Replies to Reviews;
Sir Greatness: Kiba's definitely trying to help her get out of this Kitai rut, even if it's with the simplest things like helping her to train to get her mind off of it. She definitely forgets at least a little when she's with him and Akamaru. Glad you see that. And Naruto, well... poor Naruto, indeed. He never does get a break does he? Just know I'm not trying to pick on him, I love the little guy. :P Thanks for the review!
KibaGirl: Ugh, I hate alcohol. I don't use it either, stings too much for me too. I thought it'd be funny to fling it in here. x'D Not to be blunt or anything, but I guess that she does love him. Really she uses 'crush' to define it... but Kakashi seems to see through that little defense. :P Sorry I took so long on this update. I've had some things going on lately... But I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for the review!
As she sings: I definitely did not take that in any kind of bad way. I'm all for the constructive criticism, so I appeciate your honest opinion. ^_^ I know fluff is hard to write, and I'm certainly no master - but I throw cheesy things in on purpose sometimes. It's almost my style, I guess. I love cheesy things, not terribly disgusting cheesiness - but enough for a little giggle, even if it may come off as an attempt at fluff. x'D If that makes any sense. About the soap opera thing... I find it funny that it comes off like that to you, hehe. But the story's going to get more dramatic later on, not to give anything away. I hope that effect doesn't really bother you. ^^" But I'm sure most girls could relate to having a crush on a close friend, feeling weak. I'm rambling now... But thank you for the honest review. I really do appreciate it, thank you! ^_^
XxMichyBabyxX: Thank you for the review! ^_^
"Kiba!"
The Inuzuka boys ears perked up as he turned slowly on his heel, Akamaru slowing with him. He only blinked as his best friend came running on up to him - a cat like grin on her lips.
"Yeah, what is it?" he asked, blinking again and comparing how wary she looked when he first saw her the other day and how happy she looked right now.
"Wanna hang out? Kakashi Sensei gave us the day off," she winked with happy snicker.
"Yeah, sure," he turned again, as she joined him on his other side, since Akamaru already occupied one. "Why the sudden change of mood?" he asked a few moments after.
"Hn," her lips curved downward slightly. "I'm.. usually happy, Kiba." Her tone was somewhat bitter as she shifted her eyes, catching his on her.
He pressed his lips into a firm line, "Yeah, I know. It's just... you've been sort of, you know.. off since..." he stopped there. He knew it was really bothering her, so why bring it up flat out? So much for avoiding it all together...
"Do you think I'm acting differently, Kiba?" she mumbled, playing with her fingers.
His expression was wary, "You used to be so happy... I mean, yeah, you still are. Just... not as much... with the whole... you know..." he stumbled with the whole statement.
He expected her to frown, or mumble a response but instead she just laughed; "Do... you have any idea what you just said?" And all he did was smile.
"So how's your ankle?" he asked, noticing it was still bandaged.
"Better. Doesn't really hurt to put weight on it," she explained. "I can walk, and run. Uh, haven't tried jumping or anything like that, yet..."
"Maybe that's why Kakashi gave you the day off," he gave a quirky grin, but she paused in her footsteps.
"You think so?"
Oh, good one Kiba...
"No, not that way," he told her quickly. "But I mean, don't you think it'd be a good idea to give it a break anyway?"
"Yeah, I guess so."
"So what do you want to do?" he asked her after a moment passed.
"Whatever you wanna do," she shrugged, his quirky grin coming back.
"OK... how about Ichiraku? I'm sort of hungry."
"Haha, I think you're turning into Naruto," she teased, playfully punching his arm as Akamaru barked happily. Kiba just recoiled in horror, "T-take that back!"
"Uh-uh," she tauned, wagging a finger.
"Forget it! Let's get barbeque instead!"
"Akamaru's not allowed in," she pointed out, her energy dying down again. Kiba lowered his eyes down to Akamaru, who barked.
"Guess Ichiraku it is, then!" her voice sounded again, as he pressed a hand to his forehead.
oOo
"So, are we going to watch the sunset tonight or not?" Kiba asked, once he and Jade had finished eating.
"Um, yeah. But I'm gonna run home for a second... I'll meet you there," she said, slipping off her stool and standing up.
"Uh, I'll go with you," he said, getting off his own stool.
"No, it's fine!" she exclaimed quickly. "It's nothing. I'll meet you there, soon!" And then she ran off, leaving the Inuzuka with a clueless expression on his face and a ramen bill to pay.
oOo
"A camera?" Kiba had his arms outstretched behind him as he sat on the hill, Jade walking over and sitting down beside him.
"Yeah," she murmured, checking the film. (A/N: I have no idea how those old cameras work, haha.)
"What for?" he asked, as she aimed the lense at Akamaru - who was slumbering in the grass at their feet.
