1Disclaimer: As always, Naruto is the property of Masashi Kishimoto, etc. Borrowing for purposes of entertainment.

Canine loyalty

June 8: love me, love my dog

When Naruto first became more informed about Hinata's. . . well, Hinata in general, he had been rightfully indignant about the seeming lack of love she endured from her family, so much that he even declared to change the Hyuuga clan once he became Hokage. Well, whatever it was that happened in the intervening time, the familial love thing has definitely changed. Papa Hyuuga was protective, possessive, and painful. (Very. It was instinctive now for the blond to stay at least a feet away from the heiress while within the grounds of the estate). Hanabi, the little sister, who was supposed to be nasty and ill-tempered, was exactly that—except with Hinata. She was extremely fond of her older sister, and extremely the opposite of her sister's suitor. Neji called it jealousy. Naruto called it homicidal ideation, a term he learned from the (mostly) sympathetic Sakura-chan.

Speaking of Neji, Neji was okay. For the most part. Naruto refused to be intimidated by the older ninja. Refused. Neji could keep on staring till he stare out his big, pale-ass eyes, and Naruto would keep on ignoring him.

(Ignore, ignore, ignore, ignore, ignore, ignore. . .)

And then, there's the dog.

As if things weren't bad enough as they were, Kiba seemed to have taken up the chore of chaperoning the two of them everywhere and everywhen. With both Kurenai and Hiashi strongly approving (as well as Hanabi, Neji, Kakashi, Tsunade, and even Sakura), there wasn't anything Naruto could do about it. It was actually better for his nerves if Kiba was with them, instead of stalking them. All his popping out at the most annoying moments was making Naruto sick in the heart and guts.

Kami-sama, but it did cramp his operations (no pun intended). His dilapidated Gama-chan bore the brunt of an unwelcome addition. Of course, Naruto had to grin and bear it (when he's not rolling around in the dust with him in a friendly, energetic little "spar"), because it pleased Hinata to see everybody getting along so well.

Gah, if only she wasn't so cute!

"You hungry, Hinata-chan? We should have picked up some food on the way here."

"Uh, well, I skipped breakfast this morning, too, so. . ."

Naruto's brows furrowed. "Can't help it, 'coz we were in a hurry and all that, but now we can't leave our spot here." Here was the village park, teeming with people lolling about and enjoying the blooming cherry trees. "One of us will have to get something."

Hinata turned to her old team mate. "You don't mind going for ramen, do you, Kiba-kun?"

"Why would I mind ramen, Hinata-chan?" Kiba answered with aplomb. "I'm easy to get along with, on top of being hot and sexy. We eat anything. Right, Akamaru? Naruto can get all the ramen he wants."

Hinata nodded happily to Naruto's direction. "See, Naruto-kun? Kiba-kun doesn't mind, and Akamaru-kun will help him."

"Uh, Hinata-chan, you're not saying we—"

"Yeah, she is," Naruto said, grinning rather viciously at the unwanted companion. "Kiba's an all-around awesome guy like that. He'll fetch it for us."

And Kiba had to oblige, of course. He couldn't resist Hinata-chan anything, either.

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