Chapter Summary: Sakura and Neji find comfort in each other. Old tensions resurfaced, pushing them to confront feelings they'd long buried. Are you ready for a little more smut? Slow burn.

Author Note: I am deeply obsessed with this pairing. The signs of Aries and Cancer don't really work well together as a couple. To make them get along, the story needs to show them struggling and working hard. Appreciate your time spent on this story.

Prompt: Some angst,past trauma,language, mature situation, eventual smut, intense love reciprocate

Chapter 11 A Resolved Misunderstanding 1

The Crescent Lake, a hidden gem at Konoha's eastern border, lay concealed behind imposing canyon walls that parted only during certain lunar phases. The crescent-shaped water body, fed by natural springs, gleamed under moonlight. This was no ordinary body of water; it resonated with ancient power, calling to those with the right spiritual alignment.

This sacred place, accessible only to Hamura's true descendants and their close allies, was reached through treacherous terrain. An eerie silence blanketed the area, broken only by faint wheezing near the water. Sakura, new to this mystical place, felt drawn to the sound and hurried towards its source.

There, on the ground, Sakura found Neji— disheveled and drenched. Akamaru, Kiba's faithful companion, huddled protectively by his side, whimpering. He had kept vigil through this mysterious ordeal. The scene moved Sakura, it was a testament to friendship and the unexpected turns life can take.

"Neji!" Sakura gasped, her voice tight with concern. She dropped to her knees beside the writhing man, her hands hovering uncertainly over his trembling form. Carefully slipping her arms around his back and cradling him in a warm, reassuring embrace. As she turned him towards her, the vulnerability of his condition became painfully clear.

The sight of him so tormented after three years chilled her to the bone. Pushing aside her panic, Sakura focused on providing whatever respite she could. Her fingers glowed with healing chakra as she gently pressed them to his temples, hoping to ease the crippling headaches tearing through his skull. His breathing remained labored and ragged, but she refused to give up.

"Hold on, Neji," she whispered, determination steeling her voice. "I'm here now. I'll help you through this."

Neji's agonized cries gradually subsided as he curled into her arms, his chest heaving as he fought for control. Slowly, he lifted his gaze to meet hers.

"N-Neji…? Your eyes…"

Something was terribly amiss. His silver-white orbs were distant and bloodshot, with veins protruding unnaturally around them. His posture and aura now glowed with a dark, malevolent energy that sent shivers down her spine.

Nearby, the ninken let out a low, panicked whine. "Arf… arf…."

The agonizing throes that had consumed Neji moments ago had subsided, but his soul seemed to be slipping further into darkness with each passing second, becoming a vessel for the dark energy.

"N-Neji…?" Though this was likely the dormant force that had scared Hitomi away previously, the pinkette approached undeterred, her mind was warning her otherwise.

"Your pathetic friend is gone. There's only me now," growled a distorted version of Neji's voice.

The loyal ninken snarled, hackles raised, sensing the dark force that had consumed his friend.

"You're lying. I know you're in there, Neji! Come back to me!" She pressed on and reached out to hold him.

"S-Sakura, this... isn't me anymore." Neji's face contorted in pain as he clutched his head. "Get... out of my... head—" The separate entity abruptly cut off his words and regained control.

"Your Neji is weak. I am power incarnate. Why would he want to return to you, to a life of servitude and limitations?" He sneered, using Neji's face to express his disdain.

"Neji's not weak. He's fought his whole life against fate and destiny. He would never give in so easily!"

"You think you know him, but you know nothing of what he wants. I am his deepest desires, his hidden rage, his suppressed ambitions, and his truth. I am all of these! Neji is mine now, and soon, this village will be too!" The being roared, and his white eyes flashed dangerously.

"You're wrong! I know Neji. We've fought together, bled together. He values his bonds, his village, and his clan. He would never want this," Sakura said, her voice rising with conviction. "And you definitely don't know me. I won't give up on him!"

"Don't be foolish," her opponent scoffed, "he can't hear you."

"Neji, I'm here… I'm here for you, please…!"

Her powerful words cut through the air, piercing Neji's consciousness as he fought to regain control. The dark energy enveloping him wavered, and Neji stumbled, falling to his knees. The kunoichi rushed to his side, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Sakura," he stammered, Neji's true self resurfacing. His white eyes flickered open, regaining focus but remaining deep-set and unfathomable. "Leave."

