I stretch and yawn, blinking in the early morning sunlight. I flip out of bed, and my feet hit the cool floor. I glance out of my bedroom window to see that Kiba fell asleep with his window, once again, open for me to view him at my leisure. I hear someone beginning to stir in the next rooms. I step onto my balcony and grin as I whistle for Akamaru, who comes bounding through the window, across the yard, through the doggy door, and up the stairs to my waiting hand. I scratch his ears, and after picking up my blanket, I knock lightly on Gaara's door. A brief grunt is heard, and I enter along with Akamaru.

"Morning, love. Sleep well?" Gaara nods in response as I smile. "Good. Help yourself to anything you find downstairs for breakfast. If you find something you want me to cook, let me know, and I'll be more than happy to accommodate you."

"You don't have to cook for me, love. I'm not the Kazekage when I'm here."

"I know, love. But you're my friend, and I love you! Thus, I am more than happy to cook for you!" I blow him a kiss as he stands and stretches, completely shirtless. I eye his abs and grin. "Nice body, Gaara-bear!"

He blushes, and I stroll over and hug his bare waist, resting my head on his naked chest. He hugs me back, still lightly colored red. I release him and blow him another kiss as I leave the room and shut the door with Akamaru right behind me. I tap on the next door and poke my head in. I see Temari raise her head slightly, still asleep. I kneel beside her, dragging my blanket with me, and speak softly.

"Help yourself to anything you find downstairs for breakfast. If you want me to cook something, let me know, okay?"

She nods and mutters something incoherent, resembling something about "Shikamaru," "clouds," and "blasting Kankuro's puppets to the Hidden Mist." I grin and retreat, preparing to wake Kankuro. I stalk into his room, knowing he's still asleep. I drop my blanket by the door before I slink over to the bed and climb in next to him. I tell Akamaru to go outside the door in the hall and whine like a crying baby. I drape my arms around Kankuro's sleeping form and wait for Akamaru to whine. As if on cue, Kankuro begins to stir and turns to hold me in his sleep, muttering something about kids hating him. I yawn and hold him closer.

"Kankuro, isn't it your turn to feed the baby? I already did it three times last night, and my breasts still hurt. Will you go make the bottle, please, my love?" I ask, sounding overly exhausted.

"Do I have to, Aria?" He asks. He falls silent again before his eyes snap open. "Wait, what do you mean?"

I grin and kiss him on the forehead. "Good morning, sleepyhead. Help yourself to anything you find downstairs for breakfast. If you want me to cook something you find, let me know, okay?"

He nods, and I hug him again before making my way to the door. I pause to pick up the blanket, and he notices my rear. "Nice pajamas and blanket, Aria. I really did well last year, eh?"

I grin and nod as I blow him a kiss before exiting the room, knowing he's staring at my ass as I walk out. "Yep. Best present ever."

I walk back out onto the balcony with Akamaru and watch Kiba. Several minutes later, Kiba stretches and sits up in his bed. He looks around before walking over to look out the window. He looks up to my balcony and waves at me, and I smile and wave back before heading inside to make breakfast anyway.

***Short skip in time to Gaara and Aria meeting Deidara and Tobi at five on Saturday. Basically, the rest of Friday was spent with Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari and catching up with other friends in the village, sleeping, and seeing Kiba at the window again in the morning.***

Gaara and I walk out of the house, waving to Temari and Kankuro. I yell and tell them we'll be back soon, and they nod and disappear inside the house. Akamaru bounds up and stops at my feet, begging to be allowed to come along. I almost slip up and answer him before Gaara nudges me. I glance up and see Kiba following closely behind.

"Kiba, what does Akamaru want?" He rubs the back of his head as I ask.

"He wants to come with you, wherever you two are going."

"Really, Kama? You want to come with us?" I ask, wondering if it's Akamaru or Kiba who really wants to come with you.

*Yes, I do. I'm sure Kiba would like to come along, too, but you're going to a secret place, right?*

"I take that as a yes, Kama!" I grin and look up at Kiba expectantly. He looks away, giving me time to quickly nod and confirm Akamaru's suspicions. Kiba looks back at me and informs me what Akamaru said.

