I am very sorry for the wait! I had a huge writers block for the hospital scene, but all in all it turned out well. Another thing, this chapter is not titled as I said it would be. The next chapter, chapter 4, will be the mudslide title. This chapter is called Guilty as you will see x]. Also, This chapter is way longer then the others but still there is no Yaoi, only small hints of AU. But the goods will be coming in about two chapters I promise ^-^. I must say this story is the best well written one I've had so far. I've completed my thoughts on the whole plot too and I must say, it's a very good love story. You readers who like it so far will be very pleased, or at least I hope :].

Thank you thank you for the reviews, really. They were very nice :] *glomps*

ENJOY!

Guilty

"Arf!"

"Shhhh!" Kiba hushed with a finger over his mouth as he looked down at the petit white-furred dog. "If you want to spend the night with me Akamaru, you'll have to be quiet."

A light whine was heard from the back of Akamaru's throat as he followed Kiba through the dark hospital hallways. After Neji left, the night had dragged out for Kiba. He had literally thought about ways Neji could repay him back (for almost killing him) for about an hour. Some suggestions were Neji watching Akamaru while Kiba went out on a date with a random chick so he could have some privacy, another was Neji going on a mission for him so he could get a break, and he even considered making Neji clean his mess of a room, but he decided not to pick any of those. Each suggestion he had come up with had made it seem like Neji truly owed Kiba something, but the Hyuuga didn't. He had simply made a mistake that was totally out of his control, and Kiba didn't think that he should be penalized for that.

After that, Kiba spent another good hour thinking about random girls he felt like getting with, which to Kiba, was screw them and move to the next girl. He might have been considered a player in many people's eyes but he really couldn't help it. Every girl he had ever met just wasn't his type personality-wise. Now looks was another story. There were many beautiful girls he knew, and he being a horny teenager, he couldn't help but sleep with them.

Finally after getting bored of thinking, which Kiba really hated to begin with, he decided he should get up and do something constructive with his time. That's where operation steal Akamaru came in.

The whole ordeal was pretty simple, once Kiba was out of his room; he used his "All-Fours jutsu". He simply sped through the hallways very stealth like until he reached the veterinary section where Akamaru was being held. Kiba did have to admit, as easy as it was to get him, it was very painful. The way his chakra stretched around his damaged chest, made it hard for Kiba to breathe without feeling a painful pulsation feeling in his chest. That's why he was now walking back. Kiba just hoped he wouldn't get caught; Tsunade would have his head. Not to mention she'd kill him for walking around in only a pair of red boxers.

He could've put shorts on but with the way Kiba was, he chose not too. He wasn't ashamed to show his body off in the slightest way. He was nice and toned, muscles perfectly exposed in his long torso area, his chest very hard. His tanned legs were built well too. His body was perfectly in shape. Even downin between his legs, he was packing well, so being the cocky person he was, he flaunted his sculpture like body.

Turning the corner, Kiba walked lightly, knowing he just had to climb a stairway, and he soon would be safely in his new room with Akamaru. Unfortunately for Kiba, he would not be getting to his room so easily. As he walked down the dark corridor, a loud noise was heard, making him stop in his tracks.

Akamaru who had kept walking obliviously, soon stopped too when he realized his master was not walking with him and let out a long whine. Kiba just hushed him, trying his hardest to listen. The noise continued, and Kiba's grey eyes widened when he realized it was screaming… a very familiar scream.

"Neji!" Kiba said aloud in a panicked way. Turning on his heel Kiba was about to sprint when he'd almost forgotten about his partner. "Akamaru lets go!" he called, only giving the dog a halfway glance.

"Arf!" and with that Akamaru was at Kiba's side running with him.

Ignoring the pain Kiba felt in the chest, he sped down two intersections before turning the hallway and finally reaching Neji's door. Throwing it open, Kiba found the Hyuuga; in the same way he had three nights ago. His body was drenched in sweat, tossing and turning. His head snapping from left to right as he flailed his hands in the air. It was a whole repeat. Swallowing a little roughly, Kiba looked nervous, but quickly shook it off and went to the side of Neji's bed.

Akamaru followed closely, but Kiba ordered sternly "Stay where you are." And with a small whimper, Akamaru did just that. Shifting his grey eyes to Neji, Kiba couldn't help but grab the Hyuuga the way he had before, holding his body down from thrashing around so violently.

"Neji, wake up!" Kiba said through gritted teeth as he struggled to hold Neji down.

"No, you killed my father, and I will never forgive you for that!" Neji cried.

Kiba's beast-like eyes widened and he felt himself freeze in shock as he clearly remembered those words.