"I won't leave you this time. I can't, and I won't!"

Her pleading did nothing to remedy the situation. "You don't understand. This isn't your fight. Your presence here is... annoying!" His tone was harsh and biting.

His expression hardened, reflecting self-loathing for his vindictive nature. He wielded his words like weapons, refusing to accept her kindness, his pride demanding nothing less than what he believed he deserved.

"Annoying!? Fine, call me annoying if you must, but I will help you!"

Sakura braced herself. The man had every reason to be angry after she bailed on their date. She was prepared to exhaust every ounce of patience to make things right.

Neji's patience wore thin, his composure slipping as he clutched his head. With sudden ferocity, he pulled Sakura onto his lap, his lips crashing against hers with unbridled intensity. Bold and demanding. His tongue demanded entry, asserting dominance as he marked her as his own. His relentless assault swept over her like a storm, igniting conflicting emotions and an unwelcome spark of desire.

Reject me completely, so that I can push you out of my mind.

"Neji!" Sakura gasped, wrenching herself away from his fierce embrace.

"Do you hate it when I do this to you?" He snapped, his usually composed demeanor shattering. The haze in his eyes cleared, replaced by a storm of emotions.

Sakura's chest heaved, her mind still reeling from what had just happened.

"I'm sorry… I shouldn't have," Neji admitted. "This darkness... it's a part of me now. It would be better if you stayed away."

"Don't you dare try to explain this away! You can't just kiss me like that and then claim it wasn't you!"

Neji's eyes narrowed. His voice grew hoarse as he spoke. "It was an act on the feelings you've stirred up. You shouldn't have kissed me like you meant it, or touched me like you cared if you were just going to push me away…!"

"I didn't mean to—"

"You did. You make me believe there was something between us. Do you have any idea what that did to me?"

His pale eyes clouded with uncertainty as he regarded her, blazing with intensity. The abrupt shift in his demeanor left her feeling disoriented, struggling to navigate his duality.

Her emerald eyes flashed with anger and confusion, her voice rising to match his intensity. "And what about what you're doing to me? One moment, you're kissing me like your life depends on it; the next, you're cold and distant!"

"Leave, before I make you regret it. You hear?"

Sakura stood her ground, defiant. "No, I'm not about to walk away now when you need me most." She reached out her hand to touch him, but he recoiled.

"You don't have to do this, Sakura."

"I know I messed up. I didn't mean for things to turn out this way. I was trying to help, but I went about it all wrong. Please don't be mad at me."

The Hyuuga hesitated, struggling to articulate his thoughts.

"I'm not mad at you. I'm just... confused. Was that night so insignificant to you? You're treating it as if nothing grew between us. Just say that you regret it."

"No, Neji! I don't regret it. Not at all!"

"Then... was I unable to satisfy you?"

"Of course not! You were... you are... more than satisfying," she replied, her heart aching at the pain in his eyes. "I am so sorry. I never meant to hurt you like this…"

"Sakura, I'm tired of looking for signs and trying to decipher your feelings. Maybe I misread everything. Perhaps this has always been one-sided."

For the first time, Neji allowed his pain to show, unsure if he could handle the weight of his emotions.

Her heart pounded as the weight of his words settled around them, and her green eyes blazed with emotion. She hadn't realized how deeply her actions had affected the man she loved. She'd never seen him so vulnerable and pained—all because of her.

She couldn't pinpoint when their mutual affection began to fade. The decision to leave Konoha three years ago was necessary for her healing. Now, fate has unexpectedly reunited them. She didn't want to dwell on that yet, daring to hope that their once-faded love could bloom anew.

"No, Neji. It was never one-sided. Not for a second!"

The air between them crackled with tension, years of unspoken feelings finally surfacing.

"Sakura," Neji began, his voice low and serious, "I'm not the type for fleeting affairs."

"And you think I am?" Sakura's eyes flashed with hurt and indignation. "I don't give myself to just anyone, Neji! That night happened because of how I feel about you, completely."

The complex man remained silent, but there was thunder hidden inside. He clearly did not realize how important he was to her. She would run to him if it was clear he couldn't make it.

"I didn't choose you on a whim. I chose you because... because I love you!" Sakura declared, her eyes shining with emotion.