"If it's a secret place, then what's so secret about it?" He asks. "Where are you going that I can't go?"

I think quickly, an idea suddenly forming in my mind. I decide to mess with him while also keeping my carefully formulated plans from him. "Gaara's helping me with some preparation for tonight."

Kiba's eyes widen slightly. "And what, may I ask, are you preparing for? Actually, what do you possibly need to prepare for tonight?"

I purposely blush and look away. I glance at Gaara and see he's smirking at me slightly, just enough so I can tell but Kiba can't. I return the look and stare at the ground. I mumble something incoherent about lingerie and fruit as I kick my feet at the ground. Akamaru's trying not to laugh as I fake being embarrassed and caught.

"What?" Kiba asks, entirely interested.

"Uh, don't worry about it, Kiba! It's a surprise, so I guess you just have to wait and find out later okay?!" I rush through the explanation, and Kiba turns faintly pink.

"Sorry, Aria. I'll just go. You can take Akamaru with you, so have fun." I get a worried look on my face and race up behind him as he turns away. I hug him from behind and feel him stiffen before relaxing. I'm no longer faking.

"Kiba," I say softly, "I just want you to be surprised, is all. I don't want you knowing all of my plans before they're in action, okay? I just… really want you to be amazed later tonight. Stunned and shocked, actually. Is that okay?"

Kiba hangs his head slightly before spinning in my grip to hug me back. "Yeah, that's perfectly okay, Aria. I just thought maybe you didn't want me around or something."

"Never, Kibbles!" I grin as I squeeze him and use the nickname I gave him when we were four. I get more serious as I speak again, burying my face in his chest. I whisper, "I'll always want you around."

Kiba lays his head on mine and hugs me again before we let go, grinning. Akamaru's bouncing around and whining, something about "CANWEGOCANWEGO?!" Gaara's gracefully looking away. Kiba scratches the back of his neck and sweat-drops. He grins before walking away, saying, "Have fun you guys! See you later tonight, Aria!"

I grin as I watch him go. Gaara grabs my arm when he disappears and drags me along to the gates with Akamaru bounding happily alongside us. He pulls me through after him, both of us nodding at Kotetsu and Izumo as we exit through the gate. Akamaru follows us, and we set off down the road to wait for the two men. Half an hour later, we arrive at the rendezvous point. I immediately plop on the ground next to a tree on the side of the road, and Akamaru situates himself behind me. Gaara seats himself next to me with more grace, and we wait, occasionally breaking the silence to chat.

"So, you are starting to like Kiba, aren't you, love?"

"What? Why do you ask?" I avoid the question.

*Come on, Aria. All three of us know now. Can't you admit it to Gaara?*

"You're right, Kama," I sigh. "Yes, Gaara, love, I'm falling in love with him. But why do you ask?"

Gaara grins. "I was just curious, love."

*Why do you two call each other 'love' all the time, Aria and Gaara?*

I start to chuckle. Gaara looks at me questioningly before realizing that I must be laughing at something Akamaru has said. I face Gaara while still leaning back on Akamaru. I grin as I explain, "Kama's curious as to why we call each other 'love' all the time, Gaara-bear!"

His eyebrow rises as he smiles slightly. "Shall I tell him, or do you want to do the honors?"

"I'll let you tell it," I say, "but we both know-"

