One of the more touching chapters revealing Yuka's true self and thoughts. Not so bad of an antagonist, eh? Love it, like it? Review! Please. Enjoy. It's a bit long and there is some mild lemon in the end. Nothing crazy.
Yuka sat and chatted with the three leaf shinobi well into the night. They spoke about Konoha, the chunnin exams, their funny missions together, the great food Choji bought, and of course Jiraiya's request.
"I have to admit, I'm still skeptical," Hinata had urged. "It's not as if I have another son. He's it… and if you train the same way you fight I can tell he'll be pushed to his limit."
"I didn't want to do it. You should have just told him no, Hianta-chan," Yuka admitted. "He proposed it to me and I didn't really want to. So I had to test him."
"Indeed, my father was annoyed with the decision but I told him if it's at the compound it's safe."
"That's another thing… watching me so closely with those byakugan is going to tear apart any advantage I'd have against you Hyuuga. Unfair for sparing in my opinion," Yuka joked, sipping at her cup of sake. Choji and Hinata just laughed, grabbing some more barbecued pork. Shino, who had slid into the booth next to Yuka, was smiling and eating, making small remarks here and there. It was relaxing and for once Yuka didn't feel threatened.
"I'm glad you've come along Yuka," Hinata admitted. "To be honest, Jiraiya knew before I did that you'd show up. Call it intuition or the power of the kyuubi's chakra. He knew the second he met you what he wanted."
"Smart kid, very smart," Yuka admitted, eating some beef. "I'll do what I can."
The thought of Orochimaru taking over Jiraiya's body flooded Yuka and she bit back the stifled cough in her throat. It wasn't something she wanted to think about now. It would only make him stronger, safer. It was for the best.
"Well, I think I'm full," Hinata admitted, rubbing her stomach. "And it's late. Past ten. Father will be furious if I'm out much longer. I better go and check on Jiraiya and Neji anyway. TenTen keeps them in line but I swear, Neji loves that boy like he's his own." Hinata moved to stand up and Choji followed her up.
"I'll walk you home Hinata-chan. I could use it. After all, it's a nice night. See you tomorrow Shino-kun, Yuka-chan," he said, laying his money on the table for the meal. He waved back at them and Yuka couldn't help but smile.
She then turned to Choji, a slight blush forming on her face. She was going to just let it go, some flirting wouldn't hurt. She'd never get this opportunity again; this was it.
"So, Shino-kun," Yuka said in a soft voice. "What would you like to do? It is quite late."
"Well, other than the escort mission tomorrow, I don't see what else I have to do. Perhaps you'd like a moonlight walk or training session?"
Yuka giggled at his last suggestion, shaking her head. "A walk sounds relaxing. I'd like, for one night, to forget I'm shinobi."
Shino just smiled, standing out of the booth and offering to help her out. She placed her hand in his and felt the warmth encase her long thin fingers. "Thank you," she whispered when they were face to face. He just nodded, a slight twitch in his cheek hinting at a smile.
"So, a moonlit walk," Shino said, leading her from the booth to the door. "Where to?"
Yuka contemplated it for a second and then looked over at the Hokage Mountain, staring at the moonlit silhouette. It was peaceful, quiet… too quiet. "Is there some natural springs or something nearby? They are so relaxing."
"There are the hot springs on the west side of the village. They are relaxing and you can hear them from the bridge over the river. Sound like a good view?" Shino suggested, pushing through a group of late night stragglers in the alley. They made it to the main street and Yuka just nodded, her arm hooking through his.
They strode in contempt silence, smiling at one another every once in a while. It was a beautiful walk, the moon full and shining down onto the ground, lighting everything with a bluish glow. Only with Shino could she be this comfortable in complete silence. Maybe it was the thought of him being a living hive. Unlike a lot of people this didn't bother Yuka. To have so many lives dependant on you, an in exchange you dependent on them; it's a beautiful relationship.
She couldn't help but scold herself mentally for that. Great, you sound like one of these leaf shinobi after all. Yuka was about to turn the corner when Shino paused, leading her away from the street and along side a brick building. When they emerged from its shadow they were right along the river, running perpendicular to the alley they'd just taken. Shino grinned and led her up a set of stairs along the back of the brick building towards the bridge suspending over it. The reflection of the moon on the water was gorgeous. As they reached the bridge Yuka could make out the rhythmic turning of the water from the spring somewhere ahead of them. It was a sight to behold.
"Sugoii…" Yuka breathed, looking down the river at the stars reflecting off the already star spangled surface. She'd never seen anything this beautiful, this mesmerizing. She doubted she ever would again. There it is again; that doomsday clock.
After a few moments of standing on the bridge in silence, Shino couldn't help but chuckle. "You look so… fascinated. By everything. The moon, the sound, the view, the water, me… why?"
