Sakura inhaled the rich forestry smell she had missed so much. It was great to be back home. She and her team were leaving the Hokage's office to inform him of the success of the mission. It was a little humorous that the one who hired them was now being prosecuted by her village and had been the ones to line her pocket with money. The young woman stretched before wrapping her jacket tighter around her body. The weather was getting chillier as the days went by, something Sakura didn't like. She preferred warmer weather to frostbitten air.

She waved at Sai, Naruto, and Kiba before turning towards her home, intent on getting the supplies to take a warm bath.

"Hey, Sakura!"

She froze at the sound of his rough voice. Dammit, I thought I would get away.

Turning to face the one who called her, she irritably placed a hand on her hip and cocked her head. "What Kiba?"

The brunette jogged over to her, fanged smirk crossing his features. "I still get my date so go freshen up. I'll stop at your place in two hours. It should be around three by then."

Sakura sucked in her cheeks. They had connected down at the river and here he was already back to his annoying, soon to be asshole self. He was so damn cocky! Sure, his tanned complexion, defined muscles... dimpled smile... shit.

"I will be ready when I'm ready," Sakura huffed as she turned away.

He grabbed her hand to stop her retreat. She whirled around to see the Inuzuka giving her the softest look and smile. He brought her hand up to his mouth and kissed it before placing it on his shoulder.

"Come on Sakura," Kiba murmured. "I want to spend more time with you."

The pink-haired woman felt a flash of heat move from the place on her hand he had kissed. Sakura knew she was blushing. The quicker she got this date over with, the better. Sakura would get payback by making him the most adorable pet dog ever.

She snatched her hand from his and walked away, trying to ignore that her body still felt like it was on fire. "You better not be late Kiba!"

Kiba smirked as he mounted Akamaru and they began the trip to their home. He held on to the large dog's fur and leaned down. "Did you sense it?"

"Yes, her body prepares itself for you when you're close to her."

Kiba licked his lips at the sound of that. If he could get inside Sakura once, she would beg for more and then he could make her his mate. Just thinking about it made his body flush with heat. Sakura was so sexy. Not only was she beautiful, but she was smart She was a powerful woman, too. A strong girl was the ultimate turn on.

"You better stop thinking about mating with her and figuring out how you will make her want to be with you."

Kiba frowned. "What ya mean Akamaru?"

Akamaru looked over his shoulder as they stopped in front of the Inuzuka compound. "Sakura will refuse advances to mate right now. She has to love you."

The young male paused for a second, realizing that his companion was right. There was no way he could make Sakura his mate first without her gaining true feelings for him. Kiba never tried to romance a girl to form a bond. Even thinking about that made his frown deepen. Sakura wasn't just some girl; she would be the one he spent the rest of his life with.

"Am I ready for that?" he asked himself out loud while running his fingers through his unruly brown hair.

Kiba realized that he was rushing things. She was to be his mate from how Akamaru told her body responded to him during the mission, but if he wanted to be with Sakura for the rest of his life and not just have her for a one-night stand, he would have to put feelings into it. Even then, there was no telling if she would develop real feelings for him. Kiba rubbed his hand over his face and headed towards his house with Akamaru trailing at his side.

"What is your plan, Kiba?"

He sighed and answered, "There's no way I can make her care for me in a week. I guess I'll just spend time with her and see where it goes."

Akamaru wagged his tail with happiness. "That's a good idea. You don't have to mate with her right now."

The large dog paused for a second and then made a mad dash towards the house. Kiba gave him a confused expression before taking off after him. "What's the matter?!"

"Tamako is having the puppies!"

Sakura entered her home and padded to her fireplace to warm up her place with a good old-fashioned fire. Once it was flickering with life, the frozen woman went to her bedroom to get her supplies for her bath. Slipping into a tub of warm water would hit the spot. The kunoichi kicked off her sandals, headed towards the bathroom, and flicked the light on. She gazed at herself in the mirror and frowned. Her hair was in shambles, something that always happened after missions and Sakura ran her fingers through her long locks. She would still have to wash her hair as well for this date so she would take a quick shower afterward.

"Kiba," Sakura muttered, a slight annoyance entering her voice when she said his name.

This man angered her, but he had a sweet side. He was handsome and funny. Still, how could they form a relationship when they argued ninety percent of the time? Sakura shook those thoughts away. It was like she was already thinking as if they would be a couple. No way. She was sticking to her ideal of not needing a boyfriend in her life. She was only doing this because it was part of the bet. This wasn't a real date to her; Sakura was just going through the motions. After placing her things on the counter, the twenty-one-year-old set her bath water and watched as it rose and steam billowed from its surface. Sakura moved to her sink and knelt to open the cabinets underneath it. She pulled out her favorite bubble soap and poured it in the water. Once it was high enough to submerge her without spilling over the edge, Sakura stripped off her clothes and stepped in before she could get too cold.

