Benjirou Uematsu

It felt like an age before Yukiko finally emerged from the bathroom, blood washed away and fresh clothes on. Kiba watched her carefully as though she was a deer, one false move and she could bolt. Slowly he approached and helped her into the bed and noticed the towel in her hand and looked up at her damp locks. Kiba climbed on top of the bed and coaxed Yukiko to lie back against his chest as he began to run the towel through her hair, massaging his fingers against her scalp and locks at the same time.

'I killed someone…' Yukiko finally spoke in an even, calm voice. Kiba paused in his movements but continued again and nodded slowly when Yukiko leant back to look him in the eye. He was surprised to see there was little remorse in her gaze but he figured she could very well still be in shock. For a civilian to go through all that happened here tonight, it was understandable. 'He threatened the babies.' She whispered, arms folding protectively over the bump. 'Said if I didn't come quietly he would cut them out and…and leave them for you to find. After that I don't know what happened…something just snapped in me. I was just so desperate to keep them safe that I…I don't even know what I did or how I did it but there was just blood.' Kiba dropped the towel to the floor and wrapped his arms around his wife, his hands folding over her stomach, gently rocking her and lightly whispering that everything was okay.

Even long after she fell asleep in his arms, Kiba remained awake, one hand on her stomach and his sights trained on the door. Eventually he finally fell asleep and found himself trapped in a fitful, restless state of unconsciousness images flashing in his mind, all so vivid and disorientating but at the same time when he finally woke with a gasp and jolt upwards he couldn't recall what he'd seen. Only the feeling of unease and worry remained. The feeling didn't ease when he looked to see Yukiko wasn't sleeping beside him. Tiredness leaving his body he bolted out of the bed and went in search of his wife. Everywhere was so quiet but still the tension of what happened at the estate mere hours ago hung heavily in the air despite all evidence of the attack being erased.

Kiba came to a stop at the dining room to see Yukiko sitting there, a cup clasped in her pale hands, fingertips idly running backwards and forwards against the rim of the ceramic. A frown tugged at his lips as he watched her stare blankly at nothing. As he approached he could see the tea she had made was bare touched and probably ice cold by now. Even when he was within touching distance of his wife she failed to notice him. She just continued to stare ahead, her purple eyes set on nothing and her expression empty.

'Yukiko?' he began softly, bracing himself for her startled scream or preparing to hold out his hands if she jumped. But neither reaction came. Slowly she blinked, quite possibly the first time since he spotted her, and lifted her head to regard him silently and waiting for him to continue. 'What's wrong?' he asked and then flinched. What a stupid question. What wasn't wrong at this point? He watched Yukiko give a small smile and brief shake of her head.

'Couldn't sleep. Got restless and didn't want to disturb you with moving about so I went for a walk down the halls and the garden then ended up here. Let my legs rest while my mind wandered.' That made two of them in regards to being too restless to sleep. Kiba slowly slid into the seat beside her and leant in to regard her carefully. He lifted his hand and began to reach out but slowed his reach, doubting whether Yukiko would want him to touch her. Slowly Yukiko's hand lifted from the mug on the table and laced her fingers through his, guiding their entwined hands to settle on the table. Kiba watched as Yukiko looked up to smile at him softly. 'You were talking in your sleep when I was leaving.' Kiba's eyebrows rose at that, he couldn't remember any of what he was dreaming about.

'I honestly can't recall. What was I saying?' he asked. 'Maybe hearing it for myself might jog my already atrocious memory.' Yukiko seemed to tense at his request and her gaze slid from his face, to their hands, and finally settled on the barely touched mug in front of her. Was it talking while he slept that made her more restless than she already was when she first woke? He didn't say anything to encourage or question her hesitancy, instead he allowed her to take her time. While he might have forgotten a lot about his wife he knew from the time they spent together that she would give him some sort of response.

'I didn't hear much, it's not the first time I've heard you talk in your sleep though the past times it was nonsense from whatever you were dreaming about.' She began carefully. 'But this time…you said a name that the current you won't know. Or rather wouldn't remember.' Kiba frowned to watch as Yukiko fidgeted in her seat. Absently she rubbed at her throat and cleared her throat before looking into his eyes with intense focus. 'Benjirou Uematsu?' Kiba blinked and shook his head. The name meant nothing to him when it was clear he should. Slowly Yukiko smiled and her body seemed to relax, happy he gave no reaction. Pushing her hair back she rose and lifted them mug taking it to the kitchen to rinse it out. On her way she felt Kiba's presence following close by.

'Aren't you going to tell me any more?' he asked leaning against the counter as she washed the mug. Briefly she glanced at him and returned her gaze to the sink. 'What is the man to me? Was he someone I went on a mission with? Someone I got into a fight with? One of your suitors?' Slowly Yukiko turned off the flowing water and turned to stare at Kiba with a peculiar look.

