Early Christmas present? :D HAPPY HOLIDAYS, PEOPLE.
I updated less than 24 hours ago (23, haha) and I'm already working on the next chapter. I will SO finish this in '08! So yes, for all the KibaSaku lovers, this chapter doesn't have much going on, just fluff… until next chapter, where everything wraps up.
Also! If anyone's heard "Falling For You," by Busted? Early-stages-of-girl-chasing Kiba, right there.
Also, I hope this isn't necessary for me to actually say, but whatever - the texts aren't all capitalized properly for a reason.
Disenchanted
Relationships aren't always about the romance.
Because that's for pansies.
This was usually when the excitement started wearing off.
Four weeks after getting interested in a girl usually meant that Kiba had been dating her for three weeks. Three weeks was when the fun started to wear off and he began to distance himself to prepare the girl for the inevitable break-off.
Of course, the rules didn't really apply to Sakura. As of now, Kiba had been going out with her for less than a week. She was always busy with work, classes, and volunteering, too, so he rarely saw her.
So yes, he was still interested. It had taken three weeks to get her to stop hating him, and he was going to make the effort worth it – for both of them.
Sakura glanced up, one eyebrow cocked. "Why are you staring at me?"
There were so many ways to answer that, but Sakura would probably walk out on him for any of them.
"Better you than my textbook," he said instead, gesturing to his Sociology textbook, opened to a chapter on Max Weber. His bearded, black-and-white picture stared up at Kiba, and he added, cautiously: "You're way hotter than him."
Sakura smiled at that, shaking her head, and Kiba let out a breath. She was so horrible at receiving compliments from him usually – it was always a risk to act the way he wanted around her.
They were in the library, at a desk in one of the private rooms on the third floor. The rooms were against the glass walls, and when Kiba looked out, he could see the fat drops of rain hitting the windows, the large oak trees littering Konoha U's campus swaying in the wind.
He stretched his arms out and cocked his head, studying Sakura closely. She had already turned back to her textbook, and she was twirling a purple gel pen in her fingers as she read, lips pursed thoughtfully.
He waited for her to finish her page before he spoke up. "I'm bored."
She set down her pen and propped her cheek against one fist, elbow on the table. "You're less of a boyfriend, and more like a very small child."
"That's okay. You like kids."
Sakura laughed, and shut her textbook. "Fine. What do you want to do?"
Kiba blinked. "Really?" Sakura never set aside her books for him. She was the studious little super-nerd he could never hope to be. But he wasn't about to miss the opportunity to spend some quality with her. He leaned forward, lips pulling back into a smile. "No books? No work? No brats?"
"It's just you and me from here," she said, packing up her books and pens. As she slid everything into her bag, head ducked so her hair fell over to hide her face, she added in a softer voice, "Besides, this is all about change, isn't it?"
Kiba was, of course, grateful to Sasuke for advising him the week before, but he didn't see any reason to let Sakura know about his involvement. Sasuke treated Kiba like a nuisance, but he was counting on him to help Sakura move on. So he never mentioned him, and neither did Sakura. She spent all her free time studying at Konoha U now, and Kiba was her new chauffeur.
Still, he wondered how she felt, cutting herself off from the person who meant everything to her. And while it stung Kiba a little that he wasn't first in her thoughts, it mostly made him feel sorry for her.
Which was why he was going to give her the best relationship of her life.
"Plus," she said, "You've been good so far."
"This is my reward?" he asked.
"Yup."
He paused, then shrugged. "I'll take it." He held out one hand to her, stuffing his books in his messenger bag with the other. "Let's go."
She grabbed her book bag, just as he yanked her out the door, down the corridors, down the stairs, and out into the pouring rain.
"I guess this means no picnics in the park," he said, ushering her down the hill to the student parking lot. Sakura shot him a very sarcastic look, brushing the sopping wet hair from her eyes and Kiba squeezed her hand. "We'll have deep, meaningful conversation over coffee. Sound good?"
She smiled. "Sounds great."
"Great," he said, sliding into the driver's seat and turning automatically to Sakura.
She was tugging on his perpetually problematic seatbelt, scowling. "Why don't you get this fixed?" she grunted.
Kiba grinned in a way that made her eyes grow wide, and leaned over to take the belt from her fingers. "Three guesses," he said casually, smoothing the belt against Sakura's collarbone. She flamed red, and—yes, her gaze dropped to his lips.
Kiba was more than happy to oblige. Sakura had only let him kiss her that first day, when she had finally accepted his advances. He didn't try to press her – even if the majority of his past relationships had centered on kissing – but he wasn't about to give up the chance.
But just before he could lean closer, she pulled back, locking the belt into place. "It's cold."
He stared at her for a long moment, before settling back in his seat and turning the heater on. She stared out the window, silent, for the rest of the ride.
-x-
"I'll get drinks. You sit and look pretty." Kiba paused. "But not too pretty."
Sakura furrowed her eyebrows, but did as told, crossing the café to drop into a corner booth. As soon as she sat, she took out her Organic Chemistry textbook from his bag. Kiba made a face at her, turning to the counter.
