A/N: Sorry, review replies are coming, I'm just finding it hard to find time to do them... I'm currently writting chapters during my boring classes at uni :sweatdrop: Oh my God, I might actually fail if I don't pay attention... who'd have thunk it?

Disclaimer: MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE... :is rocking back and forth in a straight jacket: MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE... :K. Masashi shakes his head:

Thirteen Years Previous.

A young boy of about seven years bounced happily as he walked home. His school was only one block down the street, and his mother had given him permission to walk home as long as he promised to look both ways before crossing the street, and not talk to any strangers. He had promised, and so, he was allowed to walk home.

His backpack thumped loudly against his back with each bounce, but he didn't mind. It made him giggle, even. He reached his front door quickly, and climbed the steps up to the door. He opened it and kicked off his shoes.

"I'm home!" he called.

Immediately, he heard a dog barking and a small white dog with brown ears flew around the corner, leaping up into the young boy's arm. He laughed as the dog licked his face, barking a few times before continuing.

"I missed you, too, Akamaru."

"How was your day, Kiba?"

Kiba Inuzuka looked up at the woman he loved most in the world. His mother. She seemed a little rough sometimes, and more than once people had admitted to being scared of her, but Kiba thought she was the best person in the world.

The brunette's dad had died years before in a car accident; Kiba was too young to even remember him. He lived with his mum and older sister, now. His sister was eighteen, and would be graduating from high school really soon, which would mean she would be heading off to college. Kiba was sad to see her go, but then again, it meant he and his mum could spend more time together. She always helped Hana more, because her courses right now were harder.

"It was good, how was yours?" Kiba asked happily as he walked towards her in the kitchen, putting Akamaru down so the dog could bark and run around his ankles.

"It was good." Tsume smiled at her son as she opened the fridge and pulled out a juice-box, handing it to Kiba. He grabbed it happily before poking the straw into the drink and sipping away, bobbing his head from side to side.

Once he was done, he threw it in the bin before leaning up against the counter, looking at what his mother was doing. "What's for dinner?"

"Chicken and vegetables." She smiled down at him. "Your favourite: soya-chicken on the barbecue."

"Yay!" Kiba threw his hands in the air. "Guess what I'm gonna do today!"

"What's that?"

"I'm gonna teach Akamaru a new trick!"

"Maybe you can teach him not to chew on my shoes." She shot a fake glare at the dog, who barked and cocked his head to the side, not understanding that she was scolding him.

"I can try, but I don't know if he'll understand." Kiba turned to look at the dog. "Come on, Akamaru!"

The dog barked as he followed Kiba, who was running towards the living room to head into the garden.

"Don't ruin my flowers!" Tsume called after them before the back door slammed.

That evening was a normal, calm dinner like every other night. Hana came home from school, did her homework, and the three of them sat down for dinner, chatting about their days. Hana was a good older sister, only teasing Kiba when she really couldn't help herself, and teaching him how to act more manly, since he tended to imitate her a lot. She always told him he'd have to turn into a good man to help their mother out once she was gone. Kiba insisted she didn't have to worry, because he'd be the best man in the world.

After dinner, Kiba was allowed to watch one hour of cartoons before he had to take a bath and head off to bed. It was nearing nine by this time. Tsume tucked him in and kissed him goodnight, Hana calling up the stairs to him. The second Tsume walked out of his room was the last time Kiba saw her alive.

It was probably no later than ten-thirty when the screaming started. Kiba knew Hana's boyfriend was coming over for a little while that night, but none of them had known he'd recently been turned into a vampire. The second he'd entered the house, it was over.

Kiba jerked up in bed as he heard his sister scream in agony, his mother shouting. There was anger in her voice, but it was also laced with fear. Kiba could practically smell their fear. Akamaru jumped up from his position on Kiba's bed and barked, running towards the brunette's bedroom door and rushing into the hall.

"Akamaru!" Kiba threw the covers off himself, running after the dog. He didn't want him to get hurt, and he knew his mother and Hana would take care of whatever the problem was.

He caught up to the dog by the stairs, grabbing him hurriedly and holding him tightly as Akaramu continued to bark. Kiba struggled to keep his hold, looking down the stairs as he did so. The sight that greeted him made him let the dog go on reflex, his eyes wide as he stared at the scene before him. Hana was on the floor, a gaping wound in her throat as well as two puncture marks on the side of her neck. Her throat had probably been ripped out to silence her.

Hana's boyfriend was now holding a weakly struggling Tsume, his mouth to her neck, holding her tightly. Soon, the woman went limp, and the boy dropped her to the floor. Akamaru was in front of him, Hidan, by now. He was barking away, but the boy merely looked down before kicking him away violently, the dog whining in pain as he slammed into one of the coffee tables. Kiba gasped.

