Aka Zukin


Before I can utter another word or sense the attack, she's disentangled herself from me, and it's now, that her fist has pummeled my head with a great force I couldn't sense before the initial contact. I'm knocked a good ten feet away from where she stands; with the gritty taste of dirt as a horrible after taste on my tongue.

"Have you taken your brain out for a walk without its leash?" Sakura hollers at me, and I'm in complete wonder how no one from inside the bar has heard her.

I pull myself up from the ground, and reset my jaw, spitting the dirt out of my mouth, not surprised when I see some blood as well.

Being an Alpha, her rebellious actions have naturally pissed me off. But in trying to teach her a lesson in these past two weeks, I have learned a few of my own. Sometimes, with Sakura, I need to push, and sometimes she needs to pull. So I've got to trick her into pulling.

"It's the most logical choice," I sing the phrase like a secret.

Reverse psychology always works.

"For you maybe," she rolls her eyes, but is playing into my hands nonetheless.

"Yes for me," I admit, strolling my way back to her. "For you too."

She raises her eyebrow at me in question.

"Think about it—you could have your own room, and more access to the Inuzuka records. When you're done with your shifts or training with Hana, you're right there. We could probably cut our time searching for a cure in half."

She crosses her arms, and widens her stance a bit. And I'm both pissed at the challenge, and in awe of it. She's so much of an Alpha, completely parallel to me in every way; I could hit myself for not noticing this earlier, but just the same I'm pissed to even acknowledge her as my equal.

What happened to the insecure Haruno Sakura? What had changed her so much?

"And I'm supposed to believe that after kissing me, your asking me to move in has nothing to do with getting me into your bed?"

"Firstly, you kissed me," I point out as I smirk at her.

Her jaw drops in disbelief, "You backed me into a corner!"

I ignored her denial, "Secondly, if you're in my proximity often, I shouldn't have as strong of a need to… Pin you down."

"I can keep you from pinning me down without moving in with you," she threatens with a flex of her fist.

On the inside, I want to chuckle, loving how strong and independent she is—that she's not scared to take care of herself, even if she doesn't realize everything she's getting herself into. But I know that if I do, this whole conversation will seem less serious.

"If you move in, odds are it will keep your hormones in check as well."

"Excuse me?" Sakura's chakra spiked with her anger.

I sniggered, "There's no denying it Red." I grinned at her, "I could feel it in that kiss—you want me too."

Sakura sneers, "You're the one who told me to 'convince' you that I wanted you."

Leaning forward, I closed our the distance between us once more, dropping my voice lower, trying to any left over lust she still might be reeling back from. "And you can't fool me."

She scoffed, "I just did."

Without another word, she's grabbed the door handle and retreated back to the bar. And I really don't want to go in after her. I'm not a puppy, and she's not some tennis ball or throwing stick, I see no reason to chase after her.

But I do just the same, and I curse the imprint for another countless time.

What if I hadn't asked her to move in? If I hadn't ruined that moment with those annoying four words, would Sakura's lips still be attached to mine with her legs still encircled around my waist?

It could be the assertive-cockiness I'm famous for that's talking, but my mind says 'yes' without a doubt.

When I make my way back to the table she's already sitting back down (though no longer between Sasuke and Ino, on the end, next to Sasuke), and there is already a new pitcher of biiru and a basket of snacks in the middle of the table. She doesn't look up at me at my return, she's too busy talking to Tenten again, who thinks she should be set up with Gaara, the Kazekage from Suna. And I'm seething to ask whether or not they're going to try and pair her up with every other yahoo-guy other than me.

"He's got green eyes, you have green eyes. Both of you have fruity hair," the bun-haired girl wiggles her eyebrows. "You'd have great looking kids."

Naruto laughs, "He's got an attitude similar to Sasuke-teme's, but other than that, the relationship would never work out. Sakura wouldn't be able to leave Konoha."

Tenten is about to protest when she notices me sitting back down, "Ah, Kiba-kun… "

I raise my eyebrow at her, "Hm?"

"What took you so long?" Naruto asks, "Sakura said you were chatting with some girls you recognized, but why would it take you so long?—I thought you were smoother than that."

"Apparently not smooth enough." Tenten nodded in my direction, "Look at his swollen lip, it's bleeding."

The Uchiha bastard has the biggest smirk on his face right now, and I suspect he's one of few people who actually have an idea how I got the split lip (and I really hope that's because he's also been on the same receiving end).

But this is clearly a game. Between him and me, between Sakura and myself. And I know how to play. And since Sakura isn't playing by the rules, well, I don't see any reason why I should either.

I scratched the back of my head and laughed, "Ah, they got mad before I could explain why Sakura-san was moving in with me."

