I realize now that it would be nice to have names in chapters... but then again I don't want to make anything too obvious in what may happen with the title. Hm. Oh well. I'll get to it eventually. So if you see the whole "Chapter" thing disappear, you'll know why =P
Thanks to all who have reviewed/added to their favorites. I'm a fairly impatient person, honestly. (Not Sasori impatient but... you know.) So while I'm writing this I'm thinking about how I would feel if a story took too long to update... and that's how I keep cranking these bad boys out without much effort. Enjoy :D
Chapter 6
It was one of the toughest fights she's ever had to fight in her entire life. But the information she gained was invaluable. Sasori was probably the craziest, most maniacal, cold hearted, ruthless ninja she's ever fought against. But, he was a man of his word. Orochimaru was going to be waiting for them, like it or not.
After celebrating Gaara's revival and sending their goodbye's to Lady Chiyo's grave, the near complete Team 7 and Team Guy made their way back from the sand to the leaf. Nearing the border, a single bird appeared from the horizon, heading directly for them.
"Hey." Naruto points up ahead. "Is that bird coming right for us?"
Kakashi nodded. "It's a messenger. Nothing to worry about."
The bird finally made its way to right in front of Sakura's face. It kept fluttering in front of her before she finally reached for the note under its talon.
"For me?" She asked, taking the note.
"Well, I guess we can rest for a few minutes so Sakura can read her love note from Kiba." Kakashi humorously stated as Guy set him to a tree. They were right at the border between where the sand and forest began to separate.
"Kakashi-sensai!" Sakura pouted, not even trying to hide the red in her face. "It might not even be Kiba! What if it's the Hokage or one of the other teams, or-"
"It's from Kiba." Neji interrupted, turning his Byakugan off. "You'll see it when you open it."
Annoyed from everybody watching her, Sakura quickly ducked behind a tree in an attempt to gain some privacy as she opened up the note
Sakura,
Don't worry about the picnic. There's always next time! I can't say I've ever really written a letter for fun that many times before, but I'm trying here. Akatuski... bad news. I hope everything goes okay with Gaara, and I hope YOU'RE okay!
Oh. Today I ran into Shikamaru. We hung out at Asuma-sensai's place for a while. I played shogi with Shikamaru, and yeah, I lost, but I learned something. I'll explain more when you get back.
After that night, we haven't really tried to make anything of it. I don't know if that's you, or me, or heck, both of us. I just need to know because it's been eating away at me. To be honest, I think about it, and you, all the time.
Akamaru wanted me to tell you he hopes you're doing well. He also wants to now when the next time he'll see you is. I'm not kidding! He asked me right as I was finishing, but since he still had me going, I figured I could put in some more. I mean, who knows how long this will take to get to you?
I just want you to know that I think about you... all the time. I miss you. But I know it's your duty, and it'll be mine whenever I'm out and you're not.
And I guess I have one more other thing too since I'm writing. That kiss. It meant so much more to me than just my first time kissing someone. It was my first time kissing YOU. Man I bet you think I'm some kind of lame for telling you this in a letter, instead of face to face. But truth be told, some friendly words of advice told me I had to do this now. And since you're not here right now, I had to go with this.
I love you, Sakura. In a sense, I think I always have. See, when we were at the academy, I never really talked to you, but I really liked you. I thought you were pretty and smart and whenever you and Ino would fight I thought it was hilarious. Me and Akamaru always took bets to see how long Ino would last, and normally I'd lose. He was always so realistic. Anyway, when you were on about Sasuke, I just felt invisible. I pretty much lost all my motivation to even try. And I had to convince myself that I didn't care, when in reality, I was jealous of the guy who you were crazy about when he didn't even really do anything about it.
But when he left, it all came rushing back. My head kept saying "Go! What are you waiting for?" But I was convinced there was nothing there. Then well, one thing led to another, and here I am writing you a really sappy love letter that Naruto is probably going to snatch and read.
Hey Naruto! Stop slowing the team down! If I was with you guys we would've been back in half the time! And stop reading this letter! I don't recall sending out the pigeon to see you!
Anyway, to finish it off, I just want to know where we are. For a while I felt like I was just falling into the friend zone. I don't know about you, and I probably think I'm a bit of a doofus for being this forward, but I want to be more than that. You don't have to answer me right now, I imagine it's kind of a big drop on you. But let's talk about it when you get back, okay? Have a good trip home.
Love,
Kiba and Akamaru
The rest of the two teams only watched as Sakura's head fell back onto the tree as she sighed out loud. "Oh Kiba..."