She couldn't help but blush deeply. It was all fascinating; the relaxing tranquility of the view and being in the moment was something to be enjoyed. "I can't help it. I'm just… being myself."
At this Shino quirked an eyebrow and then, behind his eyes, she saw something shift. Something odd, as if observing her closely like a bug or project.
"What is it?" she asked even more embarrassed.
"Oh," he said shaking his head. "It's nothing. I just… you're so different. You're less inhibited; more willing to let your guard down. It's… well it's almost like I'm seeing you for the first time."
"Oh," she whispered, looking down at the shiny surface of the water. "I'm just-I'm getting used to everyone; doing my best to just fit in."
"Why?" Shino asked, a certain kind of conviction in his voice. She'd never heard a real bite like that; not from his mouth. "You and I are so different. We see things for what they are, what they inhibit. Why would we be like others and want to fit in?"
This was an odd question and it took her back. She didn't know how to answer that. She didn't think she was much different from others, she didn't think of herself as something special but someone on a different path; a set destiny.
"I'm not sure. I just… it is what's expected of me," she replied finally, looking up at him.
His eyes, which were that same hypnotizing color, captured her as he studied. She couldn't help but let the tint rise on her cheeks. It was thrilling, almost exhilarating to have this man, who she barely knows, talk so sweetly, look at her so closely.
Suddenly he reached a hand up to her neck, touching it with his finger tips.
"Shikamaru is right," Shino finally said, running his fingertips over her neck and jaw line. "You are odd. I think it's safe to say that you are someone to watch."
"Oh?" she breathed softly. "And what else has Shikamaru said?" There was a hint of sarcasm in her voice as she breathed out the last word. She couldn't help but grin at his puzzled reaction. She then moved closer, a bit hesitant to touch him but her hand went to his bicep, gently touching the light rubber like mesh of the shirt he was wearing.
Shino just smiled, his hand trailing over her chin to cup it gently so she couldn't move as he advanced. "That your one hell of a master manipulator. If I'm not careful, you could ensnare me; that could be very dangerous." He was now toe to toe with her, looking down the bridge of his nose.
She felt it before she saw it. He moved so quickly she barely noticed his arms encase her there, on that bridge, and kiss her hungrily. This was different from the kiss they shared before. This was somewhat hungry, excited, but mostly it was full of restraint. She could tell he was controlling himself. Yuka, on the other hand, wanted to deepen it.
It felt amazing, a heat rising in her lower stomach. She pressed urgently, her tongue dancing over his bottom lip begging for entrance. He allowed it, pulling her body against his protectively. He was doing something to her that she hasn't felt since… she paused now, her eyes flying open to view the full moon smiling back at her.
Kiba.
After a moment she pulled away slowly, pulling on his bottom lip softly before looking down, a deep blush on her face. She had to make her decision between Kiba, Shino, and Shikamaru. Orochimaru is most interested in Kiba and if she was honest with herself, so was she. The thought of him touching someone else like he touched her, the idea of him struggling under Orochimaru's control; it stopped her in her tracks.
She realized she couldn't do that to any of them. Get close to Shikamaru and let Orochimaru twist his brilliant mind. Shino's secret family justu, hidden since ancient times, revealed to use against his clan. And Kiba… what was wrong with him? Does Orochimaru know something she doesn't?
She slowly pulled away from Shino's hands his eyes drifting over hers. "What is it?"
She didn't know how to answer him so she decided, once again, to lie.
"It's just… I'm so confused." She covered her face now, taking a deep breath. His arms were no longer around her but he was so close, almost touching her.
"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to-."
"No, it's not you. It's just… Shikamaru says he likes me; you seem to like me, and so does Kiba. I can't keep this up. I like all of you, equally and separately. How do I deal with that? I've never even had to contemplate it!"
Surprisingly Shino just grinned. "I see, once again it's Kiba. Yuka, I'll be honest with you. You're the most focused, dedicated, brilliant, adaptive, and fierce kunoichi I've met in a while. I'm attracted to you but even I can see that you've already made up your mind." Shino then smirked. "The worse part about it is admitting that Shikamaru was right."
"What?" Yuka asked, her eyes narrowing. This didn't sound like something she wanted to hear. "What does that mean?"
Shino just shrugged, running his hand along the smooth railing of the bridge. "Well, you see Shikamaru was playing in the beginning. Trying to get to you psychologically so he could reveal your weaknesses and be able to counter you. He had all he needed on your fighting style after watching your fight with Hokage-sama. However, he wanted to really see what would happen if we threw you into a situation you seem to have no experience with."
Shino shrugged. "I genuinely like you, at the very least as a close friend. Shikamaru, however, wanted to see how you'd react to his advances. So far you've handled it as he expected. He said he threw you a curve ball by making his suspicion public."
Yuka took in all the information, unsure if she should be mad or relieved. She was a little bit of both.
"That did step it up. That lazy jerk made me feel guilty," she admitted, her eyes narrowing.