That was a mistake.

Hidan looked up at him and Kiba's breath froze in his lungs. The other's eyes were red, and all he cared about right now was blood. Kiba happened to possess that particular fluid, which made him particularly appealing at that current moment in time.

The white-haired boy started towards the stairs, the brunette frozen where he was, crouched at the top of the stairs. Kiba kept telling his legs to move, his mouth to open, his hands to stop shaking; none listened. He could only stare as Hidan came closer and closer. Kiba was going to die, and he knew it. There was no doubt in his mind anymore.

Just as Hidan reached the step before the landing, something slammed into his back and he screamed. Kiba covered his ears. It was a scream he'd never heard before, high and growly, but full of pain. It was like something was eating away at him by the way he was screaming.

Hidan whipped around, and Kiba saw a large burn in the boy's back. It had even burned his clothes. It was a large cross-shaped burn. Kiba didn't understand.

"I've been watching you for a while. I knew you were a vampire." a voice Kiba didn't recognize said.

"You're the one they talk about. The hunter." Hidan growled.

"I'm sure I'm not the only one in the world, but right now, I'm your worst nightmare." the voice growled.

Hidan launched himself down the stairs and all Kiba could see was two bodies lashing out at each other. It happened in almost an instant, it was so fast. Hidan's arm blew off and he screamed before running from the house.

The voice Kiba hadn't recognized belonged to a man who must've been about twenty-three, but had greyish hair. He looked like he wanted to go after the vampire—Kiba knew for certain, now, that that was what it was—but duty took over and he turned to Hana. He felt for a pulse, and was unsurprised to find none. He did the same with Tsume, again with the same result.

Then, he looked up, his brown eyes locking with Kiba's. The boy was terrified all over again, but he still couldn't move.

"Are you okay?" he asked, walking over Tsume's body and heading for the stairs. Kiba finally found his voice, and he screamed, scrambling away. "Hey, it's all right, it's all right!" The man rushed up the stairs and grabbed Kiba, the seven year old trying to push him away, still screaming. The man ignored him, hugging him to his chest and rocking slightly. "It's okay, it's all right. I'm not going to hurt you. It's over, you're okay."

Kiba had stopped screaming and was now crying, instead. His mother and sister were dead, and he was being comforted by a man he didn't even know. The man had saved his life, and he still wasn't sure why.

"W-who are you?" Kiba asked fearfully.

"I'm a vampire hunter. My name is Kakashi."

Nine Years Later.

A sixteen year old brunette inhaled deeply on his cigarette, his sharp eyes scanning the smoke-filled room of writhing, sweaty bodies. It disgusted him that people could just walk into a night club and start dancing and sweating all over a complete stranger. Hot, the boy flicked his cigarette away, trusting someone to step on it and put it out.

He reached for another as someone grabbed his hand. "Cancer stick." a smooth voice said.

"Yeah, well, I like to live dangerously." Kiba Inuzuka grinned at Shino Aburame.

Both were underage, but Shino's father owned the club. Both knew what Kiba did for a living, and after Shino's mother had been killed, they went out of their way to help the boy work more easily. The only rule was Kiba couldn't drink, not that he would. It would impair his judgement. He needed to be sharp; focussed.

"How many, tonight?" Shino asked as Kiba ignored his advice and lit another cigarette.

"So far? Just one." He nodded his head towards the dance floor. "But I'll be getting two as soon as that redheaded girl convinces blondie to go outside."

Shino followed his gaze, watching as an insanely attractive blond boy who had to be their age danced with a redheaded girl. He kept murmuring in her ear, causing her to giggle. Kiba just watched, inhaling on his cigarette. He had to wonder how the blond could stand to wear a long-sleeved shirt.

It was nice; a white button-up with an open collar. Kiba snorted as he watched him. His neck is too exposed, he thought with a sigh. It's like a sign posted on his forehead—'I'm an idiot, suck me dry.' Idiots, why do I bother protecting them?

But, despite his thoughts, as soon as the brunette saw the vampire leading the innocent blond towards the back door, he exhaled the smoke in his lungs and flicked his cigarette away.

"Later." He smirked at Shino before heading for the back door.

He pulled a cross out from his pocket before cautiously pulling a stake out, pushing past people. Kiba was worried he wouldn't make it in time, because people kept getting in his way.

"Shit!" The vampire and blond were outside. "Move! Move!" He shoved past people roughly and slammed through the back door in time for a scream. Except—the scream belonged to a girl.

Kiba walked a bit further and reached the two just in time to see a stake retreat on the blond's arm, the vampire turning to dust. Kiba leaned back against the wall, chuckling.