"Ah young love. It sure is something else, isn't it, Kakashi?" Guy asked, still carrying him on his back. The awkward piggy back riding position slowly became more bearable to the copy-cat ninja. Didn't mean he'd want to be seen in public with it, though.
"Sure is." He said a happy response.
"Well?" Naruto started. "What did he say? Come on let me see!"
"Naruto!" Sakura glared at him. "You know what? Read it! I want you to see what Kiba said about you!"
Naruto looked sad. "What he said about me?"
Sakura simply handed the note to Naruto as he quickly jotted through all the romantic and mushy details to find what he said.
"What? Damn you Kiba! How did he know?"
Not realizing Sakura had already begun writing her letter back, Naruto quickly ran over and snatched the note from her.
"Naruto! Give that back!" Sakura chased after him.
"Hold on! I wanna say something to him!" Naruto said, running up a tree for safety.
"Hey!" Tenten thought out loud. "Why don't we all write him back?
NO! How about we don't? He's mine! Inner Sakura jealously bursted out.
Sakura sighed as she handed Naruto the pencil she was using to write with. Slowly each team member took a small amount of time writing back to Kiba, before coming to Guy and then back to Sakura.
Finally finishing responses from everybody, Sakura took the note back and began writing the last part of it before sealing it up and placing it back into the talon of the bird, finally sending it off.
"All right you guys, let's move it!" Guy excitedly ordered as they began their trip back.
X X X
It's been a day since Kiba sent his letter off. He was hoping it would make it to Sakura in time, or just make it to her period.
It was boring. Hinata was working with Kurenai-sensai, while Shino was on a mission with his dad. With everyone gone, it seemed like all he did after he trained by himself was sit in his room and toss an old ball he used to play with Akamaru with up to the ceiling and catch it again.
He sighed. There's gotta be something to do... He sat up. Akamaru perked up at him, waiting to see what his plans were.
Turning around, he looked over to see a dusty guitar sitting in the corner next to the door of his closet.
"Hey!" He stood up excited. "I haven't jammed out in a long time! That's what I'll do!"
Picking up his guitar, he strummed it. The Sratocaster was awfully out of tune. Ruffling through a large bag, he found his tuner, a cable, and a case of picks.
He looked at his guitar while dusting it off. It was your basic Fender Stratocaster, sunburst finish, and American Standard. It showed signs of play, but nothing worn away. The cherrywood neck still carried small clumps of dust in between frets, but he didn't let it bother him. He remembered how he had to beg his mom to get the American version, and in the end he still had to pay for half of it.
While tuning it, he remembered a new CD he bought a few weeks ago he hadn't really listened to much. He looked through the small plastic bag to find the case. August Burns Red: Constellations.
"Hey wait. I remember hearing a song on here... where is it... There it is. Meredian! I haven't tried playing it yet, but it can't hurt, right Akamaru?"
"Arf!"
"Yeah you're right. Better start now or I'll never get back up to speed."
Placing the CD into the small stereo he had next to his bed, he started down tuning his guitar. He didn't really do it that often. He liked more older music along the lines of Metallica and such. American bands really did blow him away. This was new, fresh, and he figured if Sakura was going to stay gone for a while he might as well brush up.
Finally in the desired tuning, he reached under his bed and pulled out a small amp. On top of it was a digital pedal, able to transition his sound from a distorted noise to a clean peaceful strum.
"Okay... let's see if I still got it." Hitting play, he flipped over to the 9th track of the album and began.
(A/N: This is actually quite an epic song. I strongly recommend looking it up so you know what Kiba's thrashing out to! :) )
The people who survive the sword, will find favor in the desert.
I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt.
I am the painter making this mess a masterpiece.
I will rebuild you up again.
During the time he was playing, Tsume looked up at his door. She hadn't heard him pick up a guitar in ages. She was glad he was finding things to do with his spare time. He still hadn't come out of his room since the early morning.
"Does he have to keep it up as loud as he does?" Kuromaru asked, complaining about the small patch of screaming in the song.
"It keeps him out of trouble." She smiled back to her companion.
X X X
"All right! I still got it!" Kiba proclaimed as he set his guitar down, turning the stereo off. His fingers were kind of stiff from playing, but he was comfortable with where he was now. He never really wanted to start a band, he just loved music as a hobby. It was an easy way to work off stress if he couldn't get out of the house.
Looking to his left, he saw the same bird he sent off to see Sakura right at his window. Immediately placing everything down on his bed, he unlocked the window and let the feathered messenger into his hand.
