First Mate First Love
Chapter 14: Love
I would like to thank RemiSkies for pointing out the issues in this chapter. Now I think this chapter is far better than before. I hope everyone enjoys the improvements to this chapter I know it came late. Thanks for reading. Please leave a review.
Kiba dreaded this mission. His mate was out of reach. Out of his protection.
"You okay Kiba?" asked Hinata.
"Fine", he said.
"It's alright to miss him, Kiba", she said.
Shino actually understood how Kiba felt. He didn't take any joy in leaving Yochu. He hated the expression she had when he told her she was leaving for an s-ranked mission. He didn't know how to respond to it. To him, it was only part of his job. To her, it was someone she loved being put in danger. Unlike Neji, she doesn't understand it was just part of his job. Kiba lacked the stress of having the one he loved in danger, but Neji could defend himself. He proved that many times before.
"He's an exceptional jonin, Kiba. Neji is more than capable defending him. He's called a genius for a reason", said Shino.
That did something to comfort him.
"Can you tell us about this clan?" asked Shino.
"The clan itself is small, but they command large packs of wild dogs. We are lucky that only three members were seen", said Kiba.
"They should have given us back up then", said Shino.
"We didn't have much choice Shino. Everyone else was already assigned to other missions. The village is still in recovery. And parents aren't as willing to send their children to the academy, because of all the death and trauma caused by the war", said Hinata.
They stopped when they reached the mountain passes.
"Byakugan!"
She scanned into her surrounding. Both Kiba and Shino tense, when they heard Hinata give a nervous gulp.
"You guys", said Hinata.
Growling became obvious. Hundreds of wild dogs appeared. Their fur was a patchy splotching of black, brown, and white. The dogs' ears were circular. They were drooling and licking their lips as if they were staring at tree juicy steaks, instead of three humans. They inched forward. The growls grew deeper and louder. Akamaru snapped the neck of one of the wild dogs the came to close. Another mutt quickly took its place but kept its distance. There was a ripple in the pack of dogs as a man walked toward them. His short black spiky hair hung in front of his dark auburn eyes. One of his teeth peeked from his lip. The man's hand were clawed. At his side stood a large spotted hyena. Both master and creature started laughing.
"It's been a long time Kiba", he said.
"Not long enough Olcan Hayashi", said Kiba.
The two were born rivals, alphas from rival clans. Normally this kind of rivalry only came about during mating season. But the Hayashi had scattered and killed off many of the few animal clans left in existence. The grudge came naturally, even though these two had only met each other three times before the hatred was powerful.
"I see you're still walking around with that pathetic dog", he said.
Akamaru growled but didn't attack.
"You're still traveling with a group of flea bitten mutts", said Kiba.
"You've gotten yourself a mate. He's very pretty. Must not be much of an alpha if you can't give him a pup. I already have two pups", said Olcan.
Kiba snarled. How did he know about Neji? He shook his head. That doesn't matter. His mate is off limits! How dare this idiot even mention Neji?!
"Maybe he needs a real alpha. I would be happy to put a few pups in him. I bet he's a wonderful mount", said Olcan.
Kiba snarled, but before he could attack Shino grabbed his arm.
"Calm down we can't afford you losing your temper", hissed Shino.
Kiba returned to a normal state. How long his teammate would stay this way Shino couldn't predict. There has to be more than just one. A woman quietly made her way through the pack of dogs. She had long black hair and the same dark auburn eyes as Olcan. She wore a white cotton dress and her feet were bare. The woman looked frail, but that meant nothing in the way of her power. At her side was a well groomed stripped hyena.
"Brother, you shouldn't have started without me", said the woman.
Her voice calm and soft, but it sent a noticeable shiver down Olcan's back. That made it obvious to Shino who the stronger opponent was
"Sorry Silva I got carried away", said Olcan.
"Our father would disapprove of your early actions", she said.
Her collected behavior made Shino uneasy. She was unpredictable. Olcan was similar to Kiba in temperament, which made him predictable. Shino witnessed Silva analyzed him.
