Chapter 12

The rest of the morning was spent preparing for when Hiashi Hyuuga would arrive. Even Shino stayed to help, although he spent most of his time shooting Kiba glares for getting them in this mess. Kiba was oblivious to the dirty looks Shino had been giving him all day.

Hinata was hovering near the front door, her fingers toying with her dark hair absentmindedly. She was lost in her own thoughts. She jumped at a sudden clatter resounding from the kitchen. Kiba came rushing out with a broken plate in his hands. "Quick where can I hide this?!" He asked her frantically.

Hinata just blinked at him. "Hide? Why would you-" She was cut off by a shrill yell.

"KIBA!" An angry voice could be heard from the room Kiba had just exited.

"I was never here!" Kiba said quickly before running off in the opposite direction.

Hinata stood there confused as Kiba left as hurriedly as he had come. Tsume barreled out from the kitchen mere seconds later. "Where did he go?" She turned to Hinata, her eyes as wild as her messy brown hair.

"I-I…." Hinata was at a loss for words. Kiba's mother was nothing if not scary.

"He's over here." A dull voice called out from the direction Kiba had ran.

"Damn you Shino!" Kiba shouted.

Both Kiba and Shino came walking out a few moments later. Hinata noticed that Kiba was no longer holding the broken plate.

"What did you break?" Tsume directed her intimidating gaze towards Kiba.

Kiba laughed nervously. "I didn't break anything. What gave you that idea?" He reached back his arm to scratch his head.

"He broke your china plate." Shino said, sounding bored.

"I did not!" Kiba shouted defensively.

Tsume raised an eyebrow. She looked back and forth between the boys, her eyes finally landing on Shino. "Where did he hide it?" She sighed.

"Under the sink." Shino replied. Kiba's eyebrow twitched in irritation.

Tsume grumbled incoherent words under her breath as she went off in search of her plate.

"Gee thanks Shino." Kiba said sarcastically.

Shino didn't even bother replying. He simply turned on his heel and walked away.

"Tch." His eyes followed Shino's retreating form until he was out of sight. "At least you had my back." Kiba grinned happily and swung a large arm around Hinata's shoulders. Hinata's cheeks turned bright red but Kiba didn't seem to notice. He had pulled her closer towards him with his arm and she fit perfectly against his body. She somehow found the courage to glance up at his face. Feeling her eyes on him he looked down to meet her stare. Hinata wanted to look away but couldn't bring herself to do it. Kiba's face slowly began to tilt down towards her own and she watched as his eyes dropped down to her pale lips. His mouth was only inches away from hers. He was so close she could feel his breathing against her cheek. Suddenly he paused and looked away from her, his ears perked up listening attentively to something she couldn't hear. Hinata followed his gaze, wondering why he had stopped. He was staring intently at the door. "Someone's coming." He said his expression serious.

Hinata's body instantly tensed against his, her eyes dropping to the floor. Kiba looked down at her and gave her shoulders a comforting squeeze. "I'll protect you. Not that you need it of course." He winked at her and she blushed even harder.

The approaching figure hadn't bothered to mask their chalkra. Whoever it was wanted them to know they were coming. Three sharp raps were placed on the door. Kiba slipped his arm off of Hinata's shoulders to reach for the handle.

Hinata couldn't help feeling slightly disappointed at the sudden loss of warmth.

Kiba swung open the door and the person on the other side practically trampled him as he walked right into the house. "Woah!" Kiba exclaimed, almost falling over.

"Naruto?" Hinata looked at the blonde haired boy in surprise. "W-what are you doing here?"

"Hey Hinata!" Naruto grinned widely at her. Kiba managed to steady his balance, glaring at Naruto as he walked over. "I thought you were on a mission."

"I was. But I just got back, duh." Naruto told him as if that were the most obvious thing in the world. Kiba only scowled at him.

"How'd it go?" Hinata asked.

"Oh ya know after a couple minor mishaps all ended well!" He grinned. The door suddenly swung open again and Kiba had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit. Sakura came flying into the house. "NARUTO!" She shouted.

Naruto grabbed Hinata by the shoulders and ducked behind her.

"I've been looking all over for you idiot!" Sakura barked at him in her usual loud voice. Kiba's eyebrow twitched in irritation again seeing Naruto hiding behind Hinata.

"Oh really?" Naruto gave a nervous laugh. "Because I haven't been avoiding you if that's what you're thinking…"

Kiba stepped forward and pulled Hinata from Naruto's grip. "Ahem, don't mind me." He said, walking backwards with Hinata.

Naruto gave Sakura a sheepish smile. "Did I mention how nice you look today?" He said feebly.

A/N: TBC. Reviews are very much appreciated! I love reading your reviews, they keep me motivated to write more!