Aka Zukin


Living with Sakura was supposed to change my current ordeal with needing her so much, and alter my behavior from wanting to pummel every guy she so much as said 'hello' to. I was under the impression that by having her living and sleeping under the same roof, just one door down from mine; that I would see her before I went to sleep, when I woke up, and the hours in between our training, thus making me feel more secure about the imprint, and that no other male was closer to her than myself.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

It's been seventy-two hours since we moved Haruno Sakura in, and I have only seen her twice, for about ten minutes each.

Having her under the same roof was supposed to allow me to manipulate the circumstances of our changing relationship in my favor. Unfortunately, I haven't even managed to take two steps forward in the name of progress.

Because her work schedule changed again, Sakura's been getting up around two a.m. for her shift at the hospital that starts at three a.m. Followed by a quick nap, training with my sister, and then training with team seven next, in which case after she comes back for sleep; and I'm starting to feel a little bit like a stalker.

My mother comments on how she wishes Sakura would join us for dinner more, as she hasn't sat down with us for dinner since her first night here. If I didn't know any better, I would say my mother is more attached to Sakura than me. But the imprint makes that impossible. No one will ever be as attached to Sakura as I am.

Which is exactly why I trespassed into her room today; and as soon as I opened the door I was enveloped in her sweet scent. After dwelling happily in it, I had glanced around the room. I had suspected Haruno Sakura to be the obsessive compulsive, organized and neat primp girl that would have nothing out of order. Her own apartment and office at the hospital were very neat and clean, but so far she hadn't entered into that phase here. There were a few unpacked boxes sitting esque and out of place, her bed was unmade and some clothes were on the floor.

A reasonable explanation would be that she's been so busy with training and work that she hasn't found the time to organize anything. Or it could be that she doesn't plan on making her stay with us very long, and that dark thought unsettles me.

A book in one of the boxes catches my attention and I reach inside and pull it out. It's on herbs and healing. And the cover and pages look worn as if they had been read dozens of times, which indicates this is important to Sakura. And that thought makes my heart swell. It distracts me for a moment from my doubts, and because I'm so curious to see another piece that is making the puzzle that is Sakura come together, I decide to sit down and read it.

I head to the kitchen and fix myself something to munch on while I read. And once I sit down I'm completely enthralled by the book. Not because it's interesting—because it's not some graphic novel, or manga. It's completely academic and on any normal day I wouldn't read this if it was the only thing to do.

But it interested me, and I couldn't tare my eyes away from the moment I started reading the first page. I think it just had to do with the fact that it was hers; it smelled like her, it was something she was interested in, something she worked towards. And it gave me some sense of power mixed with wonder and awe as I held it in my hands, gazed over the same words Sakura's eyes probably read over and over until they were memorized, with my own.

"You're not going to win like this, you know."

I'm sitting at the table reading while enjoying my snack when the voice interrupts me. I turn to see my mother, because even though I recognize the voice, I half expected to see Shino, since she was sprouting what was becoming his favorite catch-phase lately.

"Win what?" I ask casually, looking up from Sakura's book.

"Tch," She shakes her head at me, displeased like usual. "I know what you two are trying to do."

My body stiffens, and I prepared myself for one of the biggest lectures since the time my mother caught me in my room with two females (just kissing while half undressed) when I was seventeen.

"What are we trying to do?" I can play dumb pretty well sometimes.

"Trying to find a way out of the imprint," she says with complete confidence, and I speculate Sakura has been asking her questions. Or at the very least, we let something slip in front of my very perceptive mother.

I swallow the lump forming in my throat, "Look, I—"

My mother tilts her cup, seeming to look at how much of her beverage is left in her glass, "Course I know you are just using that as an excuse."

My hands feel shaky, and I fear I may drop the book soon, so I sit it down on my lap for the time being. "An excuse for what exactly?"

"To woo her," she replies, her self-assurance still in perfect place, represented and accompanied by the perfect tone.

And I know now without a doubt, you really can't keep anything from your mother. No matter what class ninja you are—you are not going to be able to keep a secret from the woman who gave birth to you.

"H-How did you… ?"

