Author's Rant: I did it! Enjoy!
Bumps and Curves
Kiba . . . Kiba . . . Kiba . . . Kiba . . . Kiba . . . Kiba . . . Ki-ba!
Kiba really didn't want to wake up. His body was wholly relaxed for the first time in forever.
He spread his arms out and stretched, and for once he didn't have to worry about his knuckles scrapping on the headboard. He must have laid out in a way that left nothing, but space to his disposal.
It's not often he can sleep long during the mornings; what with school, work and caring for Akamaru. Why not take advantage? But with the consistent call of his name, he knew somewhere in his drowsy mind that he'd need to get up soon. There were responsibilities needing his attention and one such was pulling at his arm and tickling his cheeks.
Kiba sighed, twitched his nose and opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was giant pale eyes and then Hinata's button lips set in a wrinkled line. Kiba blinked and stared for a while, before lifting his head, eyes focusing out of sleep. "Hmm." He dropped his head back on his pillow, feeling groggy. "What's wrong, baby girl?"
"Pee, pee, Kiba. Gotta go," Hinata softly whined and proceeded to wiggle in place, hands cupped between her legs.
Pee, pee? Kiba frowned. Gotta go? Go where?
His eyes got big.
"Oh, Oh!" Kiba kicked the comforters off—he already missed being cocooned in the cushiony warmth—and plucked Hinata off the floor, scrambling in place. "Bathroom, bathroom, bathroom!" He spun around, pivoting in place until his mind's puzzle pieces fell into place and he remembered his own bathroom. He held her out at arm's length made a run for it.
What a way to start a morning. Kiba felt all kinds of odd having to pull Hinata's pants down and holding her over the toilet. It was little challenging too, trying to respect her privacy because Kiba closed his eyes the entire time. Luckily, for him, he had good precision. Hinata managed to handle her business in midair and a light hum.
Kiba shook his head as he fixed up Hinata's clothes. "There, all done." Well, since he was up at—he looked at the wall clock—"Jesus," he groaned, wiping at his eyes. It's seven o'clock on the dot. What kind of person wakes up this early?
"Kiba?"
Kiba opened one eye at Hinata and lost all his grouchiness. Who could be mad at those big eyes?
He hiked her up in his arms, poked her cheeks, earning a small giggle and started towards the door. He may as well start on breakfast. The house seemed serene with the sun's haloing sunshine glittering through the curtains. Kiba stepped over Akamaru's massive head to reach the drawstring for the curtains and pulled. Golden beams sprouted and fell on Akamaru.
The big dog groaned, and drew his paws over his eyes.
"Rise and shine buddy. Time to make breakfast."
Another long groan was heard before Akamaru's tail started thumping the carpet.
"I know boy, I know. Who wakes up this early right?" Kiba tugged Hinata's high chair out with his foot and sat her down before stretching. His bones cracked, his head spun from the early morning dizziness and a few smacks reminded him that he needed to brush his teeth. But he hated brushing his teeth before eating. It was pointless when you were just going to have to brush them again.
He went in the fridge and kneeled down to take a gander at the selection. There was no telling what sort of breakfast person Neji is. Was he the sort who grabbed a bagel on his way to work with a cup of coffee? Did he prefer to wake up early to enjoy a hearty breakfast? Or did he eat at all?
"Bet he doesn't," Kiba grumbled to himself. Neji would eat a stack of paperwork before taking a bite out of some fatty bacon or sausage. Not this time. The stiff ass was going to eat whether he liked it or not, and . . . it'd be a good way to break the sheet of ice they built up between each other last night. Yeah, a nice breakfast should make everything normal again.
What was normal?
No, Kiba wasn't going to hurt his brain on that one. He plucked out a carton of eggs, turkey bacon, cheese, and sausage? Yeah that too. What else? He has a few potatoes too, maybe some diced fried potatoes and a little bit of tomato to add to the eggs and cheese. Kiba piled his arms high with all the ingredients he'd need for a loaded omelet, some strawberries for Hinata to add with her scrambled eggs, pancakes and bacon, and—Kiba frowned.
If he remembered right from a dinner he had with Naruto, Sasuke and Neji once, Neji hated the taste of onions. Probably allergic, but he loved peppers, though. Kiba grabbed a bell pepper too and shut the fridge with his foot. Now that he had all he needed, all that needed to be done were the preparations.
