba slept and a note.

Hey dude, sorry for not staying around, I have to go help out my sister with the Animal Hospital today. Plan on going out drinking tonight, and yes, I'll pay. – Kiba

I laughed.

A set of knock's came from my front door.

"Ino…Hi." I can't believe she's actually here.

"Hi…come with me to breakfast…Please." She smiled at me.

"Yeah let me grab a change of clothes. Please come in."

"No it's okay..I'll just wait here."

Yup she was still mad… "Ino. Please."

She shrugged and made her way into my apartment. I had to move fast so I wouldn't make her feel anymore awkward then I already have. She sat down on my couch and began to fiddle with her skirt. Dashing to my room I threw on my classic black and orange get up and rushed back out.

"You don't have rush like that, she won't be there for a little while." She said to me with a blank expression.

"She? Who are we talking about here?"

"Hinata will be joining us today, she very vocal that you come along also."

"And do you feel about me coming?" She kept quiet. "Come on Ino. This is like, the first time in a very long time that we have argued."

"And when would be the last time exactly?"

I chuckled slightly as I sat down next to her. "It was a long time ago. You and I went to a neighbor country and you were suppose to replace a princess for short time and I was your cover if things went wrong. And on the way back, being the dummy I am, I made some stupid comment while trying to be sweet and you were SO angry." I smiled when I heard a small giggle escape her lips. "You yelled at me the entire way back…"

"I can't believe you remember that."

"Yeah, it was my first mission alone with you, how could I forget."…Holy crap why did I just say that!?

"Alone with me?" Now I was the one staying quiet. "Naruto what do you mean?"

"What?" Playing dumb…my ace in the hole…

"Don't play this game with me, what do you mean?"

I guess I have no real choice but to come clean… "Look, you're a beautiful woman, I had small crush on you a few years back…but…I dunno." I had to stop. I was walking in some dangerous ground, and the last thing I need to do right now is set her off. "Just forget about it, we have to go meet up with Hinata."

"Morning!" Ino said as waved to her.

"Good Morning Ino, you seem to be in a better mood." She smiled warmly at her. Yeah…she is?

"No good morning to me? Fine." I turned and pouted.

She giggled "Sorry Naruto, how are you this morning?"

I grinned as a response.

Ino smiled "Ready to go?"

Hinata nodded as she began to walk. "The cold finally came, I can tell you're excited, you have a little glint in your eyes"

I laughed "Oh yeah? You're right though, I'm very excited, and it came earlier than last year"

She giggled "I didn't notice" Hinata slightly brushed up against me.

I began to blush. Why do I feel so weird? "S-so, what do you guys want for breakfast?"

"Pancakes." Ino rubbed her tummy.

I laughed at her childish display.

"Yeah, I think so." Ino said as she began to walk. "Well let's go, I'm starving." She looked at me and smiled.

My heart skipped a beat "Great!" Am I dying right now? What is wrong with me?

For breakfast we went to a small restaurant not too far from my training ground. I was glad, a little food and a lot of laughs, so far it was going a lot better than yesterday's tea party. But it was strange, my heart was beating out of my chest and I couldn't explain it. I tried multiple cups of water but all that did was make my bladder full, and there was no way I could tell these two about my problem. I sighed, what I would do for another male to be here. Hinata smiled, she said she had some things around the compound that needed to get done and now was a perfect time to get to them. I offered my assistance but Hinata declined. Ino looked at me with those eyes again.

"Thanks for paying for this, I can't believe I forgot my wallet." She said.

"No problem at all, contrary to what some may believe I'm quite the gentleman."

She leaned in and gave me a quick kiss on my check, I blushed furiously. "W-w-what was that…"

"For being a good guy." And with that she ran off. It was like Déjà Vu… except she was happy with me.

"Naruto."

"Kiba?"

"What were you doing with Hinata?"

Crap…this isn't gonna be good…