Chapter XI: How the heart works…
Disclaimer: This is a non-profit oriented, fictional venture. None of the elements present in this story 'apart' from my original ideas and situations belong to me, the rest of them are the honorary property of Masashi Kishimoto-san.
AN: Yosha! So, things seem to be heading in the right direction for our two protagonists… or do they? Find out today!
[WARNING: This chappie contains a 'graphic' intimate scene that is NOT intended for minors]
Enjoy!
By a small lake… in a solitary, grassy field
Flicking a pebble lazily out towards the silent and undisturbed lake and half-heartedly observing it sink to depths unknown with the air of a person lost in thought, a brown-haired man sighed wistfully and laid back down on the slightly moist afternoon grass with a frustrated sigh…
... trying to figure out a bunch of things best known to him and him alone.
Strong arms tucked behind to support his shaggy mess of hair (and his head in general), Kiba Inuzuka closed his eyes to achieve a sense of inner calm much to his unfortunate failure and annoyance.
Tsk! C'mon, go to sleep already you ass! he mentally cursed at his inability to doze under the bright sun. His deep frown ceased slightly as he sighed again in mild irritation at his current mental state.
Shit, It's my feelings that are troubling me… not my head… Kiba mentally corrected himself before rolling over to his side and involuntarily pulling out a few strands of the grass beside him, more than willing to attempt anything at all if it meant that it will help him to 'pass time'.
Moving back to once again rest on his back, he thought back on how his female teammate had plain refused his offer earlier in the day, shutting his eyes again as he felt a sudden pain arise in his chest.
I wonder why Hinata rushed off like that? Maybe I should've been more insistent.
Thinking over what exactly would have happened had he adopted that course of action, Kiba shook his head and muttered, "Yeah, like that would have gotten her to cut me some slack… hmph."
...
Trying to clear his mind while being situated in one stationary position didn't seem to be doing him any good it seemed. Getting onto his feet reluctantly, the dog-nin decided to head off for home with another anguished sigh… mind feeling heavy with and overwrought with thoughts of his female associate...
... or he 'would' have, had his best buddy's call not caught him off guard.
Eh? What's Akamaru doing here…?
Locating the direction of his K-9 companions arrival through his clan's unmatched olfactory senses, the man rubbed his head and waved for the animal to head on over to where he was. I thought that he would wanna spend all day with Kuromaru… guess I stand corrected.
Bounding over to his friend and owner with a thin trail of drool flowing by the side of his fanged maw, Akamaru sprinted the last few steps over to the man and leaped onto his tall frame without waiting for an invitation.
Licking any and every portion of his pal's face that he could reach, the big dog barked in happiness and excitement at having found his familiar for company once again... "Woof! Woof!"
Failing to pry the hyperactive animal from his 'considerably' weaker form, Kiba chuckled in spite of himself and felt relieved when the dog decided to let up and allow him to catch his breath.
"Wow! You sure are all perky today, eh Akamaru?"
His ninken's muzzle met his palm as the dog whined right back in reply.
"Hm? What the matter buddy?" Understanding his dog's speech was not the problem for the Inuzuka male but it was his 'reason' for being so troubled all of a sudden that got to him.
"Arf! Arf!"
"..."
Patting his head, Kiba simply smiled and said, "Yeah, Hinata didn't train with us today huh?"
Glancing away from his dog and trying to come up with a good enough excuse that would keep the animal's natural curiosity sated, the jounin sighed again. I just don't know what I should tell him to reassure him right now…
His eyes met the dark brown of his K-9 comrade.
What are you thinking about right now... Hinata?
Clearing his throat and coming up with quite an impressive fib (on the spot), Kiba chuckled at his dog's morose expression, "Hey… now what's there to be so worked up over Akamaru? You know how hard she works everyday too right?"
Akamaru just nodded with a small whine as Kiba continued in that same cheerful tone; despite the difficulty that he was finding in trying to maintain said 'expression' of voice... "Just take it easy boy, Hinata will practice with us again soon enough. She just needs some time to herself right now."
Hoping that his obvious lie would 'momentarily' suffice for the smart and hard-to-fool animal, the man looked away once again... but this time with a sad smile plastered on his tattooed face as he secretly wished for his lie to become a reality.
Heh, I wonder how much of that fib was actually my own wishful thinking?
Coming back to harsh reality when he felt a tug on his sleeve, the dog-nin saw Akamaru standing on all fours and having his large maw wrapped around his garment, tugging at it stubbornly with determination shining right across his tiny beetle eyes. Eh? What's gotten into him now?
"A-Akamaru! What's wrong buddy?"
Ignoring his master's query, the large animal didn't desist in his singular tug-of-war until the man had been brought back onto his feet… literally and with 'immediate' effect.
Wondering just what in the world was wrong with his dog, Kiba quietly let him have his way before asking his previous question once more... "Alright alright boy! Now will ya tell me what's gotten into you?"
Wagging his thick tail whilst barking with a latent joy best known only to his little doggy mind, Akamaru replied almost instantaneously.
"Arf! Woof!"
Catching onto his pal's intentions after a few contemplative seconds, Kiba simply waved him off and said in a frank tone, "No way… we can't go and give her a visit today alright?"
"..."