Neji's control snapped. "Sakura, you don't know what you do to me. The things I want..."

"Tell me," she urged, her eyes locking on his.

"I want to fuck the hell out of you, until we're both spent and you crying out my name!"

"A-Are you trying to kill me with your words? Because it's working!" Her cheeks flushed crimson, and his words stirred something primal within her.

"You should go. If you don't, I might defile you right here," he warned, giving her one last chance to back away.

"You talk a big game, Neji. But there's nothing to back it up!"

"You…!" he sputtered. With deliberate slowness, he grasped her hand, guiding it to his crotch, allowing her to feel the unmistakable evidence of his arousal. "Feel that? You're driving me wild. Still doubting me? I want to make you mine, Sakura. Entirely mine!"

Sakura stared momentarily at the man, stunned, as a deep flush spread across her cheeks. Her heart rate reached a critical level. He wasn't joking about the defiling part!

"T-Then do it, Neji. I'm yours."

Unable to help it, she wrapped her hand around his hard length before he dragged it away from his body. Their eyes locked, the air between them charged with desire.

"Y-You can't say such provocative things to me, then ask me to stay away!"

Neji hesitated, his voice softening. "Sakura, you... you don't have to force yourself to love me."

"I mean it. I love you, Neji. I've had it for a while. I've never been more sure of anything."

Neji's expression grew somber. "I can't do relationships, not now. It's not that simple."

"Then make it simple!"

Sakura rose to her knees and embraced him, drawing him close. She nestled his head in the crook of her neck, creating a safe space for his vulnerability, shielded from the world by the curtain of his long hair. Her lips, soft and comforting, brushed against his temple in a gesture that spoke volumes of her affection and acceptance as he found solace in her arms.

This woman, who held his heart so gently, might be the one to truly understand him. He realised that in her arms, he didn't need to be stoic and unbreakable. He could be vulnerable. He could be human. He could share his deepest wounds—a piece of himself he had never dared show anyone else.

He could finally open his heart completely by mending the misunderstandings that had separated them, thread by thread, learning how to properly handle this feeling.

"I would go blind. Or, I might… die young," he admitted. The truth hung heavy in the air, each word falling like a heavy stone between them.

Sakura felt her heart constricting painfully in her chest. Helplessness, powerless, the feelings all jammed inside, making it difficult for her to breathe.

"Neji, is this why...?" Sakura trailed off, memories of their argument flooding back.

"That night in the shower, when we fought... I couldn't bear the thought of leaving you alone, of becoming a burden."

"That time, when we were careless, you weren't just afraid of responsibility, were you?"

"I was… terrified of creating a life I might not be around to see grow," he admitted, his pale eyes filled with a mix of pain and longing. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, Sakura. I just... I don't know how much time I have."

The pinkette's breath caught as understanding dawned. This was the fortress around his heart. It all made sense now. Her heart ached for him as everything fell into place.

"I'm not asking for forever, Neji. But I'm not letting what we have slip away, either. I want to be with you for however long we have. Don't push me away out of fear. Let me in; let me love you."

Neji hesitated for a moment before wrapping his arms around her, drawing her impossibly closer. The last of his resistance crumbled as he allowed himself to accept the comfort Sakura offered.

"Promise me you won't stand me up on our dates again," he murmured, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.

"Never," Sakura vowed firmly.

"Though I must say, your rejection stung my pride a bit," Neji admitted with a small smile. "Can we take this slowly?"

"Of course, Neji," she replied, reaching out to take his hand in hers. "We can take this at whatever pace you're comfortable with," she confessed, sealing her words with a tender kiss, pressing a little more pressure for confirmation.

As their fingers intertwined, their feelings aligned—mutual and undeniable.

When they parted, Neji's voice was thick with emotion. "I love you too, Sakura. You've seen my torment. Aren't you afraid?"

Sakura pulled back slightly, her emerald eyes meeting his pale lavender ones earnestly. "I know it won't be easy, Neji, but I'm not afraid. Your torment—it's killing me too. I want to help you carry it."

"You'd stay… knowing this?" Neji asked, his brow knitted with concern.

Sakura pressed a soft kiss between his brows, feeling them relax under her touch. "Every moment with you is precious. Whether we have a lifetime or just today, I want to face it together."

"I'm a fade-bound man. What could you possibly see in me?"

