Chapter 14:

Courtship

Kiba felt a mix of frustration and dread as he walked towards the park where he had agreed to meet Precious. The sun was high, casting long shadows and filling the air with a deceptive calm. Akamaru trotted by his side, his head low as if sensing the tension in Kiba's demeanor.

When he reached the park, he saw Precious sitting on a bench under the shade of an oak tree, her face lighting up as she spotted him. Kiba took a deep breath, steeling himself for the difficult conversation ahead.

"Hey," he greeted, his voice steady but lacking warmth. He sat down beside her, Akamaru lying down at his feet.

"Hey," Precious replied, her smile faltering slightly as she sensed the shift in his mood. "Is everything okay?"

Kiba nodded slowly, looking down at his hands. "Yeah, everything's fine. I just... I need to talk to you about something important."

Precious's eyes widened with concern, her hand reaching out to touch his arm. "What is it, Kiba? You're scaring me."

Kiba took a deep breath, meeting her gaze. "Precious, we've only been on three dates, and I think there's been a misunderstanding. We're not together, and I need to be honest with you about how I feel. I don't feel the same way you do, and I think it would be best if we didn't see each other anymore."

Precious's expression shifted from concern to confusion, then to hurt. "What do you mean? I thought we had something special."

"I thought I made it clear when I tried to slip out the window last time," Kiba continued, wincing at the memory. "But apparently, I needed to say this face-to-face. I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression."

Precious's eyes narrowed, her voice taking on a sharp edge. "Is this about that girl I met in your house? Sakura, was it?"

Kiba hesitated, the weight of her question hanging heavily in the air. He remained silent for a moment, searching for the right words.

"Well?" Precious demanded, her voice rising. "Is it?"

Kiba sighed, looking down at his hands. "It's not just about Sakura. I've felt from the beginning that you were getting too invested, and I wasn't ready for that. But, yes, the way I feel about Sakura... it's different."

Precious's eyes flashed with anger. "So, you're ready to do it with her instead? Is that it?"

Kiba looked up, his gaze steady but pained. "Yes," he said quietly. "The way I feel for Sakura, I've always felt for her. It's like I could do anything for her. She may not feel the same way about me, but she's the girl I could really lay my heart bare for."

The silence that followed was thick with tension and unspoken emotions. Precious stood up abruptly, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. "I can't believe this," she said, her voice shaking with anger and hurt. "I thought we had a chance."

"We never really had a chance," Kiba replied softly, standing up to face her. "And right now, I think I may have a chance with Sakura and I want to pursue it. I'm sorry if that hurts, but it's the truth."

Precious glared at him, tears streaming down her face. "How dare you?"

Her hand shot out and Kiba could just close his eyes as he braced himself. The sharp sting of her slap echoed through the quiet park. Kiba stumbled back a step, raising a hand to his cheek, more surprised than hurt.

"I hope you're happy with her," she spat, her voice trembling with fury.

Kiba stood there, stunned, as she turned and walked away, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. The sound of Akamaru's soft whine brought him back to the present, and he knelt down to pat his loyal companion, seeking comfort in the familiar presence.

"I guess I deserved that," Kiba murmured to Akamaru, rubbing the dog's head gently. "Let's go, buddy. At least no one witnessed that."

As they walked away from the park, Kiba couldn't shake the sadness that lingered in his chest. He knew he had done the right thing, but breaking someone's heart was never easy.

Now that the Precious problem was out of the way, Kiba couldn't stop obsessing over how to ask Sakura out. Every time he tried to find her alone, someone else would show up, making it seem like the universe was conspiring against him. He was starting to feel like a character in one of those bad rom-coms where nothing ever goes right.

A few days later, his luck seemed to change. He spotted Sakura standing alone near the training grounds, her pink hair catching the light. Akamaru barked in delight beside him, his tail wagging. This was his moment. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Kiba started walking towards her, each step making his heart race faster.

Just as he was within earshot, a heavy hand landed on his shoulder, pulling him back to reality.

"Hey, Dog Boy, where are you rushing off to?" Naruto's voice was dripping with playful curiosity.

Kiba turned around, forcing a smile even though he felt like growling. "Oh, nowhere special."

Naruto's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Nowhere special? Or somewhere special with Precious?" His laughter rang out, loud and teasing.

Kiba's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. He shot a quick glance back, but Sakura was already gone, her figure fading into the distance.

Kiba couldn't shake off his frustration. Of course Sakura had confided in Naruto and asked him about the deal with her.

"For your information, Foxshit, I ended things with her," he growled.