"Whatcha got there?" He asked looking at the talon. He quickly realized it was from Sakura and ran over to his desk.
"Oh man! If she replied this quickly then she has to be close! All right!" He grinned widely as he opened the letter. Well, a rather long letter.
Kiba,
If you're reading this, then I'm okay. I had to fight an Akatuski member. Luckily I made it out in one piece, but Gaara nearly lost his life. One of the village elders came with us. If it wasn't for her, I would have never beaten him. Gaara died because the beast was extracted from him. But Lady Chiyo(the elder I was telling you about) used a reanimation jutsu. She gave her life... so he could come back. I wish you could have come with us, but I don't think you have to question my ability to take care of myself anymore.
Oh Kiba! Kissy kissy kissy! Haha! It's me! Naruto! I can't believe you called out me reading the letter. I guess I can't mind my own business sometimes! Anyway, we're all taking turns, but I wanted to say Sakura was incredible! You should have seen her! Anyway, we should be back at the leaf by tomorrow. Catch ya later!
Hello, Kiba. It's Kakashi. Despite Sakura's desire to have you come of her own beliefs, I do wish we could have taken you with us. Your tracking would have helped us immensely. But it's okay. We got the job done in the end. See you soon.
Hiiiii Kiba, it's Tenten! I had no idea you and Sakura were an item! That's so cute! We had a pretty rough time getting to where we did, but we won! Anyway, Lee is getting really anxious so I'll hand the note over to him. But Sakura looks really happy! Bye!
Kiba! I have discovered an ingenious training exercise with the help of Guy-sensai. The next time we train you MUST let me give you a piggy back ride! Afterwards I will ride you until we reach our great physical peak! Do not fear for Sakura, she is in good hands!
Kiba. Please don't ask about Lee. Or the piggy back ride Guy-sensai is currently giving Kakashi-sensai. It's best that you don't know the image standing in front of us. It's… troubling to the eyes. Take care. - Neji
Kiba. I hope you've been keeping up with your training while we have been gone. I can honestly say you are steadily catching up to the standards of what Lee and I do on a regular basis. If you keep up your training, and stay with it, I'll have some impressive jutsus to show you as a reward! You're a great student, and I'm glad I accepted to train you. Say hi to Akamaru for me. -Guy
Okay. It's me again. I'm still laughing at what Lee wrote. It really is a funny picture. Kakashi looks totally helpless as Guy makes this excited face while he carries him. And when they're in motion... ugh. Anyway, like Naruto said, we're already in the Land of Fire, so we'll be home by tomorrow!
I read everything you said. I have an answer... for almost all of it. But I want you to hear it, not see it. Maybe we can make up for my ditching by having that picnic?
Tell Akamaru he won't have to wait much longer for me either. Well, I'm running out of space, but I'll be home tomorrow. I can't wait to see you.
Love,
Sakura
"Yeah!" Kiba lifted the letter up in the air before tossing it to the ceiling in excitement. In his happy yell for joy, he leaned too far back from his chair, causing him to fall on his back.
"Akamaru! She's coming back tomorrow!"
"Arf!"
"I feel great! Let's go grab some grub, huh?" He pats the top of his head before standing up.
The two made their way downstairs and out the door. Making their way down the street, they tried looking for an American restaurant. He remembered Choji telling him about a new one that opened up by his home. Problem is, he had never been to Choji's house before, so he had no idea where to go.
Spotting Shino and his father heading towards him, he quickly waved his hand out to get their attention.
"Shino! Mr. Aburame!"
Both stopped to greet Kiba. "Sorry, Kiba. I have to give a report to the Hokage about our last mission. Shino, you can stay with Kiba. Good to see you again." Shibi bid them goodbye before heading off alone.
"Did you guys just get back? Kiba asked.
Shino nodded. "Yeah. Had to track another bikochu beetle for containment. They're still endangered so we're trying to domesticate them without taking away the environment of nature."
Kiba quickly flashes back to the time him, Shino, Naruto, and Hinata went to track that very same insect. He also remembers the last minute failure thanks to Naruto farting on the beetle. I still can't believe he did that. How can Hinata like a guy who just openly does that?
"So," Shino said, grabbing Kiba's attention which had drifted off. "I heard the Kazekage was returned safely."
He nodded. "Yeah. Sakura and the others are gonna be home tomorrow. I got a letter from her today saying she was already in the Land of Fire."