"Well shit on me. What do you know? I come out to save some pretty-boy, and wind up with another vampire hunter." He laughed slightly, shaking his head.

"You almost sound disappointed." The blond ensured his stake was well hidden.

"Not really." Kiba shrugged. "Just a little bored, and looking forward to some action. It's been a slow night."

"Then you're obviously looking at the wrong place. This is my twelfth kill, and I've only been out for an hour."

"No shit?" Kiba laughed, still waiting to see the blond's face.

The other boy, for his part, whispered a prayer before crossing himself. Kiba frowned with a growl, not understanding why he'd done that.

"Why pray for a monster?"

"Even though it died as a monster doesn't mean it lived as one while it was alive."

"You're a little strange." Kiba admitted.

"You have no idea." the blond whispered before finally turning around. The second Kiba saw his eyes, his stake was out and he was in a fighting stance.

"What are you?"

"It's not what you think. I—"

"What are you?" Kiba snapped again.

The bond sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "I'm complicated."

"You killed a vampire. Why?"

"Because my mother was killed by one."

"Human?" Kiba narrowed his eyes.

"Yes."

"Why did you pray for it?"

"I told you already." The blond sighed.

"How was your mother killed?"

"My father killed her." He spat the word 'father'.

"Human?"

The blond hesitated. "Vampire master."

Kiba narrowed his eyes further, watching him. "Okay. So—what are you? Whose side are you on?"

"I'm mostly human—"

"Mostly?"

"—but I have vampire characteristics."

"So, whose side are you on?" Kiba asked, eying the other supisciously.

"What do you think?" The blond motioned the pile of dust. "Like I said, I'm mostly human, and I probably hate vampires more than you do."

"Doubtful." Kiba glared. "Did a vampire kill your mother and sister when you were seven?"

"Did a vampire kill your mother when you were eight hours old?" the blond shot back with vehemence. Kiba's head snapped back. "I'm the son of the leader of the most fearsome group of vampires here, but I'm a human who refuses to turn. What do you think my life's been like, because I doubt they're out there every night always hunting for you." The other boy glared at Kiba, both boys remaining silent for a long while until the blond pushed past Kiba. "I've got to go. I have more hunts."

Kiba listened to the other boy as he made his way back to the door. He sighed deeply before turning. "Hey." The blond halted. "You need a hand slaying the evils of the world?"

The other boy grinned, turning to Kiba. "Everyone needs help being a hero."

Five Days Later.

"Wow." Kiba whispered as he looked up at the house before him.

"It's not much." Naruto shrugged. "But it's home."

"Hey, for someone who's been living in a basement for the last nine years, it's huge."

Naruto laughed as he led Kiba towards the house. It was fairly small, only containing four bedrooms and two bathrooms on the second floor, with a kitchen, living room and dining room on the first, but it was all Naruto and Kakashi needed.

They'd been living there ever since Kakashi had found Naruto again when the boy was eight. Naruto didn't know how Kakashi would feel about Kiba's dog, but after bumping into the brunette a few times over the last couple of days, and finding out he basically had nowhere to live, Naruto had offered to let him stay with him and Kakashi. After all, there weren't very many good vampire hunters out there, so the good ones may as well stick together. And Kiba was definitely good, since he'd been able to tell Naruto wasn't exactly your average teenager.

Naruto opened the door, kicking off his shoes as Akamaru trotted into the house, Kiba closing the door as he also entered. "Kakashi, I brought him." the blond yelled as he grabbed an apple from the bowl in the hall table and bit into it.

The second he did, he twisted quickly and shot out his hand, catching an arrow an inch from Kiba's face. The brunette stared, wide-eyed.

"No ruining your dinner."

"Dammit, Kakashi, you almost killed Kiba!" Naruto yelled, throwing the arrow to the ground.

"No, you almost killed him. I aimed for you, you're the one who twisted out of the way." Kakashi smirked as he headed towards the two boys, a crossbow in one hand. "Hi, I'm Kakashi Hatake." He held his free hand out to Kiba.

The brunette frowned, vaguely recognizing the name. "Kiba Inuzuka. It's strange, you know—your name sounds really familiar."

"Maybe we've met before." Kakashi smiled before motioning Kiba's things. "Is that everything?"

The brunette nodded, looking at the bag he'd dropped at his feet and shifting the strap on his guitar case. "That's it." There was a bark at the end of the hall and Kakashi turned to see Akamaru sitting on the stairs, wagging his tail happily. "Oh, right. And him." Kiba smirked. If Kakashi said no to Akamaru, Kiba was so out of here.

"A dog?" Naruto and Kiba shared a look as Kakashi stared at Akamaru. Then, suddenly, the older man let out a cheer before running down the hall. "I love dogs! Come here! You're so cute!" Kakashi began making weird noises as he pet Akamaru, the dog barking enthusiastically.