As he walked away from the training grounds. Naruto caught up to him, clearly not done with his relentless teasing. "So, Doggy Boy, what happened between you and Sakura-chan after the night of the party? Did you 'Almost' Do It?"

Kiba clenched his fists, feeling the sting of Naruto's words. He had to find a way to shake this off and gather the courage to try again. His feelings for Sakura were too strong to let a little bad luck and Naruto's teasing get in the way.

He sighed, knowing Naruto wouldn't let it go. "Nothing much, ramen-for-brains. We just talked."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, clearly not satisfied with that answer. "Talked, huh? That's it? Come on, man, give me something. You two seemed pretty cozy. We saw you smooching! Details! I want details."

Kiba's cheeks reddened at the memory. The night of the party, they had shared a moment, a connection he couldn't quite explain. "Yeah, we talked. About a lot of things. About our dreams, our fears... It was nice."

Naruto's teasing grin softened a bit, replaced by genuine curiosity. "Really? That sounds... kinda deep for just a talk. That's the kind of deep talk I only have with Sasuke."

Kiba nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "Yeah, it was. We connected, Naruto. It felt real, you know?"

Naruto clapped him on the back, his grin returning. "Well, that's great, Kiba! But don't just stop at talking. If you like her, like I know you do, go for it-dattebayo!"

Kiba's smile widened, feeling a bit of his confidence returning. "Yeah, I will. Thanks, Fox Breath."

Naruto nodded. "I should write to Sasuke too..." he said, drifting off in thought.

Kiba remembered what Sakura had told him about Sasuke. "I heard he was here the night of the party."

Naruto smiled wistfully. "Yeah, he was. He's always in such a hurry, but he said he had to come since it was my birthday, and the anniversary of our grand duel. We both lost an arm that day, but our hearts truly connected, believe it. His arrival that day was the best present."

Kiba studied him carefully. "Did something happen?"

Naruto smiled broadly. "Hey, I ain't one to kiss and tell," he winked. "I want you doing that."

Kiba shook his head and crossed his arms. "You know I ain't doing that right now. And for that matter, I never really understood what's your situation with Sasuke. Or Sakura for that matter. So, spill. What's going on with you three?"

Naruto's expression suddenly turned serious. "If you're concerned that this is about Sakura-chan... Sasuke has decided to journey with Karin. I suppose she's found out about that already, since you know he visited."

Kiba nodded. "Yeah, she knows. She was quite upset about that. The Rat Bastard didn't even meet her to end things properly. But he met with you, obviously."

"Me, Kakashi-sensei, and possibly Shikamaru," Naruto nodded. "He also only met me for less than half an hour. I had to meet you guys for the party, see, so I didn't have much time either. But Sasuke has a way of convincing me... You know I can never say no to that ass. He was in quite a hurry. So we didn't spend much time together, not as much as I would have liked."

"That's still more time than he spent with Sakura," Kiba told him flatly. "She is heartbroken. He should've at least had the decency to clear things up between them."

"Don't fret, Kiba," Naruto threw an arm around his shoulder. "I'll tell the Asshole to write to her, if you think she needs the closure."

"She abso-fucking-lutely needs the closure," Kiba replied, arms still crossed. "Before I can even hope to go anywhere with her."

"Don't let that stop you," Naruto said, flabbergasted. "You're not chickening out again, are you?"

Kiba looked at him challengingly but then sighed in defeat. He shook his head. "I'm falling for her hard, you know? And I'm just afraid... Afraid of a lot of things."

"I know her. Sakura-chan doesn't settle with just anyone," Naruto assured him. "You, Bushy Brows, and I all tried to court her. If she chose you, there must be something about you she really likes."

He looked at him in surprise. He hadn't banked on this kind of support from Naruto of all people.

"Ya think?" he asks, a goofy smile spreading on his face.

Naruto laughed. "Yes, Dogbrains. Now, go get her."

Two days later as Kiba thought he finally caught a break, Lee sought him out.

"Kiba, my friend, you must tell me!" He demanded. "What transpired between you and Sakura-chan after the party?"

Kiba growled in frustration. "None of your business, Bushy Brows. It was just a nice talk, okay?"

Lee, ever the enthusiastic rival, wouldn't let it go. "A talk? Surely there's more to it than that! I propose a challenge!"

Kiba's eyes narrowed, his possessiveness flaring up. "A challenge? About what?"

Lee's eyes sparkled with determination. "A duel of romance! Let's see who can plan the most romantic date!"

Kiba growled again, his tone firm and unwavering. "Lee, I won't tolerate anyone else courting Sakura now."