I hear several glasses (and see several jaws) drop. Tenten and Naruto turn with wide eyes at the pink haired girl.

"When did this happen?!"

Sakura laughs it off, "Haha." She's throwing daggers at me with her eyes, "That's not funny Kiba-kun."

I just smile through the act, and lie through my teeth, "Oh yeah, we didn't know how to tell anyone, so we've been trying to figure it out before we said the big news. Didn't want any misunderstandings, you understand." Although, in all honesty, it's not completely lying, because thats precisely what we were actually doing.

Shino shakes his head, and Shikamaru sighs.

Sai squints as he looks at me, "I just don't see it… Kiba-kun is quite popular with the females and could have anyone he wants… Why would he want Ugly?"

Both Sakura and myself want to beat her teammate senseless for the comment.

Because I may not like being imprinted with such an infuriating woman, but she is by no means unattractive!

"I just don't see it… No way," Naruto shakes his head, "So… After that mission, you two… "

"No!" Sakura shakes her hands, "No. I'm just going through extra training with Hana-san, and between my weird hours at the hospital, and training, Inuzuka-san offered for me to stay with them."

Sakura concedes to my earlier proposal and feeds everyone the lie I had suggested earlier.

I flash a grin in her direction, pleased with the outcome from the turn of events.

"So… How long will you two be living together?" Ino seems taken aback by the information, and I wonder how much Shikamaru has told her. Because if he's mentioned the imprint, Ino is probably suspecting Sakura's stay is permanent.

"I'll only stay five nights out of the week. I'll be at home the other two nights," Sakura says this while locking eyes with Sasuke, but its me the order is intended for. She's reassuming her position as an Alpha, and she's informing me she will not stay by my side for more than five nights.

And I feel my blood beginning to simmer all over again at both actions.

"So… You two aren't dating then?"

"No," Sakura answers, but I offer no part of denial.

Because we're not dating.

But we are very much, together.

As together as two people can get—A permanent, binding.

Marriages you can get out of… A spouse dies, divorce, etc…

This imprint meant we were the only ones for each other. End of story.

"I do not approve!" Lee jumps up from his seat. "It's dishonorable on Sakura-san's glorious youth!" He points his finger at me now, but he appears drunk, so I'm assuming his outburst is the alcohol talking. "I challenge you for Sakura-san's honor!"

Tenten and Neji both sighed.

"Sit back down," Neji commands his teammate while pulling on the sleeve of his arm.

"So what made you want to train with Inuzuka-san? Isn't she a vet?" Tenten turns the attention away from Lee.

"Ah—yes. But if I'm ever on another mission with Kiba," she's dropped the honorific and no one else seems to notice but me (and I can't tell if this means I'm no longer in trouble with her or not), "I want to make sure I can help Akamaru too."

Hinata smiled, "That's so thoughtful Sakura-san. I never went as far as to train with Hana-san."

Sakura's green eyes widen at Hinata's confession, but before she could turn to look at me, Hinata's stutter interrupts her, "You must really care… For Kiba-san."

Sakura's cheeks stain pink, and she tries to change the subject, "I'd learn more about the insects for Shino-san too." She snaps her fingers at the idea and turns to my best friend. "Would you be interested in letting me?"

Though I can't tell because of his sunglasses, I suspect Shino glances at me out of the corner of his eyes for approval (or at least he better have).

"Uh, lets see how your training goes with Kiba first," it's not an outright 'yes,' because what he's really saying is: 'Let's see how the first year of the imprint goes…'

Sakura nods, "And I think I should learn about the Byakugan as well." Though she's said this with a smile, it doesn't seem as real as the previous ones she's displayed tonight. And I could sense the smallest hint of hesitation in her voice as she spoke. Though I have no idea why, but her whole demeanor shifted from an Alpha to a beta.

I started to feel the first wave of Sakura's emotions. And I thought it was going to crush me.

It was like a great tsunami of self-loathing and doubt. Its waves were filled with so much disappointment and regret, I had to fight back the urge to cry.

I leaped out of my chair and reached for Sakura's hand, "Let's go."

"Huh?" She's bewildered by my sudden act, but she's too caught up in hiding her own emotions to know how to react.

"Where are you two off to?" Chouji, who has been pleasantly quiet until now interrupts, "I thought you just told everyone you weren't in a relationship… "

"Tomorrow's an early day of packing, and I don't think Red here needs anymore to drink," I place my hands on her shoulders and push Sakura forward, towards the exit, and away from everyone at the table. "Later," I call, getting Sakura out as fast as possible. Shuffling out quickly, through the crowds of loud people and blaring music, I barely hear Sai's confusion:

"But… Her hair's pink…"

Once outside the bar, where we had just kissed thirty minutes earlier, Sakura shook my hands from her shoulders and put three feet between us as she whirled around to face me.

