Hello everyone it has been a while , we apologize from the bottom of our hearts that we weren't able to update sooner.

But now we have Imperial Mint doing a wonderful job as beta for this story and with the renewed vigor we will be updating sooner.

Please remember that this story has some oocness , yaoi , smut many lemons and sakura bashing.

If your not ok with this please stop reading, but I hope you don't it's a really good story if I say so myself. (conceded much uh!!!)

We don't own Naruto or anything related.

Chapter 12.

On with the show;

Thud…

With a now familiar force, Neji was thrown across the room. Regaining his balance quickly, he got up with a glare, looking to the side at the familiar male.

"You okay?" Gaara asked him, with a smirk.

"Yeah, fine." The raven, once up, took his fighting stance.

Currently they were sparing at the Hyuuga dojo. Neji had been having a light meal when Hiashi, the head of the family, had suggested for him to demonstrate to Gaara the Hyuuga fighting style.

'Apparently it was something that was passed down with each generations as well as the family business,' Gaara mused after listening to some of the family information.

'Tsk, and I thought I was good,' thought Neji as he glanced at Gaara, they had been like this for sometime; it was a no win. Gaara just happened to be really good.

Not giving up, the Hyuuga attacked, now Gaara just moved not blocking or hitting back. The raven was getting pissed; he didn't want to hit the redhead, but the fact that he couldn't even land one hit aggravated him to no end.

"You," duck, "know," move, "it's not," step back, "that you're bad," duck, "it's just that I've been," move, " trained already." The red head explained between fighting, not even loosing his breath.

Neji sidestepped, then continued to attack. Gaara moved to avoid the hits, swaying gracefully between each punch and aimed hit. The raven stood still, inspecting the redhead's stamina and that he hadn't even started to perspire as proof of the extensive training. Smirking, Neji gently placed his hands over the red head's shoulder throwing him off by the sudden touch.

He wasn't hitting him, just holding him.

"I might not be as good as you at fighting, but I know something am really good at," Neji huskily offered while he moved his arms around Gaara's waist, pulling him close and his lips descended with a kiss . A short and sweet one with a twist as he separated, his tongue licking the vampire's lips.

"Or am I?" Neji asked with a smirk at making the redhead blush. A wind surrounded Neji, it was more like energy; it didn't let him move and this time it was Gaara who smirked.

"No but if you keep it up, I'll restrain you," the monotone taunting voice was just but a whisper.

"You never said I couldn't kiss you," the raven confronted, but noticed how the wind tightened.

"I apologize, I'll ask permission first." Before letting Gaara have a word in, the raven added, "As long as you don't try to reject me."

Gaara let go of his captor, knowing that the raven was as persistent as ever. Since the first time together and when he had woken up on the raven's bed, he had been held in his arms and still Neji had pressed on.

After that the Hyuuga had relentlessly continued, he had kissed him two more times playfully, in a way Gaara had already given up. He liked Neji, and for now he couldn't deny the sweet and flirtatious raven.

"What? Are you done fighting?" the redhead taunted.

"Hai. Hai," Neji took fighting stance once more, once prepared he launched at Gaara. It please Neji that Gaara was not so reluctant and was more opened to his feelings. Not that he made things easy but still he was more open to the offered affection.

They continued fighting, a dance of gentle fist, even if the raven couldn't land a hit on Gaara. They spent a while enjoying the exercise. Despite the thrown punches, the redhead didn't hit the raven again, he just swiftly dodged the hits sent his way.

Neji noticing the lack of attention from Gaara turned to notice said man was staring at the dojo's doors. The raven's attention focused on the shadowed figures appearing behind the door.

Sliding the door to show the mystery shadows, the house maid came in, followed by Temari who smiled at Gaara, and next to her was another woman; her red eyes, matching her hair color. She wore black and round glasses and she had an unusual hairstyle; her hair was short and unkempt on one side, and long and combed on the other.

"Hyuuga-san you have visitors."

"Thank you"

"Excuse me," she bowed lightly and walked off, closing the doors after her.