'Scarily all three are in some way accurate.' She admitted. 'Look, Kiba some things are better left forgotten. That man caused a lot of hurt and is a source for a lot of bad memories that I personally don't want to relive. If you want to know I won't stop you but please don't bring him up with me.' Her unease and the pain in her eyes persuaded him practically immediately. Stepping closer he pulled her into a tight hug. One hand rubbed at her back while the other ran through her hair until he could sense her tension fading. While he wasn't going to speak the name Benjirou Uematsu around Yukiko he was definitely going to find out who this son of a bitch was and what he did.

Kiba sat in silence as he processed the whole story he had been told. The client who made his life hell through mere annoyances at first turned out to be overly ambitious and careless to the point he was killed by the low rank mercenaries he hired and worse still; Yukiko got poisoned and his relationship with her became strained before he left on the mission that caused his memory loss.

No wonder Yukiko didn't want to talk about it if it meant bringing back memories of the horrendous effects of the poison and what she was put through. He leant forward in his seat and tightly clasped his hands together in his lap, glaring at the floor in anger that he couldn't do anything to make it right and that the bastard was already dead and he didn't get to finish him off, not that he would have been able to remember it anyway.

'You need to stop trying to force yourself to remember these things Kiba.' He looked up to see Shino staring at him gravely. 'Focus on what's happening now. Enjoy making new memories. If the old ones come back that'll be great but if they don't will that change things now?' Kiba sighed and rubbed the back of his head. His friend had a point, unsurprisingly. It did seem anytime he found himself getting close with Yukiko and adjusting to her again he would immediately be drawn back into wishing he had his old memories instead of enjoying the ones he was making with her in the moment. Nodding, he rose and said his goodbye to Shino, heading straight for the estate. He wasn't due to go on a mission with his squad until a couple of days time so he may as well try to take his best friend's advice before he left.

Walking into the Alpha Quarters he found Yukiko sat at the desk reading over scrolls with a pen poised and waiting over an open inkwell, ready to start drafting a response once she was finished reading. He strode closer with a smile, pausing at the coffee table in the centre of the room when he spotted a wrapped box sitting untouched. Eyebrow quirking he looked to his wife with a peculiar smirk.

'You're such a different woman from any other I've known, you know that?' he laughed picking up the box before continuing towards the desk. A set of purple eyes drifted from the scroll to his face. Not needing her to say anything he lifted the box a little higher into view. 'You get a present and leave it, deciding to do paperwork instead? Just doesn't make sense.' With a grin he set the box down next to the letter she was lowering. 'So who's it from? Not a secret admirer I hope.'

'It's for both of us…although I'm not sure you'd want to open it.' She began as she rose from her seat to step around the desk until she was beside him. 'It's our wedding album.' His smile fell a fraction as he glanced down to the sealed decorative box and back to Yukiko. There he was just talking about making new memories and then a box containing literal snapshots of one of the biggest things he and Yukiko shared lands. He had wondered about their wedding day a lot. He deliberated for a second and lifted the lid of the box to see a silver leather bound book waiting inside, the signature red Inuzuka crest on the front and in the same shade of red gleamed 'Kiba and Yukiko.' With unexpected nervousness and excitement he lifted the large album out and took Yukiko's hand leading her to the sofa so they could sit comfortably and look at the photos together.

The first pages featured shots of the estate decorated to be the picturesque setting perfect for a Noble wedding and the mingling guests. Then he saw himself greeting guests, some of his expressions were polite and welcoming to nobility he obviously didn't know or perhaps just didn't like whereas the genuine warmth was shown in the hugs and broad grins he had in other shots with old friends. He paused on shot him with Shino and Naruto on either side of him with the rest of his guy friends flanking him all of them grinning to the camera. Turning the page he felt his breath slam out of his body as his jaw dropped and eyes bugged. The first shot of Yukiko walking down the aisle towards him. It seemed some things didn't change when he saw the expression on his face was mirrored there two.

'Wow.' He breathed looking to Yukiko who was biting her lower lip and fighting a blush. 'I mean you always look…but I-' he stopped when Yukiko smiled and squeezed his hand and shifted a little closer against him. She knew what he meant. Relieved he looked back to the album and turned the page to see the sequence of images showing the marking. In a matter of minutes he was floored for a second time. The body language between them was so clear and strong; absolute trust. Yukiko's eyes held no fear whatsoever and he…he was in love. Seeing it as an almost outsider to the scene he could see what was probably unknown to him at the time but it was there. He glanced at Yukiko to see she was staring at the photos with a bright, fond smile. He noted that her fingers were unconsciously running over the mark as she waited for him to turn the page, which he did only to smirk to see their first kiss as a married couple was captured.