"Really?" Shino asked, obviously not expecting that reaction. She immediately looked up at him, shrugging. She then shook her head and looked across the water, the reflection of the moon taunting her. Kiba.
"What do you mean Shikamaru was right, though?" She asked finally, unsure if he would even tell her.
"He said you'd fall for Kiba. He knew it the second that fight was over."
"That weasel," Yuka groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "What else has he figured out then?"
"Not much, but I'm sure Kiba will be thrilled," Shino joked with a quirky chuckle. His laugh was comical.
"I'm sure. That jerk even said it to me before any of this. After Shikamaru made his suspicions of me known Kiba talked to me. He said I loved him and that he knew it. Said I'd come around. I had no idea I even…" Yuka stopped now, her thoughts going silent. She couldn't possibly think this through with Shino standing there.
After Yuka left Shino last night she went back to her home, steering clear of Orochimaru. She knew the plan. He'd come on the second night, unexpected and undercover and perform the ceremony. It was all down to the last 48 hours.
Unfortunately, she didn't get much sleep that night. She was tossing, turning; worried about everything that was to happen that next day. She thought through the possibilities, all the scenarios and decided that even with her small taste of freedom she was ready to fulfill her path. She would give herself to Orochimaru and it would be the end of everything. All her suffering, searching, wondering…
Her thoughts plagued her mind all night. Was she still suffering? What was this feeling? Where did that fire go? That hatred? I can't back out of this. I won't. I've worked for this for years. I will avenge them. Wait… Danzo was dead. So was Hanzo. All her enemies, those responsible for her family's deaths were gone. She had nothing left. Nothing but a duty, a debt to pay. Orochimaru gave her strength, the skill to be able to bring down her enemies. And Konoha was one of them.
It was their fault her clan, the Uzumaki, were dead. Feared and hunted, our village destroyed and our family scattered, like ashes. The symbols they carry on their flak jackets mean nothing. They are ignorant of the true hatred she possessed and the revenge she sought. Yuka doesn't even remembering falling asleep but what wakes her is the pressure of her seal weakening, pressing on her. She quickly shot up from the couch she'd been perched on and formed a hand sign, tightening the seal.
It had to last at least another 24 hours. By that time Orochimaru will already be gone from her home. Wait, no… she'd be gone from her home. She bit back an annoying scratch in her throat.
After gathering her pack and weapons she met Neji, Shino, Tsume, Konohamaru, and Kiba at noon. She was right on time, the courtyard mostly emptied for their departure. When she approached she could almost feel Kiba looking at her before she saw it. What surprised her most was that Kiba looked worn, almost sick. His skin was a sickly darker color and his eyes were still framed in black.
"Don't worry about it," Tsume interjected. "He's sound. Our business didn't go as expected."
"Hmph… looks like he's going to keel over. Maybe we should reconsider this strategy," Neji interjected, looking at Konohamaru.
"Shut the hell up Neji," Kiba growled, his eyes darting over to him. Neji sincerely looked surprised. His voice was an octave lower than expected, making it sound completely hollow.
"He'll gain a better handle on it by the time we get there. He's just recovering," Tsume insisted, looking at Konohamaru. "It's just the effects of the moon," she said jutting her finger at the sky. "It's still out into the day because it was full. Don't worry about it. Let's move on your command, Hokage-sama."
"Ugh," Yuka finally sighed, ready to stop beating around the bush. She stalked up to Kiba, his eyes going wide as her hand was outstretched against his chest. She barely touched him but he acted as if he was burned, flinching away from her as best he could. She funneled her chakra into him, pulling her hand away slowly so a great wave of chakra existed between her palm and his chest. She pulled a littler harder, her eyebrows furrowing in concentration as she made hand signs with her other hand.
"What the-?"
"I'm bringing up his chakra, lowering his heart rate, and giving him an easier time of breathing. I'm not even a medic and I could see he was having a time of it," Yuka hissed, yanking her hand away from his chest harshly, a spark of chakra evaporating between them.
She then pulled away from him, standing next to Shino. She was going to torture Kiba this whole time. At first she felt sorry for him but now she just wanted to cause him mental discomfort. She inched a little closer to Shino and he must have caught on quickly because he moved a step closer to her as well, their arms almost touching. She could see Kiba's eyes narrowing slightly before a scowl overcame them.
"Alright, lets go!" Tsume insisted, glaring at Kiba. "Get control pup. This can't happen every time."
"Right," he snapped, turning full tail and taking off through the courtyard to the far gate.
Kiba growled at the sight of Shino and Yuka standing so close, talking so quietly between them the whole way to the checkpoint. The way she smiled at him, the way she spoke, and the way her hand found his arm was enough to bring out that monster threatening to break free of Kiba's body. He had to resist several times, his chakra wavering. Whatever Yuka did to him reinforced his chakra alright but his body felt odd, like it was mechanically absorbing her essence. It bugged him because no matter what he did, even if he travelled up wind of her, he could smell her.
