Author's Rant: Time for chapter 10!

Wondering

The doctors weren't comfortable with letting Neji leave the hospital until they had a full comprehension of the extent of his head injury. He wasn't pleased with the decision. There was work to be done and plenty of it too. Sasuke could hold his own, sure, but Neji felt trapped. He wasn't used to always doing something, keeping his mind occupied with consistency. Being cooped inside this lonely room that smelt of sterilization and sanitation twenty-four-seven was driving him up the wall.

His condition, though trivial and irritating in his opinion, wasn't anything too serious. A slight bump on the head really. What was that compared to the hundreds of other patients who could use the doctor's expertise? He should dispute this matter with the Hospital Administrator. Surely, they could see the error of their doctor's advice and override it?

It was steadily approaching his sixth day here. The weather has been pleasant, sunny, and radiant with soft and comforting breezes. The one true admission he was allowed was having the windows open, to allow the subtle autumn breezes inside. The smell of the outdoors beckoned him, had his mind thinking. That was another reason why he hated being left alone, in the quiet. His mind was busy with other pressing responsibilities so he was left with no choice, but to reflect on about random thoughts.

His life thus far as he'd lived it, for starters. While his financial security gave him much freedom to have less concerns over mediocre things, it opened gates to what earning that money entitled, such as less time spent at home and on a social life. His social life is, for a lack of better terms, not very impressive. What did he have outside of work besides Sasuke and his family?

Neji shifted under the paper-thin sheets, eyes drifting to the spotlight beams of sunlight speckling the floor through the curtains.

His relationship with Hinata . . . it's so strained. When and why had that happened? He adored his child, worshiped her beautiful face since the day she was placed in his arms, so small, helpless and dependent on him for support. It'd been more than offering support for her. Stability came easy. Neji knew it would take more than an easy way of living to ensure his daughter had a decent childhood. In the beginning, that had been easy.

However, with work and stress and piling responsibility, perhaps he'd put his adoration for his child on the backburner. For how long though? Was she supposed to wait eagerly by for her father to remember she existed? Was that why she was so much more timid around him? When was the last time Neji could honestly say he earn her giggles or smile happily when being around him? Her behavior is so secluded and nervous. She won't even ask for things anymore, as if calling out to her father would make him remember too soon that she was there and he would take much longer to finish his work before getting to her.

Neji closed his eyes, fingers clutching the sheets by his side. She didn't deserve that. No child did. It was hard admitting this to himself and even harder to realize that he was at fault.

That's why he hated being left alone in the quiet, solitude of his own mind. It made him think about things. His life, his daughter . . . and as he drifted off to sleep, his last wondering thoughts landed on Kiba.

This was so stupid.

Kiba stalled outside Neji's hospital room and spent a moment straightening and patting away the excess lint off his clothes. His style was a bit out of his normalcy for this to be a casual visit. Instead of the Hot Topic graphic attire, he was sporting a burnt orange and grey striped sleeveless Henley shirt, ginger brown baggy cargo slacks and white Air Max shoes. He ditched the whole theme for something more subtle and not as attention grabbing. It wasn't that, well, he was looking nice for a particular reason.

All those skulls, crossbones, and crude words weren't exactly appropriate for the hospital. Kiba scratched behind his head, and knew when his fingers clutched around the bag of bought apples, that he was fooling himself. Sure, yeah, he could inwardly admit that he was willing to try mending bridges with Neji. During the time he's spent here, Neji hasn't been bad company. They talked a few times, but mostly it'd just been them spending a quiet afternoon together or evening whenever Kiba got off work.

It'd become a hard habit to break, coming here every day. Several times his feet were thinking ahead of his brain and before Kiba knew it, he was standing in front of Neji's room. He could say the change of clothes was mostly Neji's doing too.

. . . He'd given Kiba a compliment about a shirt he'd worn a few days ago and it kind of stuck with him. All of his other outfits were dirty and due to working overtime at the diner, he hadn't had much time to do laundry. The few remaining articles he had left were some plain t-shirts and jeans that hadn't been ripped with his pocketknife. Kiba had picked out a red Nike logo mid-sleeve shirt, a pair of black cotton cargo pants and low top air forces.

0~0~0~0

"That looks nice on you."

Kiba, still shaving a peel off an apple, paused and blinked at Neji with startled eyes. Neji had the bed reclined half downward with his hands braced on the lunch tray. His facial expression was set in a relatively cool and at ease.

"Come again?" he asked. "What does?"

