Here we go, Chapter 9!

Not much action in this one, but don't worry, I'm building up to something good.

Thanks to my sister (xMochi Inuzukax) who gave me ideas for this chapter,

And especially the next one.

:D

Enjoy!!


"Welcome back Team 8!" Kurenai sensei said with a wide smile, "I'm glad to see you all again."

I sighed, my eyes searching around the classroom. I can't believe summers over already. Shino sat next to me, his coat up to his eyes. Same ol' Shino. Looking behind him I spotted the girl that still made my heart stop. Hinata-chan... I took shallow breaths, trying my hardest not to remember that night. I haven't spoken to her since that day in the hallway. I wonder how she's doing? I forced myself to look away. Oh fuck, stop it Kiba! You're with TenTen now. Why the hell can't you just let Hinata go?!

"I hope you've all been training over the summer. It would be a shame if you've lost any skills." With a small whimper she suddenly glanced down, putting a hand over her stomach. It was obvious to anyone that the baby would be coming soon. She smiled, looking back at us. "He's been kicking like crazy lately."

"O-oh, Kurenai sensei, I'm so happy for you!"

I felt chills go up my spine upon hearing her voice. Damn it, Kiba! Get a hold of yourself! I put my head down on my desk. Shino gave me a sideways look, obviously aware that something was wrong. Don't ask... Please. I don't want to think about it anymore.

Kurenai sensei giggled, walking towards Hinata and giving her a large hug. They've always been really close. "Thank you, Hinata! I'm so excited for the baby to come! It's going to be a tough job though. Luckily Shikamaru promised to help me raise him." I saw pain flash in her eyes. She must really miss Asuma, especially now. Poor sensei.

"But that means we're going to have a substitute sensei while your out taking care of the baby, right?" Shino asked, his voice still as monotone as ever.

Sensei's face broke out in a mischievous smile. "Actually, yes." She laughed, walking back towards her desk. "The sensei I've picked to help you guys out during my break is none other than the great Gai Sensei!" My head shot up, catching sensei's eye. Gai sensei? Fuck! That mean's I'll have to train with Hinata and TenTen at the same time... not to mention Neji watching my every move. Ah, hell! "Kiba?" Sensei called, giving me a strange look. "This isn't quite the reaction I expected from you. I thought you'd be glad to train with your girlfriend."

I blushed. How'd sensei find out? "Um, no. I mean, wait-- yes! Ah, I mean... yeah, I'd want to train with her, but I-I'm just surprised that you chose Gai's team."

"Kiba, it's the most logical choice." She put her forefinger to her lip, her classic teacher pose. "You've got connections with TenTen, so you two will get along well, and Hinata is Neji-kun's cousin, so I know they won't argue much. Lee and Shino might cause a bit of trouble, but it will be much easier than if I made you train with, for example, Team 7." Damn... I guess she's right. I sighed, putting my head back on my desk. This is gonna suck.

"What makes you think I'd conflict with Lee-kun?" Shino questioned.

Sensei laughed again. "Oh, I didn't mean anything bad about you Shino. It's just that you two have such opposite personalities. I never meant to offend you." Shino grunted. She smiled. "Oh, and to prepare you guys for the change, today you're gonna practice with Team Gai." I squeezed my eyes shut. Damn it, sensei! You're killing me! Suddenly there was a knock on the door. "Come in!"

The door opened the reveal Gai Sensei who was dressed, as always, in his green jumpsuit. "Why hello there Team 8!" He said with a laugh. "You really think you're ready to train with my team, eh?"

Sensei, with a scoff, rolled her eyes at Gai. "Just wait to see what my students can do." She turned back to us with a wink. "You guys ready? Let's go! Show them what Team 8's true power!" Hinata and Shino jumped up, clearly excited. Damn it all to hell. I stood up slowly, shuffling across the classroom to catch up with them.

Gai laughed again. "I'll take good care of 'em today, Kurenai! I promise." He gave her his signature thumbs up. "I'll come talk with you later."