Smell her anger, smell her fear, smell her moves; what he didn't want to smell was her hormones spike every time Shino touched her. He'd kill him. That was for sure.
As they made their way through the treetops toward the mountain base shrine, Kiba decided to catch up to Tsume and Konohamaru. He needed to get Yuka out of his mind. He'd have a whole two nights with her, alone, in his family's secret base. He didn't need to be worrying about anything right now. When he caught up with them they were in a heated, yet hushed discussion. Neji and Shino hung back next to Yuka.
"-would be better," Tsume hissed as Kiba caught up. She looked at him closely before nodding.
"Tsume-san, as much as I agree with you I also believe that extra measures should be taken. We cannot danger your, or Kiba's, life. He's the future alpha and you are the current. It would be so irresponsible."
"I understand that, but we can handle it. There are a dozen of us watching the base and will be a patrol of six watching the mountain. We shouldn't need-."
"Ma," Kiba interrupted. He shook his head at her when she looked and she sighed. She had to get used to sharing decisions with him. He was her alpha in all but official document. "What are you asking Konohamaru?"
"I'm asking that we let a few anbu, at the very least a few Hyuuga, to watch the mountainside from the base. To cover all possible scenarios."
"Why not Ma?" Kiba asked, looking her over. She jumped down to the ground now, running along the underbrush. They followed quickly. They were almost to the shrine.
"Because it will be suspicious, extremely suspicious if anbu are patrolling the base. It's like a big spotlight."
"I hadn't considered that," Kiba admitted, slowing down until they stopped completely in the same clearing they'd been in a day ago.
"So, what is your call?" Konohamaru asked, shrugging. "Tsume is right. It would give away the location."
"I hadn't considered that at all but I have an idea. Have the anbu, or whoever you choose, patrol every six hours. It will give us a wide enough birth to keep in contact yet not enough to make it suspicious," Kiba suggested. "We'll handle the actual fortress and mountain. You watch us from down here."
Neji, Yuka, and Shino caught up to them and Konohamaru nodded, bowing to Kiba. Neji watched them curiously and then Konohamaru spoke.
"This is as far as we go gentlemen," he said, moving to stand next to Neji. "The Inuzuka can handle her from here. See you in two days Yuka-chan." Konohamaru outstretched a hand and she smiled at him, shaking it lazily. He couldn't help but chuckle at that. Neji nodded at her and took off after Konohamaru. Shino smiled at her and she walked up to him, hugging him gently. She didn't know why but she did. After all, this is the last time she'd see him. She wished she could have spent more time with Hinata last night; Yuka was sure that they could have been friends in a different place and time.
Shino pulled away and looked down at her curiously, her eyes refusing to meet his. He then leaned down and whispered to her, in a breath before he disappeared into the trees after Neji. "It's not forever."
Those words hung before her for a moment before she heard Tsume make a noise. There were two other escorts standing there, all with the familiar facial markings. They must have been Kiba's relatives. They approached playfully, to her surprise. One had a raised hand even though he was wearing his ninja gear. He looked like he was barely sixteen. Tsume walked over to him and began scolding him. Yuka, for some reason, found it comical. She looked like a mother wolf scolding her playful pups. Yuka had forgotten Kiba was still there, his eyes on her the whole time.
She had to force herself to look at him now and she was glad she did. He wasn't so sickly looking, wasn't so weak and shaken. In fact, his eyes reflected that familiar hunger she usually saw when he looked at her. This time it didn't make her uncomfortable. She tried to return the look but he only smirked back at her.
"Ready then, Yuka-chan?" he asked, stepping closer. Her eyes went slightly wide and he held out his arm to her.
"What do I have to do?" she asked, stepping closer to him, her shoulder brushing his arm. He bit his lip, a toothy grin turning into a sexy grimace.
"You will have to be blindfolded. This is sacred land. You're the first outsider here since the First Hokage," he admitted, moving closer to her again. He pulled a cloth from his leather jacket and she grinned. "You can do it, or I will…"
She bit her lip, deciding for the remainder of this façade, to enjoy herself and Kiba. This was her only chance. She slowly pulled her hair to the side, over her shoulder and turned around so her back was to him. "Please," she whispered, her eyes focusing on Tsume who was speaking heatedly with the two younger nin. She felt Kiba step closer, his body nearly touching hers as he wrapped his arms around her front to place the blindfold over her eyes.
"How's that?" he asked, gently pulling at the final knot in the cloth. "Too tight?"
"No, it's just fine," she admitted, opening her eyes again. She really couldn't see anything. She stuck her hands out, trying to feel her way across the clearing but she stumbled. Before she could even fall she felt his hands gently grab her waist, pulling her up and against him. Even though she couldn't see him, even though she was facing away from him and he couldn't see her, she knew that they were both blushing. The heat was intense, almost too hot.