Not 'quite' the type of dog to get so easily bogged down, Akamaru stared at his friend with his beady eyes in question. What's his problem? Why can't we visit Hinata today?
Scratching the back of his ninken's left ear with a small smile, the jounin said in a soothing tone, "Look Akamaru, Hinata needs her privacy today… we can't just barge in 'uninvited' at her place every now and then now can we?" Although I wish we could…
Hanging his furry muzzle southwards in disappointment, the K-9 received a rough petting from his best bud and met his eyes once more without his usual enthusiasm.
Poor guy, I guess that he really wanted to see her too…
"It's okay boy, I'll take you to meet her the moment she's feeling upto it. How's that sound?"
Licking his master's face with a renewed energy and delight, Akamaru barked out loud in unrestrained joy.
Grinning at his easy-to-please K-9 friend, the dog-nin said, "Yosh, now you head on home buddy. I'll be back a bit later tonight so go to sleep without me hm?"
Kiba added the last bit in relation to the bond that the two males shared with one another... or rather had been sharing since their infancy.
"Woof!" was all that the large dog let out in response before bounding off in the direction of the Inuzuka compound, eagerly looking forward to resume his teamwork training with his 'superior' Kuromaru…
Sighing in relief at his dog's immediate departure from the scene, Kiba rested his exhausted mind by leaning against a nearby tree and, with his hands tucked in his pockets (in a style akin to Shikamaru's lazy stance), let his eyelids droop over his tired vision... successfully managing to dispel all other worldly troubles and sights from his being, if only temporarily.
Man... I'm such a mess.
Thinking back on his current status with his angel, the Inuzuka just groaned in silent despair and thought back on when things were simple… simple and 'stress free' for him and his squad members.
Huh, except for that time with Asuma-sensei's death and all... he corrected himself abruptly as his mind revolved for a bit around that 'unfortunate' episode in the lives of the members of Team 10.
Hinata sure was worried about Ino back then too… that's just like her, to be right there with a helping hand… always.
Now Kiba was a man who never ('voluntarily' at least) shied away from noticing and complimenting a woman for her positive attributes and traits, in spite of doing it mentally most of the time. I'd get a black eye every other day otherwise!
The male opened his eyes and let out a chuckle at his self-depreciating joke, catching a good glimpse of a passing songbird with his sharp vision.
Thinking back along those lines, which he had dared to suddenly tread on before his little throw at some humour, Kiba found an image of his crush waft all the way into the deepest recesses of his heart and mind.
Whoa…! Easy there old boy…
For him, the Hyuuga female was the very 'epitome' of highly desirable feminine beauty and natural grace embodied into one perfect physical form, a stark contrast from all of the other kunoichi's (young and old) around the village or lands unmapped.
Recalling the countless moments of self-depreciation and inner sorrow that the woman had lived through (for who knows 'how many' years of her existence), Kiba couldn't help but clench his jaw in mild frustration and let a growl escape him…
... at how stupid her immediate family as well as the other individuals surrounding her on a day-to-day basis could be about her capabilities, both as a woman and a shinobi.
Heh, I expected much better from the clan that boasts of having the 'finest' optical vision in the shinobi world… he mused to himself, undisguised bitterness wafting around his thoughts, … but I guess they're just as fucking blind as the rest of the idiots who look down upon people like her.
"..."
Feeling astonished and flabbergasted at the treatment that the gentle woman used to have to deal with in days past, the brown-haired man also recalled just how useless and inadequate he had found himself to be at being able to improve her fragile situation... usually instead opting to act as the stable rock that she could rely on and use for support whenever required.
Damn, I could actually feel her pain way back then too. God why did I remain quiet about it… why?
Reaching behind his neck to rid himself of an incessant itch that had been irritating him for the last few seconds, Kiba found yet another memory pop up in his subconscious. One in which, his beloved was in front of his intense gaze... being 'less-than' appropriately clothed.
Wow… his heart rate increased considerably as he thought into it further and wiped the steady droplets of sweat that had appeared on his brow. I honestly can't think of anything more… perfect than that… ever.
He was definitely not at fault in the case of that unintentional incident however, as he had only entered into the changing room to grab his towel to dry himself off… and had found himself staring…
Staring in amazement and with an 'entranced' gaze at his female teammates naked and glistening back as she bathed with an effortless finesse, drops of the life-giving liquid slipping off in teasing slides down her luscious locks and milky back into the pool-like place of their origin... whilst leaving him utterly spellbound (and frozen to his spot).
The way her soft, fair hands ran through her midnight blue hair... the way her ample bosom was just 'slightly' turned towards her right in an unbearably provocative manner... the way only her waist and a tiny portion of her curvy hips were visible to him from above the pool...
.. it had all made Kiba innately wish that he was 'one with the water' in that gloriously ethereal moment.
"..."
Blushing furiously as those 'interesting' segments of the memory bombarded his psyche, the brunette shook his head with unnecessary force and sucked in a couple of deep breaths to calm his raging emotions as they threatened to spiral out of his control.
Easy… easy Kiba… calm down already...
Wondering just how Hinata had not noticed him standing rock steady mere metres behind her unprotected frame was something that the love struck man would probably never know… yet, he had learned to 'treasure' those special moments as if they were a case of divine intervention and nothing else.