Neji watched the female as she seemed to be inspecting him carefully, white pupils turned to the Gaara. A frown marred the redheads face at seeing the girl, and with a cold detached tone he addressed them. "What are you doing here?"

Surprise at his displeased tone, Neji followed Gaara.

"Hi Neji this is Karin." Temari ignored her brother's coldness.

"Karin this is Hyuuga Neji, and you already know Gaara."

"Nice to meet you; Karin-san, hello Temari" Gaara waited, annoyed, for the greetings to be over. He had a bad feeling if Karin was there.

"So," he pressed.

"As cold as ever Gaara," Karin voiced with a sarcastic tone.

"I can't say am glad to see you Karin," he shot back. She glared at him.

"Hai Hai, actually were here to let you know that both of you are expected at the wedding dinner of Sakura and Naruto-sama; it will be the day after tomorrow, smiled Karin. Gaara turned to look at Temari as she handed him the invitation.

"Dinner?"

"Sakura wanted close friends to celebrate and it's obvious that she would invite you. After all you are his best friend, and Neji is also a friend," Temari explained.

Neji was surprised at what the blonde vampire had said, he listened as she continued.

"That's why she prepared a dinner before the wedding on the twenty third, since the union ceremony will not be until the twenty fifth," interrupted Karin.

"Umm… excuse me, but was Sasuke also invited?" Neji asked her, hoping for a negative answer.

"Yes, the Uchiha's and Hatake-san will also be invited by Tayuya and Sai later today," Karin explained.

"Does Naruto know of this?" Gaara asked in a worried tone.

"No Gaara, Sakura is the one in charge. Naruto told her to take care of all the things in the rehearsal," Temari answered with a shake of her head.

"And no one asked him?" continued the red head.

"He hasn't come out of Minato-sama's study." The blonde glanced at Karin then added, "He's busy with work and asked not to be bothered. So he doesn't know. Why?"

"Is there a problem with inviting the Uchiha's Gaara?" Karin curiously asked, knowing that there was something bothering the stoic red head.

"No, not at all. I was just asking," he replied with a calm voice, thinking of what Temari had subtle said; she didn't want Karin to realize the truth. Naruto only went into his father's study when he was in bad condition, a way to think things when the issues got complicated. It was something well known, for those who were close to him.

"Well, Gaara, that's all we needed to say so we should get going. Do you need anything?" Temari offered.

"No I'm fine," the stubborn red head stated. His mind was filled with thoughts of his blond prince.

"Well call if you need anything," his sister offered.

"It was pleasure meeting you Neji-san." Karin gave a small bow. "Gaara," she said in animosity and turned.

Neji returned the goodbye with a small bow of his head, the two women left, closing the door behind them. It wasn't more than a couple of seconds later that Temari reopened the door and came in again.

"Oh Gaara, I got you a present; I know you wouldn't want me to give it to you with Karin present, I know how much you dislike her. So here," she threw him small silver case.

The redhead got the object knowing what it was. Temari smiled at her scowling brother and waved at him, once again exiting the dojo and sliding the door close.

"What's that?" Neji looked at the case curiously.

The redhead didn't answer, but merely opened the latch and showed the contents; it had a plastic blood pack.

"Hm."

Gaara closed the case and put it in his pants pocket, his mind still going over the situation.

"Aren't you going to drink it?" The raven asked seeing how the redhead hadn't fed since a couple of days ago and remembering the vampiress words that her brother got moody if he didn't feed.

"Huh," Gaara turned to Neji.

"You know before it heats up, you have to drink it cold if it's not from a body right?" he assumed.

The redhead nodded and then explained, "The silver container lets it stay cold for 2 to 3 hours, so I can take it later and it will still be at an appropriate temperature."

Raising an eyebrow Neji questioned, "So you don't want to drink it in front of me."

"It's just that it can be uncomfortable, I can drink it later on; it's no problem," Gaara defended.

"I don't mind at all and there is no one else here," Neji offered.