She lifts her head high, as if I've just questioned the ways of our clan, or challenged her authority, or better yet, challenged God himself, but her eyes display nothing but pride as she looks into my eyes. "You are my son, an Inuzuka… You will be clan leader. You know there is no way to break the imprint."

The need to ask whether or not I am doing the right thing rises from my chest to my throat, but I can't seem to form the courage to ask. Maybe because I don't really want to hear the answer.

She sits her glass back down on the table, and rises, "But it won't keep her here forever. If you waste your time, before you know it, she'll be moving back to her apartment."

I raised my eyebrow, "What are you suggesting?"

My mom smirks all too knowingly at me, "That you don't waste your time."

Her words register loud and clear, and I realize my mother's right, and I don't have the luxury of just sitting back and waiting for Sakura to fall head over heels in love with me. Heading to my room, I place Sakura's book on my nightstand, mentally promising to finish reading it later, and then I head to the other wing of the compound and knock on my big sister's lab room.

She opens the door, surprised to see me, "Kiba, what's up?"

I step inside and close the door behind me, rubbing my neck anxiously. "How's Sakura doing with the training?"

Hana narrows her eyes at me, but then seems to shake whatever theory she has away. "She's coming along, although lately… "

"Eh?" I stop rubbing my neck, suddenly more nervous about what Hana has to say, rather than what I have to ask. "What's wrong?"

Hana shrugs, "I'm just worried she's stretching herself too thin. She has good energy in the beginning, but by the time we're done here, she's exhausted."

I feel as though my stomach drops. And apparently, I look as worried as I feel because now my sister is in my personal space, examining me as if I'm one of her canine-patients.

"Hey-hey," Hana grasps my shoulders. "Calm down, I'm sure she just needs rest."

"Yeah," I agree, though her reassurance isn't as comforting as I lead on.

"So, what did you need?" She's quick for a change of topic, hoping that will ease whatever worries are in my head—but it doesn't.

Although I feel slightly flustered now, and glance to my left, focusing on a certain corner of the walls. "Um… I wanted to know… How to sweep a girl off her feet…" I steal a glimpse at her to see a huge smile on her face.

"Why are you asking me? You get girls all the time." I can't tell if she's confused, or just being cocky.

I take a long slow breath and exhale just as slowly, "Because I know how to… Get women," I cough, feeling completely awkward, and I wish my parents had found the time after having Hana, to make me an older brother before creating me, that way it might be easier to go to him for advice on women rather than my big sister. "But I don't know how to… Romance her… " I admit.

Hana nods and seems to study me, "By her you mean Sakura-san."

Coughing even louder, I murmur: "Erm… Yeah," in response.

"Well, show her you want to know her, and spend time with her, listen to her," Hana crosses her arms, "Do things that show you genuinely care for her."

That seemed almost too easy…

I arch an eyebrow, "That's it?"

"Sakura doesn't need someone to protect her," Hana smiles at me as if she knows a secret, and the gesture and implication pisses me off slightly. "Sakura needs someone who will stand by and support her, just make sure you know the difference."

Now I felt like I was caught between a rock and a hard place.

Our clan was known for being protective, possessive, we ran on pure animal instinct and nature most times. I didn't know how I was going to subdue these traits, especially since Sakura wouldn't even acknowledge the imprint—my claim over her.

"Thank you Oneesan," I smile at her, although I feel slightly more troubled now than when I first walked in.

Did I have enough time to make Sakura fall for me?

"Anytime," Hana returns the smile, and reaches out and ruffles my hair, even though I'm now taller than she is. "Otouto."

I exhaled slowly, trying to gain the courage to walk into the Yamanaka flowershop.

"The door's not going to invite you in no matter how long you stare at it," I hear the smart-ass comment from behind me.

I turn to see Shikamaru standing there, "What are you doing here?" The question slips out before I can think to stop it.

He raises his eyebrow at me, "Me? My girlfriend works here. What are you doing here?"

I shift my weight to the other leg as I try to stand nonchalantly, "Heh… Long story."

And of course, Shikamaru doesn't miss a beat, "One involving Sakura, I am guessing?" He gives me a questioning look even though he already knows the answer.

