Note from the Author: This one-shot is dedicated to Ghost, my cat, because he inspired it by jumping into my lap while I was trying to write.

Smells

"You really hate me, don't you?"

"Don't be melodramatic."

"Don't they eat bugs?"

"My insects will never be exposed to her."

"You just got it to spite me."

Shino sighed, turning to face his teammate. "It's got nothing to do with you at all."

Kiba eyed the offensive creature. "Why would you get a cat when you know I hate them?"

"Because, as much as this may come as a surprise to you, not all of my actions revolve around your wishes." His fingers ran along the black fur between the kitten's ears. "And I like cats."

Kiba flopped down on his friend's bed, as far from the small animal as possible. "Why don't you like dogs? Dogs are friendly and affectionate and loyal."

"Cats are quiet. They keep to themselves and only expect affection when one is willing to give it." Shino countered. "And you don't have to come over here."

"But you're going to smell like cat!" the dog-lover whined.

The kitten mewed as if to say, "You don't smell so great yourself!" and jumped from the bed, stalking out of the room.

Shino sat down in her place, unzipping his coat a little, and leaned over his friend, smirking.

Kiba squirmed beneath his gaze. "What?"

The usually stoic boy pushed back his teammate's hood. "You'll have to wipe that smell off me, won't you?"

Kiba grinned, pulling him down by the collar of his shirt, unzipping his coat the rest of the way to get his arms around him as he mashed their mouths together. "I like the way you think." He murmured against his lips. "This might take a while – you reek of feline."

Shino groaned as he bit down on his neck. "I think I prefer smelling like you." He breathed, capturing his mouth again.

They broke apart at the sound of a panicked "Mrow!" followed by a snarling bark. Their heads lifted in time to see Akamaru chasing Shino's new pet past the door.

He sighed, untangling himself from his lover. "Guess it'll have to wait."

Kiba jumped up from the bed, taking off down the hall. "Akamaru! If you kill that cat, I'm never going to forgive you!"

Shino almost smiled at the irony of it.