A growl ripped past Kiba's throat as he gently pushed Hinata behind him, fangs bared at the one who spoke. Before he could so much as move, something whipped it's way around his neck, forcing him back against Hinata, the two back against the door. Growling, Kiba bent his knees and forced himself forward to keep his weight from crushing Hinata. Behind him, he could feel her pushing against his back, trying to help and make room. Kiba knew he had to say something now or risk suffocation. If he was to suffocate, he wouldn't be able to save Hinata from the same fate – or a worse one.
Through the pounding in his ears, he could hear another voice, this one demanding and full of questions. All of this he heard but did not register. His only thought was to keep Hinata safe, to keep her alive. She was to be his mate, it was his duty to protect her! Sliding his hands down the wall, he found the material of her jacket, gripping it tightly in his hands. As if she could read his mind, he could feel her arms slide over his shoulder and side, holding tight to him. Anger flashed through him as he fought against the thing that bound his throat. He'd come here seeking shelter to keep Hinata safe! To protect her, to make her safe so he could go talk to Tsume and get her accepted as part of their clan!
"S-Sanctuary...We're here to seek sanctuary, L-Lord K-Kazekage..."
Confusion washed through him at Hinata's voice.
Lord Kazekage...? What's he doing here in Kanoha...Temari was here, but that was just to finalize details about her transfer to Kanoha before she moved here in a week...Shikamaru was excited about it...
Her words fell on his ears, soft and smooth...it seemed to calm him, her voice. It was like water to the flames of his anger. As soon as the word 'Sanctuary' passed Hinata's lips, the sand let them go. Falling to the ground, he gathered Hinata in his arms, scenting and feeling to make sure she was okay. At her nod and the lack of the metallic scent of blood, he turned to Sabaku No Gaara, standing there with his arms crossed, red Kazekage robes settling around him as his sand returned to the gourd he carried. Looking into the black rimmed blue eyes, taking in the kanji for love above Gaara's right eye, the whole room began to spin. Kiba's movements were sluggish as he turned his head and met the pale gaze of Hinata...her worried eyes were the last thing he saw...the Kazekage's voice the last thing her heard...before his world went dark.
You are granted sanctuary within these halls.
Sanctuary...
Sanctuary...
Safe...Hinata was...
"Safe...Hinata..."
"Yes, Kiba, I'm safe...we're safe. Gaara gave us Sanctuary!"
Sluggishly he opened his eyes, the first thing his gaze fell on was Hinata, sitting beside his bed in a chair, her expression one of worry. Slowly reaching out a hand, he cupped her cheek in his hand, smoothing his thumb over the warmth and softness of her skin. Kiba was about to say something when the door clicked open and a figure stepped in.
"Are you two at it again!? Geez, you'd think you're already married...!"
"Leave them alone you two...you're just as bad."
"Kankuro -"
"Enough. We've guests. Temari, please go and get them some tea...Kankuro – you don't need to guard them, they're here under the protection of Suna. Not prisoners. Leave us. You are of this village with them, you can stay."
As Temari and Kankuro left the room, Hinata helped Kiba to sit and up. When the room stopped spinning, he was surprised to see Shikamaru leaning against the far wall, Gaara standing, arms crossed dead centre in the room. Looking around, he could see the room was very plain: A table with a water basin and jug for washing, carpet on the cool stone floor, a wall hanging of Suna in the setting sun and red curtains rustling softly in the breeze from the open window. The building was of Kanoha make and material but had the touch of the desert in its decor and furnishings. Sitting up as best he could, Kiba could feel his limbs stiffen and cry in protest. When he tried to gather chakra, there was very little, just enough to keep him alive and some what well.
"Lord Kazekage...thank you for taking my mate and I in sanctuary in your embassy. We didn't go about it the right way, practically kicking your door down and all...it was – spur of the moment..."
Uncrossing his arms, Gaara made chairs of sand for himself and Shikamaru to sit on, nodding at Kiba's words. A few moments of silence passed as Gaara looked first to Hinata then to Kiba, taking them in in turn.
"Kiba Inuzuka...you're fiencee Hinata Hyuga...she has explained as much as she was able, refusing to give up your clans secrets she now possesses. What I would like to know is how you, the son of the Inuzuka clan head came to be engaged to the daughter and heir of Hiashi Hyuga...one of your villages strongest families – and holders of the kekki genkai, byakugan..."
Unease washed over Kiba at having to tell so much to the Kazekage of Suna – ally or no – but he knew they did not really have a choice. As things stood right now, if Hinata stepped back on Inuzuka ground, she could be attacked – possibly killed – for the knowledge she now knew...and there was not a damned thing that the Hokage or Kiba could do. Not even Tsume could step in as his mother or clan head. It was Kiba's fault...he would have to figure it out on his own. So he did the only thing he could do...
Explain to Gaara of the sand, Kazekage of Suna, about their marriage agreement. All the way from the contract and it's details to how he really felt about Hinata, how he agreed to protect her from having to go to Suna and marry some ambassador. Hinata explained about the selection her father had had his clan go through, the names in the bowls, her views of the contract, their agreement to wed...they explained – as much as they could – Hinata's presence on the Inuzuka compound how it was Kiba's fault for not following protocols, not speaking to his clan head before hand. Through out the explanation, they only stopped to drink, Kiba still so weak, Hinata had to hold the tea to his lips. For hours, the two spoke as the other three listened in silence, Temari having slipped in to listen. Gaara had wordlessly made a sand chair for her beside Shikamaru.
Voices ragged from talking, tired beyond measure and starving, Kiba stood on shaking legs and with the help of Hinata, fell to his knees at Gaara's feet. With the last of his strength of voice he had, he cast away his pride and spoke to the Kazekage.
"Lord Kazekage, please...toss me out, I don't care...but don't give Hinata to my clan before i've had a chance to speak with Tsume! They could kill her for what she knows and it's my fault! Do not let her die for my stupid mistake. Please, Lord Kazekage."
As he finished speaking, his arms gave out and Kiba fell face first. Before he could hit the ground however, sand worked it's way around him, wrapping around his limbs and setting him gently in the bed. Hinata stood there, unsure until the sand gently wrapped around her arm, leading her to lie beside Kiba. The light from outside was hours gone, the candles stubs. As Temari and Shikamaru murmured their goodnight, Gaara stood at the door, hand on the handle. When Kiba shifted Hinata's head to his shoulder, he looked up into the now shadowed eyes of Gaara. His words were the last Kiba heard before slipping into a deep sleep.
"You and your mate are safe here, Kiba Inuzuka. Rest. In a few hours time, you will be woken for food and water, a bath drawn for you. Sleep and be safe. You are granted Sanctuary."
The door shut behind him with a soft click, the candles snuffed out by a soft wind.