Shino fixed his glasses. One thing Kiba never understood is why Shino kept himself so concealed. Did it have to do with the bugs? He wasn't exactly a bad looking guy. Not in the slightest. Just strange that even in the summer he was not only still sporting his now long green coat over just the white one, but he had now dawned a green jacket covering the top part of his head.
Sometimes I wonder if Shino is gonna just keel over from heat exhaustion...
"Oh hey, me and Akamaru were going to grab some food... Do you want to come along?"
"Normally I would say yes. But I already ate before I got back. Sorry. Next time, though." Shino replied. "Anyway, I need to get going." He took a few steps before stopping.
"How was your night with Sakura?"
Kiba remembered how Sakura had ran into them that day. "Oh! It was good. We're probably hanging out sometime tomorrow whenever she gets back."
He gave a noticeable nod, despite having his back turned to Kiba. "That's good. It's good to get your feelings out. Don't make the mistake of never letting how you are feeling known." He finished, finally leaving.
Is he talking about Hinata liking Naruto? He wondered. That was strangely deep for Shino... I wonder what's gotten into him?
Continuing down the road, his stomach got the best of him. Not his hunger, it was a pain. He simply ignored it after closing his eyes to brace himself for it. When he opened them, he staggered back.
An image before him painted the scene of when Ukon was charging him with a kunai. It was such a quick adjustment of scenery he felt like he was back where he was.
"YOU'RE GOING TO DIE KID WIPE THAT SMIRK OFF YOUR FACE!"
"Get... Get away from me!" He pushed at Ukon. When he blinked, Ukon was gone, the forest was gone, he was back in the village. And he had his hand caught by Asuma. His open hand was barely inches away from Kurenai's growing stomach.
"Kiba...?" Kurenai asked, in clear shock and awe.
Finally coming to realization, he snapped out of his hallucination. "Kurenai-sensai... Asuma-sensai... I-I don't know what happened. I saw something. I saw someone. I freaked out. I'm so sorry."
Asuma let go of Kiba's hand, though still had his guard up. "Maybe you should go lie down Kiba. You don't look too good right now."
Kiba nodded. "Yeah... maybe I should." His stomach immediately following a growl. "Actually! Me and Akamaru were going to go get some food. Do you guys want to come along?"
Despite just being recently almost attacked by her former student, Kurenai nodded her head in response. "We're actually on the way to go eat with Asuma's team. Why don't you and Akamaru come along?"
"Sounds good!" Kiba replied before heading off with them. The two Jonin kept their pace slightly ahead of Kiba, who was in the back with Akamaru close to his left. His thoughts kept coming back to him. Why now? Kankuro killed them both... I saw it with my own eyes. They're dead. How can they still be appearing in my head?
It has to be just a bad dream. That's all it has to be
"Here we are." Asuma pointed to a local barbecue restaurant.
Kiba's stomach immediately flipped at the sight. "Yeah!"
Walking inside he wasn't surprised to see the rest of Team Asuma already sitting at a booth. Choji was eagerly waiting for the meat to cook on the grill placed inside the table.
"Hey guys. Looks like we found someone else to join us." Asuma said pointing to Kiba coming up behind them.
"Hey Kiba." All three responded in different yet closely followed times. Choji sat at the front end next to Ino, while Shikamaru sat on the back end by himself. Kiba sat down next to Ino while the other two Jonin took their respective seats by the lazy Chunin.
"So Kiba..." Ino started with a smile. "How's it going with Sakura?"
Ehh that figures... All she ever talks to me about is her... He thought before clearing his throat.
"Oh, you know!" Kiba grinned widely. "Great! She's going to be back tomorrow so we'll see each other then I'm sure."
"That's great. You guys really do make a cute couple. Everyone's talking about it!"
"Everyone? Or just you?" Shikamaru intervened.
Ino glared at Shikamaru. "Oh you know what I meant! Can't you give some support?"
Shikamaru gave a slight smirk. "I already did. I think Kiba knows what I mean."
He nodded in remembering their game of shogi not too long ago.
As their meal continued Asuma brought their attention up to the Akatuski becoming more active.
"We need to be ready for them to come for Naruto. All of us." He started. "But we also need to know when. If we keep sending out ninjas to do missions and they come back... Well, there's no telling what might happen."
"Ah Asuma-sensai you worry too much!" Choji said. "If they were going to come for Naruto they would have either come now, or they're afraid to! Isn't the nine tails supposed to be the strongest of them all?"
Asuma nodded. "That's also why they'll send their very best. Most likely someone who can withstand a lot of punishment. Someone very difficult to kill. I have a feeling these people will stop at nothing to catch him. That being said..." Asuma waved over the waiter to get the check. "We're going to need to start training a lot more. And I mean a lot more."
