hello, everybody! i know i said i was going to post this on sunday, and it's sunday. late sunday, but sunday all the same. i changed my mind on something in the chapter and had to do a rewrite. sorry if it's choppy, but i haven't edited this as well as i would like, especially since i changed a lot of stuff.
so many of you can figure out where my user name comes from and if you don't know, please check out avatar the last airbender. but when we went to see transformers last night, (which was awesome) there was a minute long tease for avatar the last air bender movie, july 2010. i don't know if i can wait that long!! it looks so good. and you can probably find it on you tube. it only shows aang, but it looks good. i nearly passed out when i read back in february that they had originally casted jesses mccarthy for the role of zuko! WTF!!! then dev patel from slumdog millionaire got the part. sorry if you are a jesse fan, but zuko is angst and rage and that is so not jesses mccarthy. i liked the guy from sky high that played warren peace, but i'm no casting director. also jasper from twilight will be playing sokka. i'm still a little nervous about that....i need someone to tell me it will be okay.
so here's my latest problem. i don't know if i'm going to update this story next, which i have stuff written for, or home again. this is what i get for writing two stories at one time. i suck. but anyway here is the chapter.
CHAPTER SEVEN Hana Digs Deep.
Inuzuka Hana cursed as she dug through the boxes stored in Kiba's old room. The room smelled of storage and sweat. And something else Hana couldn't quite put her finger on, but was sure she would not even dream of sitting on Kiba's old bed. Not that he would ever use this room again. No when her baby brother returned home, he would be the head of the clan. The alpha. There was no way he could sleep in here. His rightful place was the master bedroom. Little by little her mother had begun moving her stuff from there to prepare for it too. Tsume had decided once Kiba took his bride, and they came to the clan head's home, she would take the guest house, as did her in laws.
That was the future, and in the present, Hana was stuck in here pushing her future leader's crap around. Her mother sent her in there looking for Kiba's old ceremonial robes to hand down to her younger cousin. And Hana was not happy.
A box labeled, "Kiba's Childhood Memories." was of course at the bottom of the stack. When she finally opened it, she sat down rummaging through it's contents. Pictures of their former family of four were inside also included a few report cards from school.
Hana smiled to herself seeing similar comments on them all, 'Kiba appears to be a bright boy, but needs to focus more.'
"Well, some things never change," she said to no one.
A few paintings and macaroni projects were on top of a black and white composition book label, 'Kiba's Journal.'
"Jackpot," an evil big sister grin on her face. What big sister wouldn't try to find any gossip out on their little brother.
Flipping through the pages she looked at his third grade handwriting.
'Dekia sensei makes keep a journal to practice our writing skills. She says we can write about anything we want, and we won't get in trouble. We have to use a lot of adjectives. Dekia sensei is a fat cow. The cows that have large brown spots and a fat bubble butt.'
Hana laughed out loud at the first five entries that compared the sensei to various animals. Kiba was right though. That lady was mean and old. The journal continued that way, and Hana almost closed the book when the words, 'pink haired girl' caught her eye.
'Today Sakura came running over crying. All the other girls were picking on her because of her forehead. They say it's big, but it's not as big as the hairy mole on Dekia sensei's cheek. I let her sit with me until they left.'
Intrigued by the mention of Sakura, Hana read on to the next day.
'Sakura makes me mad. She beat me in arm wrestling! She's a girl and that idiot Naruto laughed at me. Then she beat him. Haha Loser! But she was fun to play with since Shikamaru and Chouji skipped to watch the clouds.'
The next 12 pages mentioned Sakura. Then Hana read something that caused her jaw to drop.
"MA!" Hana ran through the house and into the kitchen.
"Did you find the kimono?" Tsume asked not looking up from her the newspaper.
"Look at this," she shoved the book toward her mother.
"Hana this isn't what I sent you after," the mother asked irritated. "Have you been in there this entire time messing around?"
"Read this," she pressed. "I just can't believe it."
A sigh sounded from the clan head as she snatched the book from her daughter's hand. Her eyes darted over the page.
"Oh my God, we have to see the hokage," she stood quickly and left with her daughter on her heels.
Tsunade was a little shock at the two Inuzuka who burst through her office door.
"May I help you two," the blond asked with a raised brow.
Bowing quickly Tsume spoke. "Forgive us Hokage sama, but we've got some information we need to share. Please look at this."
Tsunade took the notebook from her friend.
"A journal from Dekia sensei's class?" Tsunade asked with a curious look. "That woman must at least be 100. Wait is she still teaching?"
The blond flipped to the marked page and began to read out loud.
'Uzumaki Naruto, is a big idiot. He says he thinks Sakura is pretty but she was my friend first. I know it sucks that his parents are dead, but Sakura is mine, mine. She said she wanted to be my friend forever. Dad told me how we can be friends forever too. We did what everyone in our clan does. We bit each others' fingers and then mixed our blood. This makes us friends forever. Dad says that's how kids are bound together. Uzumaki can't beat that cause he's not in a clan."
Tsunade looked up at the two other women. "Is this what I think it is?"
Tsume sighed and sat in the chair. "Yes it's the Inuzuka arranged marriage bonding ritual."
"But they were what, eight or nine," the hokage looked at the clan head. "Explain."
"It can be performed until the child has seen ten summers. Not just the Inuzukas use a technique like this. The Aburames allow the children's destruction bugs to intermingle. We just use the blood because the kids' can't yet control their chakra." Tsume started.
"Inuzuka parents who arrange marriages for their children will use this ceremony." Hana continued. Tsume's head was in her hands. "The chakra's mixed and acts as a homing device for the pair. The two can grow up miles apart, but at some point it activates. They then start to seek out their mate."
Tsume grumbled, and Hana could make out the strings of curse words followed by her dad's name.
"These two have been destined for each other from the time they were children," the daughter ignored her mother. "It's probably why he ended up mating with her."
"My son was an idiot then too, they both were," the elder woman snapped.
Tsunade shook her head and looked at the pair. "So it doesn't matter that Sakura's not an Inuzuka?"
"Apparently not," the vet answered. "It's the chakra binding them essentially. For the alpha male to accept her must mean her chakra has always been strong.
"How could that fool father of yours tell him about that!" Tsume spat. She jumped from the chair pacing.