"-that you're going to interject," Gaara finishes. Akamaru pants in laughter. Gaara begins to go into the tale of how we met, with me, of course, interjecting throughout his story. Basically, I've called him "love" since I met him just to remind him that someone cares about him. That someone is obviously me, although I'm sure there are more who care. Soon the story is finished, and we go back to waiting. Suddenly, Akamaru's ears prick up causing mine to do the same. We hear two people approaching, and I inform Gaara that I will return shortly. I disappear into the tree above us without another word. I make my way through the trees silently, my ninja instincts taking over. I stop on a wide, sturdy branch with lots of cover from the foliage around. I peer carefully down the road and see two men walking toward me. One of them is bouncing excitedly around the obviously annoyed other, yelling something about seeing his favorite friend. I grin as I watch an anime vein pop out on the second's head, the first oblivious to the irritation of the second. I wait for them to pass me before whistling piercingly to Akamaru, too high for any human to hear. I know that he understands what I want, and I hear him and Gaara rise and walk to the fork. The two men, now in front of me on the ground, notice them and wave. Shifting back and forth on my feet like a cat ready to pounce, I leap out of the tree and land on the back of the first guy; my fingers dig into his shoulders, my legs wrap around his waist, and I bite his neck – hard, drawing blood.

I hold on tightly as the guy screams shrilly and runs around the second guy even faster. He throws his hands in the air and runs in circles screaming, "Help Tobi, sempai! The boogeyman got Tobi! Tobi doesn't want to die, sempai!"

The second guy stands in shock, amused by both of our actions. Smirking slightly, he trips the first guy, who flies through the air with me still attached to his back. After a lengthy, slow-motion fall and a faster crash, we go tumbling in the dirt and land at Gaara's and Akamaru's feet. I'm grinning and laughing like a lunatic, and the Tobi is sniffling and crying while the second guy is pointing and laughing his ass off at us. I hug Tobi tightly.

"Sorry Tobi! Aria couldn't help it!" I holler in his ear, still giggling. Gaara looks amused, and Akamaru sounds out his barking laughter. I turn around and speak to the other guy, "You're just lucky I didn't decide to land on YOU, UN! And that was uncalled for!"

"Sorry, un, I couldn't resist, yeah," Deidara says. "Besides, Tobi's been driving me nuts the whole way here talking about seeing you, yeah."

"Come on, Tobi." I pick myself off the ground and hold out a hand to Tobi. He takes it, still sniffling. "What's wrong, Tobi? Did Deidara hurt you? Should I blow HIM up?"

"No, Aria-chan," he sniffles and rubs his neck. "Aria-chan bit Tobi, remember?"

"O yeah," I say and rub the back of my neck sheepishly. "Does Tobi want Aria to kiss it better?"

Tobi nods, still whimpering slightly, and takes his hand down. Deidara's mouth drops open in shock and jealousy. Gaara still look amused, and Akamaru is rolling on the ground beside him. I place one palm on Tobi's mask where his cheek should be, and the other I place on his shoulder. I lean down and see I've drawn blood.

"Tobi," I say, "there's a little blood, but not much. I'm going to get it off before I kiss it, okay?"

Tobi nods in submission, and I give Deidara an evil grin, a mischievous glint in my eye. I lean my head down to his neck since he's a little taller than I am, and I see there are only a few drops that have welled up to break the surface. The bite mark, I see, will last for at least a week, though. I rest my lips about an inch away and gently blow on it.

"What are you DOING, un?!" Deidara yells impatiently, watching my every move with envy.

"I'm blowing on it to make the sting go away," I say matter-of-factly. "Does it feel a little better, Tobi?"

He nods slightly. As I lean back down, I whisper so no one can hear, "Make this look good, Tobi. We're playing a good joke on sempai, okay?"

He nods only slightly enough so that I know he's in, and I bend in closer to his neck. I stick my tongue out and gently lick the wounded area. As I lap up the blood, I glance up through my eyelashes at Deidara, who is fuming. Tobi shivers slightly underneath my touch, and I know Deidara's jealous of the attention I'm giving him. After I finish giving Tobi a tongue-bath, I suck on the spot a little, making Tobi shudder and whimper.

"What are you doing NOW, yeah?!" Deidara fumes at me.

"I'm making sure it doesn't bleed again, YEAH," I say seductively in Tobi's ear, making sure I'm loud enough for Deidara to hear. I can tell Tobi's smirking underneath his bright orange mask. I continue to "treat his wound," and soon I try to pull away enough to break contact. Tobi's hand suddenly reaches up and holds my head in place against his neck, and he whispers, "Can Aria give Tobi that feeling again, please?"

