Kiba smiled to himself as he paced down the street. He ran a hand through his hair, fighting the urge to burst out laughing, since that would make him seem crazy; he'd probably scare some little kid. But he was just so happy!

He was currently walking home from his third date with Hotaru. This time it was a lunch date, and went well (unlike the first) ending with a private (Sasori had been watching, but Kiba didn't know that), slightly awkward but sweet kiss outside her house. Kiba had been smiling like an idiot all the way down her street.

He had wanted to take her out tonight instead of for lunch, but she had plans for Sasori's birthday. So, he had settled for what he could get, since any time she had to offer was enough, as long as he got to see her.

However, this extreme need to be with her all the time worried Kiba. He knew he shouldn't feel so strongly after only three dates, even if he had known her all of his life. But she had become like a drug, a dangerous addiction that, while it could be the best thing that had ever happened to him, could also be what broke him, especially if she didn't feel the same way.

But at least, if it didn't work out, none of their friends would ask about it. They still hadn't told anyone that they were dating, though Kiba was a little miffed about it.

But there was one other thing that was bothering Kiba. Hotaru had told him that she had to look after this new arrival in the village for a few days, and that the person was male and their age. He didn't like it very much that she would be spending time alone with this newcomer, and wouldn't be able to come out with Kiba for a few days because of it. And, although Hotaru had assured him that she wasn't interested, Kiba couldn't help but think that she might be when she saw this new guy, if he was a looker. He wouldn't be satisfied unless this guy was extremely ugly. Although, even then, Kiba probably wouldn't like him hanging around his Hotaru.

"Gah!" Kiba yelled out as he was suddenly bombarded by his dog as he stepped inside his house. He laughed as Akamaru licked his face; they hadn't seen so much of each other lately since Kiba wanted his dates with Hotaru to be private. Obviously Akamaru knew about the two of them, and therefore didn't mind staying home while his master tried to win over his potential mate.

"Okay, okay, down boy." the brunette laughed, wiping his face on his sleeve where the dog licked him. "Come on."

Then the pair moved further into the house, so that Kiba could give his dog an update on the latest of him and Hotaru.

---

Hotaru scratched her head and sighed through her nose as she walked, going to meet this new guy at the Hokage's office. This mission was going to be really annoying. The only up side was that, when she told him, Kiba was quite obviously very jealous. He tried to hide it, but he didn't do very well.

"Hokage-sama, I'm here to collect Suzuki-san." Hotaru tried her best to not look too cold or agitated, and look 'friendly and open' (as Tsunade had said she should), but the best she could do was a disinterested look.

"Okay. Suzuki-san, this is Hotaru. She'll be your guide around the village for the next few days, including showing you to your home every night." a man the same age as Hotaru but taller stepped forward and nodded, appraising Hotaru carefully. Hotaru just folded her arms and resisted glaring at him.

"All right." he gently took Hotaru's hand, and kissed it, bright green eyes looking up at her from under his semi-windswept blue hair. "My name is Suzuki Ryo. Pleasure to meet you, Hotaru-hime."

Hotaru's eyebrow gave the smallest of twitches, but, on seeing Tsunade's glare, she gently removed her hand from his and forced a smile. "Same to you, Suzuki-san."

"Oh, please, just Ryo will do." he said with a charming smile, and Hotaru had to admit, this guy was pretty hot.

"Right, now that we're all acquainted..." Tsunade began, sending Hotaru a meaningful look. The redhead nodded.

"Come, Ryo-san, I'll give you a tour of the village." she said, starting out of the door. The blue haired boy nodded, following after.

"So what do you do for fun around here?" Ryo asked a while later, once Hotaru had finished showing him around. It was beginning to get dark, and Hotaru was extremely bored by now.

"We have a range of different facilities for entertainment, if you would like I'll show you them tomorrow, it's a little bit too late now. Everywhere will be closed for the night." Hotaru answered, putting her hair up in a ponytail since it was bothering her. Ryo picked up a strand from her bangs between his finger and thumb.

"Your hair is a beautiful colour." he complimented, and Hotaru stared at the hand that was dangerously close to her face as if she could burn it off with the intensity of her gaze.

"Thank you," she replied, "But please, don't touch me." she paused a minute, before thinking of her mission. "I have personal space issues." she amended quickly, forcing the irritation from her face.

"Okay. My apologies." He said, dropping his hand. "Well, in any case-"

"Hotaru!" Hotaru grimaced a second, and smiled apologetically at the blue haired boy.