Sakura's heart swelled with emotion. Hell, Sakura loved this man deeply. Her crush on him had grown steadily over time. She admired his intelligence and attentiveness. He was a kind soul whom she had come to cherish. She realized that Neji meant the world to her in a way that Sasuke never could.

"Everything, Neji. You're a comrade I've come to respect and trust implicitly. You're strong, reliable, and dependable. Despite what you might think, your fate doesn't define you; your choices do. Though you're seemingly cold-hearted," her eyes gleamed more intensely as she continued, "but… but you've shown me your beautiful heart! You challenge me to think and value myself better. That's what I've come to love about you."

The Hyuuga listened intently, his eyes never leaving hers.

"With you, I feel secure and at peace. It's the future I've been looking for. I want to be part of that future with you," her words resonated deeply within him.

"Thank you, Sakura, for believing in me and for loving me. I can't promise you a long life, but I promise to be worthy of your love," he said, his chest tightening at the weight of his words.

That was when his next action came, as he leaned his forehead against hers and, without opening his eyes, found her lips and kissed them softly, pouring all his gratitude and love into the gesture.

"You already are," she whispered, caressing his cheek lovingly as Neji pressed a kiss to her forehead.

He felt their tension lighten considerably. He quirked an eyebrow and asked with a hint of mischief, "So, Sakura, I've been wondering... Was it not love at first sight when you met me?"

"Excuse me?" she deadpanned.

"I distinctly remember your eyes being glued to Uchiha back then. But as the number one rookie of my year, I'm curious if I made any impression at all."

"I actually hated you back then, Mr. Number One Rookie. You were a superiority complex, a long-haired, uptight version of Sasuke, minus the charm. Nothing gets a girl's heart racing like watching you Gentle Fist your cousin into oblivion during the Chunin exams!"

A low chuckle escaped Neji's lips. "Ah, yes, my failed attempt at family bonding. So you did notice me. I was going for the 'bad boy' vibe."

"Well, your hair looked fabulous that day. I can't lie about that. You were practically an arrogant jerk with anger management issues and a weird obsession with fate who needed a good punch in the face!" Sakura snorted and laughed.

"And now?" Neji chuckled, his voice low and warm.

"Now," her laughter mingled with his as they shared another kiss, both of them smiling against each other's lips. "I love the reformed bad boy you've become."

"You'd better," his smirk widened.

They were happy to be able to laugh about this now, reflecting on how much progress they'd made. From being enemies to loving each other.

These mutual trusting and deep-seated affection spread like wildfire through their veins. Years of friendship, respect, and unacknowledged longing led to this moment, charged with electricity. Their bodies hummed with a newly awakened desire.

"S-So are you going to defile me or not?" Sakura bit her lip, already breathless with anticipation.

"That's... pretty direct," he said, running his thumb across her bottom lip. "With pleasure."

As their bodies gravitated towards each other, Neji lifted Sakura onto her knees. Their lips met in a passionate kiss that quickly deepened, igniting a fire within them both. Hands roamed freely, exploring familiar territories with renewed reverence and urgency. Her hands exploring the hard planes of his body. His hands skimmed her sides, tracing the curves of her body as if memorizing every dip and swell. Every touch, every breath felt more intense and more alive than ever before. Her breath hitched as the tip of his nose skimmed along her skin, leaving a trail of electricity in their wake.

"W-Wait," the kunoichi whispered, her voice trembling with desire. "Should we... have Akamaru take us home first?"

"I-I don't think I can make it," Neji admitted raggedly.

She bit her lip, torn between desire and caution. "But here…?"

"Yes," he breathed, his voice low and husky. "You're all I can think about. Let me love you, right here, right now."

Sakura's heart raced as she gazed into her lover's eyes, his pale orbs burning with love and desire that mirrored her own. She found herself tangled up with the man of her dreams in a position that would make every kunoichi jealous. Who knew that Mr. Uptight had such a wild side?

Making love to him under the vast, star-studded sky wasn't exactly a mistake, was it? Risky, sure, but damn, it felt so right. Totally worth the potential arrest. She cupped his chiseled face, her thumbs caressing his cheeks, as if she were kneading dough for her favorite cookies. Screw it. Or rather, screw him. Again.

Her eyes widened as she realized her internal monologue had become external.

"Did I just say that out loud?" The pinkette squealed, mortified.