Smirking, I reclaim contact and suck again as he grips my hair and whimpers again. Deidara has anime veins out the wazoo, and his face is bright red. I also notice the smoke trickling out of his ears. He gets angry anime style, with buggy white eyes and non-existent pupils. He is practically foaming at the mouth like a rabid dog on the rampage. I can hear Akamaru laughing behind me, and I'm guessing that Gaara is hiding his amusement. Soon enough I pull away, still smirking slightly and lean back in to kiss it.

"Better, Tobi?" I question, hiding how very close to laughter I actually am.

"Yes, Tobi feels better. Thank you, Aria-chan!" Tobi says cheerfully. I back away and smile at him. I turn back to Gaara and Akamaru and smirk widely. I glance back at Deidara, who seems to still be in a state of shock. I smile and wink at Gaara, Akamaru, and Tobi before I disappear and suddenly reappear directly beside Deidara.

"So, are we going or what?" I ask as he jumps from my sudden appearance. I smirk and thread my arm through his and begin to drag him along. Soon he regains control of his body and begins walking on his own. I let go of his arm and run behind Tobi. Hollering, I jump and land on his back, "TOBI, PIGGYBACK ARIA PLEASE!"

I can practically hear Tobi grinning through his mask as he takes hold of my thighs tightly before rushing further down the road. I'm giggling like a child as he races forward before turning around and rushing back. I hold on tightly to his shoulders as wind whips through my hair from his speed. He passes the other three and continues on behind them before turning again and repeating the process. I continue to laugh as he races back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. He tires out after Gaara, Deidara, and Akamaru make it a few miles down the road. He slows to a walk beside Akamaru, and I rest my head on the back of his shoulder with my arms hung loosely around his neck. Smiling lightly, I close my eyes and sigh in content. The gentle motion of Tobi's strides is beginning to lull me into a peaceful state of blissful serenity. I peek open my eyes enough to sneak a look at Gaara and Deidara; Gaara has an emotionless mask on his face, but I can see amusement in his eyes. Deidara, on the other hand, is sending looks of envy and rage at Tobi, who is continuing to walk at a leisurely pace. Most surprisingly of all, however, is the quietness of the late afternoon. Tobi is walking along silently.

*Aria, Deidara's scent has a murderous tinge.*

"Whatcha mean, Kama?" I mumble quietly. Gaara raises an eyebrow at me. Deidara and Tobi haven't seemed to notice. Akamaru continues to pad along beside Tobi and me as he pants in the afternoon heat.

*Actually, I suppose it's more of a jealous tinge. Perhaps the affection was a little much?*

"Maybe so," I mutter, "But still. The bird should know when to give up the hunt for a worm, you know?"

*This is true.* Akamaru pants in laughter. Gaara shoots a look at us, and I smile vaguely in his direction. *But are you calling yourself a worm, dear Aria?*

"Yes," I say, raising my voice slightly. Smirking, I lower it again so only Akamaru, and inevitably Tobi, can hear what I say next. "I am quite a catch, after all."

Akamaru sneezes in acknowledgement. *Yes. It's too bad that Kiba has yet to display his feelings, ne?*

"Yes, but what about the cat? So majestic, yet entirely high and mighty, supposedly superior to the rest of us."

*Yes, Kankuro is quite the obnoxious flirt, isn't he? But you aren't ever serious about him, are you?*

"No, never," I say before smirking. "I've always been more fond of dogs, anyway."

Akamaru wags his tail to show how pleased he is with my statement.

*That you have, Aria. It's even been quite plain to me how much you like dogs.*

"True, true," I mumble. "Jashin knows I've tried to make it obvious how much I like nin dogs, Kama, but you're just now catching on, ne?"

*Well, it took quite awhile for him to even admit to me that he fawns after you.* Akamaru cocks his head while he trots along the road.

"As the deer pant-eth for the water, dear Akamaru," I sing quietly while smirking.

*So his soul long-eth after thee, dear Aria.* Akamaru chuckles in his doggy laughter. Also chuckling quietly, I notice Gaara giving me a look, plainly stating that I WILL, in fact, be telling him about this nature conversation later on in the evening. I blink a few times and open my eyes the rest of the way before tapping Tobi on the shoulder.

