Chapter 9: Kiba's Feelings

"Don't know what to get your family for Christmas?" Hinata called out, "Do you want to get something special for that special someone?" She rang her little bell happily. "Then stop by the Nozomi Clan Charm Shop and get some charms! They make wonderful presents for people of all ages! We have a variety of charms and even make custom ones! So stop by for our Winter Special prices!"

Shino strolled down the street and saw Hinata. "Hinata?" He walked over to her. "What are you doing and what are you wearing?"

She giggled. "Hi Shino. I'm just helping Airi with her shop. So many people came by for charms that Airi had to sale inside her shop."

"But what's with the Santa outfit?"

"Well, it's almost Christmas and Airi thought it would be cute for her and I to wear little Santa outfits. Although, her outfit is kind of, um, shorter…"

Hinata is actually kinda cute and that makes me wonder…What does Airi look like? "Hey, how exactly are you helping her?"

"Well, I told her that I would stand out here and advertise her shop. She's paying me too."

"Huh?"

"She didn't want me working for free, so she said that she would pay me. I didn't want to accept it at first but...Now I'll be able to buy gifts for you guys and my family."

"I see…Have you seen Kiba though?"

"Oh, he's inside."

"What!" Why is Kiba even here!

"Yeah, he's helping Airi too. He was here bright and early with Airi. He's so devoted to her…" A blush crept over her cheeks. "Why don't you go say hi?"

He nodded and went inside. "Uh…" The place was packed with people. He forced himself through the crowd and started for the front.

"Man, the shop owner is really cute!" someone said.

"I know, she's so hot," another person said.

"I wonder is she has someone special in her life already…"

"That boy at the front handing out the charms and managing the money seems really close to the charm maker."

"Yeah, they're really buddy-buddy."

"So she's taken?"

"Probably."

"They kinda go good together."

Shino shook his head. What's with these people? He felt a bit angry with them for the way they were talking about Airi and Kiba. He finally pushed his way to the front. "Excuse me!"

"Shino? What're you doing here?" Kiba asked. He handed someone a charm and took some money in exchange.

"I could ask you the same thing," Shino said.

"I'm helping Airi with her business. What do you want, though? Are you here to buy something?"

"No."

"Then you should go. This place is jam-packed with people. You'll only get in the way."

"Excuse me, do you mind repeating that?" Shino said with tone of anger.

"You heard me," Kiba said in a low growl.

"Shino?" Airi came to the front. Oh no…What do I do? After that day when I… She sighed. I have to be strong and apologize for the way I acted. But there's something about him that I just can't figure out… "What's up Shino?"

"What?" Shino looked at her. Sh-She's beautiful. Like an angel…! What am I thinking!

"Hey, Shino," Kiba growled, "her face is higher up."

He felt his face flush red. "S-Sorry."

"That's alright," Airi said with a light laugh, "Hinata and I have been getting that all morning. Shino, can I ask a favor of you?"

"M-Me?" She's not mad at me or anything from the other day!

"What could he possibly do?" Kiba asked in a huff.

"Shino, I want you to help Kiba."

"What! But I don't need any help!" Kiba exclaimed.

"Come on Kiba, don't be like that. Let Shino help you, it'll go a lot faster. I'll be in the back if you need me." She went into the back.

"But Airi!" Kiba sighed and looked at Shino. "Shino, get back here and help me sell this stuff."

"Yeah, sure." Shino jumped over the counter.

"Pss, did you see that?"

"I sure did."

"What's up with those two guys?"

"I think they both like the charm maker."

"I don't blame them, she's beautiful."

"But which one of the two do you think is capable of winning her heart?"

"I say the one with the glasses."

"No way! The guy with the dog is so gonna be with her."

"Nu-uh. The one with the glasses is a better match now that I think about it. He seems more compassionate."

"I beg to differ. The one with the dog is a perfect match for her. He'll always keep her smiling because he's like her."

"What do you think?"

XXXX

Airi sighed and stretched. "Wow, that's the most charms I've ever made in one day."

Hinata smiled as she sat down. "This place was busy with people!" Shino sat quietly next to her.

"We worked straight through the day," Kiba informed. "It's a quarter to seven."

"Well, time for your compensation guys." She handed them all an envelope.

"I can't accept this," Kiba said.

"Please Kiba. It would make me happy if you accept this money." She smiled.

Hinata gasped. "T-two hundred dollars!" She looked at Airi. "Airi, this is too much! I can't accept this!" She held out the envelope to Airi.

"Sure you can!" Airi gently pushed it back.

"There's no way I could accept all of this money," Shino began. "I didn't even ask for this. Please take it back."

"You guys are too polite for your own good. If someone gives you two hundred dollars, why would you give it back?" Airi asked. "That's silly. You worked for this money."

Kiba put it in his pocket. "I'll keep it to make you happy."

Airi had a smug look. "Yeah right Kiba. You know you would have taken it either way."

"No I wouldn't have!" He laughed. "Okay, okay, so maybe I thought about it."

"See?" They both smiled.

They're always smiling when they're together… Shino thought.

"Well, I'm finished for the today." They all walked outside and Airi locked the door. "What're you guys gonna do tonight?"

Hinata stretched. "Oh, I'm probably going to go Christmas shopping for a bit."

"Hey, Airi," Kiba started, "are you free tonight? I was thinking that maybe we could, um, you know, go out or something."

"Actually," she rubbed her arm, "I already have something planned…" She looked at Shino. "Shino?"

"Yes?" He looked up from the ground. "What?"

"Um…" She blushed. "Would you like to…Would you like to go out with me tonight?"

Hinata and Kiba looked at Airi, then to Shino. "What! Are you serious Airi!"

Shino blushed. "Um, wh-what?"

"Do you wanna go out with me?"

"O-Oh, ah, hmm…" He looked at Kiba and Hinata. "S-Sure, alright."

"Whoa, whoa, wait a minute," Kiba said. I have to do something. I can't leave Shino alone with Airi! What if they…! What to do! "That's a good idea. Why don't we-"

"Really? I know, isn't it?" Airi said with a smile. She turned to Shino. "Let's go Shino. I found a really nice restaurant the other day and I've been dying to go there." She took his arm.

"O-Okay…" They headed down the street.

"W-Wait! That's not what I meant!" Kiba said. "I meant that we should all go!" He sighed. "Dammit! I…I screwed up."

Hinata rubbed the back of her neck. "Um, Kiba, it's alright."

"Hmm?" He turned to her. "What do you mean?"

"Well, uh, I think Airi just wants to talk to Shino. I think they're just going out as friends."

"Hinata…I love Airi."

"I…I know."