Neji smirked, his voice smooth as silk. "Indeed, you did. Tell me, do you often think about making love to me in the open? Or perhaps, back in the hot spring?"

"You... you're twisting my words!" Sakura retorted, clinging to her dignity.

"Am I?" Neji raised an eyebrow, looking annoyingly smug. "Didn't you just say that 'making love in the open to him wasn't a mistake'?"

"Oh, shut up, Neji!" She groaned.

"I particularly enjoyed the part about 'Screw it? Or rather, screw me?'" He quoted.

"You're never going to let me live this down, are you?"

He tilted her chin up, catching her gaze. "Not a chance. Ride me into oblivion, will you?" A genuine smile replaced his teasing smirk.

Neji's hands slid under Sakura's red qipao, his fingers gently hooking into the waistband of her shorts. She kissed him deeply as he slowly worked them down, along with her underwear. A groan of appreciation escaped him, how ready she was for him. He slid two fingers inside her, drawing a soft gasp from Sakura as she trembled and clung to his shoulders. His touch was electric, each movement coaxing her towards new heights. Waves of ecstasy washed over her, her essence coating his hand and trickling down her thigh.

Sakura, entirely undone by his attentions, reciprocated by reaching down to touch him. Their impact on each other was equally intense, with both desperate for more. He let her tug down his pants and trunks, freeing his throbbing member.

A few purposeful strokes of himself from base to tip had him ready and aching for her. Holding his shaft in the air as she lowered herself onto him, aligning their bodies perfectly. She wiggled from side to side, taking in every inch of him as he filled her up. Her breath caught as he thrust upward, stretching and filling her deliciously. They paused for a moment, relishing their bodies joining in union. Sakura can feel his member pulsing inside her before she rides his length in a tender rhythm.

Sakura's lips met his with a hunger that had been building for days. A lot of kisses were exchanged as she clung to his neck, while he wrapped his arms around her hips, opening her thighs wider as he pounded roughly into her. She loved how Neji was losing control, it made her crazy. The pleasure building between them was electric—a week's worth of longing finally finding release.

"God…!" Sakura gasped.

Neji paused, his pearl-like eyes meeting hers with genuine concern. "Is this okay? Are you comfortable?" he asked, his voice husky with desire but tinged with genuine care.

Sakura nodded, her cheeks flushing with affection. "M-More than okay…" she assured him, trembling.

"You like me fuck you like this, babe?"

"Hell yes. Don't fucking stop."

Neji's perfect lips curled into a tender smile, and he kissed her softly before resumed their lovemaking. There was so much they wanted from each other, all came unleashed.

The night reminded Sakura of their first kiss at the hot spring, under a canopy of stars. They were lost in each other, their bodies moving as one, perfectly in tune with each other and their surroundings. She reveled in the feeling of completeness and belonging.

Neji refused to relent until Sakura reached her release first. As she approached her peak, he intensified his efforts, driving them both towards climax. With a few final, powerful thrusts, the kunoichi cried out in ecstasy. Only then did he allow himself to let go, pulling out at the last moment.

Sakura, still in a blissful haze, was overcome by the sight of her lover taking himself in hand. Understanding his unspoken request, she eagerly opened her mouth, welcoming his offering as a gesture of complete devotion. With a soft curse, he found his release, his essence spilling onto her waiting tongue. She tasted him again, savoring the moment.

In the aftermath, Sakura's emerald eyes sparkled with newfound love as she gazed up at him. The Hyuuga's usually stoic face softened with affection as he looked down at her with a smile. It was rare and powerful, it spread across his face beautifully, making her heart soar.

"I love you, Sakura," he breathed, his voice low and intimate.

This proud, stoic man was allowed himself to be completely open with her, trusting her with not just his body but his heart. "And I love you, Neji. Always," Sakura replied without hesitation, gazing at the man she loved with adoration.

They got off and made their way to the lake, washing away the remnants of their lovemaking. Their hands were tightly clasped, neither willing to let go, as if afraid the moment would shatter.

"Are you alright?" Sakura whispered, her free hand gently caressing his cheek, noticing the fatigue beginning to cloud his white eyes.

"I'm fine, just exhausted," he admitted, squeezing her hand, feeling the pleasant ache of exertion in his muscles. They had indeed lost themselves in their passion for quite some time. His body swayed slightly, and the medic instinctively wrapped her arm around his waist, supporting him. He allowed himself to lean on her, grateful for her strength. "I'm sorry. It seems my body is finally demanding rest."