Everyone nodded. They all knew the dangers of the Akatsuki. Though they had only seen very little, mostly in reports.
As they finished their meals and began leaving, Kiba said his goodbyes as set off in the opposite direction. Oh wait! He remembered. Gotta ask Choji where that American place is! He quickly turned around to catch up with Choji who was now walking alone.
"Hey Choji!"
Choji turned around to see Kiba getting close.
"What's up Kiba?"
"You remember that American food place you were telling me about?"
"You're hungry again? That should be me and I'm full!" He laughed patting his stomach in amusement.
"Nah. Just for later. I remember you told me it was by your place... but I remember I had never been to your place before aside from before we left to try and go get Sasuke."
Choji grinned. "Okay. Well come on, I'll show you."
The two Chunin made their way eastward towards the Akimichi residence. This was where the majority of the local food areas were built. Restaurants were scattered throughout the village, but imported places from other countries sent most of their food to this area of the village.
Catching up, Choji put up a serious face that Kiba never really saw except when he fought Jirobo.
"Asuma-sensai was telling me about how you freaked out earlier... You okay?"
Kiba stopped in his tracks when he finished. Choji just looked at him. Not judging, not angry, just waiting for a response.
"I had a dream. It felt real. Choji... Do you remember when we fought the Sound Four?"
Choji nodded. "I'll always remember my fight with Jirobo."
"Yeah... well Sakon had an ability that I had never seen before. He had some kind of kekkei genkai that let him carry another body in his own. In this case it was his brother. His brother got out of him... and long story short, he fused into my body. I was able to get him out, and in the end Kankuro saved me. But I still dreamt about it. And when I tried to push Kurenai-sensai, I had really thought that I was pushing his brother Ukon out of the way."
Choji put a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, man. We beat them. We beat all of them. They can't hurt anyone anymore."
Kiba could only sigh. He hadn't dreamed about that fight in years. He saw them both die. How can they be showing up in his head all of a sudden?
"I felt like I was back in that same fight again. It's never happened up until now, so I'm really not sure what I'm supposed to do."
"Well... Have you talked to Lady Tsunade about it? Maybe you have a slight case of Trauma Disorder you didn't know about. A lot of ninja get it from really difficult fights. Especially if they lose their comrades or get near death themselves."
He hadn't thought about it. Maybe it really was just a scar from the past. Even still, he shouldn't have to worry about it. He was stronger now. And he had Sakura… he thought.
"Yeah. I think I might do that. Choji... Don't tell anyone else this. If Sakura found out she might think I'm some kind of nut and stop talking to me." He giggled, trying to show some humor in the situation.
"Don't worry. I won't." Choji said as they finally stopped in front of the place Kiba wanted him to show him.
"Here it is."
"Oh wow." He looked at the restaurant. It was huge. Completely well designed, as if it had JUST opened that week. It was packed inside. He made a mental note to come back here when it wasn't so busy.
"Thanks Choji. For the new place to eat and... you know."
He smiled as he pat Kiba on the back. "Don't mention it, buddy." And with that, they parted ways.
Kiba hadn't noticed it was almost late afternoon. Damn. Where did the day go?
Walking towards the center of town, Akamaru started barking.
"What's up, Akamaru?"
"Arf! Arf!"
Kiba took a whiff of the air slightly and focused. There was no mistaking it once he filtered it out. "You're right! Let's go!"
Both took off running towards the gate. Kiba's heart was pounding more and more every second. She's here. She's here. She's here!
Finally he ran down another road while on Akamaru's back taking him to the side of the main gate. Upon getting a clear view, all he could see was Guy and Kakashi standing together. Was he too late?
"Guy-sensai?" Kiba said as he came close to them, still riding his best friend.
"Hello Kiba." Kakashi waved.
"Hey Kakashi-sensai."
"Glad to see my student is so eager to get back to training! That... is why you came to the gate, right?" Guy asked confident, but then confused.
"Heh. Sort of. I heard you guys were coming back tomorrow but then I picked up a scent and-" He stopped talking as his attention immediately turned to an all too familiar pink haired kunoichi standing merely twenty feet away from him.
Getting off Akamaru, he stood up and looked at her. She had been through quite a bit. She was scratched up, clearly. Cut up a little bit, but other than that, nothing a long bath couldn't handle.
They said nothing as Sakura ran to Kiba and grabbed onto him. The warmth of his Chunin vest quickly gathered moisture from the tears coming down from her face. She really did miss him that much. Quickly wrapping his arms around her back and pulling her closer to him he brought his voice down to a whisper level. "Hey."