"Ahhhh!" Neji screamed as his body flew upright. He had had the same nightmare again, but this time it was different afterwards, his palm had never flew forward for the fact that a pair of strong tan arms were wrapped around him. There was warm heavy breathing against the back of his neck and his felt himself pressed against a bare broad chest. Very confused by this, Neji began to panic, his body trying to shake off whoever was holding onto him. "Let go of me!"

"Neji! Neji! Neji!" Kiba yelled from behind. He too was frightened through this whole mess. Neji was unbelievably powerful and the pulsing jolts of pain in his chest were a reminder to the Inuzuka. "It's Kiba damn it!"

"Let g-Kiba?" Neji's screaming quieted down, and his pale body instantly fell limp in the brunette's arms. Turning his head, his snow-like eyes peered over his shoulder, and all he could see was messy brown hair, and a tan cheek with a red tattooed fang on it. Not sure if this was all real, Neji then asked again, making sure he had heard and seen right. "Kiba?"

Kiba breathed for a moment before answering, his heart beating rapidly. His forehead was leaning against Neji's head, when his eyes slowly opened. "You finally finished Hyuuga?" Kiba asked, an exhaled breath of laughter right after. It was quick, and sounded painful.

"I'm sorr-"

"Don't, worry about it." Kiba intercepted, which he truly meant. He didn't want Neji to think that he owed him anything more.

Blinking, Neji's head fell slightly downwards as he stared straight ahead. "…Thanks."

A bad feeling was felt at the pit of Kiba's stomach and he knew it was because yet again, Neji was feeling guilty. Closing his eyes, Kiba let out a small chuckle of laughter and he gave the Hyuuga a little squeeze. "No problem. It's actually not too bad holding onto you when you aren't flopping around like a fish out of water."

"Kiba!" Neji gasped, and the Hyuuga was thankful Kiba could not see the bright blush on his cheeks; revealing his embarrassment.

"Ha-ha, just messing with you Hyuuga." Kiba laughed, his hand ruffling up Neji's long locks before retreating over to his old bed. Lying down, Kiba folded a leg over his knee and crossed his hands behind his head. "I'm only into chicks. How about you?"

It took Neji a moment to answer.

"Well I don't really know how to answer that," Neji began, as he ran a hand through his long brown tendrils, fixing them. "I don't have time to deal with that kind of stuff." The way Neji said this was in a way of high standard, as though he were too mature for that kind of question.

"Heh, typical Hyuuga." Kiba said, shaking his head, a small smirk on the crook of his mouth. And this was where the argument began.

Neji's eyes widened and then lowered into a glare. Shifting his gaze over to Kiba he muttered darkly through clenched teeth, "What's that suppose to mean Kiba?"

"Nothing." Kiba snickered, his voice filled with provocation.

"You are very Immature Kiba."

"And you are too mature" Kiba shot back, his smirk still lingering on his lips. Whistling, Akamaru shot up onto the bed with a light bark, deciding to rest right on Kiba's stomach. Neji's once pale face had turned scarlet red, and it was not out of embarrassment but fury. Kiba, who was now petting the small furry dog, caught a glimpse of this and quickly shifted his eyes away with another laugh. "Tell me Neji," he began, and Neji was at full attention ready to answer any question Kiba threw at him. Too bad it was one he had least expected. "What do you do for fun?"

Inhaling deeply, Neji looked like he was about to say something, but no words came. He sat there, looking dumbfound, his mouth still open.

"Here, I got an easier one." Kiba continued. "Just tell me a normal days schedule for you."

Neji's eyebrows pulled tightly together and his lips formed a thin line. His hands began to tremble in fury but that was only for a second. When Kiba gave him another look, Neji quickly calmed himself so that the shaking stopped. "Well Kiba," he began with a growl. "I wake up; get myself suited by the basics of a morning routine in the bathroom. Then I go to the dining hall where I eat with my two cousins, Uncle and Aunt. Afterwards I go and meditate for about 2 hours. By then it is lunch time in the dining hall, I then usually meet up with my squad for hours of training. Following that I train for another good hour and a half with my Uncle. I shower and get a little rest before attending dinner. After Dinner is when I do my daily night watch for the main house family. That's for another hour, before I get to finally sleep for the night."

Kiba let out a small chuckle and shook his head, his grey eyes were closed. "Wow…"

"What's wow?" Neji raised an eyebrow.

"That is a horrible way to live life." Kiba said bluntly, still not opening his eyes, not giving Neji his full attention.

