Disclaimer: Eenie meenie miney moe, I do not own Naruto.

Author's note: After that last chapter, it's hard to think of how to proceed with things. Also, I realize that after two years, Akamaru is a big doggie; I just didn't remember until now, so I've decided to revise one of the earlier chapters. And... I seemed to have spoiled the last chapter to the point where it just became senseless smut. Let's see what I can do to fix it. Thanks again for all your reviews, and I'm sorry to keep you waiting.

Jingle, jingle.

The glass door swung open, and the shop keeper glanced up from behind the desk. The figure was tall and blurry, but that upstanding sweep of white sitting on top of the person's head voided the need for clarity. The elderly shop keep's lips wrinkled into a smile as he resumed cleaning his glasses.

"Mornin' Mr. Kakashi."

"Good morning," he returned stiffly. The shop keeper didn't seem to notice the awkward tone with which he replied, so he relaxed a little, and made his way to the back.

It ought to have been easier to do since this wasn't the first time, but it seemed like each time grew more risky. This type of thing required careful execution, and he wasn't sure he could maintain his feigned nonchalance much longer without somebody catching on.

He turned a corner and stood before a wide shelf. The category? Horticulture. How boring. He turned to examine the shelf behind him.

Reference...

He turned into the next section, parallel to the "Horticulture" and "Reference" sections. As many times as he'd done this, he still couldn't seem to differentiate the two sections. Was it the third or fourth row? Ah, well, it didn't matter now. If it wasn't that one, it was definitely this one.

Yes, there! Across from the "Romance and Relationships" shelf stood the "Sexuality" section. His eyes swept the expanse of the shelf, seeking only orange...

Aha! Found it!

Dragging a finger across the spines of the Icha Icha series, he stopped at the latest novel. He carefully plucked it away from the shelf. Turning it over in his hands, he examined his plastic-wrapped prize.

He glanced around casually, hoping no one was watching. This really was an awkward affair, a lot like buying condoms. He'd have to make this quick.

He strode hurriedly to the front, pulling money from his pocket to tender in exchange for the naughty book.

"I'll just take this, please."

"Ah, yes," drawled the old shop keeper, taking the book to scan.

Act natural...

"Wait..." the old man said, adjusting his eyeglasses. "Don't you already have this one?"

"Ah..." he said, scraping his brain for a witty explanation. "That is..."

This guy usually didn't say too much, right? Real vague, "maybe maybe not", cloak and dagger type...

"...There was an unfortunate incident involving a window and a stray dog..."

"Oh," replied the shop keeper, dropping the book into a bag. "That's too bad." He jabbed a few buttons on the register. "Fifteen hundred yen, please."

He placed the money on the desk and accepted the bag.

"Arigatou," he mumbled, heading for the door.

"Wait a moment!" called the old man. He froze.

Crap...

He turned. The old man beckoned him closer, holding out a fist.

"Your change," the old man said.

He breathed a sigh of relief, accepted the money, and exited the shop.

He then broke into a run and disappeared into a nearby alley.

POOF!

As the cloud of smoke disapated, Konohamaru came into view, clutching a plastic bag.

"Score!" cried the voice of a stuffy-nosed boy. Udon approached Konohamaru. "You got it? Lemme see!"

Konohamaru reached into the bag and extracted a glistening copy of the latest Icha Icha, still in its "18+" wrapping.

"Woah! You really got it! Amazing! It really works!"

"I toldja," Konohamaru said, peeling away the plastic packaging. "I'm a pro at this."

"You guys," Moegi whined, "we really shouldn't be doing this. What happens if we get caught?" Konohamaru and Udon looked up at her.

"Who told you to come, anyway?" Konohamaru asked, flipping through the newly opened book. "If you're scared, go home."

Moegi pouted.

"Stop acting cool, Konohamaru," she shot. "You think you're the stuff, but you're just really immature!"

"Then why are you here?" Konohamaru asked, smirking. "If I'm so uncool, why follow me around, huh?" The shut the book and tossed it to Udon.

"I...I'm just trying to keep you out of trouble."

"Yeah, right," Konohamaru replied, noting the red tinge on Moegi's face.