"Careful of that one, Olcan. He'll kill you before you even have a chance to attack", said Silva as she pointed to him.
"That's my girl as sharp as a tack. And your sister is right Olcan you shouldn't have acted so rashly", said a large man.
He had same the messy black hair as his son the only difference was his was much longer. His eyes were a dark auburn. He had a well-trimmed beard.
"You've grown since we've last met. Your mate is a true beauty, which is rare these days. Pups blessed with Byakugan would be a wonderful addition to my clan", said the man.
How do they even know of his mate? Anger seeped into his expression. Why do they have to bring his mate into this? The legions of dogs attacked. Their jaws snapped at them. They herded Kiba away from his teammates. He was forced to field far away from the aid of his teammates. There Olcan waited for him.
These were both young alphas that wanted one on one battle with no interference from their teammates and family. Each made a shadow clone and mounted their dogs.
"Human Beast Mixture Transformation – Three-Headed Wolf!"
There were two giant puffs of smokes. When it cleared, two giant three-headed dogs appeared. One was white with floppy ears. The other was had a shaggy brown pelt with black spot. The two beasts circled each other. Deep growls echoed through the forest.
Hinata was back to back with Shino. She tensed when she hear monster growls. Then she noticed Kiba and Akamaru were missing.
"We'll find him Hinata. Right now we have other concerns", said Shino.
"What if he's hurt", she said.
"He's strong enough to take care himself, for now, we need to take care of these bothersome mutts", said Shino.
These dogs were something different. They seemed immune to pain, even if they were hit with fatal injuries they would get right back up.
"Hinata",
She nodded her head. Byakugan! She was stunned to see that each of the dogs had their own powerful chakra networks. It was like they were fighting at two hundred Akamaru. Shino's insects' effects were very slowly wearing on the dog. Hinata outstretched both her arms in opposite directions.
"Eight Trigrams Vacuum Wall Palm!"
Massive waves of chakra blew away the dogs and tore away chunks of the environment. Half the pack stayed down.
"Impressive a Hyuga is a true treat. My pets will enjoy you greatly. Let's see if you can handle this. Alpha Pack Formation!" yelled the leader of the clan.
The group of one hundred dogs transformed into a pack of fifty two-headed dogs surrounded them. Each of them was the size of a horse.
"Sic um!" yelled the man.
The dogs disappeared in a flash; even Hinata's eyes couldn't keep up with them. After what seemed like forever the wild dogs were dead. Their masters had long, since left.
"Hinata, where did they go?" asked Shino.
She aimed her eyes in the direction of the deep-throated growls. She saw Silva speeding toward Kiba.
"Kiba is in danger", said Hinata.
Silva and her father disappeared.
"Why did they leave?" asked Hinata.
"They only wanted to drain us of our chakra, so they could have easy access their real target without difficulties from us", said Shino.
"Kiba",
They ran toward the low growls. The area surrounding the two beasts was cratered and colored red with blood. Olcan seemed to be in the worse shape compared to their teammate, but that wasn't saying much. Kiba's white fur was stained with splotches of red. Both beasts were barely standing. Olcan was the first to fall.
"He won't last", said Shino.
In a large puff of smoke as Kiba and Akamaru returned to their normal. It looked they'd been mauled. Hinata tensed when Silva made an appearance.
"There's no need to worry I'm not here to finish your friend. That will happen without the aid of my hand. If you truly care for your friend you'll finish him off now. The way he's going it would be the merciful thing. You may run I'm no threat to you my mission is over", said Silva as she wrapped her brother arm around her shoulder.
Her father appeared by her side and picked up the limp hyena laying on the ground. They disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"We have to hurry. I don't trust their word", said Shino.
Shino managed to lift Akamaru. Hinata walked over to Kiba. He seemed to be saying something. She leaned in closer.
"Neji",
Shino watched over her as she tried healing their friend with the little chakra she had. The wounds refused to heal. Kiba screamed out in agony. She instantly pulled away. Never had she seen someone react in such away to the healing technique.
"I can't heal him", said Hinata.