"Excuse me"

Kiba then opened one eye to get a good look at Neji. He looked pretty offended and with a long sigh from Kiba, the dog ninja sat up and gave Neji some respect. "I'm just saying, it sounds like your life is all hard work and no time for self enjoyment."

"…"

The two stayed quiet for a moment, and again, Kiba realized that Neji was thinking. By the way his forehead was crinkled, it was clear Neji was thinking rather hard. Kiba being the nosey impatient person he was, he couldn't resist but to find out.

"What's on your mind?" he asked. Neji didn't react to his question, he stayed as he was. Kiba almost came to the conclusion that he would get no answer from Neji, but that when the Hyuuga finally broke the silence.

"You asked me yesterday what I was dreaming about," Neji said, his eyes lifted to Kiba's.

The Inuzuka's eyebrows rose and his eyes bugged as he nodded. This was indeed something Kiba wanted to know.

"Well my dream is mainly the reason to my way of living this work filled life." Neji paused, and blinked, his eyes falling to the floor, but they returned to Kiba's before saying in a very serious tone, "I have something to prove. You and my cousin, Hinata, are both in the same squad, so I'm guessing you know of the two houses of the Hyuuga clan?"

"I do." Kiba assured. "She is in the main house and you are in the branch. The branch house serves and protects the main house, right?"

"Correct." Neji nodded. "And this Hyuuga custom I believe is the reason for…" Neji paused for a moment; it looked to Kiba as though he didn't want to say.

"Neji' if you don't want to explain—"

"—my fathers death."

Kiba roughly swallowed in shock. He never knew this of Neji nor did he think he should have been hearing it, though maybe it was a good thing for Neji to speak about it? Still the same little pain he had felt in his stomach before returned when he figured he had kind of forced this out of Neji with his questioning.

"I'm sorry, Neji." Kiba apologized sincerely.

"Don't be." Neji said sternly. "It happened many, many years ago—though the people that should apologize are the fools who had come up with this system. I believe it to be an act of enslavement in ways. They don't abuse their power, but it doesn't change the fact that every branch member is still on a leash. This is why I work and train so hard. I one day want to be the most excellent of my clan and maybe at that point, I can put a stop to this diversity. With this dream in mind Kiba, there is no time for fun."

Another long pause took place but it was Kiba who was thinking now.

"Bullshit." Kiba finally said, very frankly. Another low growl came from Neji and Kiba knew he had to make things more clear. "I'm not talking about your dream. That's a very respectable dream, the part where you said you don't have any time for fun, is bullshit. Everyone needs to break away from work at some point so they can give themselves a rest and do something they actually enjoy."

"But I do enjoy my hard work and training." Neji said quickly. Again, Kiba laughed and shook his head.

"That doesn't surprise me, since that's all you've done your whole life. I just think you haven't experienced what true fun is."

The room fell quiet again and Kiba felt his eyelids becoming rather heavy. With a long yawn Kiba stretched out his arms and glanced over at Neji.

"Listen, I'm wiped and I think I hear my bed calling me." Kiba said. "Still I don't know if I can leave you here unattended with the way you've been dreaming." Kiba smirked and waited for a nice reaction, one to let him get one good laugh for the night, but nothing came from Neji. His glowing white hues were fixed on the night's sky out the window. He was thinking again and it made Kiba shake his head disapprovingly. "Alright well have a nice night." Kiba tried again, but still no response. Getting up, he signaled for Akamaru to follow.

"Kiba." Neji said, making the Inuzuka pause just as he reached the door.

"Have you decided on how I might repay you?"

"No, not yet." Kiba replied glancing over his shoulder but only for a moment. Well it was now evident Neji hadn't forgotten. "Goodnight."

"Night."

[Chapter Break]

Finally, Kiba had figured it out! It came to him last night a little after leaving Neji's room and he couldn't believe it took him so long to realize what it was Neji could actually do for him. Both he and Akamaru were on their way to tell Neji what it was. It was best to do it soon as possible, since Kiba saw how Neji stressed so much about his repayment.

The corridors were now warm and bright. Patients and nurses filled them lightly and for some reason as Kiba walked towards Neji's room he felt really good about this. This proposal was way different then the others and even if Neji wouldn't like it, that would only be temporary. He had the perfect idea of where it would take place too. When they came upon his door, Kiba opened it and couldn't resist the way his lips pulled into a smile. He felt as though he was doing something really good.

"Neji!" Kiba called very lively, but when he came in the room the liveliness he felt had quickly dispersed. Neji's bed was empty and Ino was tidying up. He figured the blond must have been working there now, because she was in a white nurse dress. And Kiba never realized what a nice backside she had until now, as she bent over the bed, fixing the corner of the new sheets she was applying. "Uh…Ino?"