The redhead was hungry and they were alone, so no one would walk in on them. Knowing that Neji wouldn't let it go, after internally sighing, he took out the silver container. Quickly removing the plastic pack, he glanced at Neji one more time- no sign of objection. He opened his mouth as he brought up the bag, bared his fangs and bit down on the plastic container. He emptied the blood pack quickly and as the nourishment was consumed, the container deflated.

Neji watched as the pack emptied, the redhead's fangs were longer than when he had seen them, they were just like Naruto's at the fight.

Gaara finished after a few minutes. He reopened the silver container and put the now empty plastic in, closing it and putting it back on his pocket, reminding himself to dispose of it later on.

The Hyuuga watched; as he had finished drinking the long fangs had receded and now canines sharper, but much smaller took the fangs' place. If you were not paying close attention you would miss the difference between a vampire's fangs and a human's teeth.

Gaara turned his eyes, not wanting to meet his green emerald eyes with the Hyuuga's pearl white. He had felt the close examination and it was making him anxious. In a vampire's eyes feeding in front of a human was awkward and uncomfortable, unless of course the human was well aware and accepted the vampire's existence without problem.

However, Gaara was not sure that feeding in front of Neji was a good idea. He hadn't wanted to chance it, and now he didn't know how to face him. Still, he knew that he would have to look at him, if only he didn't care for the Hyuuga's reaction like before.

Neji, not faced with Gaara's uncertainty, looked at the redhead, noticing that his facial paleness had more of a pink color now, lighter than a blush, but still it gave him a flustered color. Watching as he placed the pack back into the small silver container, his mind wondered off after his close inspection. The thought of what had happened earlier with the two visitors, he was not bothered by going to the rehearsal dinner, 'I mean I don't mind Naruto, he's still the person I met in school.' With the fact that he was really important 'royalty' but he wondered how his stubborn friend the Uchiha would take the news.

"Neji?" the Hyuuga turned his attention to the redhead who worriedly stared at him.

"I asked if you're okay?… I shouldn't have drunk it," he murmured the last part, but even if it was a small whisper, it was still heard by Neji.

"Huh? Oh no. it's not that, it didn't bother me at all. Actually I think you have an enchanting rose color to your face after drinking. But," Gaara's rose face took a darker blush at the complement, still he looked intently at the sudden stop.

"But?" coaxed the red head.

"I wonder about Sasuke and the dinner." Neji's lips thinned out in displeasure.

"Sakura is not aware, no one is. Therefore she had no way of knowing and Naruto told her to deal with everything…. Now that he's invited it would raise suspicion if he didn't attend. But I know that it will hurt Naruto when he finds out".

Gaara frowned and continued, "But there was no way of this not happening, he went through a lot to guarantee both your safety, and in fact it would seem strange if you both were not present in the ceremony." After a few minutes of silence the two boys went back to their prior activity, not knowing what to do for their friends.

________________________________________________________________________

Sasuke entered the room after taking a shower; he had taken a few laps in the pool trying to relax after an interesting day with his brother at the office. He had learned a few things which he was sure would be useful once he started working for the company. The raven hoped that he would eventually gain his brother's experience but the desire to be as proficient as the elder Uchiha was what had made him enjoy the day the most.

He had appreciated the day, but due to everything being cleared on Itachi 's usually tight schedule, they had come home early. The elder Uchiha and the vampire Hatake Kakashi were now enjoying a play of shogi.

Sasuke assumed it was because the perverted teacher had already read his book about three times, and he had nothing to do. He groaned at the thought that Kakashi would probably be acquiring a new Icha Icha book tomorrow, after all he had mentioned that he would meet with the elder, who Gaara had pointed out was the one who shamelessly wrote those books.

A sigh left his lips, knowing that there was nothing he could do about that. He pushed the thought out of his mind; he was really not looking forward to seeing the giggling vampire when he read his dirty books. The doorbell rang and Sasuke briefly wondered who it would be, thinking that it was probably for Itachi he continued on, 'Maybe something came up at work.'

The raven finished getting dressed and now combed his blue, midnight-dark hair. After he placed the comb down, he headed to the door to go and check who it had been.

A knock was heard.

Sasuke opened the door to reveal the maid.