Sakura sighed, tied her long hair into a high bun, and slouched into the warm embrace of the water. At first, goosebumps rose on her arms from the change in temperature, but soon she felt comfortable. After a few minutes, Sakura's muscles relaxed as the heat penetrated her body. Once again, her mind wandered off to that brash man Kiba, her thoughts returning to the kiss they shared. Absently, her hand moved up to her lips to touch them. Her heart pounded just thinking of how close they had been. Sakura shook her head. She couldn't understand why Kiba's presence was having such an effect on her? That sensation she noticed while she was riding Akamaru on the way to meet Hisa was new to her, but Sakura was smart enough to realize that Kiba's closeness turned her on. Why was that?

Deciding to push those thoughts away and continue with her bath, Sakura sat up and cleaned up, loving grime washing away. Afterward, she let the water out of the bathtub and showered so she could wash her hair. While Sakura was getting dressed, her mind wondered what kind of date Kiba had planned for them. He might surprise her with something ridiculous, but who knew? Sakura hoped he would not try to wine and dine her. It didn't seem like something that would fit the Inuzuka male. She bet he wanted to do something exciting and different. Her mind churned after leaving the bathroom and returning to her room. She gazed in her closet, unsure of what to wear. She didn't even know what style to focus on. Sakura's heart sped up when she heard knocking.

That can't be him already. It's only been thirty minutes!

"Hold on a second!" she called while throwing her dirty clothes in the hamper and trying to do a quick clean-up of her room.

She heard the door open, and a frown crossed her face. Was he walking in her house like it was okay? That cocky bastard. Sakura had a good mind to let him have, and she rushed towards her front door.

"Just what the hell do you-?"

Sakura stopped when she saw Ino standing in front of her with a smirk on her face. She cocked her head, long blonde bangs switching to the other side of her face. "Were you expecting someone, hmm?"

Sakura blushed and turned back on her heels towards her room. "I've told you about just walking in my house, Pig."

"Then stop leaving your door unlocked, Forehead. You still didn't answer my question. Who's coming over?"

Sakura huffed with annoyance as she continued to stare at her closet. "None of your business."

Ino's smile grew wider as she leaned against the door frame. "Would it be Kiba by any chance?"

Sakura's blush deepened. She was so damn nosy! Couldn't she keep out of another person's business for once?!

"Like I said, it's none of your business. Go invade someone else's life."

Ino chuckled and pushed herself off the wall. "I already know Kiba is into you so you might as well spill it because I'll find out, anyway. Naruto doesn't keep his mouth shut."

Sakura raised an eyebrow and glanced at her friend slash enemy. "What are you talking about?"

"So, it seems there are things you don't know either." Ino turned away and headed towards the kitchen with Sakura hot on her trail. "Want to trade info?"

Sakura growled. "I don't want everyone in my love life! Whoever I spend time with is my decision and doesn't include you or Naruto or anyone else!"

The blonde adjusted her jacket and grabbed the silver teakettle off the stove. She filled it with water. "You like Kiba too."

Sakura sighed and sat her table with Ino following suit. She wanted to talk to someone about him, but it would be awkward because Ino had been Kiba's object of lust last mating season. Ino said she was just using him for sex and he did the same but Sakura couldn't understand a concept like that. Didn't you become attached the person you shared your body with?

"I'm not sure about him," Sakura answered. "He kissed me while we were on the mission and-"

Ino squealed and clapped her hands together, dashing from the stove to pull up a chair next to Sakura. "He did! Did you like it?"

Sakura leaned forward, placed her elbows on the table, and propped her chin in her hands. Her emerald eyes took a far-off appearance as once again her mind replayed her kiss with Kiba. She enjoyed their kiss even if his hand wandered and pissed her off. Before that moment, she felt content.

"Yeah I did," she answered. "We're going on that date I owe him. Ino, He is in his rut again and I don't know if he is just trying to get in my pants or if he seriously likes me."

Ino moved back to the stove and when she returned, she had two mugs of hot chocolate. "The easiest way to figure it out is to not give it up during his rut week and see. If he still is trying to spend time with you, it might not just be your body he is interested in."

That made sense. Sakura was in no shape or form ready to lose her virginity, especially to someone who might not have feelings for her. Keeping sex out of the picture would make things easier.

The medic sipped on her cocoa and gazed at her friend. "Sounds good. Want to help me get dressed?"

Ino flipped her blonde hair over her shoulder and linked her fingers together. "I can't let you go on a date looking like crap so I'm dressing you."

Sakura huffed.

Stupid pig.