"Sweet!" shouted Udon. "This stuff's really x-rated! Listen... The air was silent as I watched her undress through the crack in the wall-"

"Shut up, Udon!" squealed Moegi, scrunching her face. "That's totally raunchy."

"She's right," Konohamaru said suddenly, looking around.

"I am?" Moegi asked, grinning.

"Yeah," Konohamaru said quickly. "Let's go to the park and read it there!"

Moegi groaned.

"... She lay on her back, legs spread open, as I pushed into her juicy-looking..."

Udon stopped reading, confused.

"Konohamaru, what's a snatch?"

The boy in question grinned.

"What do you think?" he asked back, leaning back until he hung upside down. Moegi made a face.

"You guys are so gross," she remarked, pulling back her legs. The swing swung forward.

"Whatever," Konohamaru said dismissively. "I'll be doing that to Hanabi one day."

"Pff," scoffed Moegi. "I doubt she even knows you exist." Konohamaru scowled.

"What's wrong? Jealous?"

Moegi extended her legs, swinging back.

"Don't flatter yourself," she spat. "She's obviously too mature for you. You're not even on her radar." She smiled, satisfied with herself.

"Well, I don't see you walking around with a boyfriend!" snapped Konohamaru, pushing himself right-side up. "You're just mad that no one's interested in you!"

Udon pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

Moegi pressed her feet into the sand below, stopping the swing.

"I'm not interested in a boyfriend!" she yelled. "And if I was, I definitely wouldn't want someone who just wanted to get into my pants!"

"Who wants to get into your pants?!"

Udon scratched the back of his head.

"You guys..." he called quietly.

"Give it up, Konohamaru, she's never gonna get with you!" Moegi yelled, standing up. "Why does a pervert like you have such high standards, anyway?" Konohamaru hopped down from the jungle gym.

"Hey, hey," Udon counseled. "None of that..."

"So I should lower them for you?" he asked sarcastically. Moegi glared angrily.

"You can't lower your standards for someone who's out of your league, Konohamaru!" she parried venemously. "Why don't you pair up with Udon? You're perfect for eachother!" With that, she stomped away.

Udon's jaw dropped.

Konohamaru cupped his hands around his mouth.

"Don't worry about me, Moegi!" he called after her. "I'll not only get all the girls, I'll screw them all, too! Even you!"

Moegi continued to storm away, giving no indication that she had heard him.

"Konohamaru," Udon sighed. "Why are you always so harsh to Moegi-chan?"

"Chill out, Udon," he replied. "She'll get over it. She always does."

"I guess..."

"Anyways, keep going," commanded Konohamaru. "I wanna know what happens next."

"Oh, Ryosuke," she panted. "Take me! What are you waiting for?"

Swoosh.

Kakashi tilted his head to avoid a swift kick in the face. It was pretty hard to get to the climax when it was Sasuke he was sparring with.

She sat up on her elbows and looked at me quizically. I-

Woah! Kakashi jumped to the side, just narrowly missing a kick that was aimed at his crotch. He pulled his hitai ate up and away from his eye. There, now, that should do it.

I sighed. "Kanako," I said quietly. "I'm all for risks, but this is too outrageous. This balcony is directly across from the window of the Chairman's office."

Kakashi looked up from his book. Where had Sasuke gone? Looking down, Kakashi spotted an irritated looking Uchiha crouched down by his feet. Kakashi hopped back to escape a whirling leg that would have otherwise sent him facedown into an unappealing lunch of dirt.

The teacher glanced over at the other pair to check the progress of their battle. Apparently, Naruto thought it would be funny to use his shadowclones to dogpile Sakura.

Kakashi lowered his eyes to the book he was holding, blocking a knuckle sandwich with his free hand.

Kanako giggled, unfazed. "But this is so exciting!" she laughed.

"But if the Chairman catches us, we're finished," I said. "Let's go somewhere else, before we end up regretting this."

"You don't think it's fun, doing this right under the chairman's nose?" she asked, pulling me closer. I-

Kakashi pulled the small orange book out of the path of the kunai, wondering where Sasuke had hidden himself.

The boy in question was already finished making the seals necessary to blow a fire ball.

Kakashi looked down.

Sasuke funneled the flames through pursed lips, toward the direction that his teacher would inadvertently hold out his book when he turned around to discover Sasuke's hiding place...