"Kiba, I want juicy p'ease," Hinata said from her chair as she watched Kiba walk from one side of the kitchen to the other.
"Coming right up!" Kiba made a show of dancing on his toes to the cabinet for her sipper cup, much to Hinata's glee because she was tickled pink watching Kiba act silly. He filled her cup with apple juice and sat it before her a ruffle to her head.
"T'ank you."
"Welcome, baby girl. Just ask me if you need anything else." Now, where was he? Oh yeah, cutting up the veggies and mixing the eggs.
Kiba went back to finishing where he left off, sprinkling in cheese, and the diced bell peppers while whipping the eggs. The bacon he could cook in a jiff, but he wondered if that'd be enough meat for the overall meal. Nah, more meat. Sausage links and patties too. That should be enough. Any extras could go to Akamaru.
Kiba bowled the mixed eggs into a buttered skillet, holding the handle with one hand, and the spatula in the other. Whipping up a good meal would definitely mend the bridge.
At least he hoped so.
Neji stared wordlessly stared at the weaving white mesh patterns on his ceiling, listening to the happenings outside his door. He'd been up for about an hour, thinking and unable to do much else because of his thumping headache. Blinking hurt, turning hurt, and his overall bodily functions were having a mind of their own. If he so much as twitched a finger, his pain receptors would ignite like fireworks.
He was clad in a matching set of Derek Rose maroon cotton pajamas, and white tube socks. He'd taken his medicine moments ago, more than the recommended dosage, which was a surprise to himself. He always followed everything by the creed, dotting all his I's, crossing his t's with perfection. Taking the proper quantity of medication was no different.
It seemed he's been doing a lot of things out of his character lately, taking help from Kiba of all things. And, to be honest, not quite minding the extra aid from the younger man. Here, he'd only been here a day and Neji hadn't felt the urge to wander the house in search of a task to complete. Inside, he knew Kiba was already on it.
The parental instincts in him had surged to life when Hinata's bedroom door opened. It was usually around the early morning when she needed to relieve herself, but she hadn't come knocking on his door. Instead, she sort out Kiba. It relieved and yet disappointed Neji all in one setting. He would have rather Hinata come seeking him out for help. The point of Kiba's presence was to bring Neji and Hinata closer.
That has . . . somewhat happened, though there's a small problem. Hinata was adjusting too quickly to Kiba's company. By the end of the week, Neji expected to fully recuperate. Then Kiba would have to return to his own responsibilities. What then? Would Hinata pine after him when he left?
One thing was certain for both Neji and his daughter; they were both looking at Kiba through a new set of eyes now. There wasn't this twisted pulse inside Neji to lash out whenever the younger man tried to insult his intelligence or personality traits. Kiba is, well, there's far more to him that Neji would have imagined.
Much in fact.
Little by little, his mind went through the subtle details of Kiba. Has he always had that peculiar, feral expression about him when he was in deep thought? Almost like a curious puppy, Kiba would cock his head back when he contemplated his next course of action. And those sharp, almond shaped eyes were the deepest of black when they dilated. His unruly ginger brown hair was most likely as course as a brillo pad, but he could be wrong.
Once, he'd assumed Naruto's blond hair to be the same texture. He had the pleasure of discovering that wasn't the case when they kissed in his office. They weren't the same, but who's to say. One lovely contrast he would admit to the best friends sharing were those contagiously bright smiles. Where as Naruto resembled the first spill of sunshine through an afternoon rain, Kiba. . . well, his was a unique change on his face. His features softened, his cheekbones rose and his eyes crinkled on the edges. The times he would smile, it's always with enormous vigor, a brilliant energy that drew you in.
Funny, Neji pondered with a very light smile. If he didn't know any better, he'd almost think he were fishing for Inuzuka's most attractive feature—
Light scratching at the door pulled him out of his thoughts. Neji frowned, carefully tilting his head to the side. The scratching came again, more pronounced and forceful. Neji tried to sit up, but the dizziness refused to unchain him from the mattress. He sighed deeply and said in a steady "Yes?"
Nothing happened. The doorknob jiggled a little moments later, rattling until it twisted around fully and the door slid across the carpet.
Neji blinked at his visitor whom he'd least expected to be the first to grant him an good morning.