"Sorry," he whispered dangerously close to her ear. "Here comes Ma, I'm going to hold you on my back. It shouldn't take too long to get there."
She nodded before he grabbed her wrist and stepped in front of her. "Put your hands out and grasp my shoulders," he said and she did, reaching up to find them but they weren't there. "Down, I'm crouching."
She blushed again and then leaned down, feeling the muscular detail of his muscles under his leather jacket. She gently ran her palms over them before grasping them gently. Before she even had time to counter she was off her feet, his arms wrapped around her calves to hold her in place as she grasped his shoulders.
"-and another thing, don't just give away your position! For kame-sakes! You're a ninja. What if we were enemies in disguise? Never give up your position first unless you can't help it."
"Lighten up Ma," Kiba chuckled, shaking his head. Yuka held tight, hoping not to slip. She gripped his hips with her tights, a bit embarrassed. "We're ready. Let's get going. I want this to go as smoothly as possible."
"Good luck with that! Aunt Tsume hasn't stopped bitchin' since-," then there was a sound of a growl. The voice, a young male, trailed off.
"You haven't heard bitching yet, pup," Tsume spat from beside Yuka.
"Uhm, can we just go?" Yuka asked, turning her head in the direction of Tsume.
"Right! Lead on," Kiba said before Yuka felt air surging around her. They were moving upward at a very fast and steady pace. She heard nothing but shuffling rock, gravel, stones, and the occasional howl of a dog. It was no wonder Kiba was in such excellent shape. He probably grew up on this mountain with Akamaru.
After a while of silent moving she felt Kiba's hands gently squeeze her thigh, making her grip on his hips tighten. She felt him chuckle before feeling his hand gently caress her skin. She bit her lip now, feeling the heat rise in her cheek immediately.
"Sorry," he whispered, squeezing her thigh one last time before holding her steady on his back.
"How far?" she whispered in his ear, her fingertips going from his shoulders to caress his neck. She didn't care if Tsume or anyone was watching. Shino wasn't that kind of guy anymore. Not to her. Shikamaru played one hell of game; beat her just like he did in shogi.
"Not far now, a few more minutes and we'll be at the lowest entrance. It's a secret one."
His voice was gravelly, something that Yuka had overlooked before. And she could feel his muscles flex and move beneath her. Was he always this powerful, this toned? She felt that familiar heat within her stomach and she couldn't help but take some deep breaths. She needed to control it, to control her body. She knew he would be able to tell exactly what she was feeling, what her body wanted. So would everyone else. It was embarrassing to the point of sickness.
Kiba must have sensed it because he paused in his steps, slowing slightly. "Keep going! I'm just slowing down to save energy," he said and she could hear Tsume grumble under her breath. After a moment Kiba spoke. "Are you okay? Your chakra spiked and you feel cold, almost clammy. Are you going to be sick? We are at a high altitude."
"No, I just… I just got a little queasy. I'm fine. Please, keep going," Yuka said hopefully, his muscles tensing slightly.
"Yuka, please don't lie to me. It helps no one. If your sick we need to stop and see what the problem is or else turn…"
"No, just get to the place. Once I get on my feet again I'll be fine. I'm just not used to someone carrying me," she admitted, trying not to anger him. She bit her lip and lay her cheek on the back of his neck, her lips grazing it as he moved. She tried desperately, steadily regulating her breathing until Kiba picked up the pace again, reaching even higher altitudes.
After a few moments Yuka felt like passing out. It was a different altitude all together. It was thin and a bit constricting. She wanted to jump out of Kiba's arms and catch her breath but knew that wouldn't work. Then she felt it beneath her; solid ground. She took a moment to steady herself, swaying a bit before letting go of Kiba's shoulders. He grabbed her arm now, the warmth from his own fingertips encasing her forearm.
"Ahead of you is a door. You'll have to step over the frame…" he led her over a gravel-like area before coming to a step. She lifted her leg and stepped up over it onto a solid, almost hollow surface. She heard a door shut behind her and then she felt Kiba's hands on her face. He slowly pulled the blind up over her eyes and she had to refocus to see. They were in a dimly lit hall that spanned straight ahead of her.
"You're within the sacred Inuzuka clan mountain fortress. It's where our clan first organized, first perfected our technique," Kiba explained, turning around to face the expanding hall. "Come on, I'll lead you to the main hall you'll be staying in. It's the best we can offer."
"I don't mind," Yuka whispered, coming up beside him. She saw something behind his eyes flash and then he smiled down at her, a sort of forced smile.
"Let's go check it out then. You're room isn't to far from my quarters so I can walk you there," he admitted, moving down the corridor at great pace. Yuka kept up with him until he turned down a side passage, making her halt completely.
