FKOL 30

The is not a lemon in this chapter. There will never be a lemon in any chapter. I no have ze guts to write that stuff x3

- - -

Hotaru laid on her bed, her ruby hair fanned out around her head. It was just reaching her chin now, and shaggy, like Sasori's hair, and though the fact bothered her, she had more pressing matters on her mind, that which she longed to forget.

The house wasn't helping. It was quiet, too quiet- Sasori had gone ona week-long mission, and Deidara was staying round a friend's (the redhead was left to wonder just what friend would be patient enough with Deidara to let him stay the night), so the house was empty. Cold. Unforgiving.

Thankfully, Kiba was coming over to pick her up for their dinner-and-a-movie date at seven. It was half past five now, and the kunoichi was bored out of her brain. Plus, going almost insane with guilt over the wrongs she had committed. She was underserving of a man like Kiba. He was cute, sweet, kind, and fiercely loyal and protective, like the hound in the films that always stays by their master's side, even if in mortal peril. Except better, because he was human, and had, despite her faults, chosen to love her.

And she felt nervous.

Nervous, because she knew that she had to make it up to him somehow, prove her love to him. And she was certain that there was only one way to do that, considering the details of her actions and previous conversations the couple had had about it being 'too early in the relationship' and Hotaru 'not being ready' for certain things. Only one way to prove that what she had done with Shino was only a mistake, a momentary lapse in control, and nothing more.

And the thought that if she did return home tonight, it could well be with another person, made her stomach twist.

Heaving a sigh, Hotaru stood up and walked to the bathroom, brushing her hair somewhat into submission, before sighing again and stripping down, running a bath. She poured her favourite Patchouli oil bath fragrance into the water, then switched off the taps and slipped in. She performed her routine, and then just slid down in the water, the warmth soothing her frazzled nerves and making her eyes drift closed for five minutes while the conditioner took in her hair.

Her eyes snappped open to the sound of knocking. She sat up in the now-cold water and glanced at the wall clock. It was seven already!

"Shit!!" Hotaru cursed, quickly rinsing the conditioner out of her hair and jumping out of the bath, drying off with a towel and slipping on a bathrobe, tying it securely. She roughly towel-dried her hair, then let it hang in her eyes. 'Well, at least I'll smell nice.' she thought sarcastically, as she rushed barefoot to get the door.

She yanked it open to see Kiba leaning on the wall that ran down beside the house's path, looking extremely gorgeous in a black short sleeved shirt and grey skinny jeans, his hair a wild mess like always (just how Hotaru liked it). After blinking at him in a daze for a while, she shook her head to clear it.

"U-um, I fell asleep in the bath, so come on in, and I'll be right with you!" the words tumbled out of her mouth in a rush, and she ushered Kiba inside, kicking the door shut before turning to run upstairs. Before she could, though, a hand gripped her wrist and pulled her back. Kiba pressed his lips to hers, his scent leaving her in even more of a daze as he gave her a cheeky grin. She scowled as a blush heated her cheeks and hit him, dodging his grasping hands this time as she ran upstairs.

Hotaru pulled on the burgundy sundress in a rush, smoothing it's floaty skirt after sitting to slip on some black ballet pumps. She then slicked on some lipgloss and eyeliner, and blow-dried her hair before attempting to brush it into submission. But no matter how she tried, curls kept flicking up, making her appear to be an affeminate boy.

Glaring at her reflection, Hotaru grit her teeth. There was Kiba, looking all gorgeous and Kiba-like and manly, and here Hotaru didn't even appear as the appropriate gender! The stress of the evening finally struck, and she threw the hairbrush across the room in a fit of rage.

Kiba stood, staring at the wall boredly as Hotaru rushed to get ready for their date. He didn't understand why she faffed for such a long time- she was beautiful just the way she was. He could have cared less if she had walked out in that skimpy bathrobe, it would make her just that much more irresistable in his eyes. He already had a hard time not tearing her clothes off of her amazing body and having his way with her when they were kissing.

He tried not to think of how someone else had had the opportunity to see Hotaru in that state, his expression souring.

A loud thump pulled Kiba from his reverie, and he clenched his jaw worriedly, before running up the stairs, taking them three at a time.

"Hotaru?!" the Inuzuka exclaimed worriedly as he slammed through her bedroom door, fearing that he'd find her sprawled out on the floor, having tripped and hit her head. Instead, he saw her sat at her desk, face towards him only for a split second, before quickly being turned away. But tha split second was long enough for Kiba to see the moisture that clumped her eyelashes and budded at the corners of her eyes.

The redhead tried to discreetly wipe the tears away with her hand, but was soon pulled back into strong arms.

