Q/N: Okay, I deserved to be MUTILATED, BURNED, KILLED-whatever torture you patient readers desire, jsut leave in reviews (In flames, which I'm preparing ymself for after this chapter) because I TOTALLY deserve them! I AM SOOOOO SORRY! For such a lnog wait for this crappy chapter to be written! It's slightly rushed- the first half was written a few months ago, when I originally planned to psot it, and the othe half was typed...ten minutes ago....please enjoy and I'm TERRIBLY sorry! TT_TT
Disclaimer-I don't own Naruto, or the characters...or the colros sued for chapter titles for that matter...who does own those? o_O
Silver
Dear Hinata,
I haven't spoken to you in ages! I know you must be fretting yourself to death worrying about how we've all been, but stop there! We're all fine. Kankuro is as good as new, though he won't admit it-he seems to like the extra attention and aid that the nurses and servants provide him to 'ease his pain'. Gaara himself seems much more relaxed and less tense now that Kankuro's condition is doing better-though you couldn't tell any difference with simply one glance now, would you?
I must admit I myself feel slightly guilty. Having gone so long without writing to you, not to mention your first visit to Suna and you were immediately bombarded with an attack! Poor thing! I'll have you know I personally, along with Gaara and Kankuro, have doubled the security and the wall's gates is twice as strong! Your next visit will be even better than the first, I'll be sure of it!
That is, if you still wish to visit. I wouldn't blame you if you forever labeled our country as a hellish place, though I will beg you do return-it's so lonely with so few guests!
Kankuro himself has expressed his regrets in your departure, and though Gaara won't say I've noticed changes in his manners since you left. It would please us all if you did return, though no rush is being made. Please, take all your time!
Well, the dinner's bell tolls for me to come, and I shan't keep Gaara waiting for his meal, though Kankuro could use a few drawbacks on his meals, if you know what I mean.
Farewell,
Temari of the Sand
Hinata smiled inwardly to herself. It was so good to hear from her friend after such a long time of absence, though looking back she couldn't exactly call it a 'long time'. She folded the letter once more, gently placing it beside her bed table, reminding herself first thing in the morning to beckon for parchment and ink, along with a pen, and write her reply. Though, it was late and the day had been long, so she had decided to now call it a night.
She was just beginning to untie the bow at the top of her gown before a light knock came at her door. Surprised, she turned, defensively covering herself, though her clothes were modest enough either way. Still, she cautiously stepped towards the door. She had not called for a servant, nor would any sensible person still be up at this hour (The candle had burned so low-how late exactly was it?) She slowly unlocked the locks, turning the knob. The door creaked open as she pulled it forth, her eyes quickly peering to catch sight of whatever person awaited her.
Her eyes widened, her heart leaping in her chest, though she instantly calmed it. A warm smile naturally graced her lips, unconsciously, and her voice rang out in a sing-song greeting.
"Hello, Kiba."
Kiba had paced several times outside Hinata's door. Something was bothering him-actually, several things. So many things, to be honest, that it was too much. Before, he could have died happy just by having met Hinata. The fantasies of their relationship were just that-fantasies, and he had been well aware they'd always stay that way.
But now, it was too much. Just by the mere presence of her, he realized it wasn't just enough to have her forever in his memory. The thought of the night they met and the long conversation they shared, as well as the night at the feast and even the picnic earlier this morn was all pleasant, but if he let the chance slip now, he'd never forgive himself. Just to have the chance, the mere miracle that he could confess, would just kill him if he never took advantage of it. If he spent his summer, watching her grow closer and closer to Naruto, just to have her dreams crushed, or possibly come true, and leave off with another man, now or later, and did nothing about it, he was sure he'd regret it-forever. He knew, somehow, he wasn't likely to meet a girl like her-not in this life time.
And now was as good of a time to confess as ever.
Plus, he had a secret motive that he didn't feel quite right about hiding, and lying to Hinata was the last thing he planned to do.
"Hinata," He slowly mumbled out, trying to smile in return to her own, but not nearly able to match the pure angelic joy she reflected in that smile of hers. Instead, he fiddled with his cap, now twisted in between his hands, and secretly chewing the inside of his cheek behind his pressed lips. He shifted nervously on his feet, and prayed in his mind Hinata didn't notice his odd behavior.