"Hai Miko-san?"

"Oh, Sasuke-dono you are needed in the living room."

"Me? Who?" The raven questioned with a raised brow.

"Itachi-dono was talking to the two visitors and asked to call you down," the woman shyly answered.

"Hmm… okay, thank you," he said as he walked downstairs.

Sasuke entered the living room; he scanned the room and raised a brow at seeing the pale male that had been in Naruto's room when he last visited. He never thought he would meet again. Not that he wanted to, the raven still remembered the thoughtless comment he had said and the pass at his dobe. Of course he also remembered Gaara had hurt him, and badly, which he didn't seem to be anymore. 'Vampire,' the raven thought.

He walked closer, and that was when he noticed a woman, or so it seemed, but then again you can never know since there were more than just vampires; she had long spiky orange red hair, brown eyes and tan, almost dark, complexion.

They both rose at seeing the raven come into the room. Sasuke eyed them curiously wondering why they were there and why was he needed, he also noticed both Itachi and Kakashi patiently waiting.

Both bowed in greeting. "Konbanwa," (*) greeted the girl. Sasuke returned the greeting with a small bow.

"To what do we owe the pleasure of your company?" Itachi asked them. They had insisted on talking to all three of them before saying anything, and by Kakashi's expression he was not aware of why they wanted to see them.

Sasuke leaned his body on the wall with his arms crossed as he waited to know what this was all about.

"Well now that all of you are present…" Sai said, "Tayuya and I," he pointed to the girl introducing her, "Are here to invite Hatake Kakashi-san and the Uchiha brothers to out lords', Uzumaki Naruto-sama and Haruno Sakura-san's, dinner rehearsal on the twenty third," finished Sai, handing two invitations to Itachi and Kakashi.

Sasuke froze; did he hear correctly? Was he being invited to the rehearsal wedding party?

'Why? Why the fuck is Naruto doing this?' his head screamed, but he stood there listening in a numb feeling.

Kakashi stood up at hearing Sai. He took the invitation and read it, Itachi doing the same thing, but in a calm manner. Kakashi's eyes turned to look at Sasuke; the ANBU vampire was an expert at reading emotions and even if the young Uchiha was good at hiding his, he could sense the pain and shock. He turned his attention back to Sai and Tayuya, Sai with a smile on his face that read fake, it was emotionless, and Tayuya clearly annoyed.

"What's going on? I was not told of the dinner and certainly I was not told to attend. I have a duty," Hatake's voice was sharp.

Tayuya snapped her attention to the vampire. "I don't see the problem Hatake-san. Since both Uchiha's are invited you would still be with them and I would of though that you would attend this important moment since you were so close with Minato-sama. As for not being informed..." She trailed off, seeing the angry glare she was receiving from the ex-ANBU.

Itachi remained calm and his eyes took in both Kakashi's and his brother's reaction.

"Who approved this?" Kakashi asked the pair, "Was it Naruto?" The silver vampire knew that Naruto wouldn't do something like that and Iruka knew of everything, so he wouldn't want to hurt him anymore by inviting the Uchiha.

Sai's eyes changed to serious and his fake smile was dropped. "No, Sakura-san is the one in charge of the wedding union arrangements and since the union was delayed due to Naruto's injuries, she choose to have close friends and covenants attend the party."

"So Naruto doesn't know? Didn't Iruka tell him?"

"No, Iruka-san hasn't gone over the guest list." The ex-ANBU vampire raised a brow and eyed her curiously. Iruka was always aware on anything that involved the blond. "Actually," interrupted Sai, "Iruka couldn't check the information; he refused to leave the house," Sai offered.

"Why?" the Silver hair vampire asked.

"Well Naruto hasn't come out of Minato-sama's study room and ordered not to be bothered. Iruka has been waiting for him."

"I don't understand the hostility, is there a problem Kakashi-san?"

"No Tayuya there's no problem but… I don't appreciate being informed by an invitation of my duties. Besides it would have been good to be told sooner," he reassured them there was no problem with the invitations.