The hefty animal sniffed the floor and the frame of the door as if to figure if it were all right to come in. Neji refused to think the dog was actually waiting for permission. . . That's absurd. But Akamaru stiffened his front paws and bent his quarters down in the opening of the door, lolling his tongue, staring directly at Neji.
What on earth, why, he'd—he'd never. "Come in," he said uneasily.
Akamaru straightened, and trotted over to Neji's bedside where he proceeded to sit down again at a respectful distance, tongue still lagging out and his tail slapping against the floor.
Neji greatly resisted the desire to hang his mouth. He did managed to summon the energy to work his way up to his elbows and steady himself so that he was able to be leveled with the dog's close-lidded eyes. Neji blinked again before shaking his head. His imagination was overloading. This is exactly why he should stay on track with his routine.
Despite knowing the medicines side effects may be what's influencing his mind, Neji was logical enough to not deny the dog standing and coming to his bedside, muzzle flat on the edge. His eyelids slid open a slither, enough to reveal the true color; a dingy charcoal black, crusted and well-worn from a long life. Akamaru nudged his nose against Neji's elbow and softly whined.
"What is it?" Neji mumbled. "Do you want something?"
Akamaru pressed his nose harder into Neji's elbow again, sniffing.
"I haven't any treats if that's what you're after."
The dog, to Neji's mild amusement snorted and pushed his nose even harder. Neji sighed, seeing as the dog refused to leave him be until he got what it was after; whatever that is. Neji consented to the dog's demands and steadily rose up higher until he managed to sit up fully. Akamaru moved in, not to rub his nose near Neji's elbow as before, but near his hand, lightly tapping his muzzle at the tips of Neji's fingers.
Neji promptly moved his hand away. "What do you want?"
Akamaru suddenly barked a low and mild sound that should have been a much louder noise coming from such a large beast. He repeated the gesture flattening his muzzle into the mattress. Neji slowly lowered his palm on top of Akamaru's muzzle, unsure as to what else to do.
Akamaru pushed into Neji's hand and started walking backwards. Neji leaned as far as his arm could stretch until Akamaru moved out of reach. The large white dog barked again, tail wagging. He returned to do the same thing, tail wagging. No matter how much logic tried to worm into Neji's brain that a dog could not know how to be an escort, he couldn't deny it any longer.
Now he's seen it all. Sasuke would never believe this. Neji blew a soft sigh through his nose and chuckled for the first time this morning. "I see now," he said, holding his hand out until Akamaru lower his head underneath. "Are you my escort this morning?"
Akamaru yipped, and contently rolled his head under Neji's hand, tail spinning like a ceiling fan.
"Very well," Neji mused softly, careful as he swung his legs on the edge of the bed and stood, hand braced firmly on top of his gallant guide. When he was sure walking wouldn't be too much of a strain on his mind, and retrieving his black robe off the bed's post, Neji nodded. "After you."
The hall's corridor expanded to the second floor, emitting sunrays through the small hexagon skylights. Neji entered into air of aromas. Scrambled eggs, bacon, the scent of caramelized peppers, a sweet scent of cinnamon and maple syrup, sizzling bacon, and sausage if he wasn't mistaken. One of the suppliers for this home must've bought the ingredients. Neji couldn't recall the last time he'd eaten sausage and for it to smell so delectable this far back in the house? He only knew of one person who could cook this well.
But he hadn't heard Naruto arrive. So—Neji smiled—Inuzuka has a great deal more talents then he lets on. The meal yesterday was a treat, but this, Neji had to experience. He wandered down the hall quietly, as did Akamaru.
Voices grew louder the closer he ventured toward the kitchen area. Neji identified his daughter's voice, animatedly going on about something or another. A moment or two in between, Inuzuka would offer a word in to encourage the conversation. As Neji entered further, he saw his daughter sitting in her high chair, head bowed low and her little fist squeezed around a blue crayon, scribbling diligently over a sheet of paper.
Neji watched in silence as Inuzuka went between two skillets sizzling with eggs and meat and a boiling pot. He wafted up a little of the smoke from the middle skillet before moving to the fridge, dishrag tucked in his waistband.
"Finished yet?" Inuzuka called over the clink and clanging pots.
"No," Hinata grumbled sourly. "I want red, p'ease."