"Hey, Tobi?"

"Yes, Aria-chan?"

"Can Tobi put Aria down, please?"

"Why?" Tobi asks, sounding disappointed. "Tobi doesn't mind. Is Aria-chan uncomfortable sitting on Tobi?"

"No, Tobi," I say with a smile. "Aria just wants to walk beside Tobi for a little bit."

"Okay, Aria-chan," Tobi nods his agreement as he stops to kneel. "Tobi will put Aria-chan down now."

"Thanks, Tobi," I say while sliding off his back. "Besides, we are getting close to Konoha. Gaara, if you will, love?"

Noticing the gate in the distance, Gaara nods his consent. "Do not squirm. I will not hurt either of you by Aria's request, but you must hold still so I can transport us all at once."

Deidara and Tobi nod while Akamaru and I stand and wait. Soon, sand begins to spill out of Gaara's gourd. It wraps around Akamaru's feet and mine, and it tickles as it slides slowly up my waist. I giggle a little and glance over to see a comical sight. It's plain to see that Tobi is excited about getting to play with Gaara's sand, but Deidara is a different story. He is twitching uncontrollably and trying not to look afraid. After all, he knows the kind of power Gaara possesses. Gaara glances at me and meets my eyes; it's plain to see he is highly amused by Deidara's reaction. Soon the sand envelopes us entirely, and we are cast into the dark together. A slight whirling sound is heard following a jerking feeling behind our navels. Soon enough the sand begins to retreat, and I see that we are standing outside of my house.

I grin and look over to see Deidara shaking slightly and Tobi's posture disappointed at the sand going back into Gaara's gourd. I motion for them to follow me and lead them into my home. After leading them into the living room and shutting the door, I call for Kankuro and Temari, who I expect to be upstairs. I am not disappointed. They come down the stairs, Temari gracefully and Kankuro thundering like an elephant, and freeze when they see Deidara and Tobi standing behind Gaara, Akamaru, and me. They point, mouths gaping, and I hold up a hand.

"Pyrotechnic master Deidara is not to be hurt," I command as I turn around to face the S-rank criminals. "Neither is Tobi. Deidara and Tobi, there is no hurting my friends. Please do not leave my house because I don't want you to be arrested or killed. We will only exit when dusk has fallen. Meanwhile, Deidara, you can begin setting up your wonderful display of explosions. Tobi, don't break anything. You can both help yourself to anything in the kitchen or elsewhere in the house, but stay out of things that do not belong to you. For example, my underwear drawer."

I say the last part with a slight glare in Kankuro's direction. He smiles at me innocently. I hold out a hand, saying, "Hand them over now. Don't make me come over there."

His grin falls off his face. He grumbles as he reaches into his pocket and tosses my skimpiest pair of panties into my awaiting hand. I curl my fist around them and hold them tightly. "And before you say anything, they were a gag gift from you on my last birthday, remember? And yes, I've worn them ONCE, but only because I forgot to do laundry the night before a mission."

His grin returns and transforms into a smirk. Temari looks as if she's trying not to laugh while Akamaru is laughing. Tobi and Gaara look innocent, but I see amusement in Gaara's eyes as well as a light blush across his face. He knows as well as I do that I've just told a blatant lie to Kankuro, who didn't detect it, oddly enough. Deidara has hidden his face behind the back of his hand and is plainly stifling laughter.

"Then why'd you keep them?" Kankuro asks, and I roll my eyes.

"So you could keep dreaming of the day you see me in them. Now, Gaara, Akamaru, and I are going out for… further preparations. Can I leave you guys in charge of setting up outside?"

"What are you guys doing?" Kankuro asks me.

"Shopping!" I grin. Temari jumps at the chance.

"Can I go, too?!" I grin at her and turn to Kankuro, Deidara, and Tobi. "Can I trust you guys NOT to kill each other and to take care of setting up?"