"She looked so damn beautiful..." the Inuzuka muttered to himself in spite of knowing the apparent dangers of replaying that 'innocently erotic' scenario over and over again in his head. Heh, I just can't help it as far as she's concerned.
His thoughts abruptly turned dark once he remembered what she had once confessed to him a few years back when Naruto had not given her an answer to her proposal during Pein's invasion.
Kiba grinded his teeth and found that scene replaying itself all over again in his temperamental mind with distaste and a renewed anger towards the whisker-marked man…
Flashback
Finding his 16 year old teammate crying her little heart out with her legs pulled up to her chest to hide her ashamed visage from the world around her, Kiba couldn't find the guts to approach her at that point, opting instead to let her sobbing come to a close on its own.
("I bet that idiot made her cry like this!" the chuunin growled inwardly while not 'quite' understanding why he was so deeply affected by his old friend's depressed state. "C'mon, go give her a shoulder before she drowns in her own tears Kiba…")
Approaching the frail kunoichi with caution so as not to startle her and make her disguise her sadness from him, ("… like she always does…") Kiba placed a tentative hand on her trembling shoulder whilst trying his best to not frown at the 'reason' for her current condition.
"...?"
Looking up at the unexpected touch from none other than her brown-haired squad member and best friend, the Hyuuga heiress moved to hastily rub at her cheeks to remove any and all traces of her crying session.
"Don't force yourself Hinata… I know you've been cryin'."
His calm voice sought to interrupt her hasty actions.
Searching her mind for any viable excuse and coming up empty, the female simply let her male friend give her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before she found her self control cleanly snap into two…
"Kiba-kun… I-I'm not…" Hinata sobbed out while choking over her own words.
Kiba, although slightly alarmed at her outburst, kept his cool and gently asked for her to continue, "Hey, it's okay Hina. I'm listening…"
Swallowing the wetness rising in her throat, the kunoichi said in an even weaker voice, "I-I'm not beautiful o-or good enough right?"
"...?!"
Shocked plain out of his wits at that point, the dog-nin chose to remain quiet and let her continue. ("She just can't be serious…")
"I-I know that I'm ugly and I look weird Kiba-kun… that's w-why he…"
Hinata's tears returned in full gusto as she proceeded to tell him 'firsthand' what she thought of her odd, rounded body, her pale and lifeless eyes and her far-from-normal speech defect…
… all of which (according to her at least) contributed silently towards driving away the man of her dreams from her honest feelings.
("Goddammit! She is serious about this isn't she…")
Holding his fists back lest he smash them into the tree trunk situated right behind where her back was rested, the youth calmed down his agitated nerves and thought it absolutely 'necessary' to drag his self-conscious teammate and friend out of the sorrowful hole that she had decided to bury herself in with voluntary acceptance.
"Now you listen to me Hinata…" he began in a surprisingly composed voice, his gaze (one that was filled to the brim with unbridled intensity) meeting the shocked girl's orbs; their sole aim targeted at clearing her head completely of all of the bullshit that she blamed entirely on herself…
End Flashback
"Yeah, it took me forever to get her to stop believing in that stupid self-made theory of hers…" Kiba sighed as he also recalled all of the emotions that had raced through his heart and mind as he had tried to come up with 'examples' to prove her declaration as wrong at that particular time.
Reminding her that not all girls needed to be skinny as scarecrows... didn't have to have 'too-little' clothing covering their bodies to make themselves look more 'outgoing'... or to make their presence noticeable and felt was just the start of it.
Hinata took her time with understanding that bit… the dog-nin chuckled softly as he recalled how he had to awkwardly explain to the naïve Hyuuga princess the differences between a 'minus size' and a 'plus size' symmetry of the female body.
Knowing that the lilac-eyed woman had always been his perfect specimen of a human female, Kiba thought back on her more finer (and unsurpassed) attributes…
Hinata was neither as athletically toned as Tenten, as manly looking as the annoying Sakura or as thin and light as Ino… she was simply perfect in his eyes.
Blessed with a slender 'yet' voluptuous hourglass figure, large and full breasts, an enviable rump... and curvy hips to die for… Hinata, for the Inuzuka, was a classic example of natural feminity and fertility. Her natural prowess and flexibility as an able kunoichi-cum-heiress backing her up at the end.
None of the others ever compared to her anyway, at any time... Kiba mused to himself, turning a bit red as the image of his well-endowed teammate popped up in his head.
Heh, it would have been hilarious if Hinata were more confident and outgoing. They all would have had to stay at home to avoid a confrontation with the hottest gal in the village, Ha-Ha!
Finding himself hungry all of a sudden, having not had anything to engorge on since morning, the man decided it to be the right time to head to a good food-joint to sate his growling stomach before he collapsed due to the empty sensation… within 'said' belly.
Wondering as to why he had indulged in the unimportant comparison between Hinata and the other kunoichi of his generation, he simply shrugged and dismissed it as a case of still being 'bothered' with the fact that the Hyuuga was single and available yet it was he who was hesitant towards expressing his surmounting feelings for her.
Shit, I'd better get something to chew on before I go nuts over this stuff…
Sadly enough, Kiba was completely unaware of the contrasting feelings that were, at that very same moment, blossoming freely and successfully within his angel's heart and mind.
Outside the residence of the former leader of Team 8...