"Kiba?" she whispered, looking around. He didn't answer. "Kiba." She said a little louder, irritated that he just lost her like that. She turned right and looked about. It was just another long hall. "Kiba." She repeated a small bit of anger in her voice. "Kiba, this isn't funny!" she admitted, her eyes narrowing. This was the worse feeling in the world to her right now. She paused, regaining her balance.
Unfortunately, closing her eyes and taking a few deep breaths didn't help. It only made her dizzy, sick and a bit tired. "Oh god," she whispered, moving to stand against the wall. She could see the darkened shadows down the hall and the way it made the corridor look like it was getting smaller and smaller. "I can't breathe," she murmured, shaking her head. "Stupid." She groaned, taking deeper breaths. She couldn't let this take hold of her. She'd never felt this but she knew she had to find her way out, had to. Her breath was coming more raged and her lungs were heaving. No matter how desperately she heaved she couldn't get any oxygen into her lungs. She was hyperventilating and the shock and panic was throwing her chakra way off. She couldn't even heal herself.
"Kiba!" she whined desperately. "Kiba, please come back. I can't breathe. Kiba!" She was sliding down the wall now, her legs giving out.
Just then she heard rushed footsteps. "Yuka?" his voice came and she almost cried out. She had no idea what came over her. She felt helpless, more so than ever before. Something so small as a dark corridor in a mountainside fort incapacitated her, made her sick and useless. Suddenly she felt his hands, pulling her up from her crouched position against the wall.
"Yuka," he breathed, a sigh of relief washing over her. It smelt of a beautifully floral musk. "Yuka, I'm sorry. I kept going forgetting who was following me. I…"
"You did that on purpose!" she accused, grasping his arms desperately. "I saw it in your face. You fake-smiled at me."
"I… that's not why I did it though. I didn't mean for this to happen. Besides, you're fine. You are just hyperventilating. Look, just try and stay in rhythm with me." He pulled her close, holding her against his chest that was steadily rising and falling.
"No!" she said trying to pull away from him. She was desperately trying to gain her solidity back, her state of mind. Up here, in this mountain surrounded by Kiba she felt light headed, unclear, but most of all she felt desperate. "Why? Why did you fake-smile at me? Damn you, Kiba Inuzuka. Tell me! If you didn't mean for this to happen then tell me why." She was as far away from him as she could get while she shrunk against the wall.
"Yuka!" he said, a little louder than necessary. It reverberated around the hall. "I wasn't trying to do anything! I didn't do that on purpose. I was fake smiling because… damn you Yuka. You have me all confused." He paused. "I was fake-smiling because of the way you were talking to me. You were acting like I was Shino or someone. I know that kind voiced, quiet, and shy Yuka isn't the real one."
At this she glared at him, her voice still rough and her breath ragged. "You don't know anything. Shino knows; Shino knows me. He's seen it," she spat, unable to control her words. She didn't care. In these last few hours of herself she could do as she pleased. "He and I see eye to eye. He likes me, but damn him!" She moved to stand now, leaning against the wall. Kiba mirrored her, an angry look on his face.
"Damn him. Shikamaru was right," she groaned, slamming her fist into the wall. She then took a deep breath and moved so that she was pressing Kiba against the opposite wall, her body blocking him from stepping around her. "Shikamaru was right; just like you were right." Kiba just stared at her a moment, irritated that she was still pinning him there. The words didn't click until he realized she was staring right at him, her deep green pools refusing to move from his own darker ones. They stood there in silence, staring at one another for several moments.
"You were right, Kiba," Yuka whispered, her eyes drifting from his now. "I hate you for it." She backed away now, her breathing coming smoother. She refocused, forcing her body to adjust. As she leaned against the far wall he smirked, his eye's almost lighting up like lamps in the dim corridor.
"So you admit it, and everyone knows it then? Shino? Shikamaru!?" He asked, moving to stand next to her, leaning his forearm on the wall beside her. "You admit that you're mine."
Yuka was taken aback. She nearly shoved him through the opposite wall, glaring angrily. "Excuse me?" she spat, glaring over at him. "I am no one's property. I am my own." She walked a little ways down the hall, grabbing torch from the wall. "You said I loved you and you were right!" She assured, pointing the torch at him. "But I hate you for it. I hate you so much I can't stand to even look at you right now." Then, before he could say anything she walked off, down the corridor.
Kiba just smirked after her until he realized she had no idea where she was going. He would hear it from Tsume if he let her wander. He sped after her, around the corner and after her bouncing torchlight.
"Yuka, don't walk away. Come on, you don't know where you're going!" he called, catching up with her. She had stopped right before a cracked door, the bright almost bluish light illuminating her face. The sound of laughter and excitement flitted into the corridor. Yuka got closer now, listening intently.
"Hama, come and choose a pup! You're sister Shunka has already chosen," a woman's voice came softly. There was the sound of a child giggling and some cute barking.