"That shirt, the color I mean," said Neji. "You should consider trying a brighter attire. Black does nothing to define you."

Kiba wrinkled his brow. "I don't want anyone tryin' to define me. If they can't get what I am from lookin' at me, that's their problem."

Neji shook his head and carefully sat up, mindful of the plate of food. He pushed back his banes, which were surprisingly tamed down from laying on the papery pillow. "You misunderstood what I meant—"

"Then explain it to me," Kiba cut off swiftly. "Because I don't like what you're implying."

Neji cocked his head so innocently; Kiba wandered if he was the one who didn't get what was being implied.

"I was merely saying that bright colors suit you. You have a feisty personality, always ready to snap off at the mouth without hesitation. Black is far too dull and void of emotion, especially for someone like you."

Kiba chewed inside of his cheek thoughtfully, hands rotating the semi peeled apple between his palms. "You weren't insulting me on the sly?"

"No," Neji answered in a sharp and quick. "The opposite actually."

Kiba blinked owlishly. "You were complimenting me? You?"

Neji tensed a moment, and then snorted. "Honestly, I am mannerable enough to give them. I think you look best when you go beyond the graphic displays and ripped holes in your jeans; certainly less of a hoodlum." Neji retrieved his fork and went back to eating the rest of his meal.

There hadn't been anything else said after that. Kiba kept his head bowed because whenever he glanced up, he caught Neji side glancing him and would immediately return to either watching television or staring out the window.

0~0~0~0

It was strange really. He's been doing that a lot, gazing out the window at the gathering season. Kiba took a deep breath and felt it coming faster. He chuckled in spite of himself. What was going on with him? Why was he getting so worked up over a compliment? It was just Neji. There was nothing special about him, except he was special kind of bastard who knew just which of Kiba's buttons to press to get a new reaction. Kiba racked his brain until it ached trying to figure out why he let this person get under his skin.

Naruto knew how to work Kiba's nerves to the core and to this day, Kiba was still struggling to tolerate the Uchiha brothers, but with Neji, it was an entirely different realm of difference. He never had to try too hard. Everything about him irked Kiba the wrong way. Only recently have some of those bitter feelings changed . . . sort of.

Kiba gave his head a quick shake. What the hell was wrong with him, standing out here contemplating shit too much? It wasn't even that serious. There was no reason to overanalyze it. He was simply going to walk in and share the same old stale hospital air with Neji, catch a few sports games on the television and talk about Hinata. Neji wouldn't expect anything more, being the practical, predictable man he was.

He raised his hand to knock on the door, and he heard an unexpected voice in the hospital room: Naruto. Kiba frowned. When had Naruto come? Kiba thought he was going to one of the kid's classes to watch them finger paint or something. But nowhere had the blond mentioned coming by.

Kiba leaned towards the door and cupped his ear, not bothered that he certainly looked suspicious and was no longer interested in spending some quiet time with his associate.

"It's amazing, even in bandages you still look good," Naruto was amusingly saying, his voice light and so cheerful that Kiba could almost picture the Colgate smile on his face. "Can't say anything about the dress. That's totally downgrading your attraction."

"Flattery with a hint of sarcastic truth," Neji's voice was moist with the same kind of clear smoothness and a warmth that Kiba hadn't ever heard before. Was this the way Neji's always sounded, Kiba wondered. "I'm glad you finally came to see me. It's been ages since we've had some time alone."

There was a soft, metallic creak. Kiba listened closely, with an accelerating heart rate, imagining every crude and unhealthy things that could be taking place right now, but then he heard Naruto's chuckle, "You know how Sasuke gets. He thinks every spare minute I have needs to be spent with the kids, with my studies or with him."

Kiba managed to sustain his snorted agreement. He could definitely agree with Naruto on that fact. Once, Kiba had asked Naruto to spare an hour with him for lunch. Sasuke wasn't having any of that and said in a crispy fashion that Naruto's company was needed elsewhere.

"That doesn't come as a surprise," said Neji. His voice was a bit heavier now, soothingly warmer, having Kiba inwardly question how close these two actually were. "With you, I'd think anyone could be possessive of your time. You have such a way of brightening up a room with your charm."

"Now who's flattering who?"

Neji ignored the tease, and went onward with that same level of creeping emotions. "I can imagine being in his place, perhaps being just as demanding of your presence. I wouldn't want to share. I wouldn't want anyone to bask in your shine. . ."