The next pages were filled of photos of the speeches, guests sitting and laughing together and then their next important moment was featured; their first dance. Yukiko looked elegant and graceful as always and honestly he didn't look too bad. The shots to follow started to include the other guests dancing and he couldn't help but grin to see Mei and Shinji dancing with awkward blushes on their faces. He heard Yukiko giggle and she nudged his side playfully.

'You were awful to them.' She laughed before gesturing to a photo of her and Aki dancing. 'They made you think I'd been taken and you ordered them to dance for four straight songs.' Kiba laughed and looked to a photo of him and his three genin with a grin. 'They're great kids…' she mused fondly rubbing her stomach. 'You think our three will be in a squad together?' Kiba laughed and nodded, settling his arm tightly around her waist so his hand could rest against her bump.

Kiba's smile grew as he took in the sight of Yukiko and himself dancing with other members of their wedding on the last pages. The ones that stood out most were of him and his mother, and him with Hana, and Yukiko with Gaara, and Yukiko with his grandfather. Then he felt his mood turn a bit as he paused halfway through lifting the end cover. There were no more photos to look at. Closing the album firmly he couldn't help but give a slight pout.

'Shame there's no more.' He mumbled sitting back in the sofa, lightly pulling Yukiko to settle against him. His eyes looked down when he heard her laugh softly.

'Well given were we went after those last photos I don't think they would be photos we could show anyone…' she mused and he blinked before realisation hit and he grinned wickedly down at her sensing the change in her scent. Kiba could see the flicker of reminiscing in her beautiful eyes. Looking at the album must have brought that day flooding back to her mind strong and clear. He was jealous in a way but seeing the photos for himself enabled him to use his imagination and fill in the rest.

Slowly he ran his hand against her thigh in a way it could be seen to be an almost innocent gesture and he smirked to see how her eyes darkened. When she began to look up at him he reached up to thread his fingers into her hair and run his thumb along her jaw. 'Kiba…' she breathed heavily, voice thick with need and desire but also caution. Still she was checking if he really wanted to but it also had a note of warning; he had to be absolutely definite. Giving his answer immediately he lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her deeply. Hungrily.

However close they were in the moment it just wasn't close enough for either of them. Yukiko threw one leg over him and settled into his lap as he broke the kiss to move his lips down her throat in hot open mouth kisses until he stopped at her mark. Hearing the long, pleasured moan break from her lips was like a siren song spurring him on even more. Keeping one hand in her hair he gripped her thigh in the other and stood suddenly, smirking when Yukiko only breathed his name again and locked her legs around his waist as if she were expecting him to do it. Her hands moved to his hair and she coaxed him to pull back so she could capture his lips again in another fiery kiss as he closed the short distance to their bed.

As much as he wanted to get lost completely in the moment and lightly throw her onto the mattress he forced himself to remember she was still pregnant. Settling her down he poised himself over her, none of his weight touching. Lying in the comfort of a large mattress they had the luxury of letting their hands roam over the other, both urging the other to take off their clothes. Kiba couldn't help but pull back to admire the view with a grin that helplessly grew at the sight of his flushed and impatient wife squirming underneath him.

'For some reason I was expecting black lace.' He laughed with a carefree shake of his head as he pulled the last piece of her blue underwear from her skin and resumed, too caught up in the moment to fully spot Yukiko's look of surprise at his comment.

Together they lay entangled, exhausted but entirely content. Head swimming Kiba lightly rubbed Yukiko's arm as she propped herself up onto her elbow to stare at his face. He smiled warmly as she reached out and lightly traced the lines of his face stopping the longest time at his mouth. Her thumb lightly caressed his lower lip a few times before she ran her fingers through his hair and briefly touched the healed head injury.

'Your memories are still in there.' She stated softly before dropping her hand to drape it over his chest as she lay back down against him, curling up against him. 'You just don't realise it.'

'What do you mean?' Kiba asked holding her close and kissing her forehead.

'Remember the comment about black lace?' she asked while tracing lazy patterns against his arms. 'I wore black lace on our wedding night.'

'Maybe I'm just partial to it?' he asked trying to rationalise it. He didn't want to get either of their hopes up over his memories.

'It's not just that. When we went shopping for maternity clothes. You returned things before I tried them on. Do you know why?'

'Not really I just didn't think they would look good on you. There wasn't really any other reason.'

'Yes there was. Kiba all of the clothes you took back before I even tried them on were all or almost completely white. I hate white. Had anyone told you that since waking up?' No, no one had. 'Then with you saying Benjirou's name and counting in the little things you do without realising it seems like your memory is still there just buried but not completely gone.'

'Maybe…but I think it'll be hard to say when or if it'll all come back.' He said softly.

'Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you.' she whispered sadly. 'I love you Kiba, with or without your memory. Just remember that.'

The images raced through his mind sharply, painfully and so crystal clear. A manor. A wedding but it wasn't his. Fear and paranoia coursed through him. Yukiko surrounded by a sea of faces filled with anger and ill intent. He wanted to protect her, keep her safe. He knew he couldn't leave her alone but suddenly everywhere he turned she was nowhere to be found no matter how many times he called out her name.

Then she was there, stunning and breathtaking dressed in dark red and eyes gleaming with happiness standing in the centre of a large room looking towards him with a hand outstretched. Relief filled him and he began to race towards her but he wasn't closing the distance fast enough. Suddenly Yukiko's expression became one of horror and anguish. Hands rising to her throat he saw as blood began to pool from her mouth as her body slackened and fell to the floor before he could catch her. Screaming out her name he fell to his knees and cradled her in his arms as she stared helplessly and weakly at him. Sobbing into her chest he froze and look to see her stomach was swollen with his unborn children. Overhead he heard cruel laughter and looked up to see a man sneering down at him.

'What's the matter Inuzuka? You look like you've seen a ghost.' he hissed crouching down and now Kiba could see the blade in the man's chest. The stranger grabbed the hilt and ripped it out. With a chilling smile he looked at the blood slick blade and twirled it in his hand before looking down with mock sympathy for Yukiko lying weakly between them. 'Don't worry. I'll deal with her for you. Both here and out there.' Before he could react the blade plunged into Yukiko's chest.

With a yell Kiba shot upwards, a cold sweat across his skin and heart racing. Turning in the bed he looked frantically towards Yukiko only to freeze to see her side of the bed was completely empty. Both Akamaru and Amaya were up and pacing in front of him anxiously. Climbing out of bed he froze when he heard their bathroom door burst open and he saw Yukiko staring at him in a panic. Before she could ask him what was wrong he had already crossed the room and pulled her into his arms. Images still fresh in his mind from the nightmare he couldn't help but pull back and look her over. With shaking hands he lowered one to her stomach while the other fell over her chest to feel her heartbeat.

'Th-thought you were gone…' he whispered in a broken voice. 'Blood was everywhere. Killed you all. Felt so real.' Yukiko stared at Kiba with wide eyes, seeing the terror in his face was all too reminiscent of when she would wake from her all too believable nightmares. Kiba was there to reassure her in those times, the least she could do was to do the same for him. Stepping closer she held him in her arms.

'We're all here. It was just a nightmare.' She said soothingly before jumping at a sudden feeling. Kiba felt it too. Pulling back to look at each other they both blinked and Kiba gave her a small shaky laugh. Both of them placed their hands on her stomach and waited excitedly. Then it happened again, and again at another side. 'See? They're letting you know they're here too. Everything's okay I promise. We're safe.'

'I'm not so sure…he said he'd deal with you 'out there' as in outside my dream.' He shuddered at the memory. The man's face burned fresh in his mind and he couldn't help but feel like he'd seen him before. Then he turned from Yukiko and made a direct line for the wedding album that they had first got over a month ago. Trying not to damage any of the pages he turned the pages, scanning every face carefully until anger boiled in him. 'That's him.' He pointed to a picture of Yukiko dancing with Kankuro while he was with Hinata. To the side, dancing with a noblewoman from earth country was the man from his dream.

'Kiba…' Yukiko began seeing the man her husband was pointing to with confidence and certainty. She could see he looked hurt; that he thought she didn't believe him or was going to tell him it was just a nightmare but she stepped closer and took his hand into her own that was beginning to tremble. 'Kiba…that's Benjirou Uematsu, he's supposed to be dead. How can he be threatening you in your sleep?'

'Wouldn't be the strangest thing I've heard of. Naruto's got a nine tailed fox spirit living inside of him. Someone pretending to be a civilian and faking their death and using their abilities to torment people seems pretty boring by comparison.' Kiba shrugged glaring down at the photo before blinking and inspecting the man carefully. 'He had a burn scar in my dream. Against his jaw and right side of his neck. Why would I have that detail? Did he get burned after the wedding?' Yukiko shook her head and bit her lip staring down at the man in the photo.

Slowly things began to fall into place. The nightmare she had after being infected with Tiger Fangs, the feeling of being watched, feeling someone who wasn't there touch her, the bruises. All of that stopped suddenly the same time Kiba went on the mission to confront one of those on the list that were against her marriage to Kiba. The mission hat resulted in his coma. Eyes widening she looked to Kiba. Benjirou Uematsu was there! He was in the building the same time Kiba was hurt. He had been hurt too that's why the torment stopped. They had to get that old mission scroll and learn Uematsu's alias. They had to find him before things got any worse.