They nod, and I give out final instructions. "Kankuro, you take care of setting up outside, then we'll help when we come back. We shouldn't be too long. Deidara, no explosions allowed in the house. Tobi, no breaking things. Help each other, and play nicely. We'll be back soon."

They nod, and the four of us head out the door. I glance at Kiba's house and see him stretching with his back to the window. He's not wearing a shirt, making his lean and muscular back ripple. Akamaru nudges me, and I glance back at him, grinning sheepishly. "Yes?"

*Aria,* Akamaru shakes his head. *You were drooling.*

"Was not," I mutter. Gaara and Temari glance at me questioningly, and I shake my head. "It's nothing."

"What were you two discussing a while ago, love?" Gaara asks. Temari looks interested. "You should tell me now before I decide to invoke a game to find out."

I grin. "Fair enough. Well, Akamaru told me Deidara was jealous, right?"

I continue chatting, telling the story, while Temari begins to laugh. Gaara is plainly fighting the urge to grin in public, and Akamaru is barking laughter. I'm grinning as I relive the event. My story ends as we stop outside a store, my back to the entrance. Temari and Gaara glance behind me. Her grin grows as Gaara's eyes widen. Akamaru shakes his head.

*You'll be giving him ideas. You know that right?* I grin and look down at him while scratching his ears.

"That's what I'm going for, Kama, dearest!" I say with a wide grin. "I WANT to give him ideas!"

Temari giggles and gets an excited gleam in her eyes. Gaara stares at me, obviously wondering why in the HELL he is here. I look over at him, and a smirk slides onto my face. "Temari's here for obvious reasons. Kama's here because he wants to be. You're here for the guy's input."

"…" Gaara is silent. "Can go home and tell Kankuro to meet you at the park? I'd rather set up."

I smirk and nod my agreement. "Thanks, Gaara. I always knew I could count on you, love."

He looks extremely relieved, and he soon disappears in a whirl of sand. Three minutes later, he reappears with Kankuro by his side, who looks bewildered. He spins around and sees Temari, Akamaru, and me all grinning. He then notices the store behind me. A wide grin stretches across his face, and I return it. "Gaara decided he didn't want to help me with this portion of the setup. Would you be so kind, Kankuro, as to provide a male opinion?"

He turns around to Gaara and waves. "See ya."

Gaara nods and disappears in yet another whirl of sand. Temari laughs at the priceless look on Gaara's face while Akamaru pants in amusement. I snicker at the suddenly wistful look that has suddenly appeared on Kankuro's face. "Akamaru, Kankuro, Temari, shall we enter?"

Temari and Akamaru nod, and Kankuro can't help but to comment with a wide smile. "Aria, I would LOVE to help you pick out some lingerie."

***Short time skip, yet again. Sorry, folks. I don't know what to do for fillers, so we are skipping to the part where the lovely Anika makes an appearance. Or rather, the part where we kidnap her for a party. ^^ Here we go!***

"Gaara, you ready?"

He nods in confirmation. I am dressed in black pants, a black tank top, and a black toboggan on my head. I have smeared eye black under my eyes and randomly around my face, mainly to make fun of Kankuro. He wasn't too pleased when I reemerged from the bathroom and informed him of the reason I did that. Gaara and I are sitting outside of Anika's house in some bushes. Akamaru is beside me panting. It's almost seven, and dusk has just about set. I'm jumpy with anticipation. Akamaru shakes his head.

*Aria, you're acting very similar to a dog in heat.*

"And what gender, may I ask?"

*Male.*

I burst out in a fit of giggles, and Gaara looks as me curiously. I shrug while trying to stifle my laughter. "Akamaru told me that, in my edgy state, I resemble a dog in heat. A male dog, to be precise."

Gaara's eyes widen before a smirk sets in. "He's right, you know. Calm down. We only have thirty more seconds to wait, love."

"Thank Jashin!"

*I'll second that.*

I bounce around excitedly on the balls of my feet, still crouched in the bushes as the clock ticks closer to the designated time of our pinpointed arrival. Time seems to be moving infuriatingly slowly just to antagonize me when….