I nodded, "And I'm also guessing you informed Ino about our situation?"

Shikamaru glared at me in response, "That's all your fault."

My eyes widened in shock, "My fault?" Now I'm confused.

"Yeah, because you put the idea in her head that Temari-san wanted me," Shikamaru grumbled at me. "So when I casually mentioned she should invite Sakura to come out with us because she's been so busy, she immediately started speculating I had a thing for your wife."

I didn't need to look in the glass to know my face was turning as red as the roses in the nearby window, "S-She's not my w-wife… "

Shikamaru rolled his eyes, "Well basically, she is, right? You just haven't done the actual formal ceremony?"

I gulped, not entirely liking where the shadow-user was going with the conversation, "Technically… "

"Does she know that?"

I coughed, "That's kind of why I'm here."

Shikamaru stuffed his hands in his pants pockets by his sides, "Well, anyways, I had to make sure Ino knew I wasn't going after her friend, so yeah," he shrugs his shoulders like it was the most obvious answer, "I told her. But she won't tell anyone."

I stared at him with skepticism and complete doubt written all over my face.

He only narrowed his eyes at me, "She won't. That's why she wasn't drinking that night, she didn't want to blurt anything out accidentally."

"Eh?" My eyes widened once more, "So she's not pregnant?"

"P-Pregnant?" Shikamaru's face turned a dark crimson as his mouth fell agape. And my eyes are now drawn to a vein on his forehead that has begun to pulse in a rapid rhythm and before I can ask if he's okay, he's shoved me inside the flower shop. "Will you watch where you go making your assumptions!"

Ino appeared from under the counter, "What assumptions?"

Shikamaru's face darkened to another shade, "N-Nevermind."

"Okay," Ino, the ever-perfect, pretty blond, batted her eyelashes over her sky-blue eyes a couple of times at her boyfriend's obviously suspicious aura, and then turned to me. "And why are you here?"

I averted my eyes, "Uh… " It's not every day a playboy asks a girl for romantic advice, so needless to say I was having a bit of trouble forming words.

Shikamaru looked at me as if I was pathetic, before turning back to his girlfriend. "He's here about Sakura."

Ino didn't seem surprised, but she didn't turn her nose up in the air and shout: 'obviously,' like I had expected her to.

Instead she just turned to me, "What about her?" She asked in a relatively calm voice.

The spotlight was on me again, "W-Well… You see I was w-wondering… " I sighed, giving up completely, I decided to be completely honest about the situation. "You're Sakura's best friend," I stated to the blonde girl.

Ino kept her arms crossed as she regarded my words, "Of course I am, who else could possibly be a better friend to Forehead, other than me?"

There was the Ino I knew…

"Right… " My right eye twitched and I bit my tongue from saying too much. "Anyways, as her best friend, I need you to tell me what type of guy(s) Sakura likes."

Ino eyed me with suspicion for a minute, "And why do you need that information?"

Her tone struck the wrong note to my sensitive ears, "Because I do… And your best friend doesn't even know you've been in a relationship for over a year, so please, " I glanced at Shikamaru out of the corner of my eye to make sure he hadn't made any sudden moves to attack me for what I just threatened. He didn't seem phased, which means he was two steps ahead of me. Knowing I would make that move meant he knew what else was coming; "Help me… Woo Sakura."

Ino sighed, "I thought the Inuzuka imprint… "

I gave a small smile, but reflected no true happiness with it, "Ah… Sakura's having a harder time accepting it at the moment… "

Ino nodded, "She is thick headed… " She exhaled then, "Okay. I'll help you."

I smiled, "Thank you."

Ino waved me off, "Just keep your mouth shut."

Nodding, I gave my word not to mention her relationship with Shikamaru. But I did mention they shouldn't wait much longer to tell everyone. A secret like that lasting over a long period of time never has a good outcome.

"Okay, first things first… Sakura likes her men tall, dark, and handsome." Said Ino as she continued arranging a bunch of pink and orange flowers in a vase.

"Okay, check," Nodding, I grinned despite myself.