Sasuke felt somewhat relieved; the thought that Naruto had wanted him there had pained him, but it seemed he was not even aware of the invitation. The Uchiha didn't want to go, he didn't want to see that pink haired vampire who had been deemed to be with his blond. He knew that even if it was not something Naruto wanted, he would go through it, and seeing the blond just in another's person's arms was too much for the raven to swallow.

"We're glad that there's no problem then." Sasuke continued to listen to the smiling woman, yet somehow he was still on his own thoughts.

"Seeing as how Sasuke-san and Itachi-san seem to be important to Uzumaki-sama, it would be nice for them to be there, after all there must be good friends. Since he doesn't want any harm to them," Tayuya pointed out.

"We are honored to be invited, and we do consider Naruto a special and dear friend," Itachi told her.

Truthfully, the elder Uchiha had realized that he might be invited because of the close partnership with their companies. The fact The Uchiha Corporation was well known in the underworld due to the numerous contracts that Itachi had done with several clans was also another reason for an invite, but the thought had never passed through his mind that it would be a family invitation. Now that the invitation also included Sasuke, nothing could be done now. It would raise questions if his younger brother didn't attend, especially after Naruto risked his life to save him. Even if Sasuke denied it, not many knew of their attraction.

"Well; we just came to deliver the invitation, since were done with our business we must go." They both stood up to leave.

"Has Gaara been notified?" Both were stopped as Kakashi asked.

Sai's face contorted with disgust, his fangs flashing under a snarl. Tayuya snickered knowing of their dislike for each other and knowing what had happened with both vampires the days before.

"Yes, Gaara-san and Neji-san have been invited by Karin and I believe Temari was going to go too. They were told earlier, we were delayed because we knew you would be at work." She motioned for Itachi.

"I see," Kakashi nodded in dismissal.

'At least I won't be alone,' thought Sasuke. He was not the Hyuuga's best friend, but it was as close it ever got, for Sasuke and Neji shared a secret, and they were alike in a lot of things. And he enjoyed the raven's company.

"Thank you; Tayuya-san, Sai-san," nodded Itachi with a thanks to his guests.

Kakashi turned to look at Sasuke, who was still leaning on the wall and looking at the two visitors exit through the front door being accompanied by the maid.

The raven's onyx eyes meet with Kakashi's for a brief moment. He recognized that look; it was worry, pity, compassion all emotions he hated receiving. He was okay, he was fine, he was not fine! But that didn't mean that other people would see him as weak. Uchiha Sasuke was anything but weak. He gave Kakashi an annoyed expression like saying, 'What's that look for?'

Itachi noticing it called out to him. "So otouto, will you be with Gaara-kun and Neji-kun tomorrow?" the raven's eyes turned to his elder brother wondering why he would think that.

"Or will you come along again to the company, since Kakashi-san let me know that he will be occupied for a few hours."

"Hn," 'That's right, he's meeting with that elder.' Sasuke remembered, "Doesn't matter; I'll go with you I guess…. If its fine?" Itachi slightly nodded.

A buzzing was heard through the silent room and Sasuke looked down thankful for the interruption.

He flipped his phone open.

A text message alert.

From: Neji
Hey, what r u doing?

Sasuke replied, ignoring the looks he was receiving.

To: Neji
Nothing much, Sai and a female Tayuya just left.

"Excuse me," the Uchiha was glad he had a reason to excuse himself and avoid Kakashi and Itachi's looks and questions. He turned and headed to the garden to have some tea; it wasn't something he always did but he was not in the mood to be followed by Kakashi.

Buzz…buzz

From: Neji
So… You were invited too?

To: Neji
Yeah, heard you were too.

He replied as Miko the maid walked with a tea pot. She served him and exited after Sasuke thanked her.

The raven looked at the garden in front of him, the aroma of the many flowers invaded his nose. Ever since his mother had started growing roses and other type of beautiful flowers, the two Uchiha's had gotten someone to continue the care of their mother's precious garden. At this time of the year they beautifully bloomed. Mikoto Uchiha loved attending to the flowers and plants, she would always be the happiest after she spent time near them. If she hadn't died with his father in that airplane, Sasuke was sure this garden would have been surrounded by all her favorite flowers. As it was, they added what she had already planted and hoped that the beauty of the outcome would have been to her liking.