Staring up at the wide balcony that was an extension of the modest flat, which housed her former sensei and her young child, Hinata smiled uneasily and gulped with an unusual nervousness for the task that lay ahead of her.
I hope she's not too busy today. (Sigh) Here goes…
Giving herself the much-needed emotional reassurance to carry out the necessary task, the indigo-haired kunoichi proceeded to climb up the short steps that ended at the older jounin's front door.
Taking a deep breath in spite of knowing just how kind and understanding her teacher was and had always been, 'particularly' in her case, Hinata raised her pale fist to knock on the sturdy piece of wood.
Hearing a strange hustle and bustle occurring on the other side of the door, the Hyuuga raised her eyebrow in curiosity and found the flat wooden surface, separating her from her target, being pulled back and away from her at a furious speed… providing for her widened gaze, a little black-haired boy who, at that moment, had a wide grin plastered on his chubby face that threatened to stretch his cheeks beyond their natural limit.
A-Asuma…?
Putting her hand on his tufts of shaggy hair with a bright smile of her own, Hinata scooped up the eager child into her arms and asked, while trying at the same time to tickle his small tummy with a grin, "Hmm… hmm! Where's your mommy little one?"
Laughing out loud in obvious enjoyment, Asuma jr. simply grabbed her hand and gasped out with another wild grin on his little face, "Ha-ha…! M-Mommy is… Ha! She's in the kitchen Hinata-oneechan…"
Smiling at the sound of his adorable voice, the female peeked out from behind his chubby frame as she heard the approach of the boy's mother.
"Asuma? Who is it honey?"
Coming into view wearing a striped apron on top of her simple indoors garb, Kurenai Yuhi still brought with her a calming influence for Hinata with her mere presence alone.
"Oh…" she said in response to the scene before her.
Putting the overexcited boy down, the dark bluenette bowed to her former teacher out of respect yet found herself wrapped up in a warm embrace from the older woman instead once she stood back up.
"S-Sensei?" she questioned in slight surprise with her cheeks flushed pink once more.
Releasing her dear student from her arms hold, Kurenai simply patted the top of the girl's head and said, "How've you been Hinata… it's been a while hasn't it?"
Placing her hands behind her back and holding back a joyful grin, Hinata replied with undisguised happiness shining through her voice, "Hai, it has been some time sensei."
Gesturing for her to follow, the older jounin offered the shy heiress a comfortable place on her loveseat and told her to wait as she returned with some tea, calling out for her young child to go out and play as they talked.
"..."
Glancing at the modest tatami mats, old-fashioned lamps and furniture adorning her former master's humble home, Hinata smiled in admiration of just how 'stylish' yet firmly rooted the older woman could be in spite of having 'more than enough' funds to afford better quality decorations for the cozy house.
Coming back with a tray... completely laden with fancy eatables and two cups of freshly made green tea, which she was aware that the Hyuuga really liked and preferred over the usual affair, Kurenai smiled once more at the girl's well-mannered visage.
"So, what brings my favourite student all the way over to my little home all of a sudden?"
Fidgeting with her fingers for a while before accepting the offered beverage with a polite 'thank you', the young kunoichi took a hesitant sip before deciding to state the reason for her unexpected visit.
"U-Um… I actually wanted to-"
Hearing a pitter-patter of sandals from her immediate right, the raven-haired female turned towards the source of the interruption to greet her 'other' visitor… "Oh, one moment Hinata," she smiled at the surprised heiress.
Coming into view was none other than the heir to the Nara clan, carrying a certain toddler in his gentle yet firm grip... as the latter played with his ponytail with uncaring gusto.
"Mendoksena…" the man muttered, although with a well-hidden smirk.
"Uh, Kurenai-sensei, would you mind if Asuma stays with me for a while? He really shouldn't be playing outside all by himself you know."
Smiling at the obvious care and concern present in the composed voice of the lazy jounin for her little boy, That man really does care for that little abomination more than he should… hmm… hmm…! Kurenai replied in an understanding tone, "Alright Shikamaru... but make sure that rascal makes it back in time for his lunch!"
Smirking at the bundle of mischief in his arms, the man nearly chuckled out loud when he found his little passenger picking his nose without a care in the world. "Hehe, okay sensei. I'll bring him back to you don't worry."
"Bye mama!" little Asuma yelled back with an excited wave of his chubby appendage, obviously 'overjoyed' to get to play with his most favourite uncle.
Noticing the other seated woman just then, Shikamaru nodded in her direction politely before quickly taking his leave.
Giggling to herself, Kurenai remained sorely unaware of the curious gaze that was directed her way... "Oh…! Hmm… hmm! Don't mind him, Shikamaru would never want to interrupt us while we were having our little 'girl-talk'!"
Finally understanding as to why the man had abruptly left as soon as he could without even uttering a word in her direction, Hinata found herself giggling along with her former teacher.
Gathering her thoughts back together, she inwardly mused, I suppose that I should thank Shikamaru-kun for easing the tension between us with his... interruption!
(Sigh) Okay, here goes then... "Ano, Sensei…"
Calming her humorous vein down by a considerable way after hearing her pupils query, Kurenai responded with an unreadable expression, somehow sensing the seriousness in the other woman's voice at that point... "Yes, what is it Hinata?" She seems to be on edge about something all of a sudden, I wonder what it could be?