Akamaru panted. Neji pressed his nails into the dog's scalp in hopes it'll silence him a while longer. Eavesdropping was beneath him, but he wanted a while to take in the scene before him. It was oddly comforting in it's own way, the serene peace and amusement coming from his daughter and the patient optimism Kiba displayed. He navigated throughout the kitchen like he was a born to cook.
Hm, not a bad sight to see in the morning. . .
Akamaru brushed against the back of Neji's legs, urging him forward.
"Enough of that—hey, easy!" he sternly said, batting at the dog's ears.
Akamaru coasted his nose harder and harder until Neji was stepping forward into the open. His daughter beamed upon the sight of him, immediately discarding her activity.
"Morning Daddy," Hinata shyly smiled, rosy cheeks blooming red.
"Morning, my love," Neji greeted in turn. He nodded to Inuzuka before going over to cup Hinata's plump cheek. "Did you sleep well?"
"Mmhmm," Hinata blushed harder, squishing her face into her father's large hand. "I had good d'eams."
"Did you now?"
"Uh huh." Hinata fell silent, looking off into Neji's palm, her smile a little dimmed.
Neji felt the change in her demeanor, unsure how to adjust. She'd seemed so happy to see him just seconds ago. Now, her timid nature was shadowing over the gleam. What had he done? Neji expectantly gazed up and met with amused dark eyes, seeking answers.
Kiba winked. "Hinata, why don't you tell your Dad about the dream you told me?"
Hinata shyly looked at her father before ducking her head down, bright eyes shifty.
Neji pulled out the stool stationed next to her high chair. He scooted near and grabbed her tiny hand, bringing it up to his lips. He laid a kiss there, and watched as the redness enveloped Hinata's cheeks and a tiny smile pinch her cheeks.
"If you wouldn't mind sharing," he nodded his gratitude to Inuzuka before continuing, "I would love to hear it."
"Hmm?" Hinata blinked.
Neji brought the back of her hand against his cheek. "Tell me your dream, my love. I want to hear."
Hinata brightened, tiny teeth all lined up for a special smile for her father before she went into a colorful description of the adventures she experienced in her sleep. Tales of little animals, glorious colors, exciting scenes with interesting characters were all told with grueling detail. Hinata eventually moved away from the dream and onto her time spent with her toys and teatime. She especially stayed true to detail about her favorite teddy bear and how animated he became whenever he shared teatime with Inuzuka.
She'd never know how rich and delighted she sounded in his ears. Neji's expression dampened a margin from the interest he'd had before as he'd come to fully comprehend how he'd spent nearly two years of his daughter's life neglecting her feelings towards him. These requests and moments were so simple and easy to give. How had he failed to miss being there for her the way he used to?
The change, it'd all been a blur, a merging from one day to the day after he'd partnered with Sasuke. Focusing on growing on their own two feet and become a priority so fast and their growth had accelerated so quickly, he'd lost track of life on the outside of those office walls. Where his company had grown and flourished, the sacrifices made to build up to that point weren't worth it.
Neji silently condemned himself to the truths Kiba told him weeks prior about not knowing of Hinata's needs. A non-blood relative had succeeded where he'd failed. Neji closed his eyes and settled with the punishing sourness in his mouth. Failure he'd learned to adapt to and become better the next chance he had. How could he with a child? His child.
"Daddy?"
Neji's eyes flew open. He lowered his gaze to the little voice and tightened his mouth at the nervousness in her bright eyes. Her fists were clenched, her eyes wide and unsure. He'd let go of her hand? Neji stared down at his open palm, studying the empty dip and dark lines. When had he let go?
Inhaled deeply through his nose, Neji loosened the frown lines in his brow before retaking Hinata's hands in his. They were so very small, delicate and as pale as his own. They were just like his and so tiny. She depended on him to do the greatest things, to teach and show her everything.
He brought them to his mouth and laid the pudgy fingers on his lips. Hinata shivered and much to Neji's shock tried to pull away. He tightened his grip and pressed a kiss to each little finger.
"My little flower," he whispered. "If I could only. . . if only. . ." If only I could give you all the time in the world to change what was already done. If only I could rewind the hands of time and fix the wrongs I've done. If only. . . if only I were a better father to you.
