Now, as a fair warning, this chapter along with the next couple chapters, are going to be rather slow moving. With all the action and drama in the past nine chapters or so, I'm in need of some serious character development! So, here we have some more Maia/Kiba fluff, defintiely my favorite pairing thus far! But fear not, more pairings will come in the future, but I have no idea when xD Haha, anyway, enjoy!
Yuuki refused to leave Maia's side from here on out. She had traveled for days upon weeks to get to her. And now that they were together, it was very important that they stayed that way. Yuuki wouldn't tell Maia this but one of the others was now dead and West was on a rampage now. His spirit having lost its love. Currently following the two love birds around town, Yuuki decided to follow them from a distance, so as to give them privacy. But Maia would always be in her sights. Aside from privacy, Yuuki just didn't want to deal with all this kissy face business. It was clear to the blond kunoichi that the two liked each other. Maia might not have known it yet, but the way she acted around Kiba clearly gave off signs of her liking him. It made shivers go up and down her spine when she thought about such a trivial thing as love. What was the point? She did not see one. Sighing, Yuuki had to wonder what made people fall in love. Where was the need? She loved herself and she loved her partner, South. Sapphire had no quarrels about such things. Even though her seal had the kanji for love on it. Yuuki had yet to figure that one out. There was no room in Yuuki's world for trivial things. None what so ever.
Maia smiled, slightly, at the comments Kiba would make here and there. He truly was a good guy. A lot of the girls she knew would warn her otherwise. But she just didn't see where they got the ideas stuck in their heads. Kiba was a great person, loving, loyal, protecting. A blush came to Maia's face as she thought about Kiba in this way. Damn puberty, damn it to hell. She hated thinking this way about her best friend.
"Maia, you okay?" Kiba asked her. Maia looked up from her path suddenly and hurriedly nodded. She flushed a brighter shade of red and looked back down to the ground, covering her mouth with her hand, biting her thumb. She hoped he wouldn't notice the rather bright blush covering her cheeks. Maia heard a chuckle coming from him and glanced to her right, he was laughing at her.
"Hey, what are you laughing at?" she asked, fake anger seeping into her voice. Kiba's chuckle died a little bit and he stopped walking, turning to Maia. In all seriousness, he moved his hand to cup her cheek and used his other arm to pull her in close to him. Caressing her jawline, Kiba looked down at the girl in front of him.
"You," he said quietly. Maia blushed harder and tried to look down, but his hand caught her chin and pulled her face up once more. "And that cute blush you've got goin'," Kiba told her, his eyes holding nothing but the truth. The shocked expression that made Kiba chuckle again. Kiba loved her reactions to all of this. It was clear to him that she had never been with a guy, in any way. This, right here, was probably her first time having a guy show her affection. And to be honest, Kiba didn't care who saw them. He'd known this wonderful girl for three years now and she had always been this way. Adorable and smart and shy and loyal and fun and he loved every single thing about her.
"Kiba, I," Maia started, not knowing what to say at this point. The past few days had been interesting, but with Yuuki showing up, Lady Hokage had deemed her fit to leave the hospital. She still had wounds and health problems because of Rubi, but that could all be looked at through weekly check-ups. Looking into Kiba's eyes, she saw nothing but an intense passion. Maybe it was love, maybe it just an extreme like. In either case, Maia wanted to see that every time she looked up from now on. This was something so new to her. But thinking about it, it all made sense. She'd been best friends with this boy for three years. He'd been there for her through everything. Through all the fights with her mom, through all her nightmares. Kiba Inuzuka, the boy no one thought could ever love, had been there through it all. Maia knew that no matter what, he would support her if she were to fall. In that instant, Maia threw everything to the wind, including caution and pushed her lips onto his gently. The last thing she saw before she closed her eyes was his widening and then closing slowly. The kiss was small, gentle and full of feeling. Kiba returned her small kiss, smiling slightly. The happiness that rushed through Maia was something she wanted to always feel. This was her first kiss, her first relationship, her first everything. And everything else that she wanted to have a first for, she wanted it to be Kiba. Pulling away from the kiss, Maia felt yet another flush come across her cheeks. "I think I might really like you," she said, giggling. That kiss had been utterly perfect. Kiba smiled and nodded.
"I think I might like you too," he murmured, taking her hand. "Come on, I want to show you something," Kiba said, pulling her down the street, Yuuki following as always. The day was coming to an end and Kiba needed to show this to her. It was probably the second most beautiful sight in the world. Next to the girl he was walking with, hand in hand.
"Oh Kiba," Maia said smiling. This sight was just magnificent. "It's so gorgeous!" She exclaimed, hugging him. He chuckled and returned the embrace.
"I'm glad you like it," Kiba replied, kissing the top of her head. She looked up at him, a small smile playing at her lips. Kiba was so strong and loyal and loving. Maia thought herself stupid to not realize these things long ago. For what it was worth however, she was glad she waited. Turning her head, Maia looked out over the village of Konoha at sunset. Kiba had taken her to the top of the memorial mountain, the one that had all the past Hokages' heads carved into it. The village was alive with lights and people were milling about. It was such a serene sight to behold, it made Maia's past few days melt away. All the drama that had happened was being washed away by the sheer simplicity that was laid out before her.
"How come I never noticed you before Kiba?" Maia asked him quietly. Sighing, Kiba thought about how to answer that question. He honestly didn't care how long it had taken her, he had her in his arms right now, and that was all that mattered. Kiba shrugged, not knowing what to say.
"I guess you were just meant to," he replied. "I myself try not to question these things," Kiba laughed and hugged Maia tight. He didn't want this moment to ever end. Looking at it from the outside, one would question Kiba's motives. He generally wasn't one to really show affection for those around him. But this girl, she had grown on him. And over time, Kiba had developed feelings for her. Now, she was one of the most important people in his life. And the fact that she now felt the same way, Kiba felt like he was soaring. Hearing her sigh contently, Kiba smiled and hugged her tighter. Never wanting to let her go.
"I guess so," Maia said. She completely forgot about the fact that kissing him had been a dare. Because, in truth, while in that moment before, she had thrown that idea to the side. It hadn't even occurred to her. Kissing him sent shivers and sparks all throughout her being. She wanted that feeling again, over and over. Placing her head on his chest, Maia smiled. She'd never known this happiness all her life. Never known what it was like to be held by someone that cared for her whole heartedly, not like this. The feelings that were coursing through her body were all so knew to her. But all so amazing at the very same time. His arms around her made her feel like nothing in world could ever touch her. Pulling away a little bit, Maia looked up at the man holding her. "Thank you Kiba," she murmured. Seconds later, she was on her tiptoes, kissing him again. Just like the first time, shivers ran down her spine and sparks burst through her tummy. And for the first time since she could ever remember, Maia was happy.
Alrighty! Well that was chapter ten! Hope you guys liked it! I took a long time writing this just because I was busy, but I hope it's a good one ^^ It's kind of short I know. But I no longer have a lot to pack into one document. Haha, until next time!
XOXO, Alaska