"Neji, why didn't you tell me you were this drained?!"

The realization of their intense lovemaking toll on his already weakened state hit her like a tidal wave. He had just battled his inner demons before their intimate encounter, and now the consequences were evident.

This scene echoed a similar conversation from the night she had treated his wounds, recalling the tender moment they had shared in his quarters. A bittersweet reminder of their tendency to push themselves to the brink for each other. While their devotion was beautiful, this wasn't the healthiest expression of love!

"I couldn't help myself," he managed a weak smile. "With you, I've never felt more alive."

"Nothing says 'alive' like your current state of exhaustion. You look half-dead, genius," Sakura retorted, her voice a mix of concern and exasperation. "We should head back immediately. Hinata's probably worried sick!"

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. She was here a moment ago. With Inuzuka…"

Sakura froze. "You mean they stumbled upon us... while we were...?" She gasped, her cheeks flushed with crimson.

"Caught in the throes of passion?" he continued for her, seemingly unperturbed.

"Wait, you mean you kept going even with an audience?! The nerve of you, you exhibitionist jerk!"

"I'm sorry, I couldn't care less. I was rather preoccupied."

"I can't believe you," she said, dumbfounded by his brazen attitude.

"Believe it. Though I doubt Hinata and Kiba will ever look at this lake the same way again," his white eyes danced with amusement.

"Where is your dignity, Hyuuga?"

"It left along with Hinata-sama just now," he quipped, looking far too pleased with himself.

"You're lucky I love you, you impossible man."

"Impossibly lucky," Neji agreed, kissing her forehead.

"Impossibly shameless is more like it!"

"Speaking of shameless," Neji began, his voice low and smooth. "Tell me, Haruno, would you have been as eager to fit every inch of me inside you if you knew they were watching you do it?" His question was so shameless, yet it flowed from his lips with natural grace.

The pinkette's face turned beet red. "I… Y-yes," she mumbled.

A slow, satisfied smile spread across Neji's face gloriously, his pearl-like eyes gleaming with affection.

"That's my girl," he replied, his voice laced with unmistakable Hyuuga pride and fondness.

It was an ageless, boyish grin that Sakura had come to adore. It was a reminder that beneath the tender and composed exterior he had developed, he was still the man she loved—bold, unapologetic, and utterly captivating. In that moment, she realized that her love for him had only deepened, embracing both his strength and his vulnerability, his confidence and his care.

[About an hour ago]

"K-Kiba-kun, wait!" Hinata stammered, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson as she tugged on her former teammate's arm.

"Holy fucking shit," Kiba growled, his sensitive nose wrinkling. "Is that… what I think it is? Oh man, I can't unsee this!"

Hinata quickly steered him away from the scene they'd almost walked into. "L-Let's go this way instead."

Still reeling from the olfactory assault, Kiba allowed himself to be led away. "Is that your cousin, Hinata? Mr. Proper-and-Decorum himself? What happened to all that Hyuuga propriety crap?"

"Well, um, Naruto-kun did say that love can change people..." Hinata explained softly, trying to defend her cousin's honor.

Kiba snorted. "Change? More like he's gone full rebel now that he's in love!" He allowed himself to be dragged away. "And don't get me started on Akamaru," he sputtered, pointing ahead. "That traitor is just sitting there watching them mate like it's completely normal. Some wingman he turned out to be!"

"Akamaru-chan and Neji-niisan have become good friends lately. Maybe he's just... happy for them?"

"Ever since he retired and I got busy training the pups, he's been hanging out with Neji too much. I bet your uptight cousin is a bad influence. Next thing you know, Akamaru will be doing yoga and sipping tea!"

Hinata giggled softly, her embarrassment fading slightly. "I don't think 'uptight' is the right word anymore, Kiba-kun."

Kiba shook his head, grinning. "Yeah, I never thought I'd say this, but your cousin might just be cooler than I gave him credit for. Who knew the stick up his ass was removable?"

"Kiba-kun! That's not nice!" Hinata swatted his arm. Who knew her proper, decorum-obsessed cousin had such a wild side? At least the man was happy.

"Hey, I'm complimenting him!" Kiba laughed.