Sakura smiled, giving a small laugh. "Hey."
"You look pretty banged up. You alright?"
Sakura smiled, bringing her voice back up to normal volume. "You think I'm bad... You should have seen the other guy."
They both laughed at her response. Even with all that, she still kept her ever-cheerful attitude. Kiba could tell she was victorious. The smell of hollowed wood and blood, steel, and poison littered her clothes.
"Arf!" Akamaru broke the quick silence, getting Sakura's attention.
"Hey Akamaru!" She said letting go of Kiba and petting him. The big dog rolled over on his back, craving to have his belly rubbed which she complied with.
"He missed you." Kiba added in.
"Just him?" She looked at him with a sarcastic smile on her face.
"Nah. I heard Ino missed you too."
"Oh yeah? Not even you?"
"Well..." Kiba playfully shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe a little bit."
She smiled as she stood up from petting Akamaru.
"I hope so." She said before pecking him on the cheek.
"All right you two love bugs." Kakashi interrupted. "We have to report our mission to Lady Tsunade. I trust you two won't hold up traffic here at the main gate for much longer?"
Kiba shook his head. "No sir. I'll make sure she gets home."
Kakashi smiled. "Good. See you two later then." He finished before disappearing.
"I hope you haven't been taking a break from your training, son." Guy finally spoke up now that Kakashi was gone. "First things tomorrow we'll-"
"Guy-sensai!" Sakura spoke up. "Do you think... Maybe Kiba could come a little late tomorrow?" She asked, grabbing onto his hand.
What? I can't miss training... But this does feel pretty nice. He thought at the sight of her hand lacing in between his fingers. Heh. I always was a sucker for this kind of thing.
"Eh? Well... I don't know. Kiba? You understand whatever part of training you miss tomorrow you will have to make up for on your own?"
Kiba nodded. "If anything I'll just miss the running jog. I can easily make that up and join you two later."
Guy stood in thought for a moment. "All right. I understand you two aren't really used to the whole being away from each other thing yet. I'll cut you some slack. Just this once, son. Be by as soon as you can tomorrow. You know where we go so if we're not in a certain spot, check the next one until you find us. Along the way be sure to make up any and all exercises."
Kiba nodded again. "No problem, Guy-sensai."
Guy couldn't contain his ever consuming grin. "Ah the power of youthful love! See you tomorrow, Kiba!" And with that, Guy disappeared.
Both stared blankly at the dissipating cloud of smoke.
"Yep. That's Guy-sensai for you." Sakura commented.
"Yeah. You get used to it." Kiba replied.
Looking down at her stomach, Sakura couldn't hide the growl coming from it as she looked embarrassed at Kiba. "I'm starving."
Kiba laughed at the sight of it. "Well let's go get something to eat then!"
The three began walking without realizing the looks some of their familiar ninja gave them. It only took a moment for Kiba to realize he and Sakura were still holding hands. He didn't really care. It was a great feeling. She had just come back, she was tired, dirty, sweaty, and she was holding onto him for dear life, not wanting to let him go. He knew he had to ask her about what he had on his mind. But he figured he could wait till later tonight. Hopefully.
"So..." Kiba started. "Where do you want to eat?"
Sakura shrugged her shoulders. "Anywhere is fine. I just want to get something."
"Well, how about there? Kiba pointed to a small restaurant.
Sakura shrugged her shoulders. "Works for me."
Kiba walked up to the store before reading the sign "No dogs allowed. Seeing Eye dogs only. No exceptions."
Akamaru whined as he put his head down.
"Ah don't worry Akamaru we'll go somewhere else."
"Arf!"
"What? Are you sure?"
"Arf! Arf!"
He just keeps looking out for me. Alright, buddy, if you say so.
"Alright Akamaru, I'll see you at home." He bid his friend farewell before Akamaru took off towards the direction of the Inuzuka home.
"I feel bad." Sakura said. "I didn't want him to not come."
Kiba shook his head. "It's okay. He said he wanted us to be alone."
She smiled, giving up fighting her blush around Kiba, they walked in and grabbed a booth.
They were nearly completely silent as they ate. Kiba only ordered something small, having just eaten less than a few hours ago. Sakura on the other hand ordered two entrees, and even though she was eating fairly quickly, she was eating at her normally delicate pace.
"So why did he want us to be alone?" She asked, breaking the silence.
"Well... I tell Akamaru everything. I read the letter I wrote to you out loud, and I read it out loud to him for the one you wrote to me."