If she did, she did not speak of it.
"Kiba-kun, what may I entertain you with? Please, come in."
Kiba nodded, feeling less nervous as he stepped into her quarters. He glanced around. He wasn't one who frequently ventured into the guest chambers, though he had to admit they were nice-much nicer than the knight's chambers. He only wasted a moment glancing around before returning his focus to the true star of the room-Hinata.
She closed the door, latching the lock once more before turning to greet him.
"May I offer you some tea?"
Kiba shook his head, watching her hands, her feet, her body-everything but her face and her eyes. He couldn't find himself to look at those in particular. Not head on, not right now.
This action alone must have reached Hinata, for her body stopped and had Kiba been looking at her eyes, he would have seen concern run across them.
"Kiba-kun, is something wrong?"
Kiba was slightly taken aback. In his mind, while he had been walking over here, had had numerous conversations and plans as to how he'd break this slowly to Hinata. Some ideas seemed more plausible than others, one including a dragon and himself racing to her rescue in shinning silver armor abroad Akamaru (This was immediately rejected because Kiba decided a dragon would be near impossible to find, though the idea of him charging in dressed in fabulous armor went through several other drafts before he finally retired the thought). However, he never planned for Hinata to bluntly ask 'what was wrong' moments after he had entered the room.
After a pause that was too long to be passed off as 'nothing', he was left no choice but to begin.
"I...I wanted to talk…with you." Generic and idiotic, he thought. Obviously he wanted to talk-why else would he be here? And the 'with you' was so understood that even Hinata cocked an eyebrow. Now, he was coming off completely unnatural and she was well aware by now that the subject of the matter was not to be taken lightly.
Hinata immediately tensed up, though only for a moment. Had Kiba not been watching her reactions as intently as he was, he might not have caught the momentary flinch.
"Of course! Wh-what exactly did you want to speak about?"
Crap, Kiba thought. She's stuttering; now I've gone and done it. Kiba gulped.
"Hinata I…"
Slowly, his confidence began to fall. Sweat trickled down his neck uncomfortably. His eyes shifted to the wall and back. How exactly does one go about saying what he had to say? How could he break this to such a pure, perfect girl? He closed his eyes briefly. Previous events flooded back to mind. The feast, the picnic, under the balcony while rain poured down, Naruto's confession…
His eyes widened, a fierce flame enlightened in them.
"Hinata, I can't continue this lie. Please, hear me out. Naruto, he…"
Hinata's eyes widened at the word. A painful surge shot through Kiba. That's right-the whole reason she was here, at this palace, was to woo Naruto-to impress him and become his bride. Her goals, her dreams, were to be his bride-his queen. Not to fall in love with a low-life knight. She was here to court and be courted by royalty-by Naruto.
This thought sickened him. Why did Naruto deserve such an angel? Why must Naruto have everything? He was wealthy, royal, handsome; everything. Surely he didn't need Hinata to add to his collection of perfection. Anger and jealously grew in Kiba. And to think, it all was just a lie…
This was the last straw.
"Naruto does and will not love you!"
This shockingly loud exclamation was obviously not what Hinata was expecting to hear-nor wanted to. Her delightful smile faded in a flash, dropping to a frown. Her eyes slowly widened, her pupils shrinking. Her hands were shaking, and immediately Kiba knew he'd gone too far.
Then again, he could no longer turn back, and now was his last chance.
"Hinata, please," he began in a softer, more appealing tone. "Hear me out."
Hinata did not speak, but bowed her head in shame, her eyes hidden. She turned slowly, stepping the slightest towards the door. One step…two step…
"Hinata, please, listen to what I have to say!"
She stopped, pausing to allow him to speak. Content with his short chance, he took in a deep breath and began. However, upon opening his mouth, he found no words forming, or projecting themselves, and therefore stood, his mouth gapped open with a frantic Hinata, who was tensely clutching her hands to her crossed arms, twisting her head either way, pretending to be searching for intruders though really just avoiding eye contact. He watched in blunt horror as he mouth would open ever so slightly, taking in a deep, sharp breath as she tried to calm herself, though tears were welling. He was taking too long.