Ino, who had been in her own world humming, snapped out of it at the sound of her name. She stood up and turned lightly on her heels, Kiba's eyes following her bleached blond pony tail as it flowed around. Her blue eyes found her ways to Kiba and when this occurred she blushed with a big smile before saying "Hey Kiba-kun. How can I help you?"

In Kiba's head, he was thinking she could help him in many ways, looking as she did. He trailed his eyes up and down, mesmerized, before replying, "Yea. I actually need to ask you two things."

"Oh really?" She said cheekily.

"Yea." Kiba began with a smirk. "First I was wondering if you knew where Hyuuga was?"

"Neji?" Ino said, looking a little confused. "Well yea, he was dispatched from the hospital today. I was just fixing the room up for another patient."

"Damn." Kiba cursed, his eyes trailing off to a nearby wall as he pondered for a way to somehow tell Neji of his offer. After letting his mind flow, Kiba finally came up with the solution. "Do you think you'll be running into Hinata any time today?"

"I don't think I'd run into her, but I could find her if you'd like." she replied. "Why what's up?"

"Well I'm going to write a letter to Neji, and I need Hinata to deliver it to him." Kiba said, his eyes shifting back over to Ino. "I could write the letter now, so you can have it to deliver ASAP?"

"That's fine Kiba." Ino said. "But uh, since when do you and Neji speak. I swore that guy was always one to keep to himself." Ino questioned, shock evident in her voice.

"Well that's kinda the point of the letter I'll be writing." Kiba began. For some reason it made him feel uncomfortable the way Ino made it seem quite obvious how much of a loner Neji was. "We've kind of been through a lot in only about a total of four days. And in the end it would mean a lot for both him and I that he gets his letter." which it really did for the both of them. Neji, to save him from such a strict life, and Kiba not to feel guilty that Neji was feeling guilty. It also was good for the fact that, maybe Kiba really wouldn't mind becoming friends with the Hyuuga.

"Oh…alright." Ino said. She was utterly confused by the whole ordeal.

"Thanks." Kiba said with a nod. He then turned about face and opened the door, about ready to leave.

"Wait Kiba!" Ino called, rather loudly in Kiba's opinion and he couldn't help but smirk. Ino sounded a bit eager and he knew this was going just as he planned.

"Yes, Ino." He said gently. If she was listening carefully enough, Ino would have heard the mock clueless tone in his voice.

"Umm," she began, her cheeks blushing extremely as he blue eyes trailed off in embarrassment. "What was the second thing you wanted?"

"Oh!" Kiba yelled, slapping himself on the forehead, playing along as though he had really forgotten. "Yea, uh, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out sometime soon?"

Ino's face beamed. "I'd lov—I mean, like that very much." Ino said, it was obvious she was trying to hold herself back from screaming happily.

"Awesome." Kiba replied, giving her a devilish smirk, his fangs flashing towards her. A trick of his with the ladies, and he knew it worked when he saw her cheeks grow even more red. With both requests taken care of easily, Kiba went to finally make his exit.

"Wait Kiba!" she called, making the brunette stop. He glanced over his shoulder coolly, flashing her another smirk, knowing he was basically giving the girl a heart attack by the way she was breathing. "Uhh, just wanted to know if you wanted to come to my party, it's at the end of the month, my house. You can bring anyone you like…just not another girl." She said, sending obvious innuendo's to Kiba.

"Oh really." Kiba said, his eyebrow raising as he licked his lips. "I'll be there." And with that, he closed the door behind him.

[Chapter Break]

Knock. Knock.

"You can come in." Neji said, yawning as he sat on his bed.

It felt so good for him to be out of the hospital and to be back in his own home. Those four white walls were too much after awhile. Not to mention he didn't have a nightmare now that he slept in his own room (at least he supposed that was why). Still, being away from it made him feel a little weird, he couldn't explain it, but he thought it had something to do with Kiba. When the sound of his doorknob turned Neji's focus went to his tan door.

In came Hinata, her face showing the normal discomfort it always did. This was actually a surprise to Neji though, since his cousin rarely visited him. She only did when an order from Hiashi or someone of high standards needed her to deliver a message.

"Good morning Hinata." Neji greeted, a very small curve upwards on his lips passable for a smile.

"U—uhm, g—g—good morning Neji-kun." She stuttered nervously, her eyes meeting everywhere other than Neji's. ""S—so I—Ino came by yesterday, she wanted me to d—deliver this." Her arm outstretched towards Neji slowly and the Hyuuga found a scroll, with painted red edges on the end.