"Hotaru, what's wrong?" the brunette asked in a soft voice, cradling the girl as though she were made of the most fragile glass.

"I... nothing. Let's go." Hotaru attempted to stand, but the Inuzuka held tight.

"Tell me. I know that it's not nothing, or you wouldn't have just been crying." he pointed out, not liking to do so but figuring that this issue was more important than a dented pride.

The kunoichi's lips quivered, and she turned her head even more away from her boyfriend, "You see me. I look like a boy."

"That's what this is about?" Kiba asked, "You are ridiculous, Hotaru-"

"It's not ridiculous! You're all gorgeous and sparkly eyed, and I just look like an overly girly boy!" Hotaru snapped, voice thick with tears, trying to shrug out of his hold in anger, but Kiba held on.

"You didn't let me finish." he scolded her slightly, and she scowled away from him, so that he wouldn't see the teardrops that filled her eyes. "I meant that you are ridiculous to doubt yourself like that. You, Hotaru, are beautiful. The most beautiful woman I have ever met." he gave her a cheeky grin, "And definitely not boyish-looking at all."

He gently grasped her chin and turned her head, kissing away her tears then planting a soft peck on her lips. Her big brown eyes gazed up at him, doubtful.

"Really?" she whispered, feeling unable to draw her eyes from his, a bubble of warmth rising in her chest. Hope.

"Really." he affirmed, and Hotaru broke into a smile (albeit a small one) that made his heart melt. He pulled her into a hug, his chin resting on her shoulder and cheek against hers.

"It's nice to hear you say it." she admitted in a small voice, and Kiba grinned.

"I'll say it every day if it makes you happy." he replied, kissing her cheek. The Dog-boy then straightened up, and held out his hand to her.

"And anyway, I quite like the short, fluffy style." he said as she took his hand and stood, "It's cute, almost duck-like."

Hotaru frowned at him, "So you make me feel better about my appearance by telling me I look like a duck? Some boyfriend you are!"

Kiba grinned devilishly, grasping her waist and kissing her neck before she could get out of the front door and start the 'touch=punch' rule.

"You know you love me." he said, and Hotaru gave a tiny moan, swatting at him, but smiled as she pulled away.

"Yeah, I do."

-N'awww, fluffy. Onto the next scene! Be warned, things get a little more heated here!-

Dinner passed without much fault, and Kiba and Hotaru were now in line to buy tickets to some Zombie movie that Hotaru had insisted on. All that was on was that and a bunch of chick flicks, and since the redhead openly despised movies about giggling girls running around trying to 'get the guy' with their gaggle of amazingly beautiful friends, they were going to watch the new and improved Shaun Of The Dead 3D. As it said on the poster, anyway.

When they entered the theatre, Kiba was growling about the way the boy at the kiosk where they sold snacks and drinks was eyeing Hotaru. The redhead merely shrugged and told him not to bother, since they got free popcorn out of it, but secretly, she was glad that some people thought that she was pretty. It was a much-needed boost to her self-confidence on a low day.

As they took their seats, the ads started up, meaningless clips of cats with thumbs (to which Kiba looked on in horror) and plasticine men playing guitar for their dancing sausages and chicken legs. (Can anyone guess these two adverts? XD)

The kunoichi seated herself on her legs, folding them neatly beneath her rear to give an extra boost to see from where they were in the privacy of the back row. Kiba pulled her against him, and since it was cold in the theatre (and none of their friends- and/or acquaintances were there) she decided not to protest.

"You smell good, Hotaru." Kiba commented absently, nose buried in her hair. The redhead smirked.

"Results of falling asleep in a bath of patchouli oil for more than an hour." she replied, saying nothing as he interlaced his fingers with hers. The same electricity that occurred whenever he touched her jolted over her skin and into her stomach, making her body tingle and unthinkingly inch closer to his intoxicating presence. The redhead glanced up at the oblivious male from beneath her eyelashes, throat thickening in want, but settled for leaning her head on his shoulder. She couldn't, not right at that moment. Not in the middle of a crowded theatre. But with Kiba stealing kisses from her every now and again through the movie, it was increasingly hard for the kunoichi to control herself.

Hotaru focused her gaze on the movie with the intensity of a person who was really interested in what they were seeing, though in actuality, she wasn't watching at all. She was merely distracting herself from the somewhat 'bad' thoughts that were penetrating her mind, but as Kiba pushed up the arm of the seat that was between them and pulled her even closer, she had to bite down on her lip. Hard.