Kakashi spun around, eyes falling on a flame-blowing Uchiha.

Oh, shit.

The fire enveloped the little book mercilessly, licking at Kakashi's fingers.

It was too late, so he let it go.

He watched the book fall.

"Sasuke," he began, pulling the forehead protector back down over his sharingan. "I thought I made myself clear, taijutsu only.

Sasuke stood, eyes reverted back to their natural color, and raised two unconcerned eyebrows.

"Oops."

Kakashi sighed. "That's it for today, team." He glanced over again at Naruto and Sakura, and his visible eye widened.

Sakura had Naruto pinned down on his back, with a knee between his legs, and his ear between her teeth. Upon realizing they were being watched, she released the poor ear, and, blushing furiously, rolled off of a very confused Naruto. He sat up, rubbing the back of his head.

"Well," Kakashi began, nursing a partially cooked finger. "Fifteen hundred hours on Monday, as usual." He disappeared in a cloud of smoke, leaving his three pupils alone.

The walk home was uncomfortably quiet.

When they reached the intersection, Sasuke went his way, and Naruto and Sakura went theirs, silent as before.

Passing rows of houses, the pair continued, an unusual tension between them.

Sakura didn't feel like being ashamed, and contemplated speaking up, now that Sasuke was gone, but what would she say?

What's to be said about nibbling someone's ear? It was a bold gesture, and it should have spoken for itself, so Sakura stayed quiet.

Houses rose before them and fell behind them, and it wasn't long before Naruto's residence came into view. Sakura's would follow shortly after.

"Want me to walk you home?" Naruto asked, breaking the silence. He sounded more serious than usual; he was obviously thinking about Sakura's open flirtaciousness.

Usually, Sakura told him it was okay, he didn't have to, she didn't care, or on days when he was being just plain extra, she told him no, chill out, don't follow her! But he usually did it anyway.

Today she said, "Sure, if you want."

And Naruto noticed.

So they passed his place and continued toward Sakura's, still quiet. Sakura became anxious, wanting to say something more, to leave a deeper impression before time ran out and they arrived at her front door. She peered over at him casually, feeling the cool tingle of a fresh crush slide down her spine.

He looked over at her suddenly, feeling her eyes on him. Whatever conversation she had simmering in her throat, it died.

They walked quietly to her porch.

Sakura walked slowly forward, hoping Naruto would follow. He went as far as the edge of the porch and stopped. Sakura spun around quickly.

"Thanks, Naruto," she said eagerly. "I really appreciate it."

"No problem," he smiled.

As soon as thought entered her head, Sakura knew she didn't have much time before things got awkward; it was a split-second decision. After only half a moment's hesitation, Sakura stepped forward and, propping herself on her tip toes, wrapped her arms around Naruto's neck.

If she executed this right, it would look as though she was just really grateful. If Sasuke were watching, he wouldn't yet be able to say the thing that she was afraid he was already thinking, the thing she denied vehemently everytime it crossed her mind.

Was she just settling for Naruto because Sasuke rejected her?

Of course not! As it was now, she couldn't even stand the thought of Sasuke.

Naruto froze, confused at the unfamiliarity of Sakura's hug. After a moment though, he brought his hands up and around her waist.

Hook...

Sakura lowered herself so that she stood on her feet, arms still draped around Naruto's neck. She savored the friction between their bodies as she slid down. Daringly, she looked up into his eyes.

Oh, they were pretty! Not just the color, but the shape.

A faint tinge of red dusted his cheeks.

Line...

"Sakura-chan," he said, averting his eyes. "Are you feeling okay?"

His voice, in its deepened glory, sounded provocative.

"Of course," she replied, pulling her arms down from around her neck, stroking the nape of his neck as she went. He stiffened. "I just feel guilty over taking you for granted, like you'll always be willing to walk me home. I'm sorry."

Sinker.

Naruto grinned uncontrollably.

"It's alright, Sakura-chan, I'll definitely walk you home any time!"

She smiled up at him, and he decided now was as safe a time as any.

"If you want, I can even walk you to the ramen stand!"

What luck! There was no way she could pass up this chance. But how should she say it?

For a second, Naruto regretted letting those words out of his mouth, not wanting a repeat of the last time he asked Sakura out.