"I-I'm sorry, please e-excuse me."
She quickly raced to the door, unlatching the locks. One stubborn lock caused a bit of trouble, taking a second longer to fiddle open. But that second was enough to break her. The moment it fidgeted open, she slammed the door open, so hard it rebounded against the wall. But, she was already out the door, racing into the night. Kiba cursed himself a thousand times over as he leapt after her, racing and slamming the door wide open as he passed it, causing it to slam once more loudly against the wall.
"Hinata, wait!"
His calls were futile. Hinata was running half-blinded, her hands constantly to her face, rubbing the tears away. Every time her hands fell to her side, more tears blinded her and she stumbled, raising her hands once more to swipe the salty tears from her now red face. How embarrassed she felt, to break down such in front of Kiba. It would be obvious of her crush now of Naruto, but even more so how awkward she'd feel around Kiba!
That was the biggest loss, for Kiba was her closest friend in this foreign land. And to have lost him…
A voice in her head, the very back of her mind and by far the most sensible at the moment, seemed to whisper it didn't matter. She was of higher rank-what business did Kiba have of even speaking to her? That mutt, prying to get close to Hinata, only to watch her fall at such an unstable moment. He planned this from the beginning, it seemed to think. Hinata tried to listen to this voice of reasoning, but nothing made sense. Kiba never had intentions of watching her fall, break down in such a humiliating way. Perhaps he was just as overwhelmed as she was? Maybe he really did have a good reason for such an outburst? Perhaps if she just listened to him…
A rude awakening came as Hinata found herself crashing against something twisted, leathery in texture, and pointed. Leaves…thorns…
Hinata looked up, her tears stopping for a moment. She was sprawled backwards on the dirt ground, her night gown now clotted in mud and leaves and dew from the night. She didn't care though, and instead lifted herself, quickly turning into the opening, for she had come to realize exactly where she was-the maze.
She blindly followed the twists and turns, completely lost and she banged against the corners, tripping several times and scurrying to her feet. Kiba's voice, calling to her, grew faint after a while, and then stopped. He'd have reached the maze by now. Hinata didn't care, though, and stopped listening for his voice altogether. She kept racing through the maze. Slowly, her fretting switched from embarrassment from her outburst in front of Kiba to then panic that she was completely and utterly lost. She let out a shudder and sigh of relief when after several more turns she saw the gazebo in sight. She stumbled, half-lunging to the wooden railing, collapsing and barely catching herself against the outside wall. She hung, clinging to the top of the fence-like structure, panting heavily as her eyes looked down at the dirt her bare feet now sunk into. Tears freely fell, her hands no longer bothering to push them aside. Her hair fell loosely against her face, some tight with sweat to her temples. She was a mess, and she was aware of such. She let out a soft wail, careful to not be too loud in case her cries woke someone up, though after a moment she gave up on that idea. If Kiba's cries and her outbursts hadn't already awoken the entire castle, then surely her soft wails wouldn't do anymore damage.
She was so lost in her overwhelmed emotions she didn't notice the shadow overcoming her.
A hand reached out to her shoulder.
"Hinata…"
She gasped, whipping around.
Kiba's eyes were filled with pity. How'd he let this happen? He'd meant to confess beautifully, his undying love reaching deep into her heart and their loves connecting, forming an undying bond. Not sending the girl he loved into a frantic fret of tears and racing for her life in the slippery grass and dirt to be ultimately lost in a maze. By sheer luck, and much experience, Kiba had quickly found himself in the center, only moments after Hinata. He had carefully walked towards her, reaching out his hand. He didn't want to scare her away, as he had just done so. He needed to start over-start fresh. Clean.
"Hinata…"
She turned, her hair whipping around. Her eyes were wide, tears having stained her cheeks and the remaining glow of that afternoon's activities now lost in her pale, frightened face.
"Hinata, please, don't run. I-I'll explain everything…"
Her hands instantly covered her face, hiding her shame as she looked away.