As he observed the variety of flowers, his mind was lost in memories for a moment. As his mother started planting, she told him that one day they would bloom and brighten his day. He smiled at remembering his mother's sweet warm smile. Both Itachi and he took a resemblance to her fair skin and silky hair, but they had their father's character and way of thinking. He took a sip of his tea.

Buzz….buzz

From: Neji
Heard Naruto doesn't know. U going?

To: Neji
That's what Sai said. I can't miss it, he's in partnership with our company and it was a family invitation. Besides it would seem rude not to attend after everything he's going through.

Sasuke texted and though about everything. In a way it was true, for many reasons he had to go, but only for one he didn't want to. It was too painful, and he was not sure of how he would be able to go through with the night.

_______________________________________________________________________

Iruka walked downstairs he seemed tired, sad and his delicate features couldn't help but show a worried expression. He had followed his order not to bother Naruto and had in fact waited to see if he would come out of the study room, but no chance; the blond hadn't left or opened the door since he had meet with Sakura.

Being the overprotective guardian, he had made sure that everything was going with out problem at work and no disturbances to Naruto. However, at last he had received a call from Jiraiya a few hours ago.

If Iruka could say so, his voice it carried a glint of hope. The elder had said he wished to talk more of what he had discovered during his research and a hopeful Iruka was heading to the meeting place.

He hadn't informed the blond of the new meeting, not wanting to plant hope and if it turned out that it wasn't something favorable; his hopes would crush and crumble along with the prince. He directed his gaze to the double doors one more time, with a sight at not seeing any change he headed to the Kitchen.

"Ayame."

"Hai, Iruka-san…" She looked at the vampire, "Would you be going out?"

"Yes it will be for a short time. I will be back as soon as possible, if anyone comes remember-"

"Hai, Uzumaki-sama asked not to be disturbed." She smiled with a nod.

"Okay, and if anything comes up, call me and I'll handle it. I will have my phone with me at all times." He smiled at her and exited the door.

Ayame turned once more to her previous task of cleaning the already cleaned kitchen; she had to find a way of passing the time.

Iruka's phone rang as he drove out thru the mansions gates. 'Tsunade-sama,' the caller ID displayed.

"Moshi-moshi."

"Iruka-san."

"Hai, Tsunade'sama?"

"Jiraya's already arrived, we're just waiting for you and Kakashi. Are you on your way?" she asked.

"Hai, already left, demo(*)" the guardian hesitated, not sure he could voice his opinion.

"What is it?"

"Well I was wondering if perhaps I could bring Sabaku no Gaara. He is Naruto's friend and he's also been worried. If there's anything, he would like to help, besides he's already suspicious."

"That's true he's quite perceptive I'm surprised he hasn't come barging in, asking for an explanation. I have no problem, but he's with Hyuuga Neji and that is a problem."

"If that's is the only objection I know what to do."

"Ok then, will wait for both of you to arrive."

"Arigatou Tsunade-sama."

End of phone conversation.

Iruka, pleased that he had been able to include the concerned redhead, quickly dialed a number on his phone and impatiently waited to be answered. At hearing the person he was looking for, quickly got down to business.

"Hello this Iruka. Sumimasen (*) for calling you at such short notice, but I was hoping that you could help me with a small favor."

"Arigatou." The guardian smiled as he took a turn, to head to get the redhead.

"Can you meet me at the Hyuuga mansion in fifteen minutes? I will need you to escort him while I take Gaara for a few hours, is that okay?"

"Thank you again I hope that you didn't have anything important...well then." With the final goodbye, Iruka hanged up the phone.

(Who do you think it will be???)

"This is how you do it Hinata-sama," Neji explained a question that the heiress had for one of her classes, and given that Neji had AP classes, (advanced placement) he had offered to help her out.