"Neji, please don't," Naruto said softly. Kiba leaned in. Their voices hushed a little, but he was still able to make out their conversation. "You know how much I value our friendship. It's sacred. I couldn't think of giving it up, or my relationship with Sasuke. I love him."

"I know that." Neji's tone hardened. "I've lost, I've accepted that. I can't say it's a defeat I hadn't agonized over for some time. It's difficult to see you and the children with him. The 'what ifs' continue to play and I'm left to wonder how it would've been between us."

Some more bed creaking and sheets shuffling. Kiba swallowed past the strange sour lump in his chest and gnawed on his bottom lip.

"Who can really say? If not for Sasuke, Neji, I have no doubt we would've been good together. You were good to me, treated me like an equal when no one else would. The twins adore you and besides Kiba, I count on you."

"Perhaps in another life time?"

Naruto's whimsical laughter penetrated Kiba's ears as loud as a church bell. He ground his teeth against the raw ball of his lips and leaned in closer. "I'd get on your nerves to when you'd regret loving me."

"Never, not in a million years."

Kiba heard a long, straining whine of the springs on the bed and then a soft sigh that made all the hairs on his body prick.

Without thinking of his actions, the brunet eased the door open.

This was going to probably be stuck in his mind for a long time. They wouldn't have been able to hear an atomic explosion happening outside. The world they were swimming in together held no room for anyone else. It looked as if they were coiled in an impenetrable embrace, eyes closed, bliss radiating off them in waves.

The leaking taste in Kiba's mouth was blood. Blood . . . It was blood. He clicked the door closed and stalked off down the hall. The bite marks on his bottom lip inflamed his skin, but the pain was nowhere near as large as the bitterness churning in his stomach. Kiba's thump rose to swept away the evidence of his turmoil. Something was wrong with him for sure if he was actually feeling jealous over his best friend.

Yeah, yeah something was seriously wrong. He needed to calm down. It was just Naruto. He had Sasuke. How could Kiba even fathom such a thought that the blond and Neji still had a thing for each other? Not that Kiba really cared. It was just the principle of things, not jealousy. Hopefully his sense of morality was why these tiny something's were prickling inside his stomach whenever that image of Neji and Naruto hugging invaded his brain.

"This is stupid." Kiba wandered into the small lounge area with a small television bolted in a corner of the room, a vending machine in the back and three navy leather sofas. He took the one closest to the snack vendor and dropped his bag of apples on the next cushion. He was glad no one else was in here. It was too early for other visitors to come. The silence would do his mind some good, hopefully to fumigate all of these crazy ideas.

Kiba knew he hadn't been acting like himself around Neji lately. Most of the time, he found himself trying to find a shred of warmth in those icy eyes. Not all of the time of course. That time from before, when Neji touched Kiba's hand the tingle had since faded to a faint sensation. Surprisingly Kiba had thought about it more than he wanted to, sometimes catching himself when he was about to stroke that spot with his fingertips. Often that familiar tingle would come back. Kiba couldn't ever in a million years confess to how inviting that feeling felt.

Neji caused it. That was the main problem. It was Neji's touch. The way he acted sometimes. It was getting awkward being around the man because in the past Kiba knew how to respond to him. Now, there were a whole new set of rules. Things had changed while Kiba hadn't paid attention. There hadn't been time to adjust. It wasn't just Neji's touch either. There were other times too. Like when Neji said, the reason he'd gotten hurt was to make a gift for Kiba and Hinata.

Why? Why had the stupid bastard gone through the trouble of doing that? Fuck him. Fuck him and his stupid sense of fairness. Kiba wanted to hit something, preferably the main source of his inner turmoil.

He said it once, he'd say it again. "This is stupid." These few quiet minutes were pointless. All this solitude succeeded in was making him think harder. None of this really mattered. Neji was, well, Neji was just someone, a person like everyone else. Anything he did had nothing to do with Kiba. Sitting here contemplating over his confusion wasn't going to solve anything. Kiba grunted as he climbed up to his feet and grabbed his bag of goods.

What was the point of staying now? Kiba wasn't in his usual element. Neji would understand. Kiba wasn't up for entertaining, not with him wanting to get rid of that bothersome image in his head.

"Kiba!"

Kiba almost flinched at the shout of his name in the empty hall. The brunet sucked his teeth and looked over his shoulder with a lopsided grin that he couldn't force to spread if he tried. Naruto was ambling toward him, smiling as if he could outshine the hospital's light system. Kiba tucked his free hand in his pocket and stalled by the edge of the hall until Naruto reached him.