"P-please, just…just leave me…I…I just want some fr-fresh air, is all. I-I'm fine…"
"Hinata, just hear me out…"
"I-I've heard quite enough, Sir Kiba."
Kiba stopped, his mouth shut tight. Now he knew he had ruined things. Her voice had been firm, stubborn-royal. She looked at him, her eyebrows pointed down. She was angry…furious…but more so, behind those sharp eyes, she was…frightened.
He was determined to be heard, whether she'd listen or not.
"After you left, when we had returned from this afternoon, Naruto had-"
"I said, Sir Kiba, that'd be enou-"
"-Naruto pulled me aside and requested my opinion on a matter he had hoped to keep confidential."
Hinata scoffed. It was very unlike her. Even she regretted it, but her haughty attitude, the façade she was playing at the moment in hopes of scaring Kiba off, was eager to silence the boy.
"If Naruto had hoped to keep it confidential, perhaps you shouldn't so loosely speak your tongue, knight."
She knew that had been too harsh. Both of them were aware. Still, Kiba continued.
"He pulled me aside…"
Naruto's laughter died, and his brows furrowed together.
"H-hey, Kiba, can I ask you something?"
Kiba took note that Naruto had lowered his voice so only he could here, and returned his answer in a tone to match Naruto's.
"Sure."
Kiba strolled with Naruto past the hall, through a side door leading to one of the many small, private libraries. It had only a single bookcase with a selected few books and a desk and chair. There was a candle upon the desk, and some blank parchment, but it was lit. The only light came from the moon through the single window.
"Kiba, I…I, um…"
Kiba cocked an eyebrow. He waited patiently, hands crossed behind his back as Naruto, his back turned and facing the night's sky, took in a deep breath. Determined, he turned with a look of passion in his eyes as he faced Kiba.
"I love Sakura."
Kiba raised both eyebrows, but said nothing else. He waited for Naruto to continue. Unfortunately, that was exactly what Naruto was waiting for, and after an awkward silence that neither felt like filling, Naruto finally cleared his voice, turned to conceal him once more, and continued.
"I love Sakura, but…"
His head fell, his chin touching his chest as his eyes focused on his fiddling hands.
"But…she's not exactly of my rank…I-I know, as a prince and soon-to-be-king, I should be looking at, well, more available women. However, I can't stop thinking about her!"
Kiba felt his palms go sweaty.
"It's like our rank doesn't matter. I mean, I love her, and I know she may not love me back, but…It's just…she's like an angle, you know? God, Kiba, I don't know if you've ever loved someone before, but even if you have, I doubt it's anything like how I feel for Sakura! Just watching her perform the dullest of tasks, and…and the way she does that thing with her hair…!"
Naruto attempted to mock fiddling with his hair, but rather ended up looking like flapping his hands like a bird, and gave up hopelessly. Kiba starred, continually saying nothing, only thinking to himself who exactly was speaking; Naruto or himself?
"I just…but, I know we can't be together. I have to choose a wife by the end of the summer, and I just…I then got to thinking…Kiba, you've known me for so long, and you wouldn't judge me, would you? You know me better than I know myself sometimes, right?"
Kiba quickly brought his mind back into focus. Here was the part he would be dragged into this love-sick mess.
"I just…I think I'll…I think, no…I will choose Hinata to be my wife."
Kiba couldn't stop the outburst of a coughing fit that immediately attacked him.
"Kiba?"
"I'm sorry, I just…um…something…caught in my throat…sorry…um, so you love Sakura, but your plan is to…m-marry Hinata?"
"Well, it's a bit more complicated…I think…I think I can marry Hinata, for formality and all, but…Well, I love Sakura, and I plan to soon find out whether she feels the same way! I know I have a duty as the future king to this land and its people, but…I…I love Sakura, and…"
Kiba started to catch on.
"Are you suggesting…an affair?"
"Well, yes, but no…I mean, I don't even know if Sakura loves me!"
It was obvious, obviously, to all but Naruto the true answer to that speculation, Kiba noted. However, he didn't say so.