"Ma please," she pleaded. Hana hated her father for what he did to her family and clan, but a small part of her would always be a daddy's girl. "It could be worse. We could have never known they were like this. Or Kiba could be engaged or Sakura married to someone else."
"I'm not quite sure I understand." Tsunade questioned. She did know she needed to get Tsume somewhat calm or she end up hurting someone.
"If an Inuzuka has been placed in an arranged marriage, the mating ritual will only work on that one person." Hana continued, ignoring her mother. "Since they 'married' each other, if Kiba tried to mark another woman it wouldn't work, and he could never have a complete relationship."
"So where does that leave us?" Tsunade looked between the two.
"To be honest, I don't know." Tsume answered. She really didn't have a clue. "I'll have to do a little research. It could mean that Kiba can eventually marry someone just never mate them. Which is the most intimate of bonds our clan has. I don't know if it will effect the offspring."
"So if I've got it straight, they gave themselves an arranged marriage," the head kunoichi laughed. "They are idiots. Do you know how many couples come in here wanting to get out of one?"
The two elder women shared a chuckle at the expense of the pair.
Hana looked at the other two. "Well, it looks like my brother loved her at least. Or until she got Uchiha-itis."
"What?" Tsume asked her daughter.
"The journal goes on for another four months of the pair of them being friends, spending all their time together. Then Kiba began to hang out with the boys, and Sakura started to pine over Sasuke with the rest of the girls." Hana swallowed. She felt a little sad for her brother. "It seems like he was sad that she left though. Then after that dad left, and the journal starts to talk about the guys more."
Tsume felt little tug at her heart strings. Her son had dealt with his first crush and the separation of his parents. How had she missed this?
"So you'll do more research right?" Tsunade tried to bring the woman out of her thoughts.
"Yes, I will. But let's keep this between us. At least until we figure it out." Tsume stood. "I'd rather not deal with either of them bitching about the situation they created."
"Agreed," the other two spoke up.
Sakura jumped as the door clicked, and a cursing Kiba entered the apartment.
"Damn it princess, come get this shit," he yelled down the hall. His nose was assaulted by fragrance of floral.
"What," she got up and moved toward the front door. Her eyes rolled at the two bouqets of flowers in his hand, a bag full of take out, and his mission pack. "Oh, that, just toss those to the side."
"Get the food." Kiba ordered. "What is all this?"
Sakura took the bag from his hand and moved toward the kitchen. Kiba left the door open for his companion to follow him in.
Kiba placed his pack at the edge of the hallway that led to their bedrooms.
"Mukotsu's sad attempt to make up," she placed the bag on the counter and peeked inside. "Where's Maru?"
'Here I am mistress, did you miss me?' Akamaru asked bouncing into the kitchen.
"Always," she rubbed his head. The medic picked up his bowl and filled it with water, placing it down for the canine.
"Get out of that bag," he put the flowers down on the butcher's block. "How many of these has he sent?"
"I don't know. I've taken some to the hospital and a few to the neighbors downstairs," she answered. Her eyes still glued to the bag.
"After I shower we can eat," Kiba swatted her hand away. "So you two haven't made up?"
The pout that made his stomach do flips appeared on her face, and was replaced by a frown.
"NO! He's only sent flowers! He hasn't come to apologize at all," she banged her fist. "Why should I go running to him! Aren't I worth that?"
Sakura turned to the fridge and got a beer for the shinobi. Kiba took the beverage from her and smiled, "Sounds like a reasonable request."
"So until then he can sweat it out," she walked from the kitchen to the den.
"You do realize that he could be scared," he followed her. The twist cap on the bottle opened.
"What," she asked looking over the chair at him. "What the hell does he have to be scared of?"
He laughed at the angry expression on her face.
"Sakura, you broke two ribs, his wrist, a finger, and bruised his hips, plus his ego. What do you think he's scared of?" Kiba sat on the couch.
"Certainly not of delicate, little me. I'm just a girl after all," she kicked at the pillow on the chair.
"I know better than that, shit every shinobi in our class knows better than that," he sipped his beer. He couldn't believe that he was helping her see Mukotsu's side. "And now he does too, so cut him some slack."
"You're just saying that," she argued.
A knock on the door postponed Kiba's original answer. "Tell him that yourself, he's here."
Sakura continued to sit on the chair. The knocking sounded again, and the medic picked up the chart she had been reading before Kiba came home.
"Sakura," the brunette looked at her.
"What? How do you know it's him? It could be a salesman," she scooted down further in the chair.
"Are you fuckin' serious," he pointed to his nose.
A louder knock came down the hall.
'Hey are you going to let the little man in or not,' Akamaru said coming from his room.
"Get the door or I will," he nodded, leaning forward to turn on the t.v.
"Fine," she stood and stomped down the hall.
She opened the door to find Mukotsu, standing there with chocolates and a stuffed bear.
"What do you want," she snapped. On her heel she moved back down her room.
"Sakura darling," he called after her. The assistant moving slower due to his injuries. "Kiba san how are you doing this evening?"
Kiba snorted at the sight of the man, "A lot better than you my man."
"I see time has not helped smooth things out either," he sat down slowly, still wincing.
"You know how women are." Kiba flipped through the channels wondering how long Sakura would keep him waiting.
"How do you deal with all this physical pain," he asked.
"You just have to man up," the inu offered a beer.
"No, I'm on pain medication. Thank you," he declined.
"Shit, you'll need this to deal with her. If not something stronger." Kiba advised.
Akamaru looked up at the man from his spot on the love seat. 'So Sakura is the alpha between them. Cause he looks like crap.'
"I believe so buddy," he laughed again. "Sakura get out here!"
A minute later the medic entered the den.
"My love, I thought I'd give you a few days to cool off before I came to see you," he stood slowly. "These are for you."
'Smooth move captain obvious, we didn't think they were for us,' Akamaru stated, mouth wide open.
"Do you honestly think those will make up for what you said to me," her foot tapping.
Out of instinct or the need to be away from Mukotsu, Sakura sat on the couch beside Kiba.
"I'm sorry I didn't realize what kind of effect my words would have," he stammered. Searching for a connection with her eyes, but he found none.
He really wished Kiba and Akamaru would leave. Apologizing was hard enough without an audience.