"Hey, came to see Neji?" Naruto asked. "I just left his room. He looks like he's getting better."

Kiba shrugged. "I dunno. He still looks kinda cold and stuffy to me. The guy doesn't do much of anything except sleep, nag and get on my nerves."

"That isn't what I heard."

"Like I care what he has to say." Kiba started back in the direction towards the elevators.

"Wait! Where you going?"

"Home."

"Why? I thought you were here to see Neji."

"I changed my mind."

Naruto stopped outside the elevator doors. Something was wrong. Every time he tried to catch Kiba's eyes, the brunet would subtly tile his head in such a way that he avoided making eye contact. Naruto pondered that a few beats before stepping around to ease himself between Kiba and the elevator.

"You feelin' alright?"

Kiba arched an eyebrow. "Never better, why?"

"I. . . I don't know. You seem kind of off."

"I'm just tired; been putting in extra hours at Ichiraku's. "

"Why?"

"Money's been tight."

"Since when?"

"A while."

"Do you need some money?"

Kiba twisted his head to the side. "What is this, twenty-one questions? Lay off, will ya?" He snapped with more force than intended.

Naruto's face went blank, then shadowy and solemn. His chin lowered, the shine in his eyes dulled and he folded his arms across his chest. "I pry when I'm worried about you, you know that."

"I'm grown, Naruto. I can take care of myself." The elevator binged and the metal doors separated. Kiba stepped in, keeping his back turned. "In any case, why don't cha' go back to Neji. You came here to see him, yeah? Why you wastin' time talkin' to me?"

Naruto frowned, confused. "That's why you came here too, ain't it? What sense does it make to come all the way here and just leave?"

For some strange reason, Kiba couldn't unplug the words from his throat. He chewed the inside of his cheeks and finally glanced over his shoulder. What he saw threw him a little. Naruto was standing there, clutching his elbows, brow pinched into a tight frown and bottom lip quivering. And damn, if it weren't for those bright ass eyes, Kiba would've been jabbed that ground floor button. This guy really knows how to make a guy soft. No wonder Neji liked him.

Kiba turned fully, adjusting the apples to the other hand and used his dominate one to squeeze the bridge of his nose. "Don't look at me like that," he murmured. "I can't stand that shit."

"Then don't walk away from me when I'm tryin' to figure out what's goin' on. You're not actin' like yourself."

"I know, I know." Kiba blew hard through his mouth and looked to the ceiling. "I'm really confused right now. I don't know what's going on with me. I probably just need some me time. You mind? I need to clear my head," he said everything in a rush as the metal doors threatened to close.

Naruto smacked the center and the doors jolted backwards. "I don't want you leavin' like this. What happened to make you change your mind? You obviously intended to stay for a while." Naruto indicated at the green bag of granny smith and red apples. "Neji's lookin' forward to see you too. All he's talked about is how you've helped him and Hinata progress with their relationship."

Kiba sucked his teeth and stubbornly stared at the corner of the elevator. "Doesn't seem like he's talkin' too much about me if he's hangin' all over you," he grumbled, biting each word through his teeth.

Realization dawned on Kiba's face on what he'd just revealed at the same time Naruto noticed. Silence prevailed, tenser and awkwardly uncomfortable.

Naruto scratched behind his neck, eyes darting from side to side. "Oh, you saw that huh?"

Kiba's head whipped up so fast, Naruto flinched when he heard a bone creak. "That's all you gotta say?"

"What more should I say? We hugged, what's the big deal? We hug each other all the time. You've seen us show affection!" Naruto went quiet a moment, and then a thought struck him. "Kiba . . . are you . . ." how could he phrase this wouldn't getting a black eye.

Kiba saved him from finishing that horrible sentence. "Kiss my ass, Naruto. As if I'd be fuckin' jealous! Jealous over what?" He banged the elevator doors when they tried to cut him off. "I'm straight remember? Ya know, a pussy lickin', fat-ass lovin', tittie kind of guy?"

"Then why the hell are you upset?" Naruto snapped back. "You've seen us hug before, Kiba. You're gettin' all bent outta shape on some dumb shit! That's not like you!"

"It's just the principle of it Naruto!" Kiba responded edgily. "You're in there by yourself with him, talking about, about. . ."

Naruto's scowl tightened. "You eavesdropped on our conversation?"

It was Kiba's turn to look a little hurt and put off. "I hadn't intended to."