Ino blinked for a minute, and then gave a small laugh, "Right… Anyways… "

I wanted to argue with her, but then I realized that although she liked the Uchiha when she was younger, she was with Shikamaru now. Literally—he was still in the flower shop with us, so I doubted it would be a good time to argue about her taste in men, though Shikamaru was a great guy (definitely better than the Uchiha).

"Sakura's attracted to strong men," Ino continued, and I just nodded and mentally checked another 'yes' in my favor. I am an alpha male after all.

She went on and on with dozens of lists consisting of, "Listen to her," and "Don't look at other women—this let's her know you're only interested in her," and "Clean boys are better than dirty boys." Ino's advice was much more detailed than my sister's, and I thought for sure she would go on forever. By the time we reached the double digits of Ino's advice column, I was leaning on the counter, trying to keep myself from yawning.

Ino turned the vase as she began stuffing some green into the bouquet. "If she had to chose between a sensitive man who had no problem showing his affections for her, or a human ice cube, Sakura would probably pick the human ice cube."

This caught my attention and I raised my eyebrow at this, "Why? I thought girls wanted the caring, sensitive boyfriend?"

"Wrong," replied Shikamaru as he interrupted us from across the room. His eyes were closed as though he was bored and not paying attention to a word we said.

"Because the human ice cube is more sure of himself—he doesn't need to flaunt over her, he knows he loves her, and he knows she knows it, and that's enough."

I grunted and crossed my arms, not pleased with the sudden mental image of the Uchiha and Sakura…

"But don't be too cocky—or else you'll only piss her off, girls are like that." Ino warned, and I sensed Shikamaru wasn't stupid enough to agree or disagree to that double-edged statement.

My head was starting to hurt with the double negatives. I glanced at the clock, noticing it was getting later, and that Sakura should be heading back to the Inuzuka compound for her rest before her next shift at the hospital.

I stood up straighter, getting ready to leave, "Any last advice?"

Ino beamed at me, "Just be yourself."

I couldn't tell if she was joking or not.

Grasping the doorknob, I slowly turned it and entered the house; silently hoping Sakura was either home and out of her room, or about to walk in right behind me.

I wasn't waiting by the door per say… But since I couldn't pick up a new wave of her scent, I determined she hadn't been home recently.

Rounding the corner, my sister entered the room. "Ah, Kiba, you're back… " She blinked, "Is there a reason you're just standing in front of the door?"

"Not really," I shrugged nonchalantly. "How was training with Sakura?"

"Eh, she came home right after you left earlier."

I mentally smacked myself for having going out to seek further advice.

"She's feeling a little under the weather, so we cancelled training so she could catch a few extra hours of sleep before her next shift at the hospital."

Hana must have seen the panic written clear across my face, because my heart was pounding and I felt incredibly nauseas.

She waved her hands frantically in front of me, "No-no. I'm sure it's not serious," my sister tried to comfort me. "She was just looking a little more tired than usual and she's probably just exhausted from work and training."

Imprinted Inuzuka's are known to be protective, possessive, and always on guard. As an imprinted Alpha, my entire being was shaking from the inside out.

"Y-You're sure? Maybe we should take her to the hospital… "

"Kiba!" My sister grabbed a hold of my shoulders. "Sakura-san's a medic, don't you think she would take care of herself if she thought she was sick?"

That was an easy question—No.

Because, from many years of observation, I knew one thing about Haruno Sakura: Sakura always put other's needs first. Whether that was the Uchiha, team seven, her patients—the village, it didn't matter. She would continue to push herself until she collapsed. And I would not tolerate that.

As an Alpha I had to take care and look after everyone in my clan, and now that meant Sakura as well.

I pushed passed my sister without another word and headed straight for Sakura's room. My mother once scolded me when I was younger because I had entered Hana's room without permission. My mother told me that it was not polite, and that I should never do it again. And until now, I hadn't entered a girl's room without permission.

But this was my house, and Sakura was my mate, so by relation, I wasn't breaking any rules.