She carefully lifted Kiba. Those sharp eyes opened and met hers.
"Neji", he whispered again.
"You'll see him again. Just rest for now", said Hinata.
Neji's eyes snapped open. His heart was racing. He couldn't breathe. Neji took a deep breath trying to keep himself calm. Something was wrong. Byakugan. He searched the area. Nothing, there weren't any threats. An uneasy feeling settled over his stomach. Kiba, could that be it? He opened their bond. There was nothing. His heart sped up again. There was never nothing! Maybe he's too far away. Yes, that has to be it. In two days they would be back in the village.
"Do you see something?" asked Tenten.
"No only searching the surrounding area", he said.
"You seem a bit tense", Tenten.
"I'm fine", he said.
The mission was almost over. He would be back soon and Kiba would be fine. Neji sighed. He despised this feeling of unknowing and worry. On the way back he forced himself not to run. As they came closer and closer to the village those feelings grew. He couldn't sense his bond with Kiba. When they reached the village, Tsume was waiting for him.
"He's hurt", said Neji.
Tsume nodded her head. She couldn't read Neji's expression, but he couldn't be feeling good. Tsume embraced the boy. He didn't respond.
"How badly?" he asked as she pulled away.
"Please don't make describe", said Tsume.
The hurt in her eyes made him hurt. It was unnatural seeing this tough woman in such a state. His worries grew, but he had to keep the under control. Him being frantic would do nothing for Kiba or Tsume. She took his hand and lead him to the hospital. Neji felt his panic rise again when saw the state of his husband. He forced it back down again. He'd always been good at bottling his emotions, but it was proving difficult. The sight in front of him would make anyone have a difficult time keeping their emotions in check. Kiba lay unconscious in bed wrapped in bandages. Blood still seeped through some of the white bandages. Fever made Kiba's body shine with sweat. IVs and blood bags hung above the bed. Wires were attached to his chest monitoring his heart rate. Neji read his husband expression perfectly. It was one of fear. That was a look Neji had rarely seen on Kiba's face.
A loud whine caught his attention. It was Akamaru. He was rested in a bed next to Kiba. The dog's condition was the same as Kiba. Akamaru was panting and snot was dripping down his nose. He was shivering and his breathing was labored. Shine came to his and pressed her head against his hand. He petted her. The touch helped both of them. Shine leaned against him. He took the seat next to Tsume. He took her hand in his. She gave him a gentle smile, but it quickly faded.
"This might be hard to believe, but his state of health has improved greatly since he first arrived", said Sakura.
"HOW IS THIS BETTER!" yelled Tsume.
Sakura took a deep breath. This was the part she hated most. Telling loved ones bad news. She always tried to find good news hidden within the bad. She waited for Neji to calm down Tsume.
"How has he improved?" asked Neji.
He was desperate for something good. Neji needed something good so he could try to be strong Tsume and Kiba.
"We've gotten most of the bleeding to stop", said Sakura.
Tsume pulled away from Neji.
"IS THAT ALL YOU CAN SAY? IT'S BEEN THREE DAYS. AND THAT'S ALL YOU CAN FUCKING SAY?!" snarled Tsume.
She needed something or someone to take her frustration out on. Sadly that victim was Sakura. Neji grabbed Tsume before he could take out that anger on the innocent healer.
"Please, Tsume you must calm down. She's trying her best", begged Neji.
He didn't want to use his full strength on his mother in law, but at this rate, he might not have a choice.
"WELL, THAT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH. IF SHE WERE A REAL HEALER KIBA WOULD BE OKAY!" screamed Tsume.
"Sakura I think it would best if you left for a few minutes", said Neji.
When she left, he released his grip on Tsume. She calmed after that outburst.
"Thank you Neji", she said.
"Sakura is a talented medical ninja. I'm sure both her and Tsunade are trying their best. Without Sakura I wouldn't have survived the war", said Neji.
"I know, but you can't understand that until you have a child of your own", said Tsume.