"But you did anyway? God, I don't get you Kiba! I'm with Sasuke remember? There is and there never will be anything goin' on between Neji and me. That shit's been squashed for nearly two years!" Naruto threw his hands in the air. "For someone who claims they ain't jealous, you're sure comin' off like a scorned bitch. I can't believe you'd think so ill of me!"

Kiba put his hand out without knowing consciously that he was going to do so. A sudden heaviness settled in his gut becoming a cold, hard lump. God, he wasn't making his case any better versus Naruto's argument. He'd practically accused his best friend of carrying a secret affair with Neji and he was giving the appearance of as someone with a whole mess of insecurities.

The elevator doors nearly closed again. Naruto and Kiba both banged it with enough force to rattle the metal box and the doors slid open.

Kiba sighed. When his frustrations gotten to the point of regarding his own best friend as a cheater. Was thinking about Neji really causing all of this turmoil? Kiba couldn't get it. Why was he agonizing over this guy when he severely doubted the same was happening for Neji? The brunet closed his eyes and bowed his head. Why was this happening now? If it hadn't been for that damn accident, none of these twisted thoughts would be driving Kiba crazy. He was damn near up the wall with this.

"Well?" Naruto's sharp tone sliced through Kiba's mind like a katana. "You gonna apologize today or next week?"

Kiba's nostrils flared. He was trying not to chew on his bottom lip because it'd give off too much. He licked them instead, ready to admit to his faults.

The neighboring elevator binged. Naruto glanced to the right and Kiba peeked out, both a little nosey to see who was coming in and were both surprised to see Itachi impeccably dressed in smoke-grey dress pants, a pepper black virgin wool blend coat and royal blue cashmere scarf.

Itachi stepped out and to the side to let others out. He met the astounded gazes of his brother-in-law and said brother-in-law's best friend. "Now, I see why that one hadn't moved. You two do realize this is a facility for recovery, not a children's play pen."

Kiba recovered first with a shake of his head. "Fuck you!"

"Down boy," Itachi rumbled, strolling over. "Actually this is a good a time as any. We need to talk."

"We?" Naruto and Kiba repeated as one.

Itachi lifted an eyebrow. "Preferably, Inuzuka. Come with me."

Kiba looked Itachi up and down like he was small. "Who in the red hell—what's with you Uchiha's thinkin' you can go bossin' people around like that?" Kiba flicked his wrist at the man. "Buzz off, we're busy."

"And I'm pressed for time." Itachi started down the hall without another word. "Come alone, if you don't mind," he added in before disappearing around the corner.

"Son of a, ugh!" Kiba gritted his teeth, fists clenching at his eyes. "I'll come alone alright. I wanna be the only one who gives 'em a black eye!" He kicked at the elevator doors this time and stomped out, bypassing Naruto's bewildered self. Kiba paused just before rounding the corner and said, "We'll meet up at Ichiraku's tomorrow. I'm buying since we're gonna be there a while."

"Alright," Naruto confirmed softly.

"I. . ." Kiba turned around and sighed. "Listen, I'm sorry about what I said, OK? You know I didn't mean it."

"I know." Naruto smiled. "Next time, just talk to me, will ya? I'm always worried about you."

"Funny, that used to be the other way around."

"That's what brothers do. We switch jobs bein' worried about the other."

Kiba grinned, waved and made off down the hallway.

The Uchiha was standing outside Neji's door, head tilted back to level every bit of his voided gaze on Kiba. The brunet had no idea what the older man wanted and frankly, couldn't give a damn.

He had no clue what the jerk was up too, but he planned to find out.

"Are you coming?"

"Hold your horses!"

Impatient jerk.

'The brat just won't learn,' Sasuke thought evenly.

"I want down, Sasuke!"

"No," Sasuke said firmly for the second time, and looked sternly at Kyuubi until he turned his face back into the crease of the wall. The little toddler whimpered. "You still have five minutes."

"I wanna go pway," Kyuubi pouted, folding his arms, bottom lip sticking out. "It's borin' hewe."

"Then, next time, you'll learn not to hit your brother."

"Gaawa bein' a meanie face!"

Sasuke frowned. "That doesn't excuse you from throwing a block. You want five minutes or five smacks?" The child went quiet. Good. Sasuke glanced up at the wall clock, watching the seconds tick off one by one. Kyuubi altered his eyes from the corner and up to the time as well. He stared pitifully.