Gathering up her reserves of mental strength, Hinata thought it best to narrate to her sensei exactly what had been occurring with her and her 'best friend' as of late.
It will probably help her to figure out as to what I should be doing too…
"U-Um… actually, it begins like this sensei…"
Some minutes later, as the wind blew through the yellow curtains of the Yuhi home with a teasing breeze following close behind
Raising an interested eyebrow at what Hinata had just confessed to her, Kurenai took a refreshing sip from her cup and gestured for the suddenly quiet maiden to do the same.
So that's what's been bothering her lately. Hmm… hmm! I should've known!
Confused by the understanding smile that the older woman was openly directing her way, the lilac-eyed female blinked in question before letting her next words execute her inner befuddlement, "Ano…"
Raising her cup to her lips once again, the wise jounin simply said, "How's the tea?"
Moving her milky eyes towards the hazel coloured liquid in obvious confusion, Hinata swallowed the unnoticed lump in her throat and, after quietly taking a small sip, nodded back.
"I-It's good sensei but what…"
Cutting across her gently once more, her hostess smiled wide and stated to her what she had made out of her confession. "Never mind that, but what I would like to know is… how in the world did it take you so long to figure this out?"
Removing her curious gaze from her former team leader's face, the Hyuuga heiress fiddled with her fingers in apparent discomfort as the older kunoichi suddenly reached out and enclosed her right hand in one of her own.
Eyes wide in surprise, it was the wise woman's motherly tone of voice that made her meet the former's gaze once again.
"..."
Closing her eyes for a brief moment, Kurenai spoke out in a composed and calculated tone, "Look Hinata, I personally don't blame you for not noticing but…" This might be harder than I thought…
"… Kiba is the type of guy who doesn't or rather wouldn't want to burden others with his problems and feelings."
Kurenai's eyes were almost visibly 'laughing' as she continued, "It's just not his style you know, he's too… 'proud' to let something like that happen."
Smiling in agreement with the deduction of the woman seated in front of her, Hinata spoke up with some confidence of her own for the very first time that afternoon, "Hmm… hmm! That definitely sounds like Kiba-kun alright."
Nodding in compliance, her teacher ran a hand through her long mane of glorious dark locks fondly before continuing, "What I'm trying to tell you here Hinata…"
Her pupil's eyes locked with hers as she cleared her throat before grabbing another sip from the tasteful beverage with a satisfied sigh.
"… is that I've known Kiba for a long time, perhaps not as long as you have but I guess you get the picture."
The young jounin seated across from her nodded quietly.
"He has always been the type of shinobi who thinks, decides and executes his choices on the spot. He never checks for the repercussions that his actions may cause for those in the immediate vicinity, due to him, of course, being as rash and impulsive that he has always been… but…"
Her curiosity and interest peaked due to where her former master was planning on taking her, Hinata kept her, now, half-empty cup close to her chin and maintained an unnecessarily 'tight' grip on the object.
Now for the finishing touch! Kurenai secretly smirked to herself with an innate knowledge as to how this might affect her favourite kunoichi emotionally… hopefully for the better.
"He... seems to be treating this situation surrounding the both of you quite 'differently'. Wouldn't you agree?"
Pondering over the previous statement with a confused expression visible on her pale face, Hinata began, "Well, he has been a-acting differently as of late sensei."
Nearly clapping her hands together at the fact that her pupil had finally managed to catch on to her indications, Kurenai chose to simply nod and continue, "But why would he be doing something like this Hinata? You… love him right?"
A blush and a shy 'yes' from the girl gave her the authority that she needed to continue, "Doesn't this tell you that he…" The Yuhi female effectively held her deduction back to make her statement make more sense to the girl.
"… thinks the very same?"
Leaving it at that, the ace genjutsu user simply chose to then watch the new set of emotions play out over the Hyuuga female's now completely shocked face.
N-Nani?! Does K-Kiba-kun already love... me?
Her cheeks ablaze and her heart thundering against her ribcage, mind being temporarily shut off from the world around her, Hinata felt an indescribable joy and feeling of guilt overwhelm her frame... both inside and out.
Since h-how long has he…?
Tears falling freely from her lilac orbs, she received a warm hug from the older woman who had, by then, decided to occupy the free space beside her on the couch on which she was currently situated.
Looking up at the red, yet kind, orbs that belonged to her ex-squad leader, Hinata smiled in thanks and said in a quiet voice, "I-I've caused him a lot of hurt haven't I sensei?"
Closing her eyes and tilting her head so that it would touch the younger woman's midnight blue locks, Kurenai offered her a tissue, which was gratefully taken by the former with another 'arigato'.
"..."
Once sure that the girl had calmed down enough from her emotional release, she spoke in a soft and kind voice.
"It's not your fault Hinata. Kiba certainly wouldn't want to blame you for his present state and he never would… of that I'm certain. Now then…" she patted her former student's back good-naturedly.
"Just go and tell him how you really feel okay?"
Snapping her head up at the happy grin present on the face of the motherly jounin, Hinata couldn't find the right words to describe her feelings of self-doubt to her... "B-But sensei… are you sure…?"
Nearly laughing out loud this time around, in a style awkwardly 'similar' to one Anko Mitarashi, the woman beside her got up from her perch and, gently grasping her pale hand, took her up with her.