"One second." she looked to Kiba, "What?"

Kiba didn't answer, just glared apprehensively at Ryo. He squared his shoulders and stood up straight, and Akamaru just sighed as he stood next to his master. Ryo smirked as he saw that he was taller than the other male, and Hotaru put her hand to her face in exasperation.

"What is it, Kiba?" she asked, and Kiba continued to stare down Ryo, the testosterone-fuelled battle continuing.

"Tsunade told me to give you this." he said, handing her a slim scroll. She merely nodded and slipped it into her kunai pouch.

"Okay, is that it?" Hotaru asked, and Kiba nodded, still glaring at Ryo. "Then you can go now."

Kiba finally looked at her, then back at Ryo, and smirked. He quickly leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, catching Hotaru off guard and making her freeze in shock. The smirk finally fell from Ryo's face, and Kiba leaned back with a grin, seeing the blushing Hotaru and scowling Ryo.

"See ya, Hotaru-chan." he said, sending an arrogant look to Ryo.

Kiba: 1, Stuck-up bastard: 0.

---

That stupid Kiba! He had totally embarassed her in front of the client last night!! Hotaru was still growling about it by the time she reached Ryo the next morning at the meeting place. Hell, she was still growling about it now, when they had finished seeing all of the places that Ryo had wanted to see!

"That guy from yesterday-" Ryo began.

"Kiba?" Hotaru put in, and Ryo nodded.

"Yes, Kiba... is he your boyfriend?" Hotaru's eyes widened, and she shook her head rapidly.

"N-no! What makes you say that?!" she squeaked, and the blue haired male's eyes narrowed.

"But you like him." Hotaru blushed, it wasn't a question, it was a statement.

"Ah, u-um, well, no! No, of course not!" she stammered hurriedly, and Ryo stared at her a moment, before nodding and looking away.

"Join me for dinner?" he asked, and Hotaru paused, bit her lip, then nodded.

Kiba growled irately as he watched the two walk away. He wasn't sure what had been said exactly, he just knew that that guy had made Hotaru blush, and then invited her to dinner.

The very thought of Hotaru going out with another guy drove Kiba insane, that shmoozing baka pretty boy was after her, Kiba just knew it! He had worked so hard to finally get Hotaru to go on a date with him, he was going to let some egotistical bastard come along and ruin all of that now!

So he followed them.

After a little while of walking, they came to a restauraunt. Hotaru rose an eyebrow. "Here?"

Ryo nodded, another smarmy smile on his face. He had picked the best restauraunt in town; Hotaru had pointed it out to him earlier as they passed.

"Uh, wait here for a moment, I think I may have left something behind." Ryo said, turning away. Hotaru blinked.

"I'll help you look-"

"No!" the blue haired boy saw the kunoichi's shocked expression, and smiled wryly. "I'll only be a moment."

Ryo quickly ducked around the corner of the building, coming face to face with Kiba. "And what might you be doing here?"

Kiba growled. "I could ask you the same question! What are you doing taking Hotaru to a restauraunt like this?"

"Who are you to pass judgement on where Hotaru goes?" Ryo asked, a knowing smirk on his face.

Kiba crossed his arms, "Her boyfriend, that's who!"

Ryo blinked innocently, "Oh, but that can't be true!" he said, putting one hand to his cheek, "Hotaru said to me herself that she didn't have a boyfriend!"

Kiba growled, "Bullshit!"

Ryo shook his head, "Sad, sad puppy. Fighting for a girl who won't even admit that he is her boyfriend." a malicious smirk spread over Ryo's face as he saw the hurt in Kiba's eyes. "She must be really ashamed of you."

Kiba clenched his fists as the taller male's eyes met his.

"Or just not care for you at all..."

---

BWAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!

Did everyone have fun poking nuns with sticks?

Well, today you have to find the closest located dipstick (like Ryo, for instance, who is based on a guy I know) you know and drop a wok on his/her head!

I know someone that isn't even worthy of being called a dipstick. I call him a diptwig instead ^.^

And to Silent4everBeatless, I am pleased to inform you that there probably will be a fight scene soon! Just... don't expect it to be amazing, y'know? I told you I'm crap at writing 'em xD

FAN VOTE COMMENT VOTE COMMENT FAN COMMENT FAN COMMENT FAN VOTE CHEESE VOTE COMMENT FAN FAN COMMENT VOTE!!

Sayonara! :3