Kiba knew he should excuse himself, but watching his rival stumble through an apology was something he did not want to miss.
"Are you done?" Sakura asked coldly. The look in her eyes sent daggers to the man.
Kiba could sense his panic, this is where the begging would start.
"No, I need your forgiveness," he stood. "Can we go to another room?"
She huffed, "Maru, stay away from those chocolates."
"Akamaru, get out of those," the inu shouted and moved the box away from the dog. He gave Sakura a look and with her nod, he opened the box and started to eat.
She led the way to her study, she opened the door and leaned against her door. "Spill, I've got work to do."
Kiba sat back on the couch and listened to the conversation taking place in the other room.
'She's not going very easy on him,' the canine commented.
"Sakura was always called 'the weak one,' he pointed out. "So when Mukotsu put her down, it's not so easy for her to forgive him. She will though."
'Are you sure?' Akamaru asked. 'Oh leave it on that channel. I like this show.'
"She still loves him, so yeah she will." Kiba rolled his eyes at the anime that was on the screen, "You like this? This show is horrible."
'That's cause you only like porn,' the dog half joked.
"I'm going to shower," he stood. He didn't want to listen to anymore of the make up session and headed toward his room.
Fifteen minutes later, Sakura walked Mukotsu out of the apartment and then sat on the couch. Her head was spinning just a little. She was happy that she had made up with her boyfriend, but at the same time part of her was sorry.
Mukotsu was not accustomed to seeing women as strong as Sakura. She shook her head thinking what he'd do if he met Kurenai, Anko, or Tsume. Yet he would have to get use to it. This strength was part of who Sakura was. She may not have a supremely strong ninjutsu or genjutsu, but her taijutsu was unrivaled among kunoichi.
Deep inside she wondered if she could live the rest of her life with a man that didn't understand that. A man that didn't accept her, like a shinobi would.
"Hey, where's your boyfriend?" Kiba asked entering the den.
Sakura looked up at the voice. Her heart skipped just a beat at the sight. The man was in a pair of shorts and shirtless. His hair damp from the shower. Sakura's eyes noticed the small scars on his torso and the way his chest broadened out. Quickly, she turned to the t.v.
"He had to leave because of an early morning breakfast meeting," she answered. Her green eyes squinting at the dancing fruit and reindeer on the t.v. "Maru, what are you watching? Do you see this?"
She looked at Kiba, pointing to the television in disbelief.
"He's got weird taste, don't ask," the dog trainer waved it off. "C'mon let's heat this food up. I've lived off rations for the last few days, I'm starved."
The next few days turned into weeks, and Sakura could no longer put off her mother's insistence on being fitted for her wedding dress.
"Honestly, Sakura your ass is getting huge. I swear we'll have to put you in a bed sheet or table cloth, if you keep getting like this." Mai snapped. "You need to go on a diet."
"Mother please," she sighed. Her face blushed red at her mother's comments.
The employees in the store winced at the mother daughter duo. They couldn't help but feel sorry for the medic being berated by her mother like that.
Sakura stood in front of the mirror looking at the gown she was to wear. The first argument over the wedding was whether Sakura would wear a traditional wedding kimono or the new style of white wedding dress. Mai won that argument stating Sakura would be a trend setter by using the white laced gown and veil.
The words would never come from her mouth, but she had to agree with her mother. The dress was beautiful, and she did feel like a princess. Princess. That word made her blush, at the thought of the person that always referred her as such, even if it were sarcastically.
"Oh that looks gorgeous, Haruno san," the young attendant stated. "You are going to be a bride to be envied."
"Are you serious?" Mai looked at the young brunette. "Her chest is flat, she needs to have so help there. And the waist is too tight, either it needs to be taken out, or she needs to stop eating so much!"
The empahsis on the last part of that.
The manager stood beside Mai. "No, Haruno san we don't have to take it out, we can just go up a size."
"Up a size?" Mai huffed, shocked at his nerve for calling her daughter fat. "No, she will not! You will either fix this dress or she will lose weight. I suggest both."
Sakura's feeling of royalty was deflated by her mother's words. A poof sounded causing all but the pink haired woman to jump.
The ANBU team member in the tiger mask paused, dumbfounded.
"Haruno Sakura, you are to report to the Hokage's tower at once," the voice stated from behind the mask.
"Hai," she nodded her reply.
Even with the mask the pair's eyes connected. Kiba looked at his mate, in the wedding dress and was awh struck. A tingle passed through him that was more than just lust. There was no way he could describe how beautiful she looked.
"Sakura what is going on?" Mai questioned. She looked between the ANBU and her daughter.
At the sound of the woman's voice, Kiba nodded to his mate, and vanished from the room.
"I have to go," she stepped down from the platform and headed toward the dressing room.
"Go, where," her mother followed.
"Mother you know where, ANBU showing up means a mission. Could you please help me?" Sakura asked the girl working in the shop.
"Of course Haruno san," the brunette hurried over and began undoing the buttons.
"But you aren't taking missions anymore!" Mai moved toward the woman. "It's that dog's fault isn't it?"
"No mother he has nothing to do with this," she stepped out of the dress. "I serve this village and go when I'm needed."
She reached for her clothes, happy that she wore sweats and a t -shirt.
"You need to ask Mukotsu first," the elder woman argued. This was not suppose to happen. When her future son in law heard about this, he could possibly break off the engagement.
"I don't need anyone's permission, Mother," she stopped tying her sneakers. "Like I said, I serve this village, and I need to go. Thank you for all your help today."
Sakura nodded to the staff, and vanished.
"She is so lucky," the brunette girl spoke to Mai. "I would have loved to been able to be a kunoichi."
"Then you are a fool." Mai spat and turned to the manager, giving him orders on what needed to be done to the dress.
Sakura left the office and hurried to her apartment to pack. The two chunin assigned to the mission were applicants for the ANBU program. They did not suspect that the mission was actually fake and a way for Sakura and Neji to asses their skills.
"Hey, what's up?" Kiba asked as she came into the apartment.
"I have a mission," she said moving toward her bedroom. Kiba close on her tracks.
"What?" Kiba sat on her bed.
"It's a weed out mission, for applicants." Sakura packed her bag.