Neji didn't know what to say. He didn't know the pain of having a child in the hospital nor did he ever want to experience it. But he knew if Kiba and him ever had a child he or she would most likely become a ninja. He forced down that thought. It brought up things he wasn't ready for. And the idea of having those things without Kiba was far too painful. He shook his head and tried to clear his thoughts.
"Can I get Sakura? I want to know more about Kiba's condition", said Neji.
Tsume nodded her head.
"Yes", she said.
He needed to know more. Maybe if he knew more he could find some way to help Kiba. Tsume nodded. He opened the door and saw Sakura with Hinata and Shino.
"Is it alright for Hinata and Shino to visit?" asked Sakura.
"They don't need my permission to visit", said Neji.
"Actually they do. Since you are his spouse you are his legal guardian if he's in such a condition", said Sakura.
He looked over at Tsume it was obvious she missed the title of guardian over her son. That was a title belonged to a mother, not him. She nodded her head.
"They can come in", said Neji.
The two of them came in. Their condition was surprising. Each of them was cover in bandages. Hinata was on crutches. He hadn't seen the two of them in the condition for a long while.
"I'll give you three sometime to talk. Tsume I want to go over Kiba's treatment with you and Hana again. Neji, I'll go over Kiba's condition with you once you're finished talking with Hinata and Shino", said Sakura.
She nodded and followed Sakura out of the room.
"What happened?" he asked.
"We were highly outnumbered", said Hinata.
"There was something unnatural about those dogs", said Shino.
"There seemed to be an endless amount of them. They kept on throwing themselves at us until we ran out of chakra. The dogs seemed to have no sense of pain. Their owners waited for an opportunity to strike", said Hinata.
He didn't understand this. Kiba is a powerful shinobi. He and Akamaru should be in the same condition as Hinata and Shino.
"Why is his condition so much worse than yours?" asked Neji.
"Sometime during the battle, Kiba was separated from us. When we caught up with him, he was in his most powerful state. He wasn't fighting against a giant three-headed hyena. Kiba won but at a heavy price", said Shino.
Neji made Shino and Hinata go over every detail with him. He wanted to know everything. By the time he was satisfied that he knew everything visiting hours were over. There was a quiet knock on the door.
"I'm sorry to disrupt, but visiting hours are over. Only family can stay", she said.
Shino and Hinata left. To his surprise, Tsume and Hana weren't with her.
"They went to the cafeteria. The two of them haven't eaten since Kiba was injured", said Sakura.
Neji nodded and moved closer to Kiba. He didn't know if he could touch him or not.
"You can touch him. It will be good for him to know you are here", said Sakura.
He carefully took one of Kiba's hands in his.
"He isn't getting any better is he. If I can tell Hana and Tsume can definitely tell", said Neji.
"How did you know?" asked Sakura.
"I can smell it and so can they. Can you tell me more?" asked Neji.
"You might want to sit down for this", said Sakura.
"Just tell me", said Neji.
His patience was thin. It was worn down from stress.
"When Kiba arrived, he was covered in blood. Deep gashes and bite marks covered almost every inch of his body", said Sakura.
He snapped he couldn't control his anger.
"Why didn't you heal him!" yelled Neji.
He needed something to take his frustration out on. Neji punched a large hole in the wall.
"Better?" asked Sakura.
He nodded his head and wiped the plastered from his hand.
"You're bleeding", said Sakura.
She took some bandages from the table. Sakura cleaned and wrapped his hand.
"Thank you", said Neji.
"Neji, you need to calm down if you want to talk about this", said Sakura.
She couldn't believe the reaction she saw from Neji. Sakura had never seen Neji in this kind of state before. She was so used to seeing the calm and collected Neji. Then she realized this wasn't the normal collected jonin she'd known for years, but a husband worried for the man he loved.
"I'm sorry Sakura", said Neji.
"Don't apologize. There's a reason Hinata and I couldn't heal him without chakra. When we did it, caused him extreme pain and caused his injuries to worsen", said Sakura.
"What's causing that?" he asked.