"Silly, what does my opinion have anything to do with the both of you, hmm?"
Glancing away from her joyous gaze, the indigo-haired maiden bit her lip softly before looking back at the face that had replaced her mothers over the years that she had been a shinobi of her village.
"I'm just really happy that both of my kawaii students found a companion in each other… hmm… hmm!"
Turning a bright red at the frank declaration from her former teacher, Hinata felt a wild grin pull at her lips and, without thinking twice over her actions, gave the kind-hearted Yuhi a warm and nearly rib-crushing hug…
... imagining it to be one which she would have given to her lovely mother had she been alive and there with her during that magical moment.
"..."
Not overtly surprised at the girl's reaction, seeing as she had always considered the former as a younger sister anyway, Kurenai gave a satisfactory return to the physical embrace and, releasing the heiress from her grip, said in an uncharacteristically boisterous tone, "Now go and put a good leash on that boy!"
Giggling and feeling lighter than the air that she breathed, Hinata bowed deeply once more in respect and as a token of her thanks for the older jounin's assistance and... literally ran out of the building in her 'somewhat' mad haste to reach the man that she loved.
I wonder where he would be at this time? Oh! That's right…
Back at the Yuhi residence, the dark-haired woman smiled with her arms casually crossed in self-satisfaction as she saw the love struck girl race off to find the man who had stolen her heart without her being aware of it.
Glancing briefly at an old photo of the father of her precious child, she closed her eyes with a happy sigh.
Good luck Hinata…
... and you too Kiba.
With her heart confident in the love that she now harboured for the handsome and 'unaware' Inuzuka, Hinata wiped at her tear streaks to replace her expression with one brighter than the mid-afternoon sun; her pink cheeks nearly glowing as she raced off towards the place where she was sure that she would find him…
... and be able to tell him.
I'm coming Kiba-kun… please wait for me…
Earlier in the day, along a gravelly path, during the time when Shino had confronted Kiba in another location in Konoha…
He's mine…!
You'd better believe it Naruto!
Finally catching up with the blonde whilst ceaselessly calling out his name, Sakura mentally decided it best to go straight for the kill instead of 'dilly-dallying' around with unnecessary chitchat... "NARUTO!"
"...?"
Turning his head around at the unexpected call, the whisker-marked male raised both of his eyebrows in shock and obvious surprise at the sudden arrival of his female friend.
"S-Sakura-chan! What are you-?"
He never finished… "!"
It was simple leap at the man…
... it was a simple touch of her lips on his parted ones…
... it was just the both of them, 'simply' laid out on the green grass.
Him below her and her lying on top, her eyes shut tight in silent pleasure at the mutual closeness of their touch.
The way in which the medic-nin had captured his mouth (in uncontrollable fervor), poor Naruto... had soon found himself to simply be scared out of his wits!
Unable to find the required strength to pull her off of him as well as being all too happy to return the affection showered upon his confused self, the jinchuuriki placed his palms hesitantly onto the small of her back, earning a sigh of contentment from her.
I don't know why she is doing this but…
He deepened the lip lock with a small groan of need escaping through his vocal control as the woman on top of him pressed herself further against his stationary form… I certainly don't mind it dattebayo!
Just when he was about to 'test' the untouched territories of his crush's hot mouth with his tongue, she began to pull away softly from him.
Freeing Naruto from the 'highly enjoyable' torture that she had been inflicting upon him, Sakura beamed down at the man who had loved her since time immemorial with half-lidded eyes, as he smiled back with a look of innate satisfaction shining through his cerulean blue pools.
I was stupid… definitely stupid to want to miss something like this… like him... here... like this.
"Sakura-chan?" Naruto quirked an eyebrow and looked at her in concern while his over-imaginative mind began to panic. Oh no! She isn't... regretting it now is she?
His inner fears were however immediately extinguished by her lovely smile... which was directed towards him.
Stroking his whisker marks as if they were the things most precious to her in this world, Sakura moved off of him and sat beside him as he gathered his bearings once more and copied her actions silently.
"Um…"
He turned his head to look at her face, his own almost completely pink and flustered as a result of their prior 'activity'.
Feeling oddly nervous all of a sudden in spite of what she had just thrown at the… ("Correction…!" she mentally added with a secret giggle.) … her ramen-lover, the pinkette was simply not able to convey her true motives for jumping the latter... in the middle of nowhere nonetheless, in the first place.
Snapped out of her trance when his bigger and warmer hand was placed over her right one, Sakura spoke up due to the sudden emotional jolt.
"N-Naruto I just…"
Turning her head away from his compassionate gaze, she berated her use of words with unrestrained criticism. What do I tell him? That I just 'happened' to come to my senses because of what our mutual friend told me last night?
Shaking her head in denial, she thought quickly before speaking up once more, this time with a fixed resolve shining bright in her words, "Naruto I wanted to tell you that-"
The man placed a forefinger on her lips before speaking in an uncharacteristically gentle tone, one that made her stomach's butterflies flutter around as if on a sugar high, "Don't say anything... Sakura-chan."