"Length?" he relaxed. He had confidence in the woman, but the idea of her being in danger put him a little on edge.
"A week at the most, but probably four days," she finished. Not thinking she pulled her top over her head, while facing her closest reaching toward the back for her mission outfit. Hands on the hanger she pulled it forward and pulled down the sweats.
Kiba watched the girl change in front of him and realized he would be without her for a few days. The kunoichi bent over pulling the familiar black shorts up her legs. Kiba jumped up at the sight of her ass moving and the thong teasing him.
From behind her he wrapped his arm around her waist and the other went straight to her womanhood. Sakura's body stood straight up, and she gasped.
"Come back to me safe," he whispered into her ear. "When you come home, I want to welcome you properly."
His finger played with the edge of the fabric. His other hand traveled up to caress her breast.
"Don't let anyone else touch you," he ordered. His fingers moved from her underwear to the mark on her thigh. "Remember, you still belong to me."
He ground his hips into hers, and she pushed back against him.
"Remember," he pinched her nipple. He wanted to take her right there against the closest, but he pulled away from her. "It's mine."
He turned and walked to the den to wait for her to finish, so he could escort her to the gates.
Sakura's knees were wobbling from the contact. She ran a shaky hand through her hair and finished.
"I'm gone," she yelled walking to the door.
"I'm walking you out," he stood. Akamaru trotted down to where she was. "I need to make sure you are safe, and with a good cell captain."
"No it's okay, Neji's on this one, but I have to go by and see Mukotsu first," she answered. She rubbed the dog's fur. "I'll be back."
"Fine," he grumbled. He wasn't expecting her to say that. Why was she going over there with him?
She was his mate, it was his job to make sure she left safely. Plus he wanted to get a sense of who was going on this mission with her. He needed to sniff them out to make sure they wouldn't try anything forward. Jealousy was starting to take over.
'Let's just go to the gate, and you can see who's with her when they leave,' the canine proposed.
"What would I do without you," Kiba grinned at the animal.
'I have no idea.' Akamaru replied and waited for Kiba to catch up, so they could leave.
Mukotsu smiled seeing Sakura in the waiting room, "Sweetheart the pack on your back?"
"I have a mission to go on," she answered. "I should be back in four days to a week."
He reached for her to embrace. "Please be careful. I know that someone is after you, Shino san told me that there have been two attempted attacks on your life in the last month. I'm glad Kiba san was there to protect you."
Sakura remembered the lie that Kiba told Mukotsu when they two first mated and moved in together.
"Yes, I am lucky that he was there."
"And who will be accompanying you on this mission?" Mukotsu asked. He pulled away from her hold, and sat on the couch.
"Sorry, but that is classified," she smiled. "I've gotta go."
"Okay, but remember," he started, but the words were lost as she disappeared.
At the gates, Neji checked the weapons for their 'mission.' The two chunin, unaware of the mission's true purpose, were a little nervous about being on a mission with the ANBU head.
"Sakura," the Hyuuga looked at her and tilted his head toward the Inuzuka standing on a branch near the gate.
Sakura's stare followed his and smiled at seeing the ANBU member in the tiger mask. Her heart felt good knowing he was there to see her off. The inu squatted on the branch waiting until they had disappeared from sight.
In Sakura's heart there was a comfort knowing he was watching them leave. She felt safe at the thought of him guarding her. It was a complete contradiction of what her mind was saying she should be feeling. Her mind tried to get her heart to see that it should be Mukotsu that she wanted there watching them. The heart however wanted what the heart wanted, and at the moment it was an ANBU in a tiger mask.
"Sakura, we will travel until nightfall," Neji informed her. He could see the smile that was inside her. That feeling he was familiar with. He felt it each time he held Naruto.
"Hai," she came back to earth.
Shino was on his way to meet Kiba for lunch. He had just seen Ino off on a mission and was headed toward the side of town the Inuzuka now resided in. He was thinking of a way to ask Sakura about having a surprise party for Ino's birthday. It was a long shot, but Ino wouldn't suspect a thing if the party was at Sakura's home.
His insects alerted him to the presence of not just Neji, but Sakura.
"Sakura, I will see you tomorrow then at ten," the pearl eyed man spoke. "We will continue to go through the applicants again. Take care of your arm also."
"Hai," she answered. She rubbed her arm that was bandaged from her wrist to almost her shoulder. "Sure thing."
"Neji, Sakura," Shino spoke before Neji parted ways. "Sakura your arm?"
"It's nothing," she patted. It was actually a pretty bad burn. She'd done the best she could to heal it, but she would have to get Tsunade to look at it when the hokage wasn't occupied with the elders. No one wanted to be man handled by the blond after a meeting with the two village elders. Tsunade tended to forget her own strength.
"Yes, for you it's nothing, but," the bug nin began. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Well, Kiba may not think so, and that could become a problem."
"Let's hope not. Listen, I want to thank you for that little white lie you told Mukotsu the other day." Sakura started. They began meandering through the crowd. "I really appreciate it. It helped me avoid an argument."
"It wasn't a problem. I know that this is difficult for both of you." Shino commented. They approached the restaurant. "But I would like to ask a favor. Ino's birthday will be coming up soon, and I would like throw her a surprise party."
"You want to have it at my place?" Sarkura raised a brow. She stopped at the doorway. "Sure it's not a problem, just let me know when."
"Thank you," he smiled. It was time to see just close the pair were. Plans were ruined however when her heard his name being called.
"Shino!" Kiba shouted. The Inuzukas jogged toward the two. As he got closer, his eyes narrowed at the bandage on his mate's arm. "What the fuck happened to you?"
He reached for her.
"It's nothing Kiba, don't worry about it." Sakura tried to pull away from him.
"That's not what I asked. I said what happened to you!" Kiba shouted. Several villagers turned to look at the threesome.
"Kiba, perhaps we should go inside the restaurant and stop making a scene." Shino suggested. He opened the cloth door to allow them to enter.
"I'm waiting," the inu started to get aggravated.
'Mistress, are you ok?' Akamaru asked. His concern mirroring Kiba's.
"Yes, Maru, I'm fine. Please wait here, and I'll bring something out for you." Sakura answered being ushered in. She hated leaving the dog outside.
"Sakura," the mate's patience was thin.