"I took a sample from him. When I put it under the microscope, there was bacteria I've never seen before. Even Lady Tsunade didn't know what it was. We hit with our must powerful antibiotic, but it's proven to extremely resistant to anything we try and treat it with", said Sakura.
"How did it get into him?" asked Neji.
"From what we gathered from Hinata and Shino's test its passed on by a dog's bite. They have a weaker version of bacteria that was treated with a powerful antibiotic", said Sakura.
"Why is it different?" asked Neji.
"Hinata and Shino were attacked by the dogs. While Kiba was attacked by the owner", she said.
He needed to collect himself. Neji sat down in the chair closest to Kiba's bed.
"Has he shown any signs of waking up?" asked Neji.
"He's been like this for three days and he's only woken up twice. Both times he was asking for you. He was only able to stay awake for a few minutes sometimes even less. That's impressive considering his condition and the powerful drugs he's under. Every time he asked for you", said Sakura.
That was a hit to his heart. He wasn't there when someone he cared for was asking for him.
"Try and get some rest", said Sakura before leaving him.
Tsume and Hana watched Neji from the window. The boy's focus was centered on Kiba.
"I can't read him mom", said Hana as she the two of them through the window.
"He's scared and worried. People show those emotions differently", said Tsume.
Hana walked to the door, but her mother grabbed her arm.
"Mom?" she asked.
"Sometimes the best medicine can be spending alone time with his mate. Neji won't allow anything to happen to Kiba", said Tsume.
They went to the room across from Kiba. Tsunade gave the permission to rest there while Kiba was in the hospital. Neji saw them file into the room. He was grateful for the privacy. He caressed Kiba's cheek. Neji smiled when his husband leaned into the touch. Tears dripped down his nose and onto Kiba's face. He couldn't lose him the idea was too painful.
"Don't cry beautiful", said raspy voice.
He dried his eyes on his sleeve. Kiba reached his out for him but was too weak to touch him. He leaned down, so Kiba could touch his face.
"I told you to be careful, idiot", said Neji.
Kiba gave a weak laugh.
"To think I was worried about you", said Kiba.
"I can handle myself", said Neji.
"You're here and safe. And he's not anywhere near you", said Kiba.
"Who?" asked Neji.
"Olcan", he growled.
"That was what your nightmare was about? Him hurting me", said Neji.
"He was claiming you in front of me and I was unable to help you. You were calling for me and I was useless", said Kiba.
Neji knew what his husband needed to see. He moved his hair away his neck exposing the claim mark. Kiba gave a weak smile.
"You should sleep", said Neji.
"Can I get a goodnight kiss first?" asked Kiba.
Neji smiled, which in turn made Kiba do the same. He pressed a gentle kiss on his lips. Through the brief contact, he felt Kiba's love and warmth. It was unconditional and pure. Is this true love? It was freeing. Neji pulled away. Their first union was a nightmare, at first he thought Kiba was only a cage. Now he's the one who keeps the door open.
"Don't cry. I hate seeing you cry", said Kiba.
His mate sniffled. The tears wouldn't stop flowing. He truly hated seeing Neji cry. His mate needed comfort. He managed to lift his hand and place it against Neji's cheek. Kiba smile grew when Neji put his hand on top of his keeping it close. The tears stopped.
"Join me", said Kiba.
There wasn't much room left in the small bed, but he joined his husband anyway. Their bodies were pressed closely together.
"I feel better already", said Kiba.
They close their eyes. Each feeling better that they were together.
"I love you more than anything in the world", said Kiba.
"I know you do", said Neji.
Kiba yawned.
"Sleep", said Neji.
"I don't want to", said Kiba before he nuzzled his into Neji's hair.
"You need to. I promise I'll be here when you wake up", said Neji.
Kiba rested his head on Neji's shoulder. He smiled when Neji started running his fingers through his hair. A peaceful sleep took over him.
"Goodnight Kiba", he whispered.
Just hearing Kiba's voice put him at ease. He will get better. He just to. His husband started snoring? Neji yawned before falling into a deep sleep.