"It's time."

I jump up and race around Anika's house to her backyard. I let out a war cry with Akamaru – also wearing eye black, one of my black shirts, and a black doggy toboggan – bounding after me, howling excitedly. Gaara shakes his head and smiles before he transports himself to the peak of the roof to watch the scene unfold. I jump up and land on Akamaru's back. While holding on to the scruff of his neck with one hand, I pump my right arm in the air, still whooping wildly. Howling together, Akamaru and I race wildly through the guests, disrupting the get-together gleefully. As we continue to race around, people are looking at us, obviously questioning my sanity. Others, mainly those who live here in Konoha and know me well, merely shake their heads and smile at my antics. I suddenly spot Anika and howl loudly, imitating Kiba when he gets excited.

"YAHOOOOOOOO! Akamaru, hard right!" He howls in answer and turns in the indicated direction. As we pass her, I grab Anika by her arm and swing her behind me to land on Akamaru. She laughs and wraps her arms around my waist. I throw my right arm into the air and give yet another war cry. "I'm busting you out! We have to escape the chamber of torture!"

Akamaru skids around and begins to charge back through the crowd as I yell, "GAAAARAAAAA!"

We are soon enveloped in sand and suddenly disappear. We reappear on the street in front of Anika's house, and Akamaru begins to bound down the street. The partygoers hear our excited howls echoing back as we charge down the street and disappear from view.

***Short skip in time until we are back at my house.***

"We're heeeeere!" I cry as we race into the house, laughing wildly. Gaara appears next to me, smiling slightly. "Akamaru, it's time for you to go get Kiba! Hike!"

He woofs his agreement and informs me they will arrive in ten minutes. I race up to the bathroom to wash my face off and change into a white tank top and jeans. I toss the hat on my bed, and I laugh as I remember I forgot to undress Akamaru. Smiling, I let my hair down and pick up a brush, sighing slightly. A knock sounds on my door. I grunt as it opens. I glance behind me to see Kankuro and toss him the brush. He catches it and smiles slightly. I flop onto my bed, and he takes a seat behind me, running the brush through my hair. Once he's finished, I ask him a question.

"You haven't met Anika yet, have you?" He shakes his head. I grin arrogantly before a soft smile falls on my face. "I think you'll like her, Kankuro. I mean, no one's as good for you as me, but I think she'll do."

"Will she now?" He lays the brush aside, and I turn to face him.

"Yeah," I smile as I lean forward and hug him. He returns the hug as I continue speaking. "I think she will."

"So, you're sole purpose in having me here is to set me up with Anika?"

"Pretty much, yeah," I grin. "You can't tell me your disappointed."

"I'm not," he grins back. "Let's go."

We start out the door, and I hear the doorbell ring. He nods to me before heading out the backdoor to the party where everyone else has already gone. I open the front door to see Kiba in a pair of jeans and a light blue button up shirt. The first two buttons have been left undone, and the collar is flipped down. He looks… HOT! I think, hiding a grin. I smile instead and motion him in. I see Akamaru behind him, no longer wearing my clothing or the eye black. I take Kiba's bag and toss it on the couch before turning back to face him.

"Sorry about sending him back looking totally spy-like, Kiba," I say as I rub the back of my neck sheepishly.

"No problem," he smiles. "So, what's going on?"

"You'll see!" I grin and grab his hand, not missing the slight blush that plays across his cheeks. I drag him through the house and out the backdoor to the party. He looks around in shock, obviously confused.

"What's this?"

"My party!" I pause. "Didn't I tell you it was a party?"

He shakes his head. "No, I don't think you did."

"Oh," I pause again. "I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you later, okay? I promise!"

*Oh please.* Akamaru sighs. *The only thing this boy wants is to get you to kiss him. Then his life would be complete.*

Kiba coughs as I look down at Akamaru. I look innocently clueless as I ask Kiba what he said. He blushes more noticeably and rubs the back of his neck nervously. "It's nothing, Aria. Akamaru… is just making fun of me, is all."