"I got burned on the mission. Hamuri kun wasn't as good with his fire jutsu as he thought," she answered. "Now, enjoy your lunch with Shino."
"That chunin did this to you?" Kiba's voice was laced with anger, and he let got of her arm. He inhaled getting a whiff of the chunin's scent from Sakura's clothes. From outside the restaurant Akamaru could be heard barking in reaction to his master's anger.
Shino knew exactly what was going, "Kiba, you need to calm down."
"HE BURNED HER!" Kiba growled. His temper flaring.
Shino gripped his shoulders, keeping him from leaving the restaurant.
"Kiba, I'm fine! Calm down." Sakura tried to sooth him. She moved in front of the ninja to show him she was okay. "Please listen to me!"
She touched his face, softly hoping he would calm down. The sensation of her hand on his cheek soothed the anger that was coursing through him. Akamaru's barks were also subsiding.
"Let's have lunch with Shino," she suggested. Her green eyes pleading with him.
"Yeah, let's." Kiba swallowed and moved toward a table at Sakura's lead.
The three sat down and the server came over to get their orders.
"How was the mission, aside from the injury?" Shino questioned. He nodded a gesture of thanks to the waitress for the water. "Any potential?"
"Oh, those two were hopeless." Sakura answered, shaking her head. "They'd never survive my class, much less Ibiki sensei's or a mission with Anko as their captain."
"Good, then. They can't even get their ninjutsu's down they have no business as chunin much less ANBU." Kiba growled his fist pounding the table. The other hand, had not released the hold on hers. He needed to keep her close and make sure she was okay.
During the meal an elderly lady approached the table, "Pardon me Haruno san, I do hate to disturb you during your meal."
"Sia san, it is not disturbance, are you feeling well?" Sakura asked the woman. She resided two floors below Sakura.
"Yes, I am fine. The lighting in my bathroom is flickering, could you please have someone come look at it?" Sia asked. "Byou san is out of the village at the moment."
"Of course, I'll have someone come over as soon as possible," she answered. "Is there anything else?"
"No, that is all. I feel so lucky having you own our building," Sia smiled bowing. "I'll be home the rest of the evening."
"Ok, I'll take care of it." Sakura avoided the open mouths of Kiba and Shino.
"Thank you," she spoke walking away.
"Sakura what does she mean?" Kiba asked. "Do you own that building?"
She blushed and nodded. "It was a gift for saving the life of one of the Fire Counry's landowner's only son. He owned the land, and then had the building built for me."
"You had me paying all the utilities, but I thought you paid the rent! You don't even have to pay rent?" Kiba asked. He looked at her.
"Sorry, but I've been saving the money I would have had to spend on stuff. Thanks," she smiled shyly.
"Good, then you can pay for lunch, money bags." Kiba pushed the check to her.
"That's a great idea," the bug nin agreed standing. "Thank you Sakura."
"Yeah, thanks." Kiba also got up and took the to go bag out to his canine companion.
"Hey!" Sakura yelled. "This wasn't even my idea!"
She pulled money from her mission bag, and went outside to find Shino waving goodbye.
"Let's go home," the inu took her hand. His brown eyes met her green ones, and the allure pulled her toward him. His arm wrapped around her and pulled her up bridal style. A moment later he landed on her rooftop and sat her on the chaise lounge chair.
"Your arm, I want to see it." Kiba touched the gauze that held it.
"It's really ok," she answered. She shuddered at his touch.
The softness of his voice was in contrast to the vengeful one in the restaurant. There was a sincere concern in it.
"Please, I need to know you are okay," his eyes pleaded with her.
She slowly unwrapped the wound. The burn would not scar from her healing it quickly, but there was a long scab protecting the injury.
Kiba's eyes focused on the delicate arm in his hand. Instead of anger he moved his fingers around the edge softly. His head moved forward, and his lips replaced the fingertips. Gentle kisses moved up her arm near the injury but not on it. They did not stop at her shoulder, but continued to her neck.
"Does it hurt," he quietly spoke. His left hand moved in circular motion across her back. She could feel his cheek rubbing against hers. Warm breath tickled her neck as he nuzzled her.
"Not, not any more." Sakura tried to focus on getting the bandage on her arm again. Her hand shook just a little as it wrapped the bandage.
Kiba needed to comfort her. He kissed his way from her neck to her lips. The hand massaging her back moved to under the front of her top, circling her stomach. As the kiss deepened, he laid her on to the lounger.
"I missed you, so much." Kiba said as he parted from the kiss. "Don't leave me like that again."
"I had to go," she panted. His lips trailing down her neck again. "It was a a a mission."
"Then your next one will be with me," he extended his tongue flattening against her skin. "And I can protect you."
The brown hand moved into the shorts, and then the underwear. Her body reacted to the stimulation.
"Please Kiba," she begged. The desire to be taken by him rose up in her and the wound was soon forgotten.
"You don't ever have to beg for what's yours." Kiba kissed her stomach. "All of me is for your pleasure."
The Inuzuka pulled down her pants, and kissed her belly button. Lower and lower he went until he reached his destination. Inhaling her scent he licked his lips, and the pink bud was too tempting. He circled it around and around.
"Uh..." she panted. The petite hands threaded through his hair and as her toes squeezed tightly. Faster and faster he moved. Having watched her masturbate before, and not touch her was torture, but at this moment she was spreading her legs wider, for him.
"That's it princess, it's all for you," he reached down and pulled the pants he was wearing off. Without a second thought, he leaned over far enough to lick the mark that connected them.
"KIBA!" she screamed. That mark was always sensitive to his touch. It was just a momentary distraction, and before she knew it, she was filled with him.
The shinobi thrust into her with a need that was greater than he could imagine. It had been months since they had been together in the dressing room. The feeling of being inside her once more, made him grunt.
"Baby, I need you." Kiba moaned into her ear. "Every inch of me is screaming for you."
"Kiba, please faster." Sakura begged. Her arms wrapped around his back not allowing him to separate from him.
"As you wish, my hime," he moved faster into her. The climax for the pair came faster than either expected and soon she was screaming his name, while Kiba moan, 'Mine, mine, mine,' into her ear.
After the initial high of the orgasm ended, Kiba looked down at his mate. "I'll talk to the Hokage, later. I was serious when I said that I don't want you on missions that I'm not on. I don't want this, to happen again."