Hanabi watched from afar. She forced herself not cringe at the sight. It was difficult to believe that he used pride of the Hyuga Clan. Now he's a disgrace marrying into such a weak clan. What's even worse is he was one of the view male heirs. She would return in the morning. She woke early the next morning. She stopped by Ino's flower shop. The blonde at the counter kept a wary eye on her. Hanabi placed a bouquet of white lilies on the counter.
"Who are these for?" asked Ino.
"For my grandmother, she had a stroke and has to stay under hospital observation for a few weeks", said Hanabi.
She went into the hospital. First, she went to visit her grandmother. She left half the flowers there.
"How is grandmother?" asked Hanabi.
"She should be fine", he said.
"That's good", said Hanabi.
"Do you understand your mission?" asked the Elder.
"Yes, grandfather", said Hanabi.
"Do you remember the jutsu?" asked the Elder.
She nodded her head.
"Don't fail me now child", said the Elder.
"I won't", said Hanabi.
She walked down the hallway to Kiba's room. Hanabi knew she had to be careful. She peeked into the bedroom across from the one her target's. Both Tsume and Hana in fitful sleep. It would be a matter of minutes before they woke. She would have to work quickly. Hanabi went into her cousin's room and placed the flower on the side table. The slight thud of the vase didn't disturb her cousin but woke the dog sleeping by the bed. It stalked closer to her and bared its teeth. When she didn't leave the Rottweiler growled successfully waking its master. She backed away from her cousin. Hanabi wasn't a fool she understood that he was the most powerful jonin in their clan. He could be even stronger than her father. Hinata was the only one who stands a chance against Neji. Even in the long run, Neji would defeat her sister.
Neji glared at his younger cousin. He didn't like this in the least. Hanabi was a threat to his husband. He got out of bed forcing Hanabi to back away. Neji didn't want her anyway near here. It was too dangerous and his instinct wouldn't let him relax until he knew the threat was away from Kiba. His cousin didn't look intimidated by him in the least, which disturb. He forced him to stay calm, even though the temptation to let his inner beast out was strong. But he had to be careful. If he didn't play this right it could end badly for both him and Kiba.
"What are you doing here?" asked Neji.
"Checking up on family", she said.
"Since when have you considered Kiba and I family?" asked Neji.
She laughed. He hated that noise.
"You actually think I meant you? Grandmother had a stroke. You should visit it her", said Hanabi.
Neji shuddered at the fact that his grandmother was in the same hospital as he and Kiba. She was far worse than his grandfather. He'd avoided her, since his marriage. She was a horrible woman who made her views clear. She was against gay marriage and made it clear by not attending, which Neji was grateful for. Out of all his family, she had to be the most ashamed of him.
"Never, the devil himself couldn't kill that woman", said Neji.
He tensed when heard Hanabi laugh again.
"You consider him family?" she asked.
"He's my husband so yes that means he's my family", said Neji.
She went into a fit of laughter.
"What are you laughing at?" he growled.
"You don't find it funny? He raped you yet you call him and the rest of his clan family. They're savages", said Hanabi.
"You don't know them!" growled Neji.
That sent an unpleasant shiver down his back. Her saying that made him sick. His body started releasing distress pheromones, which made Kiba's rate heart quicken.
"I wonder what your father would think", said Hanabi.
"He would be happy I found a way to free", said Neji.
"You actually think you are free that's funny. I never thought you had a sense of humor ", said Hanabi.
She did the hand sign but didn't enforce it.
"He taught you that?" he asked.
He couldn't help being stunned. Would Hiashi really put such a weapon in a child's hand? No, his uncle wouldn't do that. That only left his grandfather.
"You wouldn't dare use that", said Neji.
"Oh I would", she said.
"How would you explain that?" asked Neji.
"I could say that mongrel of a dog attacked me or you did. We both know I can get away with", said Hanabi.
He tensed. She's right. Who would believe him over a cute innocent looking girl? He collapsed as his curse mark was activated. At that moment Shine locked her jaws on Hanabi's arm. Neji couldn't hold in the pain. He screamed.