"So I can keep memories of happy times alive," she said quietly, pressing down on the shutter button. In a moment the picture dispensed from the camera, as she carefully pulled it out. Kiba couldn't help a soft smile from forming on his lips as she shook the paper, delicately holding the top corners with her index fingers and thumbs. Soon Akamaru became visible on the sheet, as Jade grinned turning it toward Kiba, "Whaddya think? Akamaru's pretty photogenic, un?" she joked.
"It's not his fault he's such a handsome pup," he boasted as she set the photograph aside.
"He's easily the most handsome dog in Konoha," she added with a playful roll of the eyes. She held up the camera again, "How 'bout one of you? And smile, don't try to seem so tough and wild!"
"I am wild," he muttered, awkwardly posing for the lense. "Um, try and get my good side, OK?"
She lowered the camera only to give him one of those 'looks', "Don't worry. All your sides are... good..." she added quietly, raising the camera again to hide her face. "Now smile. Try not to look so posed!"
"I am posed," he moaned, scratching his head.
"Just..." she trailed off. "... be natural."
"Easier said then done," he mumbled to himself, screwing up his face and looking down at Akamaru.
Jade's eyes lit, "There! Sit down by Akamaru - you oughta be natural around him."
"Oh, yeah you're right," he said, crawling down by his nin-dog.
"Now forget about me and pat him," she told him, raising the camera once again. Comfortable again, Kiba stroked Akamaru's fur while Jade pressed the shutter.
"Did you take it?" he asked, sitting straight. "Did you get my good side? What about Akamaru?"
Rolling her eyes to herself she took the sheet out, shaking it a little until Kiba and Akamaru appeared on it. She smiled, "There. Looks good to me."
"Look posed? Lemme see it!" Kiba fussed, as she handed him the photograph. He grinned, "Hey, that's good. And you got both our good sides."
She only sighed, setting the camera down beside her along with the photo of Akamaru.
"Hey, what about one of you and me?" Kiba said simply, Jade looking up from the camera.
"I... like taking pictures more than I like being in them," she mumbled sheepishly, Kiba scooting closer to her and reaching an arm out to take the camera.
"What're you talking about? C'mon, one of you and me. Just one," he made a face as he messed with the camera. "Uh, how do you work this thing?"
"You press the b-" Before she could finish Kiba's finger slipped on the button, accidently taking a picture of her foot.
"Nice picture," she murmured with a warm smile as she took the dispensed sheet.
He laughed nervously, "Uh, yeah. It's... abstract."
"Uh, do you want me to take the picture?" she asked quietly, slightly raising a hand to take the camera.
"Nah, I will. Now smile!" he told her, pressing his shoulder against hers. She strained a smile while he put on a wide grin, snapping the shutter button. When the photo dispensed he made a face, "No, that's no good. You look too uncomfortable. C'mon, Jade, it's me! Smile!"
"OK, I will," she said, as he pressed his side against hers a second time. He put on another grin, flashing the peace sign while she gave a simple, happy smile.
"OK, let's see how this bad boy took," Kiba mumbled to himself, waiting for the photo to dispense while Jade shook her head to herself.
He grinned, fangs peeking out over his lip as the photo dispensed, "Hey, yeah! That's a good one. Take a look."
She took the photo from him and looked it over, "Yeah, that is a nice one."
He nodded, "Whaddya say to just one more? You can take it this time."
"Yeah, OK," she agreed taking the camera from him. "Say cheese... or... something..."
"Ch-!" he was cut off when Akamaru leapt at a butterfly fluttering past him and Jade, both of them shouting in surprise - making Jade accidentally press the shutter button. She gasped lightly as the photograph began to come out.
"Uh, we can take it again," Kiba said sheepishly, as she pulled the sheet out and shook it. She just smiled, "No... I like it. The way it is."
He raised an eyebrow, taking the picture from her. He just laughed. Both their mouths were open from the shouts, their eyes wide too. All with Akamaru's rear right in the middle of the focus.
"That part of Akamaru's... not that handsome," he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well I think I can do something with this," she smiled, taking the photograph back from him.
"Like what? Painting over Akamaru's, uh... end?" he cleared his throat slightly.
She laughed, "No... But... You'll see." She set the picture down with the others and looked to the sky. "For now... let's just watch the sunset."
"Sounds good to me."
Akamaru agreed to this with a happy bark.
A/N: I apologize that the update took so long. And I also apologize for the insane shortness of this chapter. I wish I could've made it a bit longer... but I didn't want to merge the purpose of the next chapter with this one - though they sort of go together. Hope you liked it, anyway though! ^_^
Question; What do you think Jade's going to do with that "negative" photograph (AKA accidental photo of Akamaru's butt... x'D). Answer honestly, I'm not afraid of crazy minds. x'D