I threw the door open and immediately noticed how Sakura's honeysuckle scent wasn't as lively as it normally was, the first indication that something was wrong. My eyes scanned the room for her pink hair. She was resting on top of the covers on her bed, in a white tank top and pair of black shorts. I scowled immediately and moved over to her bedside. Placing my hand over her forehead, I confirmed the fever I was scared she might have.

Her skin was hot as it connected with mine. My fingers felt like I had just been walking in the Snow country in comparison to the heat seeping from her skin, which suggested she had been sunbathing in Suna. What she needed was to be submerged deep under her blankets, where she could sweat most of it out.

I pulled my hand away and stared down at her face. Her chapped lips were parted and she was panting lowly, her eyes tightly closed. Her skin was naturally paler than most, as if she were royalty. But at the moment, it looked unhealthy, and I wondered how Hana had thought this was merely exhaustion.

Slipping my arm along her hips to her lower back, I began to tug her to the edge of her bed. She protested with little resistance and low grunts, a side effect of the fever, I'm sure.

Once I had her to the edge, I leaned her body against mine while I used my free hand to tug the blankets open for her. Laying her back down on the bed, I started to pull the comforter over her when she shoved my hand away.

"No… " She objected with pink furrowed eyebrows above her still closed eyes. "Too hot."

To me she seemed to imitate a child—and it dawned on me that this is probably what our children will behave like when they have a fever. I almost choked at the thought, except that before I had noticed it, my heart had stopped at the daydream and my chest swelled with an intake of breath I didn't remember holding.

I shrugged it off and exhaled slowly, trying to pull the blankets over Sakura's body once more.

"No… " She kicked at them.

My eye twitched in annoyance. "You have to—you're sick, you need to sweat this out." I wanted to holler at her, but instead my voice came out much more gentler than I had anticipated.

She made a small noise that sounded like whining or moaning. I wasn't even sure whether or not she was one-hundred percent conscious.

I bit my lip, "You know… The best way to sweat out a fever is through skin to skin contact with another body." I was unsure whether or not I should try it.

My instincts were screaming at me too—that it was the proper thing for an Alpha to do to take care of its mate.

Before I could make up my mind however, Sakura's hands collapsed over the blankets and sheets as she tugged them up to her neck, puffing her cheeks out while she pouted like an academy student.

I had to suppress my laughter at this.

This was the same nurse that had put me through a wall a few months back.

Before I could register another thought, Sakura slipped her hand over mine.

"Tell me a story," she murmured into her pillow so lightly I could barely make out her words.

I stared at her then, taking everything in. From her short pink hair that traipsed over the white pillowcase like cherry blossoms fell over picnic blankets on a warm spring day, to the way her small hand fit into mine gently. The room was so quiet, I could only hear my heart thumping against my ribs as I drew her completely in.

She was completely irresistible to me, even while unconscious and sick. And my gut told me this wasn't just because of the imprint. Deep down inside, I knew it was something more.

Sighing, I ran my freehand through her hair, tucking a strand of her rosette hair behind her ear, "Once upon a time… "

Author: Ha! Sorry this was so late, believe me I'm ashamed of myself. But I ran into some personal issues within this past month that required my full attention, or distracted me. I apologize, and just to let you know, the next chapter will be updated faster (excluding Crumpet04, has anyone noticed a pattern to my usual updates?). I really hope you enjoyed this chapter. I know there wasn't much KibaSaku action in this—but I promise they'll be more in the next chapter.

I really appreciate everyone's feedback. Especially the comments on the story being from Kiba's point of view. I've never written a fanfic from first-person before, so I'm glad you think it's successful so far. I also really appreciate the reviews about how when you came across this fic, you weren't into KibaSaku—but you're enjoying the story surprisingly. It makes me feel good, and I really appreciate it. Thank you.

Also!—I created a KibaSaku community on livejournal. It's still under-construction as my personal life has been crazy, but please join if you're interested! It's under Alpha_Pairing. Thanks again!

And the last note, this story has inspired me, that when it's finished I will do a side-story, about how Shikamaru and Ino became a couple before Aka Zukin. The story is called "Nemureru mori no bijo" which translates to "Sleeping Beauty" in English. I'm looking forward to writing it.

Oneesan--Big sister.

Otouto--Little brother.

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