Naruto laughed, embarrassed, scratching the back of his head. "I guess he doesn't mind. Come on, I'll show you to your room."

Kiba and Naruto pushed past the still-cooing Kakashi, the blond pushing open the door at the top of the stairs. It was one of the two spare rooms, but the other room was where the two stored their weapons. Kiba's meagre collection would be joining it soon.

"This is usually the guest room, but nobody visits us except Kakashi's almost-mother, Tsunade. She only does it to make sure he hasn't killed me, yet. He'll just have to give up his room and sleep on the couch."

"I don't think so." Kakashi appeared in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe. "She comes here to see you, so you'll be the one sleeping on the couch."

"Jerk." Naruto grumbled. Kiba cocked an eyebrow at the supposed insult. Kakashi noticed.

"Naruto doesn't swear." he informed. "He was helped by a priest a few years back that we still stay in touch with."

"That would explain the prayers." Kiba smirked.

"There's nothing wrong with wanting to wish a damned soul safe passage to its resting place." Naruto insisted, crossing his arms.

"If you say so." Kakashi motioned his face.

Kiba hadn't said anything about it, but he'd noticed the thin scars running along the corners of the man's mouth, almost as if someone had tried to pry his mouth open much father than it could go. They looked painful, but also very old.

"So, Mr. Inuzuka, are you going to school?" Kakashi inquired.

"I've been barely managing, but I'm thinking of dropping out so I can hunt more."

"Not in my house, you're not!" Kakashi glared. "The way I see it, you live here, you're like my kid, which makes you my responsibility. You're getting an education, because even though vampire hunting benefits mankind, you don't get paid to do it. I can't be the only person pulling in cash, and starting in a few years, you'll have the ability to help."

"Yes sir." Kiba smirked.

"Good." Kakashi smiled. "So, Naruto usually goes out every night, but I alternate. It's up to you how often you want to go out." Kakashi nodded in the blond's direction. "He knows all the hot spots for vampires."

"Dude!" Kiba turned to Naruto. "You show me to those vampires! They'd be all 'uh huh', and I'd be all 'you dead!', and they'd be all 'shit!', and I'd be all 'oh yeah!'." Naruto and Kakashi stared at him, stunned and a little scared. Kiba sighed. "Never mind."

Naruto then began to laugh hysterically, Kakashi just shaking his head. He had a strange feeling Kiba and his blond were going to be best friends, and they were going to purposely make Kakashi's life a living hell.

"Well, I'm going out to buy some dog food. You boys be good."

"We always are." Naruto grinned.

"Oh, Tsunade said she was going to stop by later." Kakashi informed before leaving, looking at the blond. "She's bringing some blood over for you."

"Yeah, yeah." Naruto sighed, waving his hand in Kakashi's direction. "Just go, already."

"Ungrateful brat." Kakashi smirked before closing the door.

Kiba lay on the roof of the house, strumming his guitar lazily as he watched the sun come up, a cigarette between his lips, and Akamaru lying down beside him, asleep. Naruto was sitting on his other side, propped up on his elbows. Neither said a word, both just trying to calm their bodies down from all the excitement the night had brought them. Kiba had never slain so many vampires in one night, and he thanked God he'd found Naruto. The blond was amazing when he fought, and Kiba couldn't wait to learn a few of his moves.

"Hey Kiba?"

"Yeah?" The brunette continued strumming idly on his guitar, neither boy turning to look at the other.

"If you ended up turning one day—what do you think you'd want to happen?" Naruto asked. The strumming stopped. "I mean, I'm not saying it'll happen or anything, I'm just curious. Kakashi said he'd want me to lock him in a cage and feed him pigs blood for the rest of my life, and then let him starve to death after I die."

"Wow..." Kiba whispered, not sure what to say. "He's a weird guy."

"I guess." Naruto shrugged. "But, you see, I'm the most important person in the world to him. He and my mother were best friends. I think Kakashi even wished they'd been more than that."

"It kinda makes sense, then." Kiba started playing an actual song on his guitar, now. Smoke on the Water, by Deep Purple. "What would you want if you turned?" Kiba asked, still not having decided.

"Death." the blond replied without hesitation. "If it's not me living in this body, then I don't want my face to haunt the last seconds of anyone's life." Naruto turned to Kiba, who nodded in understanding.

"I guess. That's a good way to put it."

"And you?" Naruto inquired.

Kiba thought about it for a minute as the song came to a close. He pulled his cigarette out of his mouth and flicked it off the roof. "I don't know. I'll let you know when I've decided." He flashed Naruto a grin.

The blond never did get an answer to his question.