Gaara sat looking at both quietly in the living room as both Hyuuga's studied. He showed the least of concern, however his eyes turned to the door in an instant. The action didn't go unnoticed by Neji and was not surprised to hear the door rang and the maid walked to the door to receive the guest just a few seconds later.

'Its' kind of weird and helpful at the same time,' thought Neji, of the weird vampire senses that alerted him to others. He turned to the maid who walked in with none other than the blonds' guardian.

Gaara rose to his feat and bowed in greeting and respect, "Iruka-san."

"Hello Gaara-kun," the man greeted with a small smile.

Neji and Hinata also greeted the man, the Hyuuga heiress was introduced seeing how she didn't know Iruka.

"Nice to meet you," he said as he was presented as Naruto's parental guardian.

"Pleasure is all mine," she responded with a shy smile. Gaara inspected Iruka as the greetings and introductions took place, he smiled, but Gaara could tell that something was wrong. Given that he was there he could only guess, also the news that Temari and Karin had brought could only confirm the severity of the situation and no doubt explained the troubled aura from the guardian.

"Ah. Gaara-kun actually, I came to get you for a few hours."

"Is something wrong?" he immediately asked. Neji listened attentively wondering what was going on.

"Oh no, no... It's just that well there's a few details that we would like to go over with Jiraiya-sama. That's all," he said causally.

"But, what about?" The red headed silently asked about his current job.

"Don't worry, it's been taken care of," the guardian reassured taking a seat on the offered couch.

Neji knew they were talking about him a raised an eyebrow at the, 'It's been taken care of' comment. He tried to follow the conversation. Hinata however was just lost in the discussion. She was not bothered by it and tried not to eavesdrop so she concentrate on her work.

The door rang again and the maid for the second time walked to receive the guest. She came back with a brown haired spiky smiling Kiba. With a thrilled, 'excuse me,' Hinata walked to greet her boyfriend. "Kiba you didn't tell me you were coming!"

Gaara smirked, 'so he got him!' The redhead understood why the guardian had gotten the werewolf to keep an eye on the Hyuuga. Iruka innocently smiled.

"Well I hoped we could hang out, but you said you were studying so maybe I could help you. Am not so good but am sure Neji would also help out. I hear from Naruto and Gaara that you're pretty smart. Right dude?" he smiled at Neji.

The Hyuuga nodded but rolled his eyes in annoyance at Gaara's smirk. 'Honestly could they get someone else, why did it had to be him of all people; Hinata's boyfriend was not the best candidate, besides is not like anything would happen to him? I've been fine all this time,' Neji grunted in his mind, not that he would whine benignly, it was probably for just a while.

He hoped.

"Well since you both are busy, I will take Gaara for a little while," Iruka said, heading for the door in a hurry. The tan vampire said his goodbyes and best wishes on the heiress and quickly exited the room.

On the other hand, Gaara glared at Kiba. "No playing around," he said in a warning tone as he headed to follow Iruka.

"Hai, Hai," the brunette held his hand in a mock promise. Hinata thought it was meant to study, and was sure that they would spend their time wisely.

Finally the redhead turned to Neji and, holding his gaze, added on, "Kiba call if anything… right away." A small smile tugged at the raven's lips knowing that, despite Gaara's reluctance to his feelings, he was still worried for his safety.

"Sure we'll call if we don't understand something," the Inuzuka smirked.

Gaara turned towards the entrance, but not before giving Kiba a killing glare at the comment. The glare had the werewolf's hair sticking up, it was something that most vampires possessed, but it was more prominent in Gaara's case. The seriousness of the danger that was promised, it was a normal reaction in werewolf. After all they were like day and night even if they were friends. The body reacted the way its mechanism was programmed to react at a vampire's threat.

Not that he was not used to. At least to this vampire's threats, but he still hated his body's reaction. Before Gaara left the room he turned to Kiba again, the werewolf winced, sure that he would be killed or scolded.

"Am glad your feeling better," Gaara looked at him meaningfully.

"Thanks," he smiled at Gaara, showing his canines. "It was nothing to worry about, you know me." Hinata seemed to miss the smile as she was gathering her books, but Neji did catch the glimpse to the longer than normal canines.