He just remembered what he was going to ask her. "Speaking of that. Shouldn't we talk about that?"
She nodded, but put her hand up. "Maybe when I've had a shower and smell like a regular person again." She giggled when she finished.
Heh. Who does she think she's kidding? She smells more than a regular person. He thought to himself. No matter how dirty she looked, he always saw something good on her, in her, no matter what.
After they paid, she got on her feet. "I better get back home and take a shower. Are you doing anything tonight?"
Kiba was taken back a bit by her question. She was asking him that? "Uhh... No actually, I'm not."
She smiled. "Good. I was wondering if you'd like to come over."
His head soared to the clouds the moment the words left her lips. House? Her House? Me? Us?
"Ye... Yeah!" He replied eagerly.
"Well, let's go then."
He looked confused as he played with the zipper to his Chunin vest. "I'm coming right now?"
"Of course, silly. You know how far our houses are. Unless you're busy and-"
Before she knew it, Kiba had already picked himself up and was standing right next to her. "Let's go!" He replied as he reached his hand for hers. Her blush carried all over her face as she smiled, lacing their fingers together.
As they walked to her home, they hadn't counted on seeing old friends notice them along the way. Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji were making their way away from them when a distant "Woo! Go Sakura!" was heard from off in a distance.
UGH! That girl! She thought to herself. Regardless, Kiba was never really embarrassed. He was so easy-going she regularly thought she was overreacting to things she normally thought she wasn't at first.
When she got home, she unlocked the door and opened it to find a note on the mirror to her left. It was from her parents.
Sakura,
Your father and I are celebrating our anniversary early. We're going to be at the village hidden in hot water for the weekend. Be good. No boys!
Mom
"Ugh." She complained out loud, leaving the note, making her way upstairs to her room. Kiba glanced at the note, enough to see the No boys! notice and laughed.
Making their way up to her room, Kiba felt himself reach a high he didn't think was possible. Her scent. Everywhere. He was in the heart of it all. It was so powerful. Everything he had ever wondered about her was there. Her room wasn't anything what he expected. It was basic. Drawers to his right, a desk not to far in front of him to his left, and a twin sized bed to the upper right corner. At the direct end of the room was a sliding glass door, leading to the balcony.
"Wait here. I'll be back in a sec." She said, quickly grabbing some pajamas before making her way to the shower.
Kiba sat on her bed. Confused, but proud. "YES!" He shouted to himself, but quickly clamped his mouth hoping Sakura didn't hear him. When there was no response, his thoughts went wild. I'm here! Jesus Christ I'm here! Oh man, she's taking a shower, and I'm in her room WAITING for her! Yessss!
Keeping his proud grin across his face, he looked to see two porch chairs on the balcony. He figured he didn't want to be bored, even though he wasn't, the scent was like an orgy for his nose. He slide the door open and sat back in one of the chairs.
He sat down on the right chair, staring up at the sky. He remembered their trip to the top of The Third's monument. The now near night sky, still showing fading signs of daylight, was already broadcasting its presence of stars over the hidden leaf.
He turned his head at the sound of a door opening to find Sakura entering the room. Her simple red shirt and black pajama pants were a few sizes too big for her, but then again they don't make clothes like that to be tight. She ran her fingers through her fingers a few more times before noticing Kiba staring at her. She waved at him before coming outside herself.
"It's beautiful out tonight." He started, his concentration on the sky quickly broke when Sakura sat on his lap, her legs stretching off to the right, her arms wrapped across his neck.
"It is." She replied.
"So do you want to talk?" He asked.
"About what?" She pretended to not know what he meant. "Kidding." She rebounded, kissing his cheek.
That feeling always gave him a shock through his spine. Not as much as their first, but like a house getting electricity back from loosing power in a storm. His heart had been racing since they had even entered her house, but at this point, he felt like someone put a microphone next to it. He was sure she could hear it by now.
"Okay." He finally broke the silence. "You said you had answers for... most of it, right?"
She nodded.
"All right... Then can I ask you?"
"Ask me what?"
"What are we?"
She knew that question was going to pop up. At least it was then. She wasn't sure either as a matter of fact. Were they official? Were they a couple? Were they just some dumb kids who thought they knew what love was?
"I don't know." Was the only response she could give.
Kiba furrowed his eyebrows a little bit before thinking of a quick answers. "Well... if you don't know, can I tell you what I think?"
She looked at him. "Sure."