Sasuke left before he was caught smiling. The little red hair was a character, but showing how effective he was with captivating people with his charm would subvert the entire meaning of being disciplined. He was too spoiled and only getting worse. He'd need to talk to Naruto about that.

"Don't cry, 'Nata. Neji be OK."

That was what Sasuke heard before he stepped into the living room. The children were sitting near a new installed wall aquarium, watching the tropical fish flutter from one end of their habitat to the other. It'd been Naruto's idea to give the children something unique to keep their minds wandering, rather than just toys. A dog was out of the question and Sasuke had a low tolerance for cats, so it was fish. Each child had one in particularly they picked out from the pet store. Gaara was partial to a pair of Pink Kissing Gourami, who Kyuubi and Minato named Kissy and Missy. Minato's favorite was an African Dwarf Frog he grew attached to as soon as he spotted him, and happily named him Gamabunta. Kyuubi bonded with a Tangerine Dicus and named it Honey, but often changes it to Pancakes.

The boys were sitting on either side of Hinata, Minato patting her back and Gaara simply observing.

"I wanna see my, Daddy," Hinata whimpered. "His hair had 'wed stuff in it. He sweep for a weally long time." She turned her large white eyes up to her friends. "When he gonna wake up?"

"When he's weady, Nata," Minato stressed softly. "Bro Bro says Neji needs a nap. Then when he done, he come and get you. See?"

Hinata settled with that explanation for now and sunk back into herself.

Sasuke slinked back from the scene to give the children some time to nurse her wounds. He wouldn't be of much help to the little girl anyway. Minato, Kyuubi and Gaara had a better way of connecting with her then he ever could.

Sasuke heard a squeak and looked at the wall clock. "Get back in the corner Kyuubi. You still have three minutes," Sasuke called without going to check. The middle Uzumaki gave a great huff and stomped back to his designated corner in the guest bedroom.

Vibrations hummed in Sasuke's back pocket. He reached behind for his cell and checked the caller ID. He chuckled fondly and answered. "Couldn't stay a few minutes without me?"

"Pfft, you wish. I've managed just fine without you breathing down my neck." Naruto's voice would never cease sounding so pleasant in Sasuke's ears. "What are the kids up to?"

"Getting on my nerves as always; Kyuubi's in timeout."

Naruto groaned. "What'd he do this time? He didn't pour hot sauce in the fish tank again, did he?"

"No, he hit Gaara in the head with a block. I'm glad it was plastic."

"He's such a hellion."

"Amen. The others are in the living room." Sasuke sat down at the dinner table. "Hinata's worried about Neji."

"I'm not surprised. I keep askin' Neji if he'll let her come see him, but he's too keyed up over letting her see him all banged up." Naruto suddenly gasped. "Oh, that reminds me. Sasuke, did you know Itachi was coming up here?"

Sasuke frowned at that. "Itachi's up there?" he said skeptically. "Why?"

"I don't know. I thought that was strange in itself, but what was weirder was that he wanted to talk to Kiba."

"Why?"

"To visit Neji probably. I don't really care, but you know how crafty Itachi can be. What I wanna know is what's goin' on in his head this time."

That was the same question going off in Sasuke's head as well. With Itachi, one could never be too careful. Sasuke knew he was up to something. He could feel it.

Neji winced a little when he turned his head to the side. That throb still gave a nasty tremble whenever he moved too quickly or was the cold silence that was penetrating his head. It was odd to not find Kiba there near the window.

Neji had grown accustomed to looking over and seeing the younger man there, being either quiet or talking about something or another. He was running late. Neji checked the menu on the television to see it reading thirty minutes passed when Kiba should've been here. Neji had the right mind to call to see if everything was alright when the door received two sharp knocks.

There was some grumbling humming from the other side of the door.

An exchange of words between two different voices, one gruff and angry and the other poised with sophistication. The combination caused a frown to pinch Neji's forehead. "What in the world?" he wondered aloud.

The door opened.

"What'd I say about callin' me names? You get off on pissin' me off or something?"

"Hardly the case."

"Fine, then go away. We'll talk later."

Both of the men stepped inside. Neji's lips thinned at the sight that beheld him.

Itachi had his hand at the small of Kiba's back. His head was tilted so that whatever they did say was meant only for Kiba's ears and no one else. Kiba was turned up to him hanging off every word and a not so out of character scowl on his face. However, it wasn't as hardened. That's what caused Neji to ponder to himself. . . if he was missing something here.

TBC: I know that those fish can't live in the same tank, but they're cute. Seems like I'm back on track.