"Hachi! I've found a name for her," a girl's voice came. "Our alpha's name is Tsume, right?"
"Ick!" came a young boy's voice. "She's so mean! I've chosen this one. He looks dangerous. I like it! And I have a better name anyway, Shunka!"
"Shut up Hama! You're name is probably stupid!"
"No it's not!"
Yuka couldn't help but grin at their argument. Kiba, who was standing behind her, chuckled. "She is pretty mean."
"She's you're mother. You'd say that…" Yuka retorted, moving to take a peak and get away from him.
"My name is not stupid! Hachi! Tell her to take it back."
"Well what is it then, big-baby?" Shunka goaded.
"I'm going to name him after our strongest alpha ever! Kiba!"
Yuka laughed out loud now, drawing a bark from a puppy. She backed away from the door and Kiba moved around her, a playful grin on his face. He opened the door and heard a gasp from the small girl.
"That's flattering and all, but if he's so fierce looking why not name him Takeshi?" Kiba suggested, gaining a laugh from Hachi. Yuka placed her burning torch into one of the torques on the wall and moved toward Kiba now, peering in through his shoulder.
"Takeshi," the little boy breathed, the girl moving to stare at Yuka. Her eye's got wide and she moved around Kiba, straight toward Yuka. She stopped and looked up at her, eyeing every part of her body curiously.
"Tattooed seals? I don't see any! Hama, you liar." Yuka burst into short laughter, a big smile on her face. "You said she healed Tsume with tattooed seals! Where in the name of Kame did you hear that?"
At this Yuka stepped into the room, raising her palms for them to see. Her left seal began to glow green, outlining on her palm. She then stretched out and touched Kiba, moving her hand back slowly. "Guilty, I do have tattooed seals."
"Amazing! You saved my Tsume as a puppy!" the girl squealed, grabbing Yuka's hands and inspecting them, smelling. "Distinctive. You smell good, fresh. Maybe that's why Kiba-san likes you so much."
"Shunka!" Hama gasped. "Shut up! That's not cool!" He then sighed, growling softly in a way very similar to Kiba's.
"Flattering, and honest. She's brilliant," Yuka interjected, changing the subject.
"I'll be the best kunoichi in Konoha; maybe even as great as Tsunade-sama!" The girl encouraged.
"I'd believe it," Kiba admitted, smiling down at her and the pup at her feet. "Take care of her. That's one of Akamaru's first. His runt."
"Yes Kiba-sama!" the girl exhaled, watching him dreamily. Yuka smirked, waving at them as they left the room.
Once in the hallway Yuka immediately turned back to him. "Let's go. Take me to my cell," she sighed.
"Cell? No no… you love me. It's settled. I've made my choice. What she said in there was partially true," he shrugged, moving toward her.
"What do you mean, partially?"
"She smelled you, said you smelled fresh, good…" Kiba shrugged. "It's difficult to reveal right now. I don't know what my mother wants me to say."
"What does this have to do with your mother? It's you and me. So explain yourself," Yuka retorted, annoyed already.
"Alright, come with me. We can talk in private," he assured, moving down the hall at a brisk pace. She kept up, following him down the corridor and around several different corners before reaching a set of large double doors. "Through these is the balcony that leads into the main training arena. There are three but that is the big one. Down here," he paused, moving down the hall that ran perpendicular to the one they were on. "Is the way to your rooms, mine, and the infirmary is further down. We'll talk in my room."
"No, mine…" Yuka intervened, shaking her head. "Show me the way."
Kiba nodded and lead her further down, a small flight of stairs to a hall of five doors. "Right here," he said, moving to the first on the right. "Is mine." He then moved down further to the second door on the left. "This is yours."
She nodded, reaching for the handle but he stopped her, moving to stand between her and the door. "Yuka, please listen to me."
"Inside, then I'll listen," she urged. She didn't like her business discussed openly and who knows what ears could be listening. At least she could seal her room.
Kiba pushed the door open with a click and she walked in, looking about. There was no window but the inside was lushly decorated. Leather couch in front of the small wood stove and a fluffy bed covered in soft white and gray animal fur. There was also a desk on the far wall. She pushed through, setting her pack from her belt and on her back down on the bed. Kiba had just shut the door when she turned on him, the dim light in the underground room doing nothing to help this situation.
She quickly grabbed a small scroll from her pack, laid it on the floor, and placed her hand on it. Doing a quick seal she flattened her palm on the paper. A pressure overtook the room and then muffled everything. Now it was sealed. She turned to Kiba, his eyes wide.
"Still don't trust anyone, do you?" he scoffed.
"Never," she admitted. "Now explain before I kick you out."
He just sighed, moving to lean against the back of the couch. "You smell good to me," he began. "You're scent is my scent. The scent I've been looking for since I first grew into puberty. I can tell now. I didn't know when I first met you but I do now. You're mine, marked for it."