Shaking his head, the redhead disappeared down the hall. After a short while the engine of the car was heard, signaling that they were gone.

The raven turned to inspect the brunette, he did seem like nothing had happened. Convinced at first that maybe it had not been that big deal, but then again Kakashi had said that if it wasn't for Shino he would have died. Then the werewolf was just like Naruto with the healing, the blond had seemed all better when they saw him a few days earlier. Also Tsunade had helped them both and from what he had gathered she was an expert at healing, no doubt making the recovery a faster feat.

Kiba noticed Neji inspecting him. Knowing that now that the Hyuuga knew his species it was understandable to be scrutinized. Unfortunately the Inuzuka's comprehension didn't mean that he was comfortable being inspected. Turning his attention to his girlfriend he tried to remove his mind from the Hyuuga's once over.

Hinata seemed to be looking for something amongst her things. She was not even aware of the tension in the room, which was good. Raising from her seat and stopping her rummaging, she turned at both males with a frown. "I apologize, but I'm missing a book, it's in my room. I'll be back shortly." She hurried off to her room.

Kiba nervously laughed. Now that they were both alone, worst scenario! One thing was the scrutiny, but to add to the difficult situation, the werewolf knew how overprotective Neji was over Hinata. Sure he seemed like a cold uncaring bastard, but according to the heiress the Hyuuga had always treated her indifferent but that changed when Neji moved in with Hinata's family. They both became like brother and sister and Neji was the overprotective kind.

Making his situation the more unpleasant, unfortunately he hadn't though about this before accepting to guard over him when Iruka had asked, Kiba wanted to groan however he chuckled nervously as he turned to stare at the older Hyuuga.

'Where's Hinata? What's taking her so long?' Kiba moved from were he had been reclining to sit near the table where the heiress things were scattered.

"So," Neji broke the silence, his voice flat, not betraying any emotion. Kiba turned to face him. Neji inspected him thoroughly stopping with narrowed lavender, almost white, irises at the brunette's mouth, looking at the long canines.

"Will you tell her?" Kiba stared wide eyed at the question, he hadn't been expecting it. 'Did he just ask that?'

Clearing his throat Kiba tried to answer him, "Well we have been going out for a while and..." he trailed off thinking the last part.

"And what?"

"I'm not sure, right now I feel the world for her ,but am not sure how she would take it.'

"Don't worry, I'm sure she will be fine with it. But," Kiba looked intently to see what he would say, he seemed to have taken the news relatively well.

"But what?"

"If you hurt her, you better hope that silver is just a human's superstition," Neji warned with an evil smirk.

Kiba growled at the threat, "I would never hurt her." He scowled as the smirk widened.

"I'm sure you won't."

Both eyes turned to the stairs as the point of their discussion came down, with two books in her hands. "Sorry, but I couldn't find them…" Stopping in the doorway, she looked at both important people in her heart, "Is everything okay?"

"Sure, why don't we start," Kiba smiled at her reassuringly.

"Okay," she chirped and quickly sat next to her boyfriend, Neji on her other side.

Neji eyed her, a small smile forming on his lips, seeing how much she had changed since she had started dating the werewolf. He knew that Hinata had always been shy and blushing, not to mention the stuttering, but now she looked so happy and more outspoken with her feelings. It was a fact that the Hyuuga hadn't heard her stutter in the longest time. He was certain that Kiba made her happy but still as the overprotective cousin/brother he was, he just couldn't help but worry.

Since he had moved in with his uncle and learned how she really was, their differences had been put aside and it had been up to him to make sure she was protected. Now however, it seemed that it was not only him who would look out for her. Glad that she was becoming more open, the raven decided he would focus on helping with her work for now, since Kiba seemed to have helped her with her personality.

We all know what the words mean right ?

Good morning , and brother.

Well. not much of a fascinating ending but the story continues and we promise more action on the next chapter's .

Remember to rate at least one word comment to let us know you still like it .

Again props on our beta Imperial mint.

Thank you for following the story so far we wont disappoint you I promise.

Ja ne , till next chapter.