Scooting even closer to her as his blue eyes remained glued to her own green orbs, he continued, "I understand-ttebayo. You don't need to say it. But…"
Her voice got caught in her throat as he mentioned that 'one word' which she had been afraid of since she had first locked lips with him. H-He's not having second thoughts now is he?
Embracing her completely, Naruto whispered into her soft hair, making her cheeks turn a bright pink, "… I'm just… so happy right now dattebayo…"
Sakura could only whisper back in a tone that signified solid need and a want to be as close as humanly possible to the handsome blonde in her arms, "Naruto…"
Heart racing madly as if akin to a pack of greyhounds, the jounin could barely contain his excitement and, abruptly letting go of his new lady-love, he leapt to his feet...
... promptly raised his arms up...
... before letting out a roar of triumph… as if he had finally achieved the 'one thing' that had meant the most him since his earliest years.
"YAHOOO! Sakura-chan loves me too-TTEBAYO!"
"...!"
On any other day, Sakura Haruno would have beaten the hell out of the over-enthusiastic male for his vocal display of his inner feelings…
... especially if that 'display' involved her.
However, this time around, she couldn't help but giggle in amusement at his act of expressing his inner joy and uncontrollable delight.
"..."
Heaving deep breaths after having had his fill of yelling (and screaming), Naruto lowered his raised arms and grinned sheepishly at his favourite medic. "Uh… hehe, gomen gomen Sakura-chan. I got too carried away there dattebayo."
Giving his performance a small clapping response out of sheer amusement, Sakura got up and, putting a hand on her hip with a small smirk, said, "You done?"
Rubbing the back of his head in his usual, carefree fashion, the blonde male chuckled good-naturedly and replied with a cheerful 'Yeah!'
Shaking her head at his antics with her eyes closed, the kunoichi then grabbed onto his arm and getting close to him, spoke in a hushed tone, "Now why don't the both of us head somewhere more… quiet, hmm?"
Eyes wide and sweat flowing profusely down the back of his neck, Naruto nearly squeaked out a small, "N-Nani?" in response at her proposal.
Giggling in further amusement at his flustered visage, the pinkette gently dragged the reluctant male all the way to her apartment, thoughts of what they could get 'upto' in there making her cheeks burn with anticipation and heart thunder in apparent delight.
"Just come on you big lug. I've got something to tell you, Ha-ha!"
Swallowing the lump in his throat with a big gulp, the jinchuuriki dumbly let the feisty woman lead him to wherever it was that she planned to take him. I hope that she doesn't plan to kill me for that display earlier though… Naruto's mused, a definite fear at his undecided fate shining through.
Although once he caught a good look at his girlfriend's happy face, he swore to not disappoint… and to keep her face just as happy and bright as it was at that moment…
... no matter what.
I guess... that should be my new nindo now, Hehe!
At the home of a 'no longer single' medic-nin
Opening the door to her personal haven, Sakura pulled the 'slightly more' relaxed male in with her and shut the door behind them with a motion that signified her initial plan to keep the both of them locked up in the cozy flat for a... 'lengthy' period of time.
There! That should do it. (Sigh) Okay now what?
Turning around to see the man still standing by her, the pinkette gasped out in surprise before gathering herself and, holding his hand once more with confidence, guided him into her…
B-Bedroom? Naruto almost choked on his own saliva but managed to keep his previously gaping maw shut once her gaze landed on his face...
... one that proudly showed off his... 'hesitancy' to enter into her most private domain.
Hm? Is he getting cold feet already? Sakura wondered with a secret giggle at her man's, pretty much, 'expected' actions.
Once inside the room, she glanced briefly at her bed and couldn't help but lick her lips in barely contained excitement before a voice from behind her made her turn towards the blonde jounin with eyes reflecting her curiosity.
"A-Ano, Sakura-chan…"
His glowing face showed her exactly what was running through his mind then and she blushed heavily as a result of having gotten a look at it.
"Y-Yeah? What is it Naruto?"
WARNING: The following events consist of a 'Semi-Lemon' and such. So, for those of you who don't like that sort of stuff, this is the unofficial END of this 11th chapter...
Placing his hands on both of her shoulders with as gentle a hold as he could manage in his current state of self-doubt and lack of composure, Naruto spoke, "Are you sure about this? Do… Do you want this… with me?"
Understanding exactly what he wanted to confirm from her firsthand, Sakura nodded and cupped his left cheek with a smile playing at her eager lips.
"Yes. I'm absolutely certain that I want this… with you Naruto."
Grinning with a relieved expression appearing over his once 'worried' face, the man hesitantly placed his hands on her small waist and searched through her bright emerald eyes... for her nonverbal permission to continue.
"..."
Blushing at the contact initially but keeping her bearings together as she felt his lips land on her jaw line, the medic smiled and whispered for him to proceed with his gentle and electrifying ministrations on her hips… 'gasping' as he tenderly nibbled on her flesh, causing goosebumps to erupt within her stomach.
N-Naruto…
Getting oddly 'impatient' with the slow progress occurring between the both of them, the woman tilted her face so that her mouth would cover his as if in a trance, making the blonde in turn act as if possessed and 'deepen' their passionate kiss.
His lustful groans... and her aroused moans as his lips found the nape of her neck made the temperature in the room suddenly rise; Naruto opening his eyes halfway and whispering out, "S-Sakura-chan… you ready?"
