The party went on for hours. Sai was showing off his artistic skills, while Lee was sparing with any willing opponent.

I then heard loads of laughter coming from a large gathering of people, mostly younger kids.

Curriosity got the better of me so I stalked over to the group.

I then saw what the kids were laughing and smiling about. Kiba was letting the kids take turns riding Akumaru's back.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the large ninja hound and his human companion. I believed they were having more fun than the kids were.

"You wanna ride, Tama?" Kiba asked over the noise.

"N-no I'm good. 'Sides, I'd break his back." I told him.

"Don't be silly, Tama. You weigh what, half of what these kids weight? Come on, it'd be like riding a horse!" He persisted.

Suddenly teh kids who were wanting to ride, turned to me goading me to ride Akumaru.

A few of them grabbed my hands and tugged me towards Kiba.

"A-alright, fine. I'll do it." I finally consented, rolling my eyes.

The kids let my wrists go and cheered gleefully. Akumaru barked happily as he knelt down to make it easier for me to climb his back. Still though, he was a bit too tall for my short frame to climb on.

Kiba chuckled at this.

"You laughing at me dog boy?" I questioned, raising an eye brow.

He smirked and placed his hands on his hips. "Maybe I am."

I sighed and rolled my eyes.

Then before I knew it, I was being hoisted up onto Akumaru's back.

I yelped in surprise as I realized Kiba was the one placing me there.

I blushed furiously at the fact he had his arms around my waist.

Once I was on the canine's back, Kiba spoke to him. Akumaru barked then stood up and began walking along side Kiba.

I couldn't help but smile. I now caught a glimpse of why Kiba smiled whenever he rode his dog.

After riding Akumaru around the party, Kiba helped me off.

"That was a lot of fun. thanks Akumaru." I told the dog, petting him.

"Hay, I"m the one who wanted you to ride him! Don't I get a thank you?" Kiba pouted playfully.

I laughed at his jealously, then realized the time. "Shit!"

Kiba looked at me curiously. "What's wrong, Tama?"

I sighed. "It's late, and my sister's at home by herself. I should be getting home."

He frowned but acknowledged I had a responsibility to my sister. "Be careful okay? Don't need ya getting kidnapped."

I laughed at his attempt at being protective.

He then grabbed me in a hug. Again, he succeeded in surprising me.

Slowly I wrapped my arms around him, enjoying how warm he felt.

"Ahem." someone coughed, interrupting the weird moment Kiba and I were having.

"Oh, Naruto!" I exclaimed, finally seeing the ninja since his return to the village.

He chuckled and gestured to the cake he was eating. "Tama, did you make this?"

I nodded.

"I knew it!" He cheered. "No one can bake as good as you!"

I smiled at his praise.

"I'm glad you like it. I'm sure it's been a while since you had any of my cooking." I teased.

"Yeah! And it's even better than I remember!" He continued, shoving his face with food.

I laughed and grabbed my coat. "Well I'm glad you approve. It's good to have you back."

"Hay, where you going?!" Naruto asked. "The party's still going on!"

"Well some of us have responsibilities." I sighed. "Seiko's home by herself and it's getting late."

"Oh, alright, but you'll come see the new techniques I learned from Pervy Sage tomorrow, right?!" the blonde begged.

"Sure thing, dork." I smiled.

Once I got home, I walked in and found Seiko asleep on the stairs, waiting for me. Neko was curled up at her feet.

Gingerly, I nudged my sister awake and guided her to her room, then found my way to my room.

I glanced at the clock as I took off my make up and dressed for bed. It read 3 am.

I swore as I climbed into my bed. I had clinic duty at the hospital in the morning, which meant I had to be up at sunrise. I was gonna look like death warmed over.

Neko meowed quietly as she jumped up on the bed and took her place beside me. Within minutes, her purring lulled me to sleep.