Unbeknownst to Hotaru, Kiba was having much the same problem. For some reason, the tension between them was much stronger than usual that night, and the dog-boy couldn't pinpoint why. He only knew what he felt, and that Hotaru seemed to be just as into it as he was for once, since she didn't push him off straight away whenever he kissed her in the theatre. In fact, as he leaned down to meet their lips once more, she wound her hands in his hair, stopping him from moving away. Hotaru was truly showing how much she had missed him.

With a subtle sigh, the kunoichi pulled back, feeling a little better at the look of surprise/ bliss on the male's face. She snuggled into his side to wait out the rest of the movie.

Once it was over, Hotaru stood and straightened her clothing, making sure that the knee-length floaty skirt really did reach to knee-length. Kiba took her hand, refusing to let go, although for once she didn't argue. He pulled her outside, into the cold night air, sending a smirk to the flirtatious employee at the snack bar. Deciding to try and push his luck, he wrapped an arm around his woman's waist, more than happy when, instead of shaking him off, she curled closer.

"Hotaru?"

"Mm?"

Kiba met the eyes of his love and smiled, "I love you."

Hotaru grinned, "I love you too."

No matter how attracted to him the kunoichi was at that moment, she couldn't bring herself to kiss him at that moment. Public affection had always disgusted her, and she had always made a conscious effort to never lapse in control, since dating Kiba. But he just looked so tempting tonight, with his collar just exposing the top of his chest and that fanged smile...

She just had to hold out until they got back to hers.

Unfortunately, the walk to Hotaru's home seemed to drag more than ever, and the redhead foubd herself quite impatient. Kiba, on the other hand, was quite content to stroll through the streets of Konoha at it's prettiest, with a beautiful girl on his arm. His beautiful girl. And he'd be damned if he ever let her go.

"D'you want to come inside?" for some reason, the words gave Kiba's insides a strange twist that he didn't quite understand. That, coupled with the look in Hotaru's chocolate-coloured eyes struck him dumb, so he just nodded, waiting for her to unlock and open the door before allowing himself to be pulled inside.

As soon as the door was closed behind him, Hotaru seemed a lot less tense. The Inuzuka was still caught in the aftershock of just how sultry Hotaru had sounded as she'd asked him if she wanted to enter her home, let alone just how much hugging and other couple-type things he had gotten away with over the past couple of hours. He followed her easily to her bedroom- he was accustomed to doing so since they often stayed up there to escape Sasori's evil eye and Deidara's constant Dei-babble. He closed the door behind them, then grabbed her and kissed her, hard. Like before, Hotaru knitted her fingers into his her and pulled him closer, pressing the length of her body against his. As gently as possible, Kiba lifted her, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He was half waiting for her to stop and push him away, telling him that Sasori would be back soon, so was astounded when she smiled against his lips and bit the lower softly, before dropping her legs and pulling him down onto the springy mattress. The redhead broke the kiss and trailed her lips to his ear, then down to his neck, before whispering with a smile,

"Sasori's out on a mission and Deidara's round a friends... we've got the house all to ourselves." Kiba's eyes snapped open, wide, before falling shut with a throaty moan as Hotaru gently bit him. His animal instincts kicking in, he flipped her onto her back and situated himself between her thighs, pushing her back into the headboard as she groaned, shocked.

But then he froze, realising just where he was and what he was doing, and more importantly, who he was doing it to.

He fell backwards onto his behind, and a hazy eyed Hotaru sat up straight and frowned at him. "What's wrong?"

He gazed at her, infuriated with himself. How didn't he realise it sooner? "Are you sure you want this?"

"Yes." she said firmly, but then hurt started to glimmer in her eyes, "Why.. don't you..?"

The Inuzuka acknowledged the hurt and swore at himself, grabbing her and pulling her close "Heck yes I do!" he exclaimed, before leaning his forehead against hers, "I just don't want you to feel that you have to do this to make up for anything..."

Hotaru stared at him, before smiling brightly and, placing both hands on his cheeks, "What the hell did I do to deserve someone as perfect as you? There must have been some mistake by the big guy upstairs."

The brunette growled, "Hell no, I wouldn't accept anyone else."

The redhead's eyes lidded with calm happiness, "Good." she pulled his face to hers, and kissed him hard, "That's why I want to do this."

Kiba grinned sheepishly, "I was kinda hoping you'd say that."

Hotaru laughed, but the sound quickly died in the heat of lust.

- - -

Whew!! That was very... uncomfortable. I was struggling to keep it from sounding like a lemon... I don't write that shizz! No offence to people who do, of course...

Remember to comment telling me what chu think!

Well, last chapter for a whol e week! I'm going to France for a week with my family, and will have no internet connection! Adios amigos!