Where he came face-to-face with Ami.
Kiba blinked. Ami stared back at him. He pulled out his wallet. "Two hot chocolates and a slice of chocolate cake, please," he said, thumbing through the bills. Ami moved, silently, to get his order.
When she came back, he had the correct change counted out and waiting on the counter. She slid the money off the counter, eyes on Sakura.
"Is that your girlfriend?" She sounded surprised, probably that a serious, bookish girl like Sakura would ever associate with the likes of him. Well, Kiba was surprised too, sometimes.
"Yeah," he said, taking the cups she held out. "Cute, isn't she?"
He didn't wait for her reply – not that it seemed forthcoming any time soon – and turned to head towards Sakura. When she saw him coming, she shut her textbook, pushing it to rest by her elbow.
"Quit studying, you make me look bad," he admonished, setting the drinks and dessert down.
"Can't have that, can we?" She eyed the chocolate cake with a grin. "I've gotta hand it to you," she said, picking up a fork. "You do know how to treat girls."
"Of course I do. Why would I lie?" He held a forkful of chocolate cake in front of her. "Say 'ah.'"
Sakura laughed, popping her own fork in her mouth. "No way."
"Humor me," Kiba said dryly. She swallowed her mouthful and stared at the fork he was offering her. Finally, she sighed, leaning forward to take the bite.
"Happy?" she asked.
Kiba took another forkful of chocolate cake, this time putting the fork into his own mouth. "Very," he said around his full mouth.
Sakura felt her cheeks warm, and took a sip of hot chocolate to distract herself. "I love it here," she said offhandedly. "We've been coming for years, Sasuke really—" She broke off, eyes lowering to the table between them. "Sorry."
Kiba set down his fork. "Sasuke really what?" he prodded gently.
Sakura's voice was so low Kiba had to lean forward to hear her. "Sasuke really likes their coffee. He takes it black, but only when he's studying."
Kiba reached across the table to pat her hand, and Sakura slid her hand into his, her palm warm against his.
"Black coffee is gross. I kind of prefer some sweetness in my life," he said, and even though he hadn't been trying to charm her, she smiled at him, grateful and wide.
"So do I," she said, lifting the last forkful of cake to his lips this time. "My turn. Open wide!"
He laughed, took the cake without complaint, and didn't let go of her hand until they reached the car, just as a proper boyfriend should do. Sakura looked happier than he had ever seen her.
-x-
It was Saturday, and Kiba had told Naruto to take the day off, spend some time with Hinata. The blond had agreed easily enough, and Kiba left him to Google show times for some stupid comedy.
A week ago, she had barely been speaking to him. Now, exactly seven days, 168 hours later, Kiba stood at the same spot, Sakura beside him, staring at him like he didn't repulse her. Sweet.
The moment Kiba entered the daycare, Akina launched herself at him, and it was only his quick reflexes that allowed him to grab her and steady himself before they both tumbled to the floor.
Sakura laughed at the sight, stripping off her coat, and Kiba scowled at her.
"Why can't you be a normal, protective girlfriend?" He set Akina on her feet and ruffled her hair. "Hey, kid."
"You want me to, what, fight a five-year-old for my boyfriend?" Sakura asked, obviously amused, just as Akina exploded with, "Girlfriend?"
Kiba was distracted by his irrational happiness (she had called him her boyfriend!) and glanced down at Akina. She looked positively heartbroken. Too late, he remembered her crush. That was still going on?
"Oh, Akina…" Sakura sighed, helpless.
Kiba, meanwhile, was scanning the room for Sousuke. He was nowhere to be found.
"Where's the Mini-Sasuke?" he muttered to Sakura.
She blinked. "Who—Sousuke?" She gave him an odd look and said, "Uh, I think he went on vacation with his parents. He'll be back on Monday."
Armed with this info, Kiba nodded, and leaned down to scoop an unhappy Akina into his arms. "Okay. We're gonna have a heart-to-heart now. No interruptions," he said firmly. Sakura turned away to hide a smile, and Akina buried her face in the crook of Kiba's neck. She smelled like baby powder, and the red velvet of her dress was warm against his arm.
"I thought you would marry me, Mr. Kiba," she sniffled pathetically. Kiba winced at the name, then set her down on a chair by the window in the corner, and crouched before her.
"Something, ah, came up."
That didn't seem to help. Akina's eyes were large and watery – even her pigtails seemed to droop. Kiba groaned, running a hand over his face.
"Look, Akina – you like Sakura, right?"
"'Nee-san?" She sniffed, then nodded. "Uh-huh."
"So can you see why I like her?" he pressed.
Akina bit her lip, looking disheartened. "Yeah…"
Well, that was easy enough. "Then will you forgive me for being her boyfriend?"
She patted him on the cheek, looking like she was trying very hard not to pout. "I forgive you," she mumbled, resigned.
Kiba smiled at her. She was a cute kid, even if she was in love with him. At least he knew she had good taste.
"Mr. Kiba?"
"Yeah?"