Neji stared passed Hinata's shoulder and onto a plain corner in the living room. To voice his failure to his own child, it was enough to shatter his confidence. Could he truly admit to his baby girl that he'd failed her—
A gentle squeeze saved Neji from drowning further in his self-pity. He hunched his shoulders and forbid himself from looking behind into what he knew would only be condoling dark eyes. He softly swallowed and sighed over Hinata's hands.
The squeezed returned, slightly stronger and the clicking of a heavy plate and the heavy aroma of a warm meal brought Neji's eyes away from the lost place in his mind to the present.
"It's a start, yeah?"
The hairs on the back of Neji's neck rose and a subtle shudder snuck up his spine at the husky whisper in his ear. Against his better judgment, he turned his head and indeed Kiba was there, so very close and smelling of Colgate toothpaste and cooked breakfast and a linger scent of soap. Kiba's cheek grazed Neji's as he leaned forward to lay the plate down and give a small shake on Neji's shoulder.
"Good job," he said quietly before moving over to Hinata and placed her plate of scrambled eggs and fruit. "Eat it all, baby girl." He ruffled her hair and went back to the kitchen to fill his own plate.
Neji was left frazzled and strangely, . . . glad Kiba was there. And even more when he didn't see empathy in those slanted eyes. There was more proudness and glee than anything else. 'Kiba. . .' How much more is left of this young man to leave Neji wondering. For long moments he watched Kiba's back moving from pot to pot, before he turned around and at once Neji went to staring down at his plate.
Another trait he'd learned about the younger brunette is his ability to cook well. Everything looked scrumptious and smelled heavenly, filling Neji's nostrils and stomach with this hefty desire to dig right in. He looked on, admiring the generous spread of crispy bacon, sautéed sausages, and a hearty omelet with colorful caramelized vegetables poking out here and there, pancakes, sausage patties and links.
"Don't worry," Kiba started as he pulled his chair out and sat down across from the Hyuuga Family, and flipping out his napkin. "I didn't put any in onions in there. You're allergic or something right?"
Neji blinked, taken back. "Yes," he slowly said. "But how did you know that?"
Kiba shrugged and started cutting into his omelet. "Eh, I just remembered. You always tell the waiter to hold the onions, but go heavy on the peppers whenever we hung out with Naruto and Sasuke."
Imagine that. Neji never had anyone think to be so considerate of his health without him having to say it. Something as small and inconsequential as his allergies to onions and yet—Neji chuckled ever so lightly—Kiba remembered something of the one person he claimed to have the greatest dislike for. Will wonders ever cease?
Neji bowed his head to hide away the little smile as he picked up his fork and knife for the meal. Hinata's meal was already probably cut up and easy for her to eat with a plastic spoon. Breakfast carried on in a quiet nature, not too loud, not to noisy with the utensils hitting the plates and Kiba wasn't such a messy eater. A few times, Neji stole a couple of glances up toward the younger brunet and saw he knew how to turn on his polite nature and tame that wilder side of himself. As far as dressing for the morning, well, not everyone was perfect.
Kiba most certainly wasn't. His hair was a mess, free and tasseled in every direction like a bird nest. The clothes he wore to bed, a pair of pajamas and a wrinkled white tee shirt had seen better days. The ends of his pants legs were tattered as if dragged along a concrete ground and finger sized holes littered all over the front of Kiba's shirt and near his collar. The corners of his mouth were ashen from drooling and his skin ashen.
Neji's lips thinned in a fine line. He opened his mouth to speak on Kiba's appearance, but the serene look on Kiba's face froze Neji's words in his throat. A far off spark was in Kiba's dark eyes as he stared off through the windows at the rays of bright yellow sunlight and the breezes rushing over the gardens outside.
His mind was soaring probably, maybe desiring to be elsewhere. Neji couldn't blame the lad for thinking of other ventures to partake in.
"Inuzuka."
Kiba jumped in his chair, snapping his head toward Neji, startled. "Yeah, what's up?"
"Whenever you're ready, you can return home for rest if this becomes too much of a burden." Neji ignored Hinata's faint gasp and tiny whimper. "I'm sure I'll manage just fine with my daughter."
"Say what? Heck no bro, you're stuck with me for another six days." Kiba sucked his teeth before plucking up his fork to continue digging into his meal. "Quit jumpin' to conclusions."