Tsume and Hana rushed out there. They were stunned at what they saw. Neji was curled up on the floor in the fetal position. Shine had her powerful jaw locked around Hanabi's wrist. Then the most horrifying sound hit Tsume's ear's the sound of her son flat lining. She pushed passed Hanabi and ran to her son.
"KIBA!" she screamed at the top of her lungs.
Hana had no idea who to help. Her panicking mother or her suffering brother in law. Nurses rushed into the room and took out Neji. The Hyuga elder hustled his granddaughter out of the room before chaos could be figured out. Hana had to pull her hysterical mother away from her brother so the doctor could work. She heard Neji's pained groans. Hana couldn't imagine the suffering he was in but quickly lost focus on Neji. When she heard her mother screaming out for her brother. Both women watched the doctors shock Kiba back to life. They were in too much shock to leave the room and check on Neji.
Hanabi sat in the emergency room with her grandfather. Her arm was being sutured together by a nurse. She knew she disappointed her grandfather.
"Don't look that way, my child. I'm very proud of you", he said.
"You are?" she asked.
"It took your father far longer to learn that jutsu. And your sister doesn't even know how to use it", said the Elder.
"Grandfather I think that's by choice. She wants to discontinue the Hyuga Seal", said Hanabi.
"That's a mistake on her part, you are still the heiress of the Hyuga Clan Hanabi never forget that", said the Elder.
"Who will continue the main branch bloodline. Father never had a son. So there's no one to continue it", said Hanabi.
"That's not your problem to worry about young one", said the Elder.
"Hanabi!"
She knew that voice. It belonged to her father. The concern could easily be read across his face.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
His eye focused on the bite mark on her arm.
"What did you do?!" yelled Hiashi.
"She was doing as I told. There's no need to be upset with her. You should be proud of her", said the Elder.
The chief of the Leaf police, Sasuke Uchiha made an appearance. Hiashi wasn't expecting Sasuke. He was thinking one of the lower ranking officers would make an appearance.
"Chief, I didn't think you would preoccupy yourself with something as small as this", said the Elder.
"I was given special orders from the Hokage to look into this case. He wouldn't have assigned if weren't of some significance. Tell me exactly what happened", said Sasuke.
"That damn dog attacked my granddaughter", said the Elder.
"Nurses said the dog attacked after the jutsu to defend its master", said Sasuke.
"Well, they were mistaken. I want that mutt put down", said the Elder.
"That can be done, but the Inuzuka clan is very protective of over their dogs, so it may prove difficult", said Sasuke.
"I don't care how difficult it is. I want it done", said the Elder.
Hiashi was tired of this. He'd failed his brother in so many ways he refused to go any further. No matter how odd he might think Neji and Kiba's relationship was it made the boy the happiest he'd been in years. He never wanted Hanabi to have the curse seal power over his nephew. And never wanted his youngest daughter to become his father pet.
"We won't be pressing charges. My father was mistaken in teaching a child such a jutsu. You may go this is a family matter. If it gets out of hand I'm sure the Hokage will inform you", said Hiashi.
Sasuke didn't complain and took the chance to leave before the family would change its mind.
"What are you doing Hiashi!" said the Elder.
"I'm taking care of my nephew for the first time since he was born. I won't have you making that boy suffer more than he already is", said Hiashi.
"How dare you go against?!" yelled the Elder.
"I'm doing what's best for my family. If you are foolish enough to go against me I will gain power of attorney over you father and put you in a retirement home", said Hiashi.
Hanabi stared at her father in pure shock. She had never seen him go against grandfather in such away.
"Father?"
"Listen to Hanabi and listen to me well. You are forbidden from ever using that technique again. I want you to leave Neji and Kiba alone. And I'm going to spend the rest of my time undoing the years of brainwashing my father has done to you", said Hiashi.
"But father",
"No buts Hanabi. We are going home and you are to leave them alone. If you do something like this again I will reinstate Hinata as heiress to the Hyuga Clan. Do you understand?" asked Hiashi.
"Yes father", she answered.