"I was thinking, which you know is never a very reasonable thing, if…if Hinata and I could just produce an heir, ensure a future for this kingdom, then perhaps Sakura and I, with her consent, could…well…"
"Run away together?" Kiba provided.
"Y-yes…but…oh, Kiba, I knew it was a stupid idea!"
Kiba, completely blown away not only by the ultimate stupidity of the idea, but also sheer brilliance, collapsed into the desk's chair, his hand immediately flinging to his forehead and he stared blankly at the floor tiles, bewildered beyond imagination.
"Naruto…I d-don't mean to…well, bluntly speaking, I very well should be telling you how stupid this idea is, but…How exactly do you suppose this plan will go down? Do you plan on informing Hinata at all of the plan?"
"Well, no…I don't suppose. It'd be less painful. Now that I think about it, it might help to inform her. I mean…the treaty between the two countries, trade and all, would be beneficial to the country. I am thinking of this land's future, as well. However, I'm not so positive on the reaction after my departure…"
"Naruto…this plan is absolutely stupid and will in no way work…"
Naruto looked at Kiba with wide, pitiful eyes.
"However," Kiba growled, his eyes hidden in his hand.
"God damn it all, however…if you love Sakura so strongly, I can't exactly tell you to ignore those feelings either…" In a lower mumble, just to himself, he added, "I understand the feeling."
"I believe there's another solution to this all. Perhaps, since you're the king, you can change this rule of rank, save yourself all this trouble."
Naruto shook his head.
"I'm not the king, nor will I be, until I find a suitable wife. Not to mention the council and parliament and regulations-god, it'd be murder to change the laws. I could do it, but…I'd have to wed first either way."
Kiba thought. Divorce was nothing new to the land. It could be considered shameful, for a couple to go back on their vows of love, and could be a problem especially for a king. Surely if one could not be a king without a wife, divorcing one would be just as much trouble.
"It's a factor you might want to bring up with the council."
Naruto nodded, both men now deep in thought of this dilemma. After some silence, Naruto raised his head, the flame of determination back in his eyes.
"I'll strive for it. I'll convince the council, I'll change their minds! But they won't listen to just a petty prince who holds no power. As far as they're concerned, I'm just a simple peasant with a large treasury supporting me."
Sometimes that's all you need, Kiba thought bitterly.
"As much as I hate the deceit, I need the title of king. And not only for my love of Sakura, but for this kingdom. We can't continue in this limbo any longer. I'll have to decide upon a wife and soon. As much as I hate the idea, Hinata would be the best choice. She's well supported in wealth; the treaties of trade and peace we could obtain would be in the country's best interest, not to mention she's by far the best choice among the rest of the girls gathered. She presents herself well, and a queen that can win over a crowd can win over a council. With both her and I in the council's favor, swinging their votes will be far easier than myself alone with the title of 'prince'."
Kiba pouted. This idea was far-fetched, but worst of all; it was beginning to make sense. And that meant it might work, which meant Hinata…
"So…you'll go through with your plan to wed to Hinata?"
Naruto shook his head, though his eyes were looking right past Kiba, unfocused.
"It's my only option that supports my plan. I feel horrible about doing it, but…"
Kiba nodded. He understood. He wish he didn't, but he did…
"Very well then. I'll take my leave, sir…"
"Kiba…don't be so cold…"
"I'm sorry, my lord, I had no intention of being anything towards you."
Those were Kiba's last words as he calmly stormed room the room, leaving Naruto half ashamed yet half relieved from finally releasing his pent-up plan. Kiba couldn't control himself. He was overwhelming angry, shocked, broken-hearted, and…and he needed to see Hinata. Before he knew it, his feet had led him to her door, and…
Hinata starred blankly at Kiba as he revealed his story, Naruto's secret plan and her part in it all. She wasn't even aware of the new tears-too stunned to be aware of anything at this point. Kiba sighed, stepping closer to Hinata. She didn't back away, too stunned and unaware of his approach, and he took advantage of this, reaching for her hand. The moment his fingers graced her palm's flesh, she flinched, ripping it back and twisting away from him.
"St-stay away f-from me!"
