The next day Kiba had nothing to do so he went to the parts store to get more things to fix Nates car. They had made some progress and Kiba felt a little better about the kid driving the thing. Nate was going to come over after school and they were going to work on it even though Oliver wouldn't be there. Nate had Kiba's number in case of emergencies and texted him to ask and Kiba was bored so he didn't turn the teen down. Around 4 the teen rolled into the parking lot and they got started.

"So not to pry" Nate started and Kiba smiled because he knew that meant he was about to pry. "But are you and my sister...together?"

Kiba laughed Nate definitely was prying. "No. We're friends."

"Really because I'm pretty sure she's got the hots for you and I thought you felt the same. I was getting vibes from you guys." Nate said. "Well if you guys do get together, I approve."

"Thanks kid." Kiba said shaking his head.

"It's just" Nate continued. "She's really bad about picking guys. I was kind of excited that she finally picked a good one. I mean the others have destroyed her every time and you don't seem like the type to do that."

"What makes you so sure I wouldn't do that?" Kiba asked. "You barely know me."

"I know a lot about you." Nate began. "First off, you're great with Oliver and you've included me in that. You are helping me rebuild a car that was a piece of crap, sorry Bertha," Nate patted his car lovingly. "You're a cop, and you have a dog and it's obvious you guys have a good relationship, dogs are good judges of character and the fact that your dog respects you enough to be your partner speaks for its self. You're a gentleman even though you like the bad boy vibes you can give off. And my sister may not always be the best judge of character but I like to think I am better and I trust you." Nate finished.

Kiba was at a loss for words. He had never had anyone spell out that he was a good guy. A picture of his father flashed in his mind and he realized he would always have his father's blood running through him so he was always going to be one step from leaving them. "Relationships are different though Nate, I'm not a commitment type of guy and your sister deserves better than a guy like me."

"You do feel deeply for her." Nate said and it wasn't a question. "If you didn't you wouldn't say that she deserves someone better."

Kiba felt the impact of Nates words hit him deeply. He did care but he was staying away for her benefit. He would break her heart and it would break his own when he did. He shook his head to clear his thoughts and focused on the car. "You some type of psychologist?" Kiba laughed.

"It's on my list of things to go to college for," Nate said back beaming at Kiba.

After they finished putting the new set of parts on Kiba told him to fire the car up. Nate smiled proudly when the loud squealing sound didn't happen and Kiba sighed. It was nowhere near finished but they were definitely making progress. "Bertha no longer sounds like she's dying." Nate laughed. "I'll need to go soon. I was hoping Katie would be back by now. I'm worried about her falling to that guys charms. I remember him just barely but I never liked the guy. Thought he could buy everything, ya know? Katie was so into him though."

Kiba didn't want to hear it and there was a burning sensation in his chest at the thought of her being with someone else. He clenched the rag in his fists and kept his head down. "Well she's an adult with the ability to make her own decisions kid. Gotta let her do that."

"I know but I'd rather her date you." Nate muttered just loud enough for Kiba to hear.

"Alright let's get cleaned up." Kiba said ignoring the topic. They went inside and washed up before Nate finished his homework and headed out. Kiba decided to take akamaru for a run and on his way back he saw Kate and Oliver pull in and park. Oliver ran ahead but he could tell that Kate was barely holding on. Akamaru rushed ahead and brushed against her and she petted him distractedly. Akamaru had warmed up to them instantly and was able to sense her tense mood. Kiba followed but made sure to keep his hands in his pocket. "How was it?" He asked.

"It was good, Oliver is smitten." She said with a sniffle. She still hadn't looked at him.

"It must be hard." Kiba didn't know what else to say. But realized she was barely holding back. Then he saw a tear fall as she leaned over to pet akamaru. "Kate..." He began but didn't know what to say.

"It's okay." She said wiping at her face. "I need to go in. Oliver will be getting impatient."

As if on cue Oliver burst out of the building and threw himself at Kiba.

"Kibaaa!" Oliver shouted as Kiba caught him easily. "My dad is so cool. He bought me a video game system!"

"No way." Kiba said keeping an eye on Kate. "That sounds pretty cool." He carried Oliver inside and up to their apartment.

"Yeah and tomorrow he's taking me to the pizza place."

"Cool." Kiba felt his jealousy building.