Lee raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Fear not, Dog Boy! I am no longer interested in pursuing Sakura-chan's affections. However, a duel to win her heart in a competition of romantic gestures would be most exhilarating, don't you think?"

Kiba's lips curled into a confident smirk. "Very well, Bushy Brows. Prepare yourself for defeat, for I am determined to prove myself as Sakura's ultimate suitor!"

Akamaru sighed in exasperation at the tackiness as they took pose and got ready for a meaningless spar.

As they lay breathing heavily on the ground after their impromptu duel, Lee sighed.

"Kiba, the date I want to plan..." Lee began, revealing his intentions. "It's not with Sakura-chan. It's with Tenten. I am courting her now. I hadn't told anyone this yet."

Kiba hid a smile, having already known this piece of information. "I knew. Shino noticed that ages ago. Hinata also let it slip that you sought Neji's guidance."

Lee's eyes widened in surprise. "She did? Oh dear, I hadn't realized they knew. I had also forgotten about Shino completely."

Kiba laughed hard. "Everyone does," he managed to breathe out. "If Shino was here, perhaps you'd have a new rival."

Lee sighed then shared more. "Tenten and I shared a moment when we were slow dancing at the party. I actually have you to thank for that. Your boldness gave me the courage, and also the hope that we all have our perfect dance moments waiting for us."

"I did?" Kiba asked, surprised and also touched.

Lee nodded. "It was brief, but meaningful. But Tenten is very good at hiding her emotions, so I could not really tell. She has always been averse to romance. But... she rested her head on my chest when we were dancing and looked at me with... what I can only describe as bedroom eyes. I feel there might be something there, you know?"

Listening to him talk, Kiba wondered about his own inner turmoil. Naruto and Lee had both conveniently stepped out of the way, and Sasuke had more or less ended things. All he had to do now, as Naruto had told him he would, would write to give her closure. His path could never be clearer.

"We have been teammates for so long, yet it is still hard to... you know... judge her feelings," Lee was saying. "I never cared before, and I always thought she had a thing for Neji. I thought she was always embarrassed of me. But since a while now, I have been wondering... And testing her reactions to certain things. They have changed considerably. I have never, ever, seen her get tongue-tied and shy when asked some basic questions. She thinks she is very smart, but she does not know when she reveals herself."

Kiba nodded. "Sounds like you're making progress, Lee. Tenten might surprise you yet."

Lee chuckled in agreement. "I guess I should not waste more time than has already passed."

Kiba smiled in encouragement and thought the same could be said for him.

Kiba ran into Shikamaru the next week, who looked as annoyed as ever. He was leaning against a wall, arms crossed and brow furrowed in his signature expression of mild exasperation. "Romance is such a drag," Shikamaru muttered, his voice weary. "Women expect so much."

Kiba couldn't help but laugh at the irony. "Tell me about it," he replied, shaking his head. Despite their different personalities, Kiba could relate to Shikamaru's sentiment. The complexities of romance seemed to plague them both.

Shikamaru glanced at Kiba and then sighed. "Come on, let's grab a drink. I need to get this off my chest."

Kiba nodded in agreement, and the two made their way to a nearby bar while Akamaru waited outside. They settled into a booth in the corner, away from the noisy crowd.

As they ordered their drinks, Shikamaru began to vent, his words spilling out in a rare display of frustration.

"You know, Ino can actually read minds, yet she expects me to do all the work," he started, swirling his glass absently. "After the party, I felt like she wanted me to do more, to take some kind of initiative, but I just didn't get it."

"So nothing really happened?" Kiba asked, shocked.

Shikamaru shook his head. "Not to the extent she wanted, I feel. Now, I'm worried she might've lost interest."

Kiba knew his friend well enough to understand that beneath the lazy exterior was a man who cared deeply about the girl in question.

"I felt like such a fool the next morning," Shikamaru was saying. "Here, I had a girl in my bed, and all we did was talk."

If there was anyone else in the village who could relate to this particular sentiment, it was Kiba.

"Now I know how you feel each time it happened to you," Shikamaru mentioned offhandedly, "And why you get teased so much about it. It made me feel so less of a man."

Kiba sighed in frustration. Those two fucking idiots. He opened his mouth to defend himself, but found no words. Instead, he veered into a different direction.

"Sounds tough, man," Kiba said sympathetically. "But if you really like her, you should do something about it."

Shikamaru sighed again, his shoulders slumping slightly. He took a long sip of his drink before speaking. "Yeah, you're right. Maybe it's time I bit the bullet and made things romantic. It's just... it's so much effort, you know? Trying to figure out what she wants, making sure I don't screw it up."

