Stellar

15. In Between

Miyoko wouldn't stop thanking Kiba and Shino, near tears as four jonin escorted her home. (The daimyo's family was far too paranoid).

At first, the daimyo wanted Kiba and Shino to be punished for letting Miyoko get attacked, but Miyoko surprised them by standing up for Kiba and Shino, telling everyone how hard they worked and how they're the only reason she was alive.

Kiba was...pleasantly surprised. He even rolled his eyes and allowed Miyoko to peck him on the cheek in thanks before she left.

"Thank you two for everything.  I owe my life to you both. If there's anything I could ever do to repay you both, don't hesitate to contact me." Miyoko smiled sincerely, bowing.

Shino and Kiba's eyes widened at the rare and odd sight of someone far up their status bowing so low.

"Y-you don't need to do that!" Kiba assured. "We'll take you up on that offer one day, Miyoko-chan."

The princess's gaze softened before she was hurried away by her new guards.

::

It was odd, Kiba thought, when Shino had called him to meet at the training ground late into the night.

He did so anyway, arriving a bit early so he could work on his newer seals. Kiba had finally managed to get the storage scrolls to work, and his next big project was chakra draining. But it would be a big leap, and without any guidance, it could take weeks.

"Kiba?"

Said boy raised his head, grinning when he saw the Aburame approaching. "Shino!" He patted the empty space on the bench to the right of him, the left occupied by a lounging Akamaru. "Come, sit."

Shino accepted the invitation, settling in beside Kiba. He had far fewer cuts than Kiba due to his bulky jacket and sheer luck, and his concussion was easily taken care of by the capable medics of Konoha. He cleared his throat.

"I wanted to say, thank you. And that I am sorry."

"Wh-what?" Kiba cocked his head to the side, staring at Shino. That was probably the last thing he expected him to say.

The Aburame bowed his head. "I misjudged you and allowed my previous assumptions to cloud my judgment. I was biased and harsh. Forgive me. You are far more capable than I had given you credit for, and I know now that was unwarranted. If you would allow me, I would like to apologize to Hinata as well."

Kiba silently mulled over his words. A smile spread across his face. "I'm glad you told me, Shino." He murmured. "And I hope getting that off your chest was helpful. Now, we just need to talk to Hinata-chan."

A bit shocked at how easily Kiba accepted, Shino nodded. "Of course."

Kiba smiled brightly.

::

Both Sasuke and Kiba lounged together on the couch, both reading. Kiba sat against the arm, propping his legs over Sasuke's.

Tsume entered the room, taking notice of the comfortable boys. Snickering slightly, she snuck up behind them. "Boo!" She shouted, causing Sasuke to jump. Kiba just looked up from his book, beaming when he saw his mom.

"Ma!" Tossing aside his book, Kiba leaped to his feet and threw his arms around her, hugging tightly. Tsume returned the sentiment by grabbing ahold of him and swinging Kiba around.

"Pup, calm down!" She chuckled, ruffling both Sasuke and Kiba's hair.

Ever since...Hana, Tsume had taken up far more missions. That meant seeing less of her, but Kiba understood. Missions left less time to dwell on the past. Sasuke eyed Tsume fondly, but skeptically. He knew that Tsume was a lot like Kiba, and that meant putting up a happy front, a facade, even when they were hurting.