"Sure," she answered, trying to sound as casual as possible.

Naruto's eyes widened.

"Really?" he asked disbelievingly. "You'll really go to the Ichiraku with me?" He was looking directly into her eyes.

"Yeah," she said, trying not to sound as excited. As an afterthought, she asked, "Wanna go tomorrow?"

"For real?" he asked again, afraid it was to good to be true. "That's awesome!"

She smiled, and couldn't stop herself from giggling. That was confirmation enough for Naruto.

"All right!" he yelled. "I'll meet you at the intersection at twelve! Don't be late!"

"I won't," she said.

"Promise?"

"Promise," she said, smiling.

Naruto walked down the steps of her porch, and she walked forward. She turned the handle of the door, and looked over her shoulder.

Naruto had his hands cupped around his mouth.

"Don't forget!" he called.

Sakura turned and called back, "I won't!"

She waved as she watched him go, and then pushed the door open.

"What the hell, Akamaru? Going out again?"

The large dog grunted in the affirmative, turning toward the door.

"Arf!" he barked cheerfully, perhaps meaning "See you later," or possibly a daring "Don't wait up tonight." He padded out of the room.

Kiba sighed. Once again, he was alone at home on a Saturday while his dog was out snogging his girlfriend. Last weekend's excuse had been what, errands? Well, at least Akamaru's intentions were out in the open, now.

That didn't alleviate his boredom, though.

What to do?

Kiba pulled a clean shirt and a pair of green boxers from his chest of drawers.

Without Akamaru around, Kiba didn't much feel like training, and the last thing he wanted to do was stay in the house all day. This was exactly why he needed a girlfriend.

Suddenly, he hunched over, touching his fingertips to the carpet. Starting with his head, Kiba sent tremors running through his body, drying himself in a very dog-like manner. Drops of water flew from him, sprinkling all furniture and objects within a foot of him.He rose to a stand and pulled the boxers on under the towel wrapped around his waist.

It was only three o'clock, so there was plenty of daylight left. He pulled off the towel and tossed it onto the bed. Where should he go? He thought on it as he pulled the shirt over his head.

It would probably be best to go out and then decide what to do, before his mom had him slaving around the house. Just seeing Kiba sitting around doing nothing constructive irritated her to the point where she had him doing tedious tasks like rug-beating and floor-waxing. Why beat rugs wax floors when his time could be spent beating and waxing something else...?

But that something else was currently infatuated with Naruto right now.

It was too hot for jeans, so Kiba settled on a pair of khaki shorts. Grabbing a pair of black and white DC's, he headed for the window, so as not to be seen by his mother.

The air outside was warm. Kiba stuffed his hands into his pockets and crunched over the grass of his front lawn.

His feet carried him uncertainly away from his house, as he had not yet decided where to go. He wanted to go to Hinata's, but it probably wasn't a good idea; the Hyuugas were mad strict. Besides, what reason would he give for showing up there? It's not like he was her boyfriend or anything.

Kiba gazed down at the ground ahead of him thoughtfully. He really ought to have asked her out that last time, but he just couldn't bring himself to do it. What had happened?

Without warning, Kiba walked into something soft. Probably a human.

"G-gomen! I-I sh-should have been pay-paying more atten-ten-tention!"

...Hinata? Kiba's gaze flew upward.

"Hinata?"

The female Hyuuga stood in front of him, hugging what looked like two giant bags of laundry.

"Oh! Ki-Kiba-kun," she breathed, relieved. "I'm sorry." She hugged the bags tighter, trying to keep them from slipping.

"Need help?" He asked, reaching for a bag.

"Oh, no! Kiba-kun, you d-don't have to-"

"It's fine," he interrupted, tossing the bag onto his shoulder. "I'm not doing anything, anyway."

"Arigatou," she mumbled.

Kiba walked alongside Hinata happily, gripping the bag beside his shoulder.

It would be such a waste not to use this opportunity to ask her out. She was right there! What was the worst that could happen? Her saying no, right?

But he really didn't want to hear her say that.

Hinata turned left onto a new street. She readjusted her bag so that it lay horizontally in her arms. Kiba glanced over at her.

"Want me to get that?" he asked.