"What's he saying?" I ask and am pleased to see Kiba blush even darker. He's saved from answering as Anika bounces over.

"Holy freaking apple PIE, Aria! This is awesome!" I grin at her reaction.

"Just for you!" I say as she grabs my arm. I turn to Kiba. "I'll be right back, okay? I have someone I want her to meet!"

Kiba inclines his head, still blushing, as I lead Anika away through the crowd. I soon spot Temari and Shikamaru sitting together on a bench. Tobi is, surprisingly, dancing around a bunch of highly explosive things with a sparkler in hand. I'm waiting for the boom as I look around for Kankuro. I spot him getting a drink and drag Anika over there, who suddenly looks rather shy.

"Kankuro!" I call and am pleased to see him turn my way. A grin slides onto his face as he looks at the girl being pulled along. "This is Anika, my favorite female friend… besides Temari, of course! Anika, this is my favorite Suna puppet master, the charming…"

I pause to whisper in her ear, "and sexy!"

My voice returns to normal as I continue, "Kankuro!"

I return my voice to a whisper in her ear again, "He's really good with his hands!"

My voice returns, yet again, to normal, "So, have fun! I introduced you to Temari and Gaara already, and since you already know Shikamaru, Deidara, Tobi, and Kiba, let the party BEGIN!!!"

I race away, calling behind me, "See ya!"

I've just reached Kiba as Temari calls out behind me: "GAME TIME! Aria left me in charge of this, so it is, inevitably, TRUTH OR DARE TIME!"

I hear a chorus of groans, one of which is my own, as we are all ushered inside. Temari forces us to sit in a circle. The usual goes on: embarrassing revelations, awkward and weird dares… the works. After an incredibly abnormal dare where Kankuro had to sing a 1970's love ballad to a twitching Deidara, he turned his eyes to me.

"Aria," Kankuro grinned. "Truth or dare?"

Well, crap. I know if I pick truth, he's going to make me tell everyone that I like Kiba. On the other hand, I know if I pick dare, he's going to make me DO something to Kiba. I sigh. I'm not going to be able to win this round. I look up at him dully and open my mouth. I take a deep breath and expel it forcefully. I shut my mouth and glance at Akamaru, who is on the opposite side of me from Kiba. I raise my eyebrow, and he pants quietly enough so Kiba can't hear him.

*I know. You can't win, can you?* I shake my head as he quietly continues. *I'd pick dare then. Might as well have some fun in making the kid blush, right?*

I nod, speaking as if talking to myself. "Yeah, that might be the best choice." I turn back to Kankuro with a grin stretched across my face. "I pick dare, bubble butt."

Kankuro blushes as I refer to his old nickname. I had given him that nickname one day while he was visiting Suna when we were kids. He was six and I was four. I decide that, if I get the chance later, I'll make him tell that story. Everyone in the circle, Shikamaru included, laughs at my choice of words. I grin cheekily as he glares at me. A smirk stretches across his face, and I know I'm in for it.

"Aria, dear," he says sweetly.

"Yes, dearest bottom made of bubbles?" He colors slightly darker as I continue to smile innocently.

"I dare you…" he motions me over with a glint in his eyes. He whispers the rest of the dare in my ear. "… to, later in the party and in front of everyone, confess your undying love and devotion to the ever-blushing Kiba and then plant a huge wet one on him. You have to look completely serious, and when you kiss him there are requirements as well. You have to wrap your arms around his neck, and kiss him for at least thirty seconds."

"How will I know?" I ask in reference to the time. He leans back in to whisper in my ear.

"Easy. Since you'll be in front of everyone, I'll make some random and possibly perverted comment with some reference to hooking up or getting laid. Easy enough?" I nod and head back over to my seat.

"I'll do it, dattebayo!" I grin. Everyone looks at me curiously as I continue to smile. "So, Anika, truth or dare?"

***Short time skip after the game to everyone changing into his or her pajamas. Although, you'll have to tune in next time! I've decided to end it here today because I'm proud for publishing this! ^^ Tune in for the finale, Fourth of July (Part D)!***