"I wasn't implying—"
"Yeah you were. I saw you looking at me. That's one of the reasons I hate your eyes. They're so easy to read and I hate what's scribbled there." Kiba's knife sliced straight through his omelet, clanking the glass plate with extra vigor.
Neji almost rolled his eyes. He went back to eating as well. The tension managed to welcome itself back between them in full gear. Neji forked in a mouthful of the fluffy eggs and chewed, concentrating on the flavors rolling on his tongue instead of the death glare burning through him. How ridiculous is it that one moment they could be fine and in the next be angry? And over the most unimportant issues.
The silence and added strain to the atmosphere had Inuzuka pushing hard from the table and slapping his utensils on the plate. "I'm done," he grunted, walking to the kitchen with his half-eaten dish. He scrapped the rest of his food on a plastic plate for Akamaru and went to putting away the rest of the food.
The heavy metal banging and crashing brought a tick to Neji's brow. He shot a look over his shoulder at a particularly loud bang and saw Kiba looking right at him.
"What?" he snapped. "Come do it yourself if you don't like how I'm doin' it!"
Neji sneered under his breath. Honestly, all of this because he tried to be the considerate one. When would he ever win with this young man? Neji shook his head and placed his fork on the side of his plate. His appetite was done. He can't stand to sit here and eat with the air so wrapped in conflict.
Neji pushed from the table, touching Hinata's cheek. She turned her full cheeks over to him, chewing amply on her eggs.
"Stay here, finish your breakfast."
"Mmhmm," she squeezed her lips to hum and went back to eating her pancakes. Neji wiped her mouth clean.
Tossing the napkin into the trash, Neji slowly came into the kitchen, glancing at Inuzuka''s hasty pace from stove to sink, from stove to the refrigerator, putting away Ziplocs of the meats and minced vegetables. Inuzuka seemed upset still, with the urgency to step as far away from Neji as he could when walking past. Neji didn't know where to begin to try and rekindle their peace.
Neji took a short breath and softly said, "Inuzuka."
He walked right by with two pots and dropped them in the sink, turned on his heel and went to forge in a drawer for a dishrag.
Neji tightened his mouth. "Inuzuka," he said again.
Ignored once more. Kiba fixed his attention on wiping around the eyes on the stove, scooping crumbs into his palm and then speeding by to dump it in the trashcan.
Now, Neji will forever believe himself to be a very patient man. Dealing with difficult clients is a daily task for him, especially being an accountant for shopaholics, some of the vainest people on earth and a few high-class business moguls. Neji closed his eyes and reached up to rubbed the space between his eyes. Out of all those people, yes even the proudest CEOs, none could break him. None of them were able to create this inner pulse to reach out and shake them senseless.
Inuzuka on the other hand had this knack for stirring an already boiling pot. And the only reason Neji hadn't gone back to his bedroom to ease his headache is because he meant what he'd said last night. He wanted this affair of care to work and if possible to continue in a relatively cooperative manner outside of being forced into the situation. Most of the time spent together these last few weeks have been all coincidental.
Enough was enough of that. Neji gritted his teeth, a childish action he would also blame on Inuzuka's immature behavior, and took a step to the left and one forward, right in the line of where Inuzuka would try to walk by to reach the sink.
As predicted, Inuzuka picked up the last of the dirty dishes and turned to put them in the water only to nearly collide and drop it on the floor, startled senseless. Neji caught ahold of Inuzuka's elbow to steady him and lowered his hand over the young brunet's hip. Inuzuka leaned away looking quickly behind Neji and towards Hinata.
"What the hell?" he hissed lowly. "I almost ran into you. Can you get move?"
"We need to talk."
"I'm not leaving."
"Not about that."
"Then I don't care what you have to say. Move."
Neji folded his arms. "Not until we have a civil conversation."
"Better yet, how's this." Inuzuka put the dishes back on the counter and turned to face Neji with his arms folded and chin jutted out. "You either move on your own, or I'll move your lanky ass with Plan A" he held out his right fist, "and Plan B," then he rolled out his left fist, "and together we'll figure out how Plan C works."
Neji's fingers clutched the crease in his elbow. "Don't threaten me."
"Or what? You'll stare me down like a dog?"
Neji closed his eyes and counted to ten in French, Spanish, German and Swahili before calming down. "I hadn't meant what I said earlier."