Kiba leaned over kissing the wound.
"You don't have to do that. I can handle missions." Sakura started to wrap the wound, as Kiba pushed up from the woman.
"I see that," he pointed to her arm, with a look of disbelief. "It's not an option. We should get dressed."
"Okay." Sakura finished with the wound. "I've got to go check on Sia san."
"I'll take care of that." Kiba offered. He pulled her close once again, kissing her. It was impulsive, but this whole experience was based on impulses.
The pair's inner thoughts were trying to sort out what just happened. Sakura thought back to the first time they were together and how angry it made her. Yet now it was becoming easier and more comfortable for her to be in his arms. Was that the mark causing that? It was so confusing, and she had no one to go to ask for advice. Her loyalty to Mukotsu was decreasing as her desire to be with Kiba was increasing. Not just in a physical sense either.
"I'm going to unpack," she swung her feet over to the ground and grabbing her mission pack.
"Fine." Kiba watched her leave. He was getting in deeper and deeper each time he touched her. This was not going to be easy when it came time to separate. He needed to stop this. He had to stop touching her, kissing her, smelling her. The mere thought of that caused him to get an instant hard on. Fuck, he thought. This was not going to be easy.
Sakura stood in her kitchen unpacking the bags Akamaru and Kiba had brought home. How they managed to get all the food back in one trip was a mystery to the medic. The inu was on the roof placing drinks in the cooler with ice.
Two weeks prior Shino approached Sakura asking to have a cook out and birthday party for Ino. She had surprised herself by agreeing with out much thought. The guest list basically consisted of their genin group with Neji and Mukotsu, but she still spent the day scrubbing and cleaning to make sure her home was perfect. Sure they would be upstairs on the roof, but it was the first time any of them besides Shino or Kiba had been there.
Akamaru lounged on the love seat he had claimed as his, anticipating the burgers he'd been promised. The tv was watching the canine sleep instead of the other way around.
"That's all the drinks." Kiba announced walking into the kitchen. The tapped turned on as he began to wash his hands. "Leave the corn out, I have to soak it."
"Fine," the woman obeyed. Two large bags of corn was stacked on the butcher's block. "If this is for Ino, why are we doing this not Shino?"
"Shino wants this to be a surprise." Kiba started cleaning vegetables. "He's keeping her busy."
"Then he hasn't dated Ino long enough because that woman is impossible to keep a secret from," she replied, shoving the watermelon in the fridge.
Kiba laughed at the truth behind that statement, "That's why no one told Uzumaki. But on the other side of that Shino's like a freakin vault, and can be intimidating as hell."
"Oh so he scared you into keeping the secret," she teased. Changing her mind she pulled the watermelon from the fridge, then placed it on the counter.
"Tch, woman you are crazy," he snorted. "Shino creeped me out maybe eleven or twelve years ago, but not anymore."
"Mhm, whatever," she rolled her eyes at the nin. She then pulled a knife from the drawer to slice the watermelon.
"Hey, that's for tonight," he pulled the utensil from her hand. He rustled around the bag on the counter and handed her a packaged slice.
Green eyes lit up at the fruit, and her hand gladly took the container.
"No, ma'am work first," he gestured to the cucumbers that needed to be sliced.
Her eyebrows furrowed in frustration. "What?"
"Slice the stuff for the salad, then you can have your treat," he ordered. The blade of the knife turned away from her as he handed it back.
"That hardly seems fair," she reached and turned to the cutting board.
"Tough cookies, and remember it's food not a patient." Kiba moved to the other bag to unpack.
For the next thirty minutes they worked in a comfortable silence.
"How did you learn to cook," she asked as she started to shred the lettuce.
"Had to living on my own. Cook or starve," he looked at her from the patties he was forming. "Plus women love a man who can cook. I did only know how to make dinner and breakfast. Cause concerning women, that was all I really needed to know."
A confident smirk crossed his face.
"Is that all you think about is sex," she wrinkled her brow.
"Yeah, why? There's nothing wrong with sex," he glanced over at her. "If I think about it, there were a few occasions that you were ok with sex too."
"Those weren't suppose to happen," she refused to look up. She knew there was no way to hide her embarrassment.
"Yeah, but too bad after me it's all down hill for you," the inu felt a little playful with the kunoichi. "I'll be the best you ever have."
"Excuse me?" Sakura put the lettuce down and looked directly at him. "What makes you think, you're so great?"
"Made your toes curl, more than once." Kiba stopped and placed the hamburger down on the platter, "The only compliant I've ever gotten, was there weren't two of me."
The tint on Sakura's cheek changed. "That doesn't mean you were all that good, or that Mukotsu won't out shine you."
"Please," he snorted and began another hamburger. "That wimp? You'll be lucky if you ever get to cum again. Any man that orders an apple martini is definitely soft in bed."
"Don't say that!" Sakura argued. "He's a man."
"Mhm. I'm just saying, maybe I should give him a lesson or two to make sure your sex life is spicy enough," the trainer continued. "And also a paddle or one of those fuckin hot as nurses' uniforms."
Sakura's hand flew up to cover her face. "You really are a pervert!"
"You've never complained before," he snickered.
"Even a blind squirrel will get lucky and find a nut every once and a while," she kidded back.
"You'll see, two months into your marriage and you'll be missing me," he laughed. He covered the hamburgers with foil and washed his hands. The inu moved to the fridge getting out a bottled water.
"That man knows too much about art, literature, and all that shit, that makes him soft. You, need a man's man. You've been around too many shinobi in your life to date a guy that's not able to beat someones ass in a heartbeat."
"If memory serves me right, you know a lot about those things too," she looked at him, with a raised brow.
"I'm a shinobi, and able to adapt to any conversation," he said before downing the bottle of water. "Chouji's here."
Kiba moved to the front door, to allow the guests in. The party was going well, Ino was surprised and cried for fifteen minutes at Shino's thoughtfulness. The blond was also impressed with Sakura's boyfriend. Mukotsu was a diplomat at heart and working a party was his specialty.
Lela was there as Kiba's date. Everyone was paired up, and Kiba did not want to feel left out. Since the vacation with Sakura and Mukotsu, Kiba had avoided the woman. Lela was starting to expect more from him. The time apart he'd thought would give her a chance to realize that he didn't want a relationship. He just hoped she wouldn't get any ideas from this evening.