She giggled, giving us a wave. "Thanks Gai. Take care Hinata and Shino! And come on Kiba, get into gear!" I groaned. I'd rather work one-on-one with Naruto than have to be stuck all morning between TenTen and Hinata. As Gai lead us down the hall I prepared myself for the hell that was about to erupt.

--Outside near the forest--

She kissed me quickly on the lips. "Oh, Kiba! I'm so glad you're training with me today!"

I smiled, kissing her back. "Me too. And after Kurenai sensei has her baby we'll train together everyday for a while." Okay, maybe this won't be so bad. I've got TenTen. She's fucking adorable and she loves me. Why am I complaining?

Behind me I heard Shino talking quietly to Hinata. "It's strange to see Kiba with a girlfriend, isn't it?"

"O-oh, um... yes." Her answer was so quiet that I had to strain my ears to hear it.

"Especially him with TenTen." He paused, and I thought I heard a chuckle. "You know, for a while there I could have sworn you two had a thing." Shit. Maybe Shino knew more than I thought.

She didn't answer for a moment. "I--" Someone cut her off.

"Hinata-chan! Where'd you go?" It was Neji. "I thought we were practicing Byakugan." Damn you! I wanted to hear what she was gonna say!

"KIBA!"

I pulled myself out of their conversation. Looking up, I saw my girlfriend. Oh, FUCK. TenTen had been talking this whole time. "Uhm-- I... Um... Yeah?" I could see in her eyes that she was mad. She looked behind me, probably trying to find out why I was zoned out. Her body tensed up as she saw Hinata. Damn it! She knows I was listening to Hinata instead of her. God, shes gonna kill me! I flinched, preparing to be smacked in the head. After a second passed and I was still injury free, I opened my eyes. TenTen didn't look angry anymore. Instead I saw sorrow within her deep brown eyes. I felt guilt sweep across my body. I fucked up.

"...Kiba? Let's go train closer to the trees." She mumbled quietly, taking my hand. She just wants to move me away from Hinata. Well, I guess she does have the right to be jealous. There's no way I'm going to get Hinata, so what the hell is my problem? Why can't I just focus on TenTen? I grabbed her suddenly, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"I love you."

She stayed quiet. She doesn't believe me. Damn it, I have to make this better! I lifted her face gently and kissed her. She kissed me back, and after a moment she blushed and looked away. To my delight I could see that she was smiling again. "I love you too, Kiba." I grabbed her hand and began walking towards the woods. The farther away from Hinata we get the happier she will be.

"Come on, TenTen. We've got practice to do!" I said, my voice filled with forced happiness. My heart ached to linger with Hinata, but I just couldn't anymore. I have to let her go. I whistled, calling over Akamaru who had been relaxing in the grass. TenTen found a nice patch of grass right next to the edge of the forest to train on. She was smiling the whole time.

"Oh Kiba, this is great! I don't think we've ever trained together alone before."

I smiled, pulling her into a kiss. Suddenly, across the field I heard a loud shriek. TenTen and I both turned to see Neji, red-faced, screaming at Hinata. "HINATA! WHAT THE FUCK?! DID I JUST SEE--" She cut him off by putting her hand over his mouth.

"Please, itoko-kun, quiet down. I-I... I'll explain everything." Even from across the field I could hear the fear in her voice. What the hell is going on? I took a step towards them, but I felt TenTen grab my hand, holding me back. Turning to face her, seeing tears in the corner of her eyes.

"P-please, Kiba-kun... It's probably a family thing. Let them work it out." A few tears slipped out, rolling down her delicate face. "Please stay with me?" I can't leave her like this. And she's probably right, what do I know about the Hyuuga family? I glanced back once more at Hinata, who was now walking with Neji into the woods. I have to let her go. Spinning around, I wiped the tears off of TenTen's face and kissed her gently on the forehead.

"Of course."


The next chapter is in Hinata's point of view.

Just what are her and Neji talking about?

And what will happen because of TenTen's jealousy?

Find out in chapter 10!

Thanks to all readers, old and new!

You're all great! :)

-- Hinata Inuzuka xx