Maki's POV

I feel myself start to wake up. I stretch my limbs then sigh. I feel something really close to me. It's really warm. I snuggle closer to it. My eyes shoot open when my pillow moves.

I see a white t-shirt out of the corner of my eye. I quickly move away, almost falling off the bed in the process. I catch myself and sit on the edge. I'm in Kiba's bed. I must have fell asleep on him last night.

I slept with him, I slept with Kiba. I SLEPT WITH KIBA! That thought kept running through my mind over and over. Kiba begins to stir. He opens his eyes and looks at me funny.

A sleepy eyed Kiba cocked his head to the side. "You're not a pillow!" I shout, panting. He chuckles when realization hits him. "No, but I can be." Kiba smiles sleepily. I look away from him, flustered. "W-what happened last night?" I asked, trying to stay calm. He bursts out laughing. What's so funny? I couldn't think. I probably don't want to think about it.

I groaned. "Nothing bad if that's what you're thinking." He paused for a second to see my reaction. I was probably as red as his markings. "You fell asleep on my shoulder, and I tucked you in. You were on the pillow when I went to bed. I guess you thought I was someone else in your sleep." He explained. I mentally slapped myself. I guess I did think he was Neji in my sleep. "I, I guess so. I, I'm sorry about that." I laugh nervously.

"It's okay. Maybe now's a good time to talk about sleeping arrangements." Kiba points out. "Heh, right." I commented. "Since you obviously don't feel comfortable sleeping in my room, the only place I can think of for you to sleep is on the couch." He said with a finger on his chin. I take a deep breath. "Fine by me I guess." I said, unsure. "Okay then, so I guess you'll be sleeping on the couch tonight." Kiba said with a nod of his head. I nod back in agreement. I sigh and start to relax more. With that settled, Kiba and I start the day.

That's strange. I barely know him and yet I was able to sleep so close to him. Why? Is it because I miss Neji? Or could it be that he was so warm that my body curled up to him for extra warmth? No matter the reason, I don't have to worry about it tonight.

I want to get to know Kiba, I really do. But why do I feel like I'm doing something wrong? On a brighter note, I get to see Neji this weekend. Surely that'll make everything better. At least I hope so. Only four more days to go.

Kiba and I sat on the front porch talking. I wasn't saying much though. I'm too shy to tell him what's going on in my head. I'm not as open and energetic as a few of my friends. I guess you could say I'm more like my friend Sasuke. Yeah, I know. It's an interesting friendship. Since he came back to the village, he's been more open about friends and such. It's nice. I like him better this way.

Speaking of Sasuke, I wonder how he's coping with his two partners. They're probably sitting in the living room doing nothing not knowing what to say. Now that I think about it, Iruka sensei didn't say much about the project to begin with. Only that we have to live with another teammate for a month and that we would be checked on at the end of each week. Most likely on a Friday. Didn't say at what time either. I guess that's for our assigned sensei to decide.

What's the purpose of this project? This project is a lot harder to figure out than I thought. I just hope we pass. Kiba noticed my absence from our conversation. He was waving his hand in front of my face. "Hello, earth to Maki? You okay?" I snap out of my thoughts. "Yeah, I'm fine. I was uh, thinking about this project we have to go through." I answer quietly. Kiba's expression changed from concerned to perplexed.

"I've been thinking about that too." Kiba voices his thoughts, breaking the obvious silence. "You wanna go on a walk with me? Akamaru and I know the forest like the backs of our hands." A goofy grin spreads across his face. I sigh. How can I say no to that face? I shake my head, smirking. "Sure." I say as I slide out of my chair.

We walk in almost complete silence throughout the trail. I kept my hands in my pockets. A sign of me keeping to myself. It's really pretty here. I thought to myself. "What do you like to do?" Kiba asks. I try to think about it. What do I really like to do anymore? I shrug my shoulders, unable to come up with an answer. He sighs and puts his hand over his face.