Kiba cleared his throat. "I think at this point we both know we're more than just friends. If not by title, then by feeling. I feel... I feel something that I've never felt before. Yet I know how it feels. Isn't that weird?" He looked at her, who was now facing him, merely inches away from his face.
"I love you, Sakura. And I think you love me too."
She couldn't hold back the red that came over her face. He was right. He was more than right, he was right on the money. She loved him, and the feeling didn't feel wrong, or sudden, or impractical. Was she ready for this, though? Could she handle it? They were both ninjas. Both Chunins as a matter of fact. One day one of them could die in a mission. They could both die. Was that fair?
She gathered up as much strength as she could. She inhaled a bit. The only thing not fair is not trying.
"I do." She smiled before burying her face into his neck. "I love you so much, Kiba. I didn't think I could. So fast. So sudden. But I was only fooling myself. But I'm so scared. I want to be with you more than anything, but after everything that's happened, and the Akatuski. I've SEEN what they can do. What if they come for me? What if they come for you?"
Kiba hummed to himself. "You're right. It's possible tomorrow the Akatuski could be right at our doorstep and unleash hell on us all. But if they do..." He ran his fingers through her hair. "Wouldn't you want to know you said everything you wanted to say? A friend of mine told me..." Shino's words quickly ran through his head. It's good to get your feelings out. Don't make the mistake of never letting how you are feel known. "He told me that it's good to get your feelings out. And you shouldn't ever not let your feelings be known. That would be a mistake."
She looked at him, taking her head away and put herself close to him. "Then does that mean...?"
He nodded his head. "Only if you want to."
She quickly smiled before kissing him. As she pulled away, she could feel the smile grow on his face before their lips made their departure from one another. "I want to."
His smile grew wide as he hugged her. "Then... Will you be my girlfriend?"
She happily giggled at his question. "Yes, Kiba. I will."
His hug grew tighter in happiness. He couldn't believe it. She was finally his. Officially his! Was he dreaming? Nah. He knew he wasn't. But his dreams had certainly come true, and nothing was going to get in between them. He just knew this was the beginning of the happiest moments of his life.
"It's so nice out tonight." He whispered to her.
"It's why I love this balcony. I come out here a lot to think."
She slowly brought herself to her feet, taking Kiba's hands to pick him up. Kiba opened his mouth to speak, but she hushed him with a finger over his lips.
"There's no need to speak anymore. Not tonight."
He looked into her eyes. The moonlight glittered them in such a way they were near captivating. She was so mesmerizing. What did she want? Trying to take an unnoticed whiff, he could tell. Already?
She took his hands and guided him back to her room, until they stood at the side of the bed. She kissed him softly while reaching for his zipper and slowly dragged it down, eventually removing his vest.
"Sakura are you sur-"
"It's okay Kiba." She kissed him again, silencing him.
"But I'm-"
She nodded her head. "So am I."
No way? I figured someone as good looking as her... Well, then again, she didn't really have a boyfriend. Guess that makes sense why she's still a virgin.
He finally gave up. There was no way he could convince her to say no at this point, unless he walked out. And after just romantically signing himself to her, how could he walk away? He wanted to be with her, forever if she wanted it. He wouldn't have it any other way. And this was the best way to show it.
When she broke the kiss, Kiba's glance had changed completely. He wasn't nervous or timid anymore. His gazed craved, he hungered, and his aura screamed determination. He made his way to her neck, slowly warming it with his kisses, slowly sucking on it until a faint amount of blood rose from it.
"Kiba..." She moaned his name.
He looked back up at her. "You're mine now." Were his only words before kissing her again, reaching for the bottom of her shirt.
His weight against hers quickly gave way as they fell back onto the bed, with Kiba on top and Sakura reaching for his black shirt under his vest which was removed already.
He stood up and turned as he removed his shirt, then faced her again. Oh my god. He's so... Oh my god! She thought staring at him. He was completely defined. Not by lifting weights, but by hard and long training. It was the best kind of definition, and it drove her wild as she wanted him more by catching sight of it.
She ran her hands up his chest up to his face, bringing it to hers and kissing him again, pulling him on top of her to the bed.
Tonight, they became more than a couple. They created, molded, and found love. For after tonight, they both knew, they were one.
END!
Oh yeahhhhhh :O Hope you liked this one. Been a few days since I updated... Then again, that's long for my standards. I like to keep em coming as soon as I can. But this one was kind of tough to work with. I COULD have made it two chapters... But they would have been too short. This is a lot better I think. Not too much, but you definitely get the insight of what's going on =P Please R&R, and I'll seeee youuu guys next time!