The brunette was standing by his side laughing with Hinata as Chouji scolded Kiba on his grilling skills. Kiba felt it was time to set his reunion plans in order. Sakura was currently in the kitchen getting the burger toppings.
"Naruto, why don't you go with Sakura and cut up a few onions for the burgers. I forgot them." Kiba asked.
"What, I'm a guest," the blond replied. "I came to eat not work."
"Just shut up your bitchin and go help her," Kiba replied.
"Fuckin asshole." Naruto mumbled walking downstairs. The shinobi was unaware of the assistant's eyes on him.
Kiba and Neji however were. Akamaru was ordered to follow the assistant the rest of the party. A deed he liked because Mukotsu, continued to feed him.
"Sakura chan," the blued eyed host entered the kitchen. "That bastard Kiba said we needed to slice some onions for the burgers."
An unhappy sigh came from the woman's lips as she placed her drink glass down. "It's okay Naruto, I've got it. Honestly, you're a guest. What the hell is Kiba doing making you work?"
"That's what I was thinking," he answered. He leaned on the counter. "Such bad manners, but I don't mind helping."
"Fine, the onions are in the box on the table," she pulled out the knife.
Sakura was a little uncomfortable around Naruto. After everything settled with Sasuke it was easier for her to pull away. Seeing Naruto reminded her of everything that was lost.
Naruto on the other hand was oblivious to the discomfort the woman felt. He hummed as he pulled apart the skin on the onion.
"You cut them Sakura chan," he asked. He placed them in the sick to be washed. "They always make me cry."
"You don't think they do the same thing to me," she reached for the vegetable.
"This is nice," he commented. The fridge door opened and a beer was pulled out. He hopped on the counter sitting down, opening it. "Everyone here like this. It's been so long."
"Uh yeah, well, it has," she stuttered not knowing what to say.
"I'm happy to be here with you," the blond spoke softly. "I've missed you."
Sakura stopped slicing. Her hand trembled and the knife fell. A part of her began to open that she had closed off so long ago.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't bring him home," he continued. "I never got to tell you that. I'm sorry for the way he ended up, and I couldn't change him for you. I regret it everyday."
Tears filled her eyes at the man's confession.
"It's okay Naruto," she said. Her back was still to him. She didn't want to give away that she was crying.
"No it's not. You left me. I lost my two best friends because I wasn't strong enough," the sadness in his voice was heavy. "If I had been stronger or smarter, or just more than what I was, you'd be happy. He'd be alive, and I'd have you both in my life. I love Neji, but I miss you."
No longer able to hold back the tide of tears, the kunoichi turned and flung herself into his arms.
"Oh Naruto, you idiot," she sobbed into his chest. "It's not your fault he was the bastard he was. I've never blamed you. If I had been more of what he wanted in a woman, then I could have made him stay for you. It's my fault."
Naruto wrapped his arms around her tightly.
"I don't want to be out of your life anymore Sakura chan," he asked her hair. "Please don't make me be."
Being in the arms that had defended her so many times, being with the man that she'd both laughed and cried with tore at her heart. She missed him. Suddenly her heart ached at the idea of the amount of time they had spent apart.
"You won't I'm sorry," she whispered.
The pair remained that way for a few more moments. Softly Kiba and Neji made their way back up the stairs.
"Idiots, blamed themselves," the Hyuuga said looking at his partner in crime.
"Typical for each of them," the Inuzuka laughed as they stepped back into the party.
Cutting the onions, Naruto looked over at Sakura, "So you're marrying him?"
"Yes, isn't he great?" Sakura beamed, wiping the Naruto/onion induced tears.
"He's a little soft, if you ask me," the blond replied.
"What," she turned to him. "Why does everyone keep saying that?"
"Cause he is. Look at him, all skinny and short. You need someone with an edge." Naruto said. He slid the onions into a bowl. "Kunoichi women don't do well with civilian men. There's no danger. You could break him in half."
"Just remember I can break you in half too." Sakura poked his chest.
"That's different. I'd at least put up a fight," he laughed at her. "You need someone who's stronger, hell I'd make a better match."
He turned and leaned back.
"Two problems, one you're dating Neji, and two, you're gay," she picked up the bowl.
"He's not going to satisfy you," he teased more.
"Did Kiba tell you to say that?" Sakura turned looking at him sharply.
"No, he didn't. Why would you talk to dog boy, about sex anyway," the host asked. Then a thoughtful look passed over his face. "Well, I guess it would make sense. As many women as he's been with, he would know about chemistry. And I've overheard a lot of them say he's mind blowing in the sac."
Naruto gestured an explosion with his hand.
A quick blush covered her face, and she turned away from him. The cabinets opening as she looked for nothing in particular.
"Wait a minute. Sakura chan, you didn't," his sheepish grin took over. "Tell me you didn't."
A woof sounded, and Akamaru entered the kitchen followed by Mukotsu.
'Just in time eh,' the dog asked her.
"You have no idea," she whispered trying to avoid Naruto.
"Sakura darling do you need any help," her boyfriend asked. "More guests have arrived."
"No I don't, just well yeah I do. Can you grab that lettuce please," she smiled at her boyfriend.
Naruto was still in place, with his mouth wide open. His eyes never leaving Sakura.
"Naruto if you are just going to stand there, grab those sodas, please." Sakura said running up the stairs.
"Sakura chan, you aren't getting out of this!" Naruto shouted going to do what she told him too. He looked at the dog beside him. "What has she been doing with your master?"
'Trust me, I try not to imagine it,' the dog barked.
"If only I could speak dog," he rubbed the canine's head.
Mukotsu was right about other people showing up. Lee and his team arrived along with Tenten. Kotetsu and Izumo were there with Genma and Raidou. Pretty soon Kakashi, Iruka, Kurenai, Anko, and Shizune were sitting on her rooftop too. Chouji was happiest grilling more food, and Ino was beaming at all the attention she was receiving.
These extra people did not bother the medic, though. She'd blocked all of that out for the time to spend with Naruto. The remainder of the evening, Sakura and Naruto found themselves in the hammock laughing, not caring about anyone else. Naruto shared stories of his missions and time with Jiraiya. Mukotsu entertained Ino and Lela with conversations of art and music.