I don't really do much. Not like I used to anyway. "I don't really do much anymore." I say, wanting to give some kind of answer. His hand drops from his face. "What did you used to do then?" He changed his question. I used to do all kinds of things when my parents were still here. I guess all I really do now is write poetry and spend time with Neji. "I used to walk around the village a lot and doodle in trees. Although, I don't really do that kind of thing anymore. Not because I don't want to. I just haven't had any motivation to. Now I just write when stuff comes to mind and spend time with my boyfriend."

I drag my feet a little, hands still in my pockets. "Oh, I see. If you don't mind me asking, who is your boyfriend?" I feel a chill travel down my spine. I thought the whole academy knew by now. I guess we're not as obvious as I thought. Also, I thought Kiba heard me when Hana asked yesterday.

I forget we don't even look like a couple sometimes when we actually are. I clear my throat. "Um, it's uh um, N-Neji. I uh, thought you heard me tell Hana yesterday." I kind of stutter. "I thought I heard you say you were seeing someone, but I wasn't sure. I guess I wasn't paying attention when you told her." He explains. I felt a blush creep up on my face. "Oh, yeah, I understand. She was doing her best to embarrass you wasn't she?" I glance up at him. Kiba turns his head and I give him a small smile. "Y-Yeah." He smiles back.

I'm sure we'll get along just fine. "Uh, how long have you two been together?" He asks. I didn't think Kiba would be interested in my love life. I guess there's no harm in telling him the basics. "Um, two years. We started dating a little after Naruto left to train." I explain. "Oh, well I'm happy for you." He flashes his fangs at me. I giggle. "Aha, I can make her laugh." He snickers. My face heats up. "Was that your goal or something?" I ask, trying to hide my face. "Maybe." I feel his arm wrap around my shoulder as he says this. My body tenses up. When Kiba realizes my discomfort, he quickly pulls away.

"Sorry." He murmurs. "No, no I just wasn't expecting that." I apologize. "No, it's my fault. I should have asked first." I slowly nod my head in understanding. "I know, but I could have reacted better." Kiba looks at me like I'm nuts. "No, you acted perfectly fine. Don't blame yourself. I'm the one who should have been more considerate of your personal space." He explains, wanting to take all the blame. "It's fine Kiba. Don't worry about it." I try to reassure him. He slightly groans but decides to leave things be.

We walk some more, still trying to keep a light conversation going. "Um, what were your parents like?" Kiba asks casually. My parents. Everyone always asks me about them, and I hate when they do. I don't like to think about my parents a whole lot. Thinking about them makes me upset and want to shut out the world. "Oh, my parents? They're nice and things like normal parents." I answer with a quickness. "That's good. So do they go on missions and stuff like us?" Kiba continues his questionnaire. I pierce my lips.

"Yes, they did. Sadly, they died during one of their missions." My voice lowers at the end of my sentence. He frowns. "Awe, I'm so sorry." "Yeah, I really miss them." Once again, I trail off. Why does he keep asking me all of these questions? It doesn't make any sense. Also, the questions about my parents, really? I really don't like talking about them. But why am I sort of able to with him? I guess I'll have to figure that out later along with all the other shit I don't understand.

Kiba speaks up again. Probably another question about my past. "Did your parents leave anything for you? You know, just in case?" He starts to look down, afraid of what I might say. Yes, they left me in good care just in case something like that were to happen. "Yeah, but why are you asking me all of this? Honestly, you have no right to be asking those kinds of questions about my family!" I start to shout at him, my anger and pain starting to spill out. Kiba's head jolts in my direction.

Hurt and guilt dawned in his dark brown eyes. "Maki I, I'm sorry. I didn't think the questions through. I'm really sorry if I hurt you in any way. Please, forgive me. I just really want to get to know you." His dog like eyes have tears appearing in the corners of his eyes. I almost feel guilty yelling at him, but he needed to know that he crossed the line.