Akina glanced around furtively, then beckoned him closer. Puzzled, Kiba leaned forward, and she did the same, to whisper in a voice loud enough for the entire room to hear: "Do you kiss nee-san?"
She looked petrified at the thought, but – when Kiba looked around – he could see Sakura watching them closely, a small, amused smile flickering about her lips.
"When she lets me," he told Akina honestly. She scrunched up her nose, and Kiba added defensively, "Girls like that."
Akina looked as skeptical as possible for someone who still believed in cooties. "No, I don't think they do."
Little brat, he thought fondly. All girls should be so stubborn. He thought of Sakura. Well… maybe they could be a little more accepting. At least around him.
"No, it's true," he said, putting a hand behind Akina's head to bring her towards him, so he could give her a kiss on the forehead.
When he pulled away, she was smiling shyly, cheeks blooming with red.
"See?"
"Uh-huh." She nodded emphatically, jumping down from her chair and wrapping her arms around his waist. "I love you, Mr. Kiba."
Kiba glanced over to see if Sakura was still watching. She was. He raised his eyebrows at her expectantly. She turned away, but Kiba figured, if he could win over a heartbroken five-year-old…
-x-
Three hours later, Kiba was pulling on his jacket, when Sakura came up behind him, winding her arms around his. She rested her chin on his shoulder, stared up at him, and cooed playfully, "Don't tell me you're not good with kids, Kiba."
"I'm not, though," he said. "I'm about to scar them for life."
Even so, when he leaned down, he only kissed the top of her head. Sakura stared up at him, clearly bemused, but already kids were breaking out into choruses of "Ew! Cooties!"
Kiba turned to the little monsters. Another girl Sakura's age was just exiting the cloakroom to take on her shift, watching them, as he told the kids:
"One day, trust me, you'll be doing the same thing. Hands off Akina, though, alright?"
And then, hand on the small of her back, Kiba led Sakura out the door.
-x-
He finally had to let her go back to her dorm to study. Sakura made him promise to finish his essay that night, and although Kiba agreed, she still texted him to remind him an hour after they separated – which was probably a good thing, considering he was, instead of working, playing Spider Solitaire.
Kiba took it as a good sign that she knew him so well, and was such a good influence, too. He texted her to say so.
we're meant to be. my parents will be so proud.
Her reply was immediate: Is that so? Go back to your essay.
harsh. don't you wanna talk to me?
Sure, but I'd rather you not waste time.
you're not a waste of time.
It was then that Naruto came banging in, and Kiba dropped his phone onto his desk to turn to him.
"How was the movie?"
"Terrible! Hinata-chan and I left it to go get ramen. It was awesome."
"Of course it was. Did she have fun?"
"I think so. She was smiling a lot."
"I'll bet." His phone beeped to signal a new text, and Kiba snatched it up.
You're awful sweet, Mr. Kiba.
He texted back: i do believe i've finally charmed you, before looking back at Naruto. He was pulling a can of coke from the mini-fridge.
"Sakura?"
"Sakura."
Naruto took a long gulp of his drink, then wiped his mouth and said, "You get this goofy look on your face whenever you talk to her. it's sickening."
His phone beeped, so rather than make any verbal response, Kiba flipped him off. Naruto laughed.
Don't push it. FINISH YOUR ESSAY.
Kiba laughed. In Sakura's world, that translated to "Don't text me back," and so he sent her a winking smiley, then set down his phone.
"Have fun with the kids today?" Naruto asked, now pulling out a bar of chocolate. He was so unhealthy. Plus, all that sugar and caffeine couldn't be good for someone already as annoying as Naruto.
"Yeah, it was cool. It's like twenty mini-Narutos running around, but more mature."
Naruto made a face. "Funny." He finally shut the fridge door and leaned against it, eyeing Kiba thoughtfully. "Lee's birthday party is next Friday. Are you going?"
"Probably," Kiba said absently, pulling up his essay on his laptop. "If Sakura wants to."
"Hmm." Naruto sounded off, but Kiba didn't really care. Naruto was just weird. It was best not to worry about it.
Naruto fell silent, and Kiba focused back on his paper, due in two days. Sakura really was a good influence. Where had she been all his life?
-x-
"You dressed up for me?" Kiba asked, pleasantly surprised at Sakura's appearance. Make-up, chandelier earrings, and a green top that brought out her eyes, and she looked even prettier than Kiba always found her.
"No, for Lee," she corrected with a grin.
"More competition? great," he sighed, shaking his head in mock annoyance. Sakura giggled, and they opened the door to the townhouse Lee shared with his best friend Neji. The party was already in full swing, crowds of people filling the small house. The foyer was nearly empty, though, so Sakura immediately spotted the person waiting just inside. Her eyes widened, and Kiba turned, curious.
Sasuke stood with his hands shoved in his pockets, looking uncomfortable.
"Hey," he said awkwardly.
"Hi," Sakura breathed.
Kiba stepped away from her. She didn't seem to notice.
-x-
Ex-boyfriends are a nightmare.
Ex-crushes are worse.
But ex-Sasukes? You might as well give up and save yourself the embarrassment.
-x-