Sakura sat on her couch tapping her fingers irritably on her leg. She turned her head to gaze at the clock, her long coral hair that Ino had given a wavy appearance to sliding over her shoulder and tickling her thigh. It was forty-five minutes past the time Kiba told her to be ready and she was feeling stupid for getting dolled up just for him to not show up.

"That idiot won't get away with it," the angry woman said through gritted teeth, standing to her feet and leaving her home.

She had every intention of heading over to the Inuzuka compound and seeing just what was holding him up. Depending on what it was, she may not destroy him... as bad. Sakura pulled her red hoodie tighter around her figure and a chill traveled up her spine at the cool air. She began the trip to the Inuzuka compound, the nippy breeze biting at her cheeks until they flushed pink. Sakura was so ready to let Kiba have it. After a few minutes, she stopped in front of the house she knew belonged to Kiba's family and walked to the front door. She knocked, and she heard shuffling before the door opened. There stood Kiba's mom, her hair looking as animalistic as ever.

"Hey, Sakura!" she said in her raspy, almost male-like voice as she locked the surprised girl in a bear hug. "How the hell are ya? What brings you by?"

"I was wondering if Kiba was around," Sakura wheezed, feeling like her ribs were about to poke holes in her lungs.

Tsume released her hold and opened the door wider. "Yeah, he's in here helping with Tamako. Come on in."

Tamako? Had he blown off their date? Sakura's temper rose again... until she heard whimpers and turned the corner. Turns out Tamako was a dog, and she was giving birth right that moment. There were already two little ones nestled at her side. Akamaru was lying next to her, licking her face. The big dog looked up and when he saw Sakura, his tail wagged and he barked. That was when Sakura noticed Kiba's sister Hana kneeled next to Tamako. She looked over her shoulder and waved.

"Hi Sakura," she greeted. "It's nice to see you."

"It's great to see you too," Sakura answered before moving to kneel next to the female dog. She rubbed her side affectionately and Tamako turned her head to lick Sakura's hand. "How many puppies is she expecting?"

"Nine."

Sakura turned when she heard his voice, her heart fluttering again. Kiba stood shirtless. He rubbed something in a blue towel in his hand. Sakura's green orbs raked over his sculpted body. She noticed the scars that lined his sides, making the male appear more dangerous and... attractive.

His sharp eyes drank her in for a moment and once again her cheeks flare with heat. A streak of lightning coursed through her body and that dull aching sensation was returning between her legs. Sakura crossed them.

"So, um..." Hana said coughing a little at the awkward silence. "Did you want to help clean up the puppies as they come Sakura?"

"Can I?" the pink-haired woman asked, leaning forward to observe the new puppies. They made little squeaking noises that Sakura thought were the most adorable sounds ever.

Kiba kneeled down and opened the towel and there sat a third puppy. Sakura thought her heart had melted at the sight of the all-white pup. Kiba noticed her stare of adoration and moved behind her, reaching around to place the puppy in her lap.

"Rub them like this," he murmured, moving his hands over Sakura's and guiding her on how to clean up the newborn. "It dries them off and helps them breathe."

Sakura's eyes sparkled with wonder at the little pup. "Oh, wow..."

Kiba smirked as he watched her clean the puppy for a few more seconds before telling her to put it with Tamako. He watched her smile falter and noticed that she had moved the newborn closer to her.

"You can have that puppy once it's weaned." Kiba grinned at her as he spoke.

Sakura turned to him with happiness crossing her features. "Can I really?" He nodded, and she put the puppy with the mother. The medical Nin turned and leaned her head on Kiba's shoulder. "Thank you."

"No problem," Kiba answered, leaning his head against hers. "You look pretty as hell."

Sakura blushed and smiled. "Thanks."

"Here comes the next one," Hana said, breaking the two out of the world they lost themselves in. "Sakura as soon as the pup comes out, I'll remove the gestational sac and cut the cord and then you rub the pup like Kiba showed you."

Kiba handed Sakura a clean towel and watched as she readied herself for the birth of the next pup. Around eight at night, Tamako bore all the puppies, and they all nursed. Tamako was licking at them one by one and soon after went to sleep. Sakura's hair didn't look nice like it first had before. The room they were in stayed warm to keep the puppies from growing chill. She had resorted to pulling it up into a bun while she helped deliver the puppies. She never got to experience something so amazing. Sakura couldn't tear her eyes away from the adorable creatures, especially the little white one that would be hers.

Hana had left the room to dispose of all the items they used during the delivery. Kiba crossed his legs and looked at her. "Sorry I stood you up."

"It's okay," Sakura answered. "I know how much the dogs mean to you and your family."

"Thanks."