"Thank you, Hinata." Neji said, speaking in a much easier way than his cousin did. As he grabbed the scroll, he tried to hold back a scowl. It was only sometimes that he couldn't take how unconfident Hinata was. How she stuttered and thought so much about what other people thought with every move she made. He wished she would be stronger than that, representing the Hyuuga clan with courage and not fear.

Neji took the scroll and removed the tie that was binding it.

"I—Ino says its f—f—from K—Kiba-kun." And even through her stammering, surprise was evident in her tone. Why wouldn't it be a surprise to anyone? Why would Neji and Kiba be talking? They were complete opposites.

Neji's white hues widened when he heard his cousin's words and he felt a weird warm feeling spread through his body. Besides that though, Neji felt confused. Why was Kiba writing to him? Unraveling the scroll, Neji read Kiba's words carefully:

—Neji

I was actually thinking, like you do whole lot, and finally came up with a way that you could pay me back. After the time we have spent together I think I've learned a little bit about who you truly are, and not just assumptions like before. That is why this Saturday, two hours before sunset, I want you to meet me by the training grounds so we could do something…fun! Hey, hey now don't get all wide eyed like I know you are! You said you owed me, and this is how you will pay me back. Remember I would've been out of this hospital if you hadn't been having those nightmares, which speaking of that I can't help but wonder have you been sleeping well… Well just tell me when I see you. See you very soon.

—Kiba

P.S bring something you don't mind getting dirty and wet.

…uh

P.S again, that last statement…it's not what you think…

The funny thing is Neji's eyes had widened as he read, for many reasons. The first obvious reason was Kiba asking him to a day of fun. The dog user was absolutely crazy if he thought Neji was actually coming. The second reason was, who knew Kiba could actually write a decent long letter, Neji thought he was about as dumb as Naruto was. But the last reason was one that truly surprised him and it wasn't because of the statement of getting dirty and wet (which he had no idea what Kiba possibly meant by it). When Kiba asked how he was doing with his nightmares. It hit him in an odd way, for the fact that…no one ever really asked Neji these sorts of questions, well except Tenten. She'd ask him what was wrong, but at the same time a weird look would be in her eyes, one that showed her mind was thinking about something else. He had no clue of what though. Still Kiba had actually asked, showing concern, which Neji rarely got since his father passed away. It was almost enough to change his mind about not going to meet Kiba. Then again, almost didn't cut it.

"N—Neji-kun?" Hinata said, beneath her shy cocoon, she seemed eager to know what was going on.

"It—was nothing important." Neji said, his eyes shifting away to his nearby window. "Lets go eat." And with that Neji pushed off the bed and walked past Hinata, who stood there, even more confused then she had already been.

Neji tried to push the invitation from Kiba out of his mind but as the days drew nearer it was becoming more and more difficult for the Hyuuga. He didn't understand why, but it was. The only reason he could think of was the fact that he still did owe Kiba for nearly taking his life but another part of him felt eager, as much as he hated to admit it to himself. But whenever that eagerness was felt, Neji would tell himself to remember, he had to focus on becoming the most excellent if he wanted to fulfill his dream.

The days sped by quicker than Neji liked and before he knew it, it was Saturday. Today was the day he was supposed to be meeting up with Kiba. He wasn't going to though, besides, the time Kiba requested was the time that his Uncle had offered to train with him. So point blank, he wasn't going. He thought that maybe Kiba had even forgotten about it so he decided he'd just try his hardest to forget about the whole ordeal. Too bad right after breakfast Hinata had asked to speak with him.

"S—So Neji," Hinata began, her fingers were twirling around one another as she focused on them. "Kiba t—told me, that he and you w—were supposed to be h—h—hanging out today?"

Neji who was leaning on the wall with his arms crossed coolly almost lost his balance. With wide eyes he looked at Hinata, who had also glanced at him, but this time they both quickly looked nervously away. "W—well I'm not going to, I have training with your father." Neji said, so proud of his good excuse that he looked at Hinata confidently.

Hinata's white eyes widened in surprise before saying, "O—Oh…" She paused for a moment, looking down, and she now was playing with her sandals. "T—that's too bad, h—he seemed very excited to be s—s—seeing you."

"…Oh," Neji blinked. "Well tell him—I'm sorry next time you see him…" Neji said this weakly. He swallowed roughly after processing his cousin's words and something else overcame him. As he walked away from his cousin he shook his head in disbelief. There was no way he, Hyuuga Neji, was feeling guilty.

There is chapter three, Please Please Please review, thanks ^-^

Next chapter surely this time: The Mudslide to a New Friendship