Her voice was cracking, and she stumbled backwards. She tripped, but a large, warm hand wrapped around her waist, suspending her in mid-air. She looked up, her large, wide pupil-less eyes starring into his deep, serious, slotted eyes. He had no emotion on his face, looking her straight on as she took in all his features from up close.
"Hinata…"
His voice was deep, mellow, and much calmer than before. Hinata felt herself lifted, though she hadn't moved an inch. Kiba's face was suddenly closer, his breath tickling her own cheeks. She blinked, stunned as he spoke her name so beautifully…so romantically.
"I couldn't stand to lie to you….I thought you needed to know the truth…"
He closed in, closer, his breath just above hers. His lips were a mere inch away, his voice so faint she strained to hear it.
"I didn't want to break your heart then, so I thought it'd be easier to break it now…I'm sorry for all the inconvenience, and…and I just felt you should know exactly what you were getting into."
There was a hovering pause, and Hinata's eyes fluttered shut. She was expecting, no…waiting, for the kiss. Waiting for the small gap between their lips to close as their lips collide. It never came, and just as magically swift and quick as Kiba had closed down on her, she found him pulling away, lifting her to stand on her own two feet instead.
"I'm sorry, Hinata…Lady Hinata, I mean…"
He stepped back, turning as he did so.
"W-wait…"
He paused, tilting his head slightly just enough for the bridge of his nose to be seen, but nothing more. She was breathing rapidly, excited and nervous. It all made sense, her mind spoke. She was so light-headed in all this commotion and everything seemed like a dream, nothing making sense. She knew she wasn't thinking straight. She probably was about to do something she'd regret later, or sooner than later, but in that moment, it all seemed right.
"I t-told you…to call me…Hinata, and…"
Her feet moved no their own, taking small steps towards him. Slowly, the pace quickened, until she was near sprinting the final meter between them.
"And I'm sorry for what I'm about to do, so please forgive me if you find it in yourself that you can!"
And with her arms, she thrust him around, and within a quick movement their lips had interlocked. He was stunned, his eyes widening as he lips smashed against his. Her hands were cringed together close to her chest, but as she realized Kiba was not in fact rejecting her kiss, they relaxed, falling to her side instead. In fact, Kiba deepened the kiss, opening his mouth as a playful tongue lingered, hoping to gain entrance, which Hinata gladly allowed. His arms reached up to her face, pushing back her loose hair as her own hands, awkward without any clue as to where to rest, fell on his shoulder's and waist, frantically fluttering about his hair. Slowly he pushed back against her, until they found themselves against the gazebo's posts, one of his hand's grasping to it for support as the other traced her jaw line.
The passionate kiss ended as Kiba finally pulled away, a hesitant Hinata barely letting him do so. They stared at each other, eyes wide and panting from the lack of breath. They both were stunned speechless, and Kiba simply let his eyes wander over every feature of her face, taking in the sight so close for he was sure that once morning rolled around and their senses returned, he'd never have this chance again.
"What does this make us?"
Hinata finally spoke; mirroring Kiba's own movements as she took looked his face up and down, though always returning to either his eyes or lips, hungry for both.
Kiba paused, intently gazing into her eyes, searching for some proof, some reassurance, that this was real and not simply her emotions overwhelmed with stress as he was sure his were.
"Makes us? It makes you a princess, and I a knight, and our predicament is trouble, because I'm sure we're breaking at least a dozen laws in this rushed moment."
Hinata smiled, a light chuckle eluding from her throat as she smiled, happy to see his humor was still as sharp as ever in such a moment. Kiba smiled as well, happy just to have Hinata smile finally.
"Then let those laws be broken, and slow this moment down, because it's too good to be rushed, or legal."
Kiba smiled wider, slowly leading into a second kiss, pulling away only for short breaths.
"And when…morning comes…and your head…returns?"
"What then…?"
"Exactly…how regretful…will you be…of this night's sins…?"
"Regretful…? Not at all…now, rejoicing…but of course!"
Kiba smiled, knowing she mustn't be telling the truth. She pushed him away, a light shove, and looked into his eyes, seriously.
"And you?"