"No!" She gasped. "I'm fine, thanks anyway."

"If you're sure..." he trailed off.

The silence was beginning to get awkward, and it occured to Kiba that this might be the best chance for him to ask Hinata out.

Really, now, what was stopping him? Seize the day, right? What better time was there?

Kiba cleared his throat. "Hey, Hinata?"

He had decided; he was going to do it! Nothing could stop him!

"Y-yes, Kiba-kun?" She looked over at him.

This would be tricky. How should he say this?

A clever thought struck him then; the oldest trick in the book!

"Uh, nevermind."

Hinata's eyebrows rose and drew closer.

"Oh... okay."

WHAT?! NO!

She didn't take the bait. What the hell was the matter with girls?

He needed to find a common thread, something they shared, something they had in common. They were on the same team, but how lame would it be to bring up training? No, that wouldn't work. What about this past Thursday?

"Actually, Hinata," he began, jolting the girl out of her own thoughts. "I was wondering..."

"Hai?"

...What was he wondering? What was he wondering?

"I was wondering," he stalled, "how..." Kiba racked his brain for something, and then anything, to ask about Thursday night. "How's your sweater doing?"

"What?"

What?!

"Uh..." Kiba said, straining to come up with an explanation. "I was just worried that... you might have forgotten it somewhere again."

"Oh," she said. "It's doing well, I guess. Actually, it's in that bag you're carrying."

"Oh," Kiba said stupidly. "That's good."

Can you say crash and burn?

Kiba was growing impatient. This wasn't working, and the Hyuuga compound was coming into view. He was running out of time.

Looking ahead, he couldn't help but think how big it was. They must have maids, right? But... if that was true, then...

"Why'd you do your own laundry?" Kiba blurted. "You have maids, right?"

"Ah!" Hinata squeaked nervously. "That is... um... I-I mean...we-well..."

It didn't matter right now, they were getting too close to Hinata's house. He had to say something.

"Hinata," Kiba said, interrupting Hinata's nervous stuttering.

"Y-yes?" she answered.

"I...uh, look, would you be my girlfriend?"

"What?! N-no!"

...No?

"No?"

"I-I'm s-sorry," She stammered, looking up at the boy. "I di-didn't mean t-to... th-that is, you... you st-startled me and... Ki-Kiba-k-kun, are y-you s-serious?"

"Yeah!" Kiba said, a little louder than necessary. "Hinata, do you have any idea how long I've liked you?"

"You li-like m-me?" repeated Hinata.

"Why do you think I asked you to be my girlfriend?"

"Ki-Kiba-kun," she stammered helplessly. "I.. had no idea..."

"You really didn't know? You couldn't tell when I invited you to dinner, or when I voluntered you to kiss the winner?"

"You invited Shino..."

"Shino invited himself!"

"K-Kiba," Hinata began, "I'm sorry. I... I can't return your feelings." She looked away, blushing. "There's... someone else I li-like. But... c-can we still be friends?"

They stopped in front of a gate. Kiba stared at her.

"What do you see in him, anyway?" he asked, irritated. "What's so great about him? That guy, does he even know you like him? Has he even noticed the way you look at him, or how you blush hard red whenever he talks to you? Why waste your time?"

"...I'm sorry," She repeated, eyes downcast.

The two stood still for a moment.

"You know what?" Kiba asked rhetorically. "Forget about it." He forced a smile, despite the anger rising in his throat. "It's none of my business, anyway."

"Kiba-kun..." she trailed off.

"You should probably go in now," Kiba said hastily, looking toward the house.

Hinata looked up at Kiba. "Thanks for helping me carry this home." She took the bag from Kiba, and opened the gate to let herself inside.

"Don't mention it," replied Kiba.

"I'll st-still see you on Thursd-day, right?" she asked, closing the gate. "It w-wouldn't be any f-fun without you."

"Yeah, sure," he said, turning. "See you."

Without looking back, Kiba walked away, all the while fighting down the rage in his throat. He wanted to yell at her, tell her how dumb she was for liking that blind idiot, but more than anything, he wanted to hold her, and give the attention she deserved, and he knew that yelling at her wouldn't make either of those things happen. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her feelings over his sour mood at his own rejection.

It's just... "no" was worse than he imagined.