An almost instantaneous nod made him grin in amusement as his right hand found the buttons on the back of her dress, unbuckling them one by one… in an 'agonizingly' slow pace, making the aroused woman clutch his shirt with her nails pulling on the fabric.
"Mnn!" she nearly growled out in mild impatience at his cruel teasing, grabbing his blonde locks in protest.
Smirking at her adorable sounds, Naruto finally managed to undo all of the little obstructions which came in the way of his fingers against her fair skin… running his digits with a 'ghostly' touch across the soft surface and earning an abrupt gasp from his woman.
Biting her lip in slight embarrassment but miserably failing to keep herself quiet, Sakura felt her lover's cold fingers slide against her spine in titillating circles... as she placed her lips upon his once more, this time with 'more than obvious' need in her advances.
"Naruto- Mmm~!"
His tongue penetrated her mouth's warmth before she could speak out her desires successfully... promptly making her moan with her cheeks turning a glaring red in uncontrollable lust.
Having gained entry into the warmth of his beloved's mouth, the jinchuuriki moved his muscular organ gently over hers and felt her doing the very same, much to his joy and delight.
Wow… he inwardly groaned, feeling the tightness in his pants grow by the passing second. Better lie down before we both collapse dattebayo…
Placing his trembling hands on her waist, the male gently pushed Sakura's weight down onto the mattress... as she readily laid her back onto the mattress with apparent ease and without any form of resistance from her side.
Smiling with her green orbs completely glazed over in lust, the pinkette felt Naruto's hands roam with concerned care over her form, pushing the back of her head into her pink pillow as his lips landed on the back of her smooth, exposed knee.
"A-Aahn…!"
Her voice being like sweet music to his ears, the jounin continued with his 'tasteful' torture by moving his lips in a flowing form over his pink flowers flawless body, nipping down on her inner thigh after getting rid of the obstructive piece of clothing covering it.
Unzipping her top with a mounting state of arousal, Sakura stroked his hair and gestured for him to move further up… all with her eyes.
Helping her smaller hand with the removal of her top, Naruto felt a decent amount of sweat form around his own torso and hence nearly ripped off his jumpsuit... his fishnet shirt following soon after, off of his heaving frame.
"..."
Staring with fully opened eyes at him for the very first time since their 'little' make out session had begun, the medic took in her boyfriend's glistening muscular form completely through her amazed orbs…
... drinking in his bulging biceps, his steadily rising (and then relaxing) pectorals and the droplet of sweat running down his neck and dripping onto her 'now' removed top.
"Nani?" the male inquired with a raised eyebrow.
Shaking her head with a content smile on her lips, the pinkette simply said, "Hmm… hmm! I guess... I like what I see Naruto."
Cheeks and nose turning an outright pink at her honest confession, Naruto smirked mischievously back at her and reached down for her bandaged top (the type that she usually wore underneath her upper outfit) whilst playfully nipping at her earlobe.
"Sakura-chan…"
Twisting like a tied-up snake underneath his larger form, she gasped at the touch of his hot lips but moaned once more… louder this time, as he grazed his teeth across the loose, tender flesh, effectively making her giggle a bit as well.
"Naruto... h-hayaku…"
Complying with her desperate plea and finding his 'excited' member all too responsive to the request, Naruto reached for his pants and, silencing the flushed female with a fiercely devouring kiss, unzipped them in one swift movement as she squirmed and gasped in his slick mouth… with her long nails grazing down his naked back in heated passion.
"N-Naruto… please…!"
"Hmm? What is it Sakura~chan?"
Feeling his naughty hands move across her 'now' exposed and free breasts, Sakura whimpered as the cold air... combined with the calloused pads of his fingers, toyed with her sensitive pink buds.
"Mnn…! Ugh… a-aah!"
Covering almost half of the softness of her right breast in his left palm, Naruto groaned as his thirsty lips met with the tiny protruding peak of his beloved's nipple, suckling at it with a small tug.
"Mmm…"
His sensual motions and voice were driving her insane as she grabbed his head with both of her hands and ran her fingers through his blonde locks... all the while pushing her chest further in towards his hot mouth.
"N-Naruto! A-Aah… more… uhn...!"
The intense warmth that was spreading across her bosom nearly made her whimper; nether regions starting to give off the heavy scent of her released pheromones into the air as the blonde noisily sucked on her teat... his rough tongue stimulating her tender nipples harshly.
The sounds of her carnal moaning and his primal groaning echoed all around the walls of the small flat (and most likely across the corridors of the floor on which her apartment was situated) as the smell of unbridled, raw sex and heated passion flew like free vapour throughout the entire area of that one small bedroom…
… which currently housed the both of them as two, once lonely, individuals finally taking part in the pure, passionate and mutual act of making love with the one that they had always (even if it took one of them a bit of time to come to terms with it) loved the most.
AN: Phew! Is it hot in here or what? ;D
Anyways, 'Hayaku' in Japanese literally means 'Hurry' or 'Hurry up'.
Okay, I got a new review, crossed 2100 hits AND have finally decided on the true length of this fic.
Kindly READ & REVIEW some more folks and keep up with your regular tasks to the best of your abilities! I apologize if my 'very first' intimate scene did not live up to some of my reader's quality standards. But I'm TRYING! ;)
Until the next one… bye!