I just stared at him. My own tears getting to me. After thirty seconds of silence, I turned around and ran off as angry tears flittered from my eyes. I ran and ran, not exactly sure where I was going, but I knew where I wanted to go. Every once in a while, I would dab at my eyes, drying some of the glistening teardrops from my face.

Out of sheer luck, I made it to the place I wanted to go. I ended up at the stream I always went to as a kid when my parents were still alive. It still hurts that they're gone. I didn't even get to tell them goodbye or that I loved them one last time. I hid behind Hiashi the whole time during their funeral. I was too frightened to see their faces.

After their death, I was given the rest of the money that my parents had. It was a lot. They must've been saving for a long time to be able to leave me so much. I've put most of it away for safekeeping in our village's bank. I of course kept some out to live on.

Following their deaths, I was to move into the Hyuga compound. Our families were pretty good friends. I've lived there since I was about to turn thirteen. I'm almost nineteen now. I moved out when I was sixteen.

Sometimes I wonder if they can see me and see how far I've come since then. I wish they could have been there for my birthday. But I'm sure they were there in spirit. After living with Neji and his family for some time, Neji and I became closer. Slowly over time acting more and more like a couple.

Shortly after Naruto left the village to become stronger, Neji asked me out. I of course said yes. I care about Neji very much. I wish I could be with him right now. That would make me feel so much better. I wish I was able to have his arms wrapped around me.

When I got to the stream, I found the tree I always sat under. It's gotten a lot bigger since the last time I was here. Now that I think about it, I miss coming here. I should start coming more often. I've actually brought Neji here a few times.

Neji, what are you doing right now? Knowing him, he's probably training right now. Thinking of him makes it worse. The tears come faster and more consistent. Before I know it, I can't stop crying.

Kiba's POV

I'm really confused right now. I told her I was sorry. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt her in any way, shape, or form. I wish I could make things better, but I don't know how. I walk to the nearest tree and sit down beneath it. Akamaru sits beside me and starts to whimper and whine. I pet his head, trying to soothe him.

Akamaru lays his head in my lap, a single tear falling down his face. Akamaru must have really liked her. He never sheds a tear for hardly anyone besides me, my mom, and sister. I can't really blame him though. Maki's starting to grow on me too.

I wish I could do something to get her to come back. I really want her to trust me. But I don't think any fiber in her body wants to right now. What the hell did I do to deserve this?! I cover my face with my hands.

Where is Maki? I don't know, but I wanna find out. Akamaru starts barking at me. "What's wrong Akamaru?" He barks wildly at me again. "What do you mean I was trying too hard?" More angry barks are heard. "I just wanted to get to know her better." Now he's resorted to growling.

"Yeah, I know. I should have made sure the subject wasn't a touchy one, but I didn't know her parents were dead until it was too late. I just thought that she wasn't in a good mood." He growls and barks. "I know, I know. I'm gonna find her and make things right." Akamaru jumps up and tells me to follow him. I follow Akamaru's lead and after a while I start to pick up her scent.

After a while, we finally find Maki. She sits under a tree with her face hidden from view. My heart sinks to my stomach. Damn, I didn't mean to make her cry too. I walk over to her and wait for her to notice me. She doesn't. I sit down next to her while Akamaru goes to the other side of her. He lies his head on her lap.

For a moment she doesn't notice. I want to put my arms around her. Beg for her forgiveness. I want to keep her in my life. I want nothing but for her to be happy. Always. I love seeing her smile and laugh. I miss that side of her. So much.

I feel hot wet tears brimming the corners of my eyes. I couldn't take it anymore and let them fall silently down my cheeks. I don't touch her with my hands, but I lean my body against her shoulder. Akamaru just quietly whimpers.

Later, I feel her body awaken. She sniffles and I see her dry her eyes. "Hey, Akamaru." I sense a slight smile from the sound of her slightly hoarse voice. I crack a smile of my own. Despite how her voice sounds, I missed it. "Where's Kiba boy?" She asks him, her voice starting to return to normal. Akamaru lifts his head a little.