"Why did you rush me out of there?"

I sighed, "Because I was about to cry… I didn't know how much longer you would be able to hold back the tears." I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling slightly more exposed to her, even though I had been kissing her earlier, pressing every inch of myself into the curves of her body. "I figured you wouldn't want to cry in front of everyone."

"Wha—?" Her eyebrows rise as her eyes widen into a pair of identical large green pools, and its now that I can see them filling with water, nearly overflowing.

"I told you Sakura… This imprint is a link between us." I pulled one of her small hands into mine, "I can feel you." I placed her hand over my chest so that my heart was beating right beneath it, each pulse quicker than the last because of her. "I feel you as though you're right here… A part of me… " Because she is.

Her tears spill over now, and I brace myself for her anguish that nearly knocks me on my knees.

"But I don't feel you," she cries, flattening her palm over my heart. "I don't feel you at all… "

I close my eyes and pray to the gods that isn't true. It can't be.

"Shh," I try to sooth her as I run a hand through her silken hair.

She clenches the fabric of my Jounin vest in her hand and continues to sob in despair into my chest. I'm soaking in too many things. I'm absorbing her intoxicating scent that resides right below my nose; while I channel the darkness she has cased herself in. I feel as though the air has been knocked out of me, as though there's no way I can inhale another breath. And it's not her helplessness I'm feeling—it's my own.

She's feeling completely alone, and she shouldn't be. She has me, and even though she hasn't completely accepted this fact, I'm here. She doesn't have to bare the weight of the world by herself. She doesn't need to face any oppositions on her own. Whatever it is, I'll face it with her.

"Come on," I lace my fingers within hers and start to lead her away from the bar. "I'll walk you home."

Surprisingly, she doesn't protest. Instead she brings her fingers from her freehand to wipe away her remaining tears, and just nods slowly.

I don't ask her what made her feel so inferior, I don't want to see her cry again, so we just walk in silence, side by side down the lowly lit streets. Her arm brushes against mine, and I can feel the slight rise of goose-bumps on her smooth skin, and I notice it's unusually chilly for a Summer night, and she's only wearing a short sleeve shirt and skirt.

"You're cold," it's more of a statement than a question. "Do you want my vest?" I ask.

"It's sleeveless," She glances at me, "How will it keep me warm?"

"Oh," my cheeks feel warm despite the low breeze blowing on my cheeks, and I feel like a blushing school-boy with his first crush. "Sorry."

Sakura gives a small smile, "Thank you anyways."

I tip my head into a single nod and continue walking. Realizing with each step we are getting closer to her door, and I will have to say goodnight soon, too soon, for I get the feeling I've made no real progress with her.

"That was very tricky by the way," she says as she tilts her head to look up at me. "How you played out that scene—you had everyone right where you wanted them."

I let my eyes glimpse her up and down, "Not everyone," I admit.

Shockingly enough, she doesn't blush.

"You also got away without telling truth," Sakura points out, her small smile returns to a single line on her lips.

"Ah," I wink at her. "But I didn't lie either."

Unless she wasn't really planning to stay with me for five days out of the week. Because if she's changed her mind, yeah, I'm a liar. Women do that to men though—they can make us honest, or they can make us dirty rotten liars.

Being with Sakura—I think she could help make me into a better man. But right now my judgment is saying that's because of the 'shock' theory. If you shock someone for doing something wrong, their brain eventually learns not to associate with that kind of behavior again.

Only instead of using the method of shocking, I imagine Sakura would just punch me till I was unconscious.

Suddenly she's standing taller than me, and I realize we've reached her apartment, and she's on the steps of her porch.

"Thank you," she says for the second time tonight.

"Anytime," but I'm sure under any other circumstances, she would rather I not walk her home again. I'm still not the prince she's been waiting for.

"I'll see you tomorrow, be here around noon?"

I furrow my eyebrows, confused slightly, "Did I forget an appointment or… ?"

Sakura shakes her head, "If I'm going to move in with you for a few nights a week, I expect you to help me move."

My mouth drops a bit, and I feel like a fish gapping at water as I stare at her with skepticism as to whether or not she's actually agreeing to stay at my house.

"Since it was your idea," she points her finger at my chest.

"Noon it is," I agree, in complete and utter disbelief she keeps walking right where I want her.

She bends forward and places a quick kiss to my cheek, right on the red fang, the Inuzuka birthmark that curves along my cheek and my skin burns and tingles from the contact. And somehow it's more rewarding than the full on kiss she had placed on me outside the bar hours before.