"Stop saying that. You're mine, my scent… what does that mean?" she groaned, running her hand over her forehead.
Kiba strode over to her, blowing cool air on her forehead before sighing. "It means that I want you. More than anything in this world, more than any words could possibly explain."
"Kiba…" she sighed, trying to back away, slowly stepping a few inches away. "I don't like the way you say it. I'm not yours. I… I'm not something you can own; ever."
"That's not it," he insisted, shaking his head frantically. Before she knew it his hands were on her shoulders. "It means something different. The Inuzuka… they mate for life. They find that one and that is it. My father… he couldn't handle it," he admitted, seeing the skepticism in her eyes. "That's why my mother is Alpha. But I…" he stopped, backing away from her now.
"I don't know what I'm saying. I don't… I can't… you're wrong, somehow you're wrong," he whispered, looking her over again. "I don't know. I just… you put on this charade, this face and I never know when you're truly meaning what you say, what you do. You're that type of person; someone who manipulates others through your façade. I don't even know why I'm…"
It was her turn to shut him up. She quickly closed the gap between them, her hands frantically finding his chest, clutching his shoulders as she pressed her forehead to his. "No… shut up… stop saying these things. It… it hurts," she whined, realizing that tears were in her eyes. She felt that same helpless feeling, breathtaking and heartbreaking that gushed her tears forth, rolling down her cheeks. "I hate you. Kame, I hate you so much for making me love you. Just forget it all… please."
His arms were around her now, holding her fast. He looked down into her eyes, his own searching, analyzing… learning all he wanted to know. "I can't… ever. If you love me tell me now, tell me that you're mine forever and in exchange, I'll do the same for you."
Yuka was speechless. Kiba, now, looked so changed. He was fiercer, something about the way he demanded her love and the way he was so confident in her love made her gush, her heart fluttering a mile a minute. She couldn't breathe and had to just stare, his eyes never leaving hers. She felt light headed; what could she say?
Orochimaru was going to take her body. If he fell for her and she allowed it Orochimaru would manipulate him in any way he could after she was gone, dead. She didn't want to hurt him, not any more. She suddenly felt panicked, her mind realing through the possibilities of holding Orochimaru off so she could defeat him, to keep her life. But how? How did this one boy change everything? I hate Konoha, I lost my family because of them, and I will dedicate every ounce of my being to repaying my debt to Lord Orochimaru. He is my sensei, my reason for existing. She couldn't betray him. Kame help her now. She didn't want to hurt Kiba but she had to. She had to hurt him one last time so he knows, so she is sure, he never loves her again. Hurt him to save him.
But for now she would enjoy something she's never known. Something she wanted to do unspoiled, totally as herself. She'd never let Orochimaru decide this; ever.
"Kiba," she whispered hoarsely, glancing up at him. His deep eyes were watching her. "Kiba Inuzuka," she said a bit more officially, her hands roaming his shoulders and neck, feeling the tight muscles mold under her hands. "Make me yours, right here, right now, my love…"
Kiba looked at her skeptically, his eyes roaming her face. She needed this; she wanted this more than she could even explain. To enjoy something once before she was gone; to experiment with what she knew would be a tragic end.
"Kiba, I can't hold it back anymore. I love you; I love you more than anything in my life. I can't stand the idea of you being someone else's and I can't live with the idea of being anyone else's. Kiba… please…" she whispered into his neck, kissing gently.
"You mean this," Kiba asked, his eyes searching hers now, holding her back a distance. "This is it, my it… my love. I can't ever love again after this. I won't. If you don't mean every bit of it don't play with me."
"I will always love you no matter what happens," she assured, wrapping her arms around his waist, pressing her hips to his. She needed to feel him close, to inhale his scent one final time. It was the truth. She would love him until she was no more and even after. He finally wrapped his arms around her, pressing her body to his.
"I love you Yuka Uzumaki… you are my alpha and that is all I will ever, ever need…" he whispered, cutting of her startled gasp with a deep, hunger filled kiss.
"Kiba!" she gasped, feeling him lift her against him, his hands holding her hips against his own.
He didn't reply but gently kissed her lips, her chin, her neck, and down to the nape of her neck. By now he'd laid her in front of him on the fluffy bed, his hips between her thighs.
"You've never…?" Kiba asked, unsure how to proceed. Yuka helped him by ripping his shirt off with incredible force. She pulled hers off in one swift motion, revealing herself to him.
"Never, but you can show me, Kiba-kun," she breathed, nipping at his collarbone.
"I can show you a lot," he admitted, his hands going to her hips again.
After that first night in the compound she was exceptionally glad she put up the sound barrier.
Hope you enjoyed this long chapter. It's been a while so that should hold you over. Was going to do a full lemon but... eh, no smut this time around. ;)
Don't forget that review! -