"Sure you did. You made it perfectly clear that you don't want me here—"
"If you'd take a moment to listen to what I have to say—"
"Nothing you say can change what you said—"
"Inuzuka."
Kiba's eyes grew impossibly wide. Neji swallowed back the bite force in his tone and cleared his throat. He checked Hinata to see that she hadn't heard the sharp change in his voice and returned his attention to Inuzuka, finding him pouting like a stubborn child, glaring off to the side.
"Damn you, you frustrating piece of work. Look at me!" Neji's patience was nearing the end of its fuse. He reached up, taking Inuzuka's chin between his index and thumb and forced the youth to look him into his eyes. Neji show a flash of something in those dark eyes; a moment of apprehension and anger and something else.
A deep inner emotion that had no business marring a pair of eyes this wild.
Worry.
Neji looked down at Inuzuka's face. Worry? Why? "I only suggested it for your sake. I hate being a burden on anyone and when I saw you looking outside in that way. . . I just felt guilty for having you here. You shouldn't feel forced to—"
"I don't feel forced," Inuzuka murmured, eyes straying off again. "I don't mind. I told you that before. Someone's gotta help you with the kid."
"And so you feel obligated to be that someone."
"No, I wanna do it. Despite you being a dick half the time, the other half you're not so bad. . ." Inuzuka's face warmed a soft pink which he would deny forever if it were up to him, but Neji would never forget seeing a blush bring a new shade of color to the youth's already sun flushed skin. "So, let's settle this right now, alright? I'm not planning to leave until you're able to take care of yourself. Don't ask me to leave any sooner, don't ask if you're bothering me, and don't make it seem like you're being a burden. Believe me, if that were the case I'd definitely be somewhere else instead of putting up with your stubborn attitude."
Neji raised the hand on Inuzuka's and pressed it against the right side of his head; partially to massage over the throbbing and partially to leave the station of warm skin his fingers accidentally exposed. "The feeling is very mutual. You're not exactly easy to deal with either."
Inuzuka snorted. "We're always gonna bump heads I guess. It can't be helped."
Neji had to smile at that. "Lucky they're so hard."
"Yeah."
Silence, though Neji would deem this one a settled understanding silence, then one filled with unease. Inuzuka gently peeled his chin away from Neji's grasp and stepped back, eyes glancing up and quickly looking away.
"I'm gonna go finish with the cleaning. I'll get Hinata when I'm done. You can go rest. I'll call when it's time for lunch."
Neji nodded. That is a good idea actually. He felt mild tremors vibrating near his temple and a good lie down could probably cure it. He pivoted on his heel and left the kitchen, brushing his fingers along Hinata's cheeks as he went by.
Suddenly it dawned on him. Kiba staring outside. The day is quite beautiful and the weather was exquisite. Neji licked his bottom lip in thought before turning around.
"Inuzuka."
Said youth paused rubbing the rag over a plate to look up, acknowledging that he'd heard.
"Perhaps later for lunch we could take it outside."
Kiba frowned. "Outside?" he glanced out one of the windows and suddenly grinned. "A picnic?"
"That sounds perfect."
"Cool! I'll fix us a few snacks and get Hinata down for her nap before we go. You could use the fresh air anyway." Inuzuka's good was back in full swing. He went to cleaning the dishes with renewed vigor and a new tune in his voice.
Neji was glad. This type of attitude worked much better for the lad.
Around two' clock that afternoon, Kiba finished wrapping saran wrap around a peanut butter and banana sandwich for Hinata. He hadn't woken her up from her nap yet, wanting to spend some of the afternoon fixing their lunch. Sandwiches were the main course, but he wanted some variety to the spread. He asked the driver to take him to closest Fresh Market in the area and went about purchasing more fruit, meats and beverages.
Some of the bacon cooked this morning was added to the meatier sandwiches he fixed for himself, Akamaru and Neji. This time around, Kiba paid special attention to the presentation of the dishes. He couldn't explain it, but the urge to make everything look perfect just nagged him to death. He sliced the fruits thin and evenly laid them out in a circle, overlaying each other in a rainbow display, meeting in the middle with a row of green grapes.
He baked four whole quails, stuffed with a bready-like stuffing and squeezed lemon juice on the side for added flavor. A couple of boiled hot dogs were wrapped and tucked away next to the quails for Hinata in case she wanted a second snack and, damn he hoped she liked ketchup.