Kiba nodded, understanding the dilemma. "I get it. But sometimes, the effort is worth it. Ino's a great girl, and she clearly cares about you. You just need to show her that you care too."

Shikamaru leaned back in his seat, staring at his drink thoughtfully. "You know, it's funny. We deal with life-and-death situations all the time, but courtship? It feels more complicated."

Kiba chuckled. "That's because it is. Emotions, relationships... they're messy. But that doesn't mean we should avoid them."

Shikamaru's lips curved into a small smile. "Yeah, I suppose you're right. It's just... troublesome." He lifted his glass, and Kiba followed suit, clinking their glasses together.

"To navigating the complexities of women," Kiba toasted, his grin wide and encouraging.

Shikamaru chuckled, a rare sound that hinted at his genuine amusement. "Troublesome as it may be, wouldn't have it any other way. To courtship."

As they finished their drinks and continued to talk, Kiba felt a renewed determination growing within him. If even Shikamaru, the most reluctant and lazy romantic, could decide to take the plunge and court a girl, then he could certainly find the courage to ask Sakura out.

Kiba knew it was time to stop letting opportunities slip through his fingers. He had to take control of his own love story. As he left the bar, he felt a sense of resolve he hadn't felt before. Tomorrow, he would find Sakura, and this time, he wouldn't let anything or anyone get in his way.

But wait. Why wait for tomorrow? Why keep putting it off?

Why not do it right now?

It was late. She had to be home, right?

Sakura's heart skipped a beat when she heard the faint tap against her bedroom window. Startled, she folded the letter she was reading and placed it in her drawer. She cautiously approached, peering out to see Kiba standing below, his silhouette outlined against the dim moonlight. Beside him, Akamaru wagged his tail, the faint gleam of his fur visible in the night. Despite the surprise, a rush of warmth flooded her cheeks at the sight of them, their presence stirring a flurry of emotions within her.

"Can I come in?" his voice drifted up to her, carrying a hint of urgency.

She hesitated, glancing back at the closed door of her room. "My parents are asleep," she whispered, torn between caution and the pull of curiosity.

Kiba's gaze was unwavering. "I won't disturb them."

With a flicker of uncertainty, Sakura relented, unlatching the window to allow him entry. With practiced ease, Kiba hoisted himself over the sill and into her room. Akamaru felt he was too large to follow without attracting noise or attention. He settled contentedly below the window, his ears perked up and eyes alert.

"What are you doing here?" Sakura hissed, her cheeks flushed as she took in his handsome features. His smile, wide and infectious, sent her heart into a frenzy, the proximity between them suddenly feeling intimate and charged with anticipation.

Kiba's grin only widened as he met her gaze. "I had to see you," he confessed, his voice low and earnest. "I had to tell you. I finished things with Precious."

Sakura nodded, her face weary. "I had heard," she admitted.

"And... I have something special planned for Friday night," he rushed. "Are you free?"

Sakura's breath caught in her throat at his words, a rush of excitement coursing through her veins. "Yes," she replied without hesitation, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm free."

A triumphant gleam lit up Kiba's eyes as he pumped his fist in the air, his excitement palpable. "Yes!" he exclaimed, unable to contain his joy. "You won't regret it, Sakura. I promise."

With that out of the way, he glanced around her room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. Sakura found herself blushing furiously under his gaze. The closeness between them felt electrifying, the air heavy with unspoken tension as he studied her private space. It was much smaller than his room, but she had a small, queen-sized bed, and she found his eyes lingering there for a second too long.

For a fleeting moment, Sakura entertained the thought of him leaning in to kiss her, her heart racing at the mere possibility.

"I should go," Kiba murmured reluctantly, his movements slow. He was in no hurry to leave. "Before anyone comes."

Reluctance tugged at Sakura's heart as she watched him turn towards the window, ready to leave. But just as he reached out to grasp the sill, a soft sigh escaped her lips, barely audible in the stillness of the room.

Kiba's keen and finely attuned canine senses caught the sound, his ears twitching in response. Slowly, he turned back to face her, his gaze searching hers with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.

"Would you like me to stay a bit more?" he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

A shy smile tugged at Sakura's lips as she met his gaze, her heart fluttering with anticipation. "Yes," she replied, her voice barely more than a breathless whisper. "I would like that."

He grinned broadly. "I should let Akamaru know. I'll bark so no one understands."

He went to the window and stuck his head out. He barked a few words to Akamaru, who barked something back.

Kiba turned back to meet Sakura's intrigued expression. "He's asking if there's somewhere warm and soft he could crash meanwhile."

Sakura scratched her head, wondering. "I guess he could use the basement. There's a pile of fresh laundry that hasn't been put away yet, as long as he doesn't leave behind any fur. Then I'll have some explaining to do."