"Goodnight," she whispers. And without waiting for me to reply, she's already walked inside, and locked the door behind her.

I'm more than just sure now, I'm absolutely positive—In no time at all, Haruno Sakura will fall in love with me. I don't even want to go home and try to sleep. I'm not sure I will be able to.

The sweet scent of honeysuckle lingers on my vest, and my thoughts keep drifting back to Sakura, and how in just a few hours, the whole Inuzuka complex will smell like her.

I arrived at noon just like I promised, but not alone. Of course Akamaru tagged along, as I usually don't go anywhere without him, and he was more than ecstatic to be going to Sakura's (though he's too big to actually fit comfortably in her apartment). And my mother insisted on joining us as well. A fact I think freaked Sakura out a little when she opened the door when we arrived.

"Inuzuka-san, you really didn't need to trouble yourself," Sakura says respectfully, but with an aura that still screams Alpha. And I find her much more appealing than the weaker form I had caught a glimpse of last night.

"Nonsense!" My mother insists as she folds the box flaps over and readies to pick up one of the last remaining boxes. "I'm enthralled you'll be joining us, and please, call me Tsume-san."

The command sounds strange to me, as my mother is always about respect and honorifics, she doesn't just let anyone call her by her name so fondly. And I'm a little suspicious at to why my mother looks so happy, and was so fixed about helping Sakura move.

There really aren't that many boxes, really Sakura and I could have handled everything ourselves in two trips. Most of the belongings Sakura has packed are her books, tons of which she has on healing and medicines. There are a few clothes, and fast and ready weapons, a few kunai daggers and throwing stars, but no real personal belongings and my mother was adamant that Sakura didn't need any blankets or bedding; that they would be provided for her at the Inuzuka compound.

"Now, Hana has prepared the guest room, but you are welcome to share Kiba's bed anytime," the grin on my mom's face has more of a resemblance to a bobcats than any kind of inu. And it's more than embarassing that my mother is trying to help get me laid.

Sakura's face turns three shades darker than her hair, "Um, that won't be necessary."

Akamaru bends down and rubs his head against Sakura's legs, distracting her from the playful hints my mother keeps throwing at her.

"One things for sure," My mother nods at my four-legged companion. "He'll probably be sharing a room with you."

Sakura smiles and rubs her fingers enthusiastically behind Akamaru's ear, "I don't mind at all. Do I, big guy? Nuh-uh."

I roll my eyes, slightly jealous at Akamaru's immediate connection with my mate. "All set?" I ask her, sounding slightly annoyed.

Sakura's oblivious to my jealousy. She glances about the few boxes she has set aside in her yard as if I sounded normal. "Yup, all set."

"Well then, shall we?" The hum of amusement comes from my mother.

She nods firmly, and turns to lock her door. "Thanks again for letting me stay, Tsume-san." Sakura picks up one of the larger boxes, and starts to walk alongside us. And something strikes me at this moment, that this feeling, having Sakura walk with my family and I, is absolutely right.

"Come now," My mother smiles at her and starts to sing: "Over the hills and through the woods, to grandmother's house we go… "

Sakura raises her eyebrow at me, and then spares a glance at my mom, "Umm… Tsume-san… " Sakura swallows a lump her in throat, "You're not a grandmother."

"Not yet," my mother flashes a canine tooth as she grins at Sakura like she's carrying a picnic basket full of treats.

And I suddenly realize I may have bitten off more than I can chew.

Author: Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. I have officially decided to turn Aka Zukin into a doujinshi (fanart manga inspired by someone elses work) since there is not enough KibaSaku art out there, and I think it would be fun to have some scenes from this story drawn out. But I will start posting it once the story is complete, just so I don't ruin anything.

Also, I hope Tsume didn't seem out of character. Kiba mentioned before how his sister and mother were thrilled that he imprinted on Sakura—I'm just trying to get the point across that Tsume accepts and welcomes Sakura, and understands what imprinting fully means, even if Kiba and Sakura still have a long way to go before they figure it out together. Plus, I see Tsume as being somewhat sadistic, and every parent loves the moment when their kids have offspring of their own, and see how hard it is to be a parent. I could see Tsume spoiling her grandchildren and sending them back to Kiba with a big grin on her face. Lol.

Thank you all once again for being so supportive. I really enjoy writing KibaSaku. I just think there are so many directions for this couple to go. And though I'm not close to being done with this story, I've already jotted down an idea for another KibaSaku fic. I plan to update The Uchiha Secret soon as well, I've just had to rewrite the newest chapter a few times because of the recent Naruto manga chapters. Lol.

Biiru—Japanese word for "beer."

Inu—Japanese word for "dog."

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor do I claim to own any other characters therefore owned by Masashi Kishimoto.