A cool jug of sweet tea, apple juice and water were added last in the oversized wicker basket. Kiba stepped back from the few items lingering outside the basket. He put his fist under his chin as he gave it more thought as to what else he could add or take away.
When Neji suggested they spend the afternoon outside—having a picnic of all things—Kiba had been thrown through a cycle of freaked out emotions and one of them was a pile of excitement. He hadn't done anything like this in his life and as crazy as it sounded, something this simple had him rearing to experience it. His mama and sister were neck deep in the happenings of the street life, leaving him to forge for a decent family existence with Akamaru in the living room, eating whatever he could find.
Kiba left to go to his room after finishing the dishes to scour his luggage for the best outfit for the occasion. He could've kicked himself for packing mostly graphic tees, chains, and baggy jeans. Somewhere in the middle though, he thankfully found a red Oxford shirt and a pair of dark grey jeans that didn't scream thug. He rolled the sleeves up to his elbows and cuffed the bottom of the jeans to keep from dragging the ground. When he finished, he went to check himself in the mirror, turning from every angle and tilted his head.
It's kind of chic for his tastes, but he knew Neji would like it better than the graphic tees.
Whoa. . . Kiba shook his head.
Where in the actual fuck had that come from? Like he gave a damn what Neji approved of or not. And Kiba was tempted to fling the shirt away and put on a graphic tee anyway. But he decided to pull it on anyway.
And now here he was, having done way more than he'd expected he would in the name of being a helper.
His hair has a mind of its own. Kiba raped the hell out of his head, but the spiky brown locks refused to obey so he splashed some water on and ran his fingers through to make a messier style, sweeping his bangs to the side.
"Doesn't this seem much for a picnic?"
Kiba jolted. He hadn't heard Neji come in, nor expected his voice to sound so close to his ear. Kiba tilted his head over his shoulder to snap, but well, he was at a loss for words because it's not every day you see Neji Hyuuga dressed the way he was.
He was wearing an emerald green vest, a cream pin striped button up short sleeve Ralph Lauren shirt, and dark tan cotton pants. He let half of his hair hanging to the side, brushed all over his shoulder and the rest tied at the nap of his neck. Little Hinata sat on the curve of his arm with her face hidden in his neck, sound asleep. She was swearing a bright yellow floral shirt and white tennis skirt and baby doll shoes.
"I wanted," Kiba cleared his throat and tried again. "I wanted to make sure we had enough to eat."
Neji chuckled softly. "We could feed the entire estate with this alone. All the same, it looks delicious."
"Thanks."
Silence. . . . silence . . . silence.
Kiba chewed his bottom lip as he folded his arms across his chest, shifting from foot to foot. "So, you got Hinata ready? I could've done that. You're not supposed to strain yourself."
Neji hiked Hinata up a little. "I can manage dressing my daughter just fine. You were busy enough." And Neji was smiling in a dazzling fashion that left Kiba blinking and shifting his eyes to the side. "This look on you is different."
"Different? How different?" Kiba asked on the offense.
"Different as in more fitting and very suitable. I like it."
I like it.
Kiba's toes curled like salted slugs as he felt a wave of warmth lace up his neck and to his cheeks. He turned away, licking his lips and unfolded his arms to shove his hands in his pockets. "Uh, thanks. You don't look too bad either."
"Thank you." Neji came up behind Kiba and Kiba knew this because their shadows blended into one on the ground and the feel of the older brunet's large hand palming the small of his back was a great indication as well. "Shall we go?"
Kiba swallowed thickly and with a robotic hand grabbed the basket off the counter. "Yep, let's go." Saying anything else would reveal the shaky shudder in his voice. Kiba nodded for Akamaru to follow.
As they went out the front door, Neji's hand slipped away from Kiba's back to reach for his key. Only, as his hand fell away it brushed along the curve of Kiba's ass and he reared up to the tips of his toes, protectively shielding his hand over his butt in panic.
Neji muttered a soft, "Sorry," and went on ahead after locking the door.
Kiba sighed in relief and for feeling stupid. It was an accident. Nothing to worry over.
Nothing at all to worry over. They were just going to have this picnic and hopefully enjoy this beautiful afternoon.
That's it.
TBC: School's out! More frequent updates my loves. Next chapter's going to be quite interesting.