Kiba chuckled, nodding. "He'd love that. Akamaru has a thing for clean clothes."

Sakura smiled, feeling the tension ease a bit as she moved to show Kiba the way. The house was quiet, the low hum of night sounds filling the air as they tiptoed down the stairs. Sakura opened the door to the basement, revealing a cozy space filled with the scent of freshly washed linens.

Kiba called Akamaru softly as Sakura unlatched the basement exit. The large white dog padded in, his tail wagging as he inspected the room. With a satisfied huff, he circled a few times before settling down on the pile of clothes, his eyes closing in contentment.

"Looks like he's all set," Kiba whispered, standing up and turning back to Sakura. "He'll pop out if he hears anyone come in."

She nodded, her heart beating faster as they returned to her room. The atmosphere felt different now - more intimate, more charged. As they entered, Kiba gently closed the door behind them, shutting out the rest of the world.

They stood facing each other, the room dimly lit by the soft glow of the moon filtering through the curtains. Sakura felt a shiver of anticipation run down her spine as Kiba stepped closer, his eyes never leaving hers.

"You know," Kiba began, his voice low and sincere, "I've wanted to be alone with you like this for a long time."

Sakura's breath hitched, her cheeks flushing. "Me too," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

He reached out, taking her hand in his. The touch was gentle but sent a spark through her, igniting a warmth that spread from her fingertips to her heart. Slowly, he pulled her closer, their bodies almost touching. His other hand lightly cupped her cheek.

"Can I kiss you?" he asked, his voice soft, filled with a mix of hope and vulnerability.

Sakura felt her pulse quicken. She nodded, unable to find her voice, her eyes closing as she leaned in. Their lips met in a tender, lingering kiss that spoke of all the emotions they had kept bottled up for so long.

Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in the kiss, a gentle yet fervent exploration of each other's feelings. When they finally pulled away, both were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other as they savored the moment.

Kiba wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a warm embrace. Sakura nestled against him, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat, a comforting rhythm that matched her own.

"Thank you for staying," she whispered, her voice muffled against his chest.

"Always," he replied softly, his hand gently stroking her hair. "I'll always be here for you, Sakura."

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Sakura felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over her. In that quiet, intimate moment, she knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. And that thought filled her with a warmth and happiness she had never known before.

"I'll leave in a second if anyone comes in," Kiba murmured softly, his voice a reassuring whisper against her ear. "I'm a light sleeper, and I'm very quick and quiet."

Sakura nodded, a sense of relief flooding through her at his words. She trusted him implicitly, knowing that he would keep her safe no matter what.

"Sasuke wrote to me today," she confessed.

In the dim light filtering through the window, she stole glances at his face, illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. His features were softened in repose, his eyes closed in serene tranquility as he held her close. His red, canine markings appeared dull as she traced them, stroking his cheek. She marveled at the sight, drinking in every detail with a sense of wonder and awe.

"Yeah?" he whispered.

She buried her face against Kiba's chest, seeking solace in the warmth of his embrace as she struggled to contain the torrent of emotions swirling within her.

"Yeah," she whispered back. "He said that he feels bad things didn't work out. Not even a proper apology."

Kiba's arms tightened around her, offering silent reassurance and unwavering support. His touch was a lifeline, anchoring her to the present moment and grounding her in the reality of their shared connection.

Sakura felt a profound sense of gratitude wash over her. She was grateful for the simple yet profound gift of his presence, for the way he had entered her life and turned her world upside down in the best possible way.

How had he known that she needed him? Especially in that moment?

"Thank you for being here with me," she voiced once more as he shrugged off his jacket. She pulled him to lie down with her on the bed and snuggled up close. Her hands traveled under his shirt, feeling his warm skin.

She placed her head on the crook of his shoulder, settling into a comfortable position. She could feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her ear, a comforting rhythm that echoed the cadence of her own. She traced lazy circles on his chest with her fingertips, reveling in the warmth of his touch.

She felt him dig his nose in her hair, sniffing deeply, and felt as well as heard his heartbeat escalate beneath her ear and palm.

As they lay entwined, their breaths mingling in the stillness of the night, Sakura felt a surge of emotion welling up within her. It was a heady mix of joy and longing, a kaleidoscope of feelings that threatened to overwhelm her senses. She truly felt cared for and loved.

She pressed a final, gentle kiss against his chest, a silent declaration of her love and devotion. With a contented sigh, she allowed herself to relax, drifting off to sleep with the steady rhythm of his heartbeat lulling her into peaceful slumber.