Maki moves her shoulder some. I take it she notices the heavy feeling. She turns her head and possibly catches a glimpse of my face. I pull away from her shoulder. I don't smile like I want to.

She takes a deep breath and sighs, turning away. "What do you want?" She asks somewhat coldly. "To apologize." I breathe out. "Well, if you're really sorry, it's going to take a lot of that." She huffs. "I know." I sigh. Everything goes quiet. Why won't she say anything? Ugh, is she trying to make me feel worse than I already do?

I grumble to myself on the inside. If I were to do so out loud, it might start world war three between the two of us. I shrug my shoulders and sigh. "I didn't mean to hurt you, I swear. I just really want to get to know you. I'd really like to be good friends no matter what. You're one of the coolest girls I know. I've seen you around the village outside of school on so many occasions. Some of those times I see you when you're training. You're amazing. I'm not trying to compare you to anyone, but you can do stuff some of the other girls can't. Maybe when you're not mad at me anymore, we can train together sometime."

I feel like I'm pouring my heart out to her about my opinion of her. During some of my little speech, I catch her slightly smiling and blushing. I stay quiet and wait for her response. "And?" Is all she replies. Is she serious? Come on!

I bite my lip as I try to think of something else to say to make her see I'm truly sorry. "I'm truly sorry that I made you feel this way. I didn't know that your parents were um ya know. I wasn't thinking straight when I was asking you those things. The thought never occurred to me. I have a feeling that you were trying to tell me that. Please don't be mad at me anymore. I can't stand it when people are mad at me. Especially you. I never want you to be mad at me. Even though I haven't known you long in person as I have from afar, I always want you to be a part of my life. No matter who you are to me. My friend, a little sister figure, a possible future girlfriend, whatever. I just want you to be happy. Always." I finally finish.

The best that I can do without making it sound like it's some sappy love confession. Which of course it's not. I look at her clearly now. She's smiling. I think I was talking so fast she overlooked the possible future girlfriend part. Even I overlooked it and now feel a little embarrassed by it.

I guess I actually managed to break the ice between us. Good. That's what I was aiming for. I feel her getting closer to me. Now what is she doing? I hope I'm forgiven and that she's not pissed at me anymore.

I feel her arms wrap around my neck. Loosely but still not too tight. I sit there stunned for a moment. I slowly wrap my arms around her waist, trying not to touch anything that shouldn't be touched.

Her head nuzzles into my neck, the tip of her nose touching my skin. Her warm breath wafting over my skin. I rest my head atop hers. We stay like that for a while. When she feels like she's had enough, she pulls away and so do I.

I look in her direction. I wonder what she's going to do next. She looks at me. A smile forms on her lips and she nods her head. YES, WHOOHOO! I almost thought that she wasn't going to give in. "It's getting late. You ready to go home?" I ask, starting to get up. Maki looks up at me.

Instead of verbally answering she just slowly nods her head. I smile, showing off my fangs. She laughs and I stretch out my hand to help her up. She looks at it hesitantly but takes it anyways. I pull Maki to her feet, and we make our way home.

On the way home, Maki wraps an arm around my waist and leans her head against my shoulder. I smile and drape my arm across her shoulders to make sure she wouldn't lose her balance. We stayed like that until we got to the front door. She pulls away to allow me to unlock the door.

I walk inside and then hold the door open for her. "If you want, you can sleep in my room." I offer as I close the front door. She hesitates. I guess she's still not used to me. Oh well, maybe she'll get that way eventually.

So far, I'm comfortable with her. "I don't know. I think the one time was enough for me. I'm just going to sleep on the couch." She explains. It hurts to hear her say that, but I understand if that's the way she feels. I won't make her do anything she doesn't want. Well except the stuff for this crazy project.

I give her a weak, understanding smile then head up to my room for the night. If she needs me, she knows where to find me. For right now I'm just glad to have her back after everything that happened.