Eventually Neji and Kiba sat beside each other, and watched the reunited friends over a beer.
"Thank you," he said to the canine trainer. "He's happy. It's a big difference in his voice."
"She looks happy too." Kiba watched the two. "She needed this."
Mukotsu joined the two. "It's nice to see friends sharing time together."
Mukotsu wasn't aware that he was with two of the best body language readers in Konoha. Neither could sense any sincerity in the man's voice.
"Yes, Sakura and Naruto were on the same cell when we were all genin." Neji answered.
"He was crazy about her then," the inu added. "Remember how he'd chase her around?"
"Yeah, and she'd always hit him on the side of the head in the end." Neji chuckled.
"That head probably had about fifty concussions in a month." Kiba laughed. "Even though she was crazy about Uchiha, he never gave up."
"Well," the Hyuuga prince blushed hard at how he and his boyfriend came together. "At one point,"
Neji let the sentence die in the air. Kiba laughed along with the Hyuuga.
"I don't seem to understand the joke." Mukotsu looked from one to the other.
"Naruto and Neji have been living together for how long now?" Kiba asked he brunette.
"We have been together for three years," he answered smiling.
The smile on his face soured as he observed the disgust that Mukotsu attempted to hide. Kiba's eyes locked with Neji's in understanding. The dog nin easily picking up the scent of discomfort.
"Oh," the assistant spoke. "You're gay."
"There's no need to say it as if it were a disease." Neji replied. After the arguments with his own family concerning his preferences he decided he would never put up with someone looking down at him.
"No, no, I certainly did not mean to offend you in any fashion," the diplomat within Mukotsu to shine. "It's just unusual for two such strong personalities to date, gay or not."
Neji nodded for the sake of Ino's party, as well as Sakura and Narutos' reunion. The last thing he wanted was to cause a wedge between the two now that they were talking again. Sakura he knew didn't have a problem with the relationship.
Kiba relaxed a bit when he could read Neji's body language was not on the offensive. After another hour of Kiba playing his guitar for the group, the party dwindled and the guests started to leave. Mukotsu had excused himself to review a document for work the next day.
Sakura rolled out of the hammock with Naruto's help.
"So lunch tomorrow," he looked at her. His arm wrapped around her like the older brother he thought he was.
They made their way to the area where everyone had gathered to listen to Kiba play. The pink haired woman stood beside Kiba without noticing.
"Sure," she answered.
"But I'm not paying," they both shouted.
"Rock, paper, scissors," she suggested.
"I suck at that," the blond whined. "But fine."
"Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!" They cried.
"Argh!" Naruto yelled at the paper she used to cover his rock.
"Ha, take that ramen boy," she laughed.
A feeling of happiness covered her. She was here with her friends. It had been a long time since she was surrounded by people that had been so important to her. This wave of nostalgia was full of love and not the emptiness that filled her before.
Kiba willed his arm to stay by his side. He wanted to hold her close the way, Naruto was presently reaching for Neji. The scent she was emitting made her fiercely attractive. This felt right to him. Here with his closest friends, and the woman he wanted to spend his life with. Wait. What was that thought, his mind tried to capture it. Then as quickly as it came, it was carried off by the laughter of his friends. Kiba's realization of love so close to the surface of his mind was buried back down into his subconscious. As much as he tried to keep his hand by his side, it failed.
Sakura relaxed into the hand that was on the small of her back. As she laughed at Naruto's telling of how Neji killed their goldfish, she tossed her hair to the side exposing her neck to the man beside her. She was submitting to him, and doing it naturally. The medic did not know this fact, but Kiba was aware, along with Shino who tilted his head in a questioning manner. The inu shrugged his shoulder, but would not remove his claim on his woman.
'Master,' Akamaru barked. 'Are you looking for a fight?'
Kiba though about what the dog was saying and moved his hand from her. Sakura shuddered at the lost of contact, but didn't make a scene.
"Let's go." Neji pulled his boyfriend toward the door before another embarrassing story could be shared. "I have a class in the morning."
"Okay," the blond said oblivious to the perdicament he'd placed Neji in. He moved to Sakura and hugged her. "I'm glad we are back together."
"Me too," she smiled as she kissed his whisker.
He released her, but not before he kissed her forehead.
"Thank you," the Hyuuga bowed to Kiba and Sakura. As a show of gratitude, he also hugged the medic.
"You're welcome," she returned, and watched as they left the roof top.
"Sakura, don't forget to come by next week," the other blond smiled. "I want to show you what Shino kun got me for my birthday!"
"Sure thing Ino," she hugged her. "Happy Birthday."
"Thank you, I'll be over tomorrow to help with the clean up," the Aburame spoke to both Kiba and Sakura.
"Don't worry about it." Kiba waved it off. "Consider it our gift to Ino."
"Cheap ass," Shino snorted, then left to escort his girlfriend home.
"Do you want to get any of this now?" Sakura turned to the other.
"Hell no, I'm beat," he answered her. "I'm going to bed. We can do this in the morning."
A throat was cleared in the background. Kiba could feel the anger starting to roll off the woman in the corner.
"Are you two done hosting your little party?" Lela stood.
The woman walked over to Kiba shaking with rage.
Sakura looked at Kiba, "I'll just be leaving ok."
"Yeah, probably a good idea." Kiba spoke.
Sakura wanted to hear the argument between the pair, but little did she know she had her own problems brewing.
"How the hell could you let those gays, touch you!" Mukotsu shouted at her as she entered the kitchen.
Akamaru looked at the medic and her fiance arguing in the kitchen. He tried to block out the hurtful words being said to his master on the roof. Tonight he decided would be a good night to visit Hana, as he hopped down from the couch and padded to the open window and left for the Inuzuka grounds.
so what do you think? i hope you guys like it. it wasn't really sexy, but it does set up some stuff for the next few chapters. or well basically for the rest of the story. sorry aloha, no shikamaru in this chapter! and bunny how are you....*glomps*
now i'm off to do nothing. actually i'm off to read a manga. i would like to recommend koukou debut or high school debut. i finished it friday, and it's a great read. and if you do read it, let me know what you think.
thanks for reading! terri