Kiba searched her eyes for a moment, and then smiled, leaning in as his forehead touched her own.
"I can never regret, for all I've wanted these past months has been you, and if I wake in the morn to find you have cursed my name for causing sin the night 'fore, then I'll die then and there, but shamefully I'll die happy, having known I spent my dream's wish with you that very night 'fore."
Hinata smiled, contented with his answer.
"And what shall you think come morn, when you awaken, and a cheery maiden awaits your beckoning call?"
Kiba smiled.
"Does this imply that the certain maiden wishes that by sun's rise to send a servant, beckoning her to meet him?"
"I believe so."
"And if the maiden answers his call and returns once again, when her head is clear, then can the knight rest assure that the night 'fore was not some simple, overwhelming fluke, but indeed actual passion that will be returned each ngiht there after?"
"And the knight shall rest assured, for in the maiden's dreams her feelings for all will vanish, leaving only the love of that knight?"
Kiba leaned closer, his smile vanished.
"You don't mean that."
Hinata's own smile vanished, the lightness and playfulness in her voice also diminishing.
"Try me."
Kiba paused, and then gave an awkward smile, pulling away and extending an arm, which Hinata took.
"Allow me to escort the maiden back to her quarters, where she can think clearly of the matter and make a less rash decision."
He stopped, and Hinata halted by his side.
"Please, Hinata, think carefully. I know I'm not anything to compare to Naruto, who I'm sure you fancied more so than myself, but…just, please be aware of the situation."
Hinata searched Kiba's eyes, looking for any hint of playfulness. It was all gone.
"I shall think upon it this night, and my answer will be prepared by morn."
They were silent the entire walk to Hinata's quarters. Hinata walked through her door, which was still wide open from when she and Kiba had bolted from it. She turned in the doorway, facing Kiba.
"I suppose a good ngiht deserves a good ngiht kiss."
Kiba stepped up, about to deliver said kiss, when he paused.
"How do I know this isn't all a dream?"
He asked. Hinata leaned in, but at the last moment pecked his cheek instead.
"If it is a dream, then awaken happy, for many restless nights are sure to await you and I both," she said, somberly and with a darker meaning that both understood. Still, as Hinata closed the door and Kiba trotted off to his own lodgings, both were aware that the ngiht had ended on a pleasuring note, and nothing could steal that ngiht, at the very least, from either of them.
A/N-Wow, that was bad! I'm still SOOO SORRY for the long wait! This story somehow gained popularity (THANK YOU ALL! I probably wouldn't have continued this ahd not so many fans actually liked this story! Sorry!) and I finally had to punch myself and say, "Furly, you dumbass, write the stupid chapter!" I'm obviously not good with fluff, and considering the 'fluff' part of this story (The ending) was kinda rushed, it makes very little snese. I kinda, over this lnog hiatus, lost my plannnig for this story, and several side-notes alnog with it, so the plot is taking a miniscule turn from it's original path, but not too drastic. I've got msot everythnig planned out, and I DEFINETELY PLAN TO WRITE AND POST MUCH SOONER THAN THIS LAST CHAPTER!!!! With that said, I now apologize for the confusing-ness of this chapter. It mgiht jsut be me, thoguh I doubt it, but they seem to switch their 'speech patterns' after their whole 'make-out' session...almsot like two 1800th century drunks, is what I imagine...In my BS explanatino of their behavior, if you've ever been so overly-emotional and basically on a high of emotions, then sometimes you do things you don't mean to, jsut in the 'spur of the moment'. That's msotly what the two are discussing, because despite being so emotionally unstable, they're both aware of it, and are both aware that in the mornnig, when their head is straight, they both very well might regret what they've done. Only the next chapter will tell (Oh, I'm evil...even I think it's horrible to have a crappy cliff-hanger like that after such a long ciff-hanger as this one was! sorry! TT_TT) BTw, Naruto's plan...well, it soudns pretty stupid, even to me, but jsut pretend it makes sense, for plot purposes...ya...anyway, thank you for reading this chapter to those that do, please read & review, and I don't mind flames (I honestly deserve them for this wait-Sorry!) Thank you, until next time! X3