A comfortable silence overtook them. Sakura gazed at the man next to her once more. He had since put on a black shirt with the sleeves cut off, but he still looked as handsome as ever, even with the tresses of hair on his forehead wet with sweat. Sakura swallowed while she gazed at him. She understood that she may, in fact, have a crush on Kiba Inuzuka, but what were his true intentions? Tsume gazed at the two and smiled. Those two would become mates, no doubt about it. She smelled Sakura's arousal when she saw Kiba standing there and her boy had a thing for this female, too.

"Look at you two!" she said, slapping her knee. "Well, I'll be, Sakura I never guessed you would end up having a thing for Kiba!"

"I-I," Sakura stuttered, unsure of how to respond.

"Ma!" Kiba whined like an eight-year-old. "Stop it, you're embarrassing me!"

"What's there to be embarrassed about boy?" his mom questioned with a smile.

Kiba stood and held his hand out to Sakura. "Let's go."

She took it and within seconds he was dragging her out the door, grabbing his grey jacket on the way out. "Um, nice to see you Miss Tsume!"

Said woman watched them leave, a smile still working on her face. She hated to resort to embarrassing her son, but they needed to get out of here and spend time with each other. Another confirmation had been that puppy had chosen Sakura, and she chose it. She had her companion, just like any other Inuzuka.

Sakura and Kiba stopped once they were outside and Sakura wished that she had worn thicker pants. Her teeth clacked right away, and she wrapped her arms around her body.

"Want to go to the bridge?" Kiba asked.

Sakura glanced up at the taller male. "Sure, but where is Akamaru?"

"He will stay with Tamako and the puppies that way he can alert my sis or mom if something happens," the dog nin answered while giving her a fanged smirk. "Looks like you're stuck with me."

Sakura smiled and gave him a soft punch in the arm. "Shut up."

The young couple made their way through the woods towards the bridge. The large trees provided a darkened shelter around them, casting shadows in every direction. It gave their surroundings an eerie appearance, but it was comforting because it was home. The crickets chirped around them, causing Sakura to relax further.

Soon the bridge was looming in front of them, lamps lighting each side. Kiba took Sakura's hand and lead her towards the wooden bridge and they walked up its familiar side, stopping at the peak to glance over at the gentle water that glided over the dark rocks lining the bottom.

Sakura leaned against the railing and gazed up at the full moon that was casting its milky glow over the surroundings. Despite it being frigid outside, it was still a beautiful night.

"I figured out what I'm going to name her," she breathed, a smile breaking across her face at the thought of the newborn puppy.

"Her?" Kiba asked. "What makes you so sure it's a girl?"

"I just know," Sakura responded. "I think I'll call her Kiyomi."

"Pure beauty. Just like you."

Kiba made her blush like a schoolgirl. Still, there was something holding her back from giving in to his advances. Sakura turned around to face him.

"I think I may like you," she began, "but I need to know your intentions. I know you're in a rut right now and the last thing I want to be is just this girl whose pants you're trying to get into because of your sexual cravings. I can sense when you're aroused and-"

Kiba silenced Sakura by pressing his lips to hers. The first thing she wanted to do was push the male away, but instead, she melted into his embrace, feeling at ease when he wrapped his muscular arms around her slim waist.

Kiba pulled away and leaned his forehead against hers. "I like you. I'm trying to get to know you Sakura."

Emerald eyes gazed into dark orbs and after searching them for a few minutes, Sakura thought maybe Kiba was being sincere. There could be a budding relationship between them.

"Okay, "she answered as she turned back to face the shimmering water.

Kiba leaned against her and let his hands slide to her hips. Sakura's neither regions throbbed once more. Kiba kissed the back of her neck after moving her soft hair out of the way. "I wouldn't mind making you mine though..."

His voice turned husky and heated Sakura's body further. It was when Kiba's hand snuck underneath her jacket to ghost across her bare stomach when it registered what he said.

"You pig!" she raged as she grasped Kiba by his jacket, hauling him up and over the side of the bridge.

Kiba landed in the only waist deep stream with a thud and sat up sputtering and coughing. "Damn it Sakura! I wasn't talking about screwing you! Could you stop being such a bitch and realize that I like you!"

Sakura paused for a moment. She thought he was talking about sex, but did he mean something else? "I don't understand."

Kiba stood up, his entire body shaking as the icy air bit at him. "I want you to be my girlfriend one day. That's what I meant by making you mine."

She blinked. Sakura hadn't had a boyfriend since Sasuke and he never voiced his feelings. She didn't mean as much to him when he took off again and left her a note saying:

What we had is over. I must fulfill my mission.

Since then, she never trusted another man, but was it worth giving another shot?

"We'll see," the young woman said before her eyebrows furrowed and she rolled up the sleeve of her right arm. "Wait, what did you call me Kiba Inuzuka?"

Kiba watched with dread as Sakura jumped off the bridge and stalked through the water towards him. "Go easy on me, I- ah!"