After more than four hours later Hana and Tsume finally snapped out of their shock. They heard someone approaching Kiba's room. Both of them were nervous about how the Hyuga Clan would react to Hanabi being attacked. When the door opened, they were relieved to Sakura. A large male nurse carrying Neji followed her into the room and placed him on the empty bed next to Kiba. After that, he left.
"I thought having them close together would help the both of them recover", said Sakura.
"Thank you. That should help", said Tsume.
"Is there anything you can do for Neji?" asked Hana.
"I want to give him some time to rest before trying anything", said Sakura.
"You said he was getting better", said Tsume.
"He was for a moment, but now his condition has worsened. Something caused his heart to distress", said Tsunade.
"It must have been Neji. When he fell, his body released a massive amount of distress pheromones, which urged his body to protect Neji even in his condition", said Tsume.
"Now a chain reaction will soon follow suit. Next will be his liver. We aren't giving up. I think we are close. We just need a little bit more time", said Tsunade.
"How much time do we have left?" asked Tsume.
"At this rate maybe three days if we're lucky. I'm so sorry", said Tsunade.
Tsume went to her knees. The fierce woman couldn't handle the idea of losing her youngest child.
"Don't say sorry yet there's still a chance a chance!" growled Hana as she comforted her mother.
"You're right Hana", said Sakura.
The two of them went to their lab to try and find the cure Kiba so desperately needed.
"Mom",
Her mother met her eyes. She helped her mom up and put her in the chair next to Kiba's bed. Hana went to Neji's bed. He'd been given a lack of attention because of Kiba's failing condition. Shine was sitting on the bed with her master. The poor thing was worried sick about her master. Her head rested on Neji's chest.
"Wake up soon my brother needs you", said Hana.
She placed a gentle kiss on Neji's cheek before leaving to return to her mother's side.
"How is he?" asked Tsume.
"Mom all you have to do is turn around and see for yourself", said Hana.
"I can't take my eyes off of him. I'm afraid I might miss something", said Tsume.
"You know they can't live without each other", said Hana.
"I know but you don't understand", said Tsume.
"He looks exhausted. Hopefully, he should be up by tomorrow", said Hana.
Two days went by neither Neji nor Kiba showed any signs of waking up. Tsume and Hana were worried sick about both of them. There was knock on the door. Both Inuzuka women looked up. They sighed in unison when they saw it was only Hinata.
"Did disrupt?" she asked.
"No, we were only hoping you were someone else that all", said Hana.
"I understand. Um, I brought you something to eat. I know it isn't much but better than the hospital food", said Hinata as placed the box on the table.
"Thank you", Tsume.
Hinata went to the other side of the room where Neji was sleeping. This was the third day and it was almost over. Kiba state was only getting worsening tomorrow he would be gone. The large dog glared at her, before letting out a low warning growl.
"Let her sniff you. Then she should let you near", said Hana.
Hinata slowly reached out her hand for Shine to sniff it. The Rottweiler relaxed and allowed Hinata near. Hana came by her side.
"She's a good dog Hinata. Shine was only protecting her master the only way she knew how", said Hana.
"I know", said Hinata.
"Please convince your father not to out down Shine", said Hana.
"My father isn't pressing charges", said Hinata.
She was stunned when Hana embraced her in a tight hug.
"Thank you", said Hana.
"It had nothing to do with me. It was all my father's doing", said Hinata.
She placed a bouquet of daffodils in near Neji's bed. They were Neji's favorite. Hinata took a seat beside him. He would feel horrible if Kiba died while he was like this. Even though the jutsu was over he still seemed to be in pain. The door slid open. All three women looked up to see who it was. It was Sakura.
"Have you found something?" asked Tsume.
"No sorry. I'm here to help Neji", said Sakura.
"Has there been any progress in finding a treatment for Kiba?", asked Tsume.
"We've almost figured it out. We only need more time", said Sakura.
"We don't have much of that left", said Hana.
"I've learned more about the bond you family share with their mates. I thought healing Neji might help Kiba, since their connection is so strong", said Sakura.
"It couldn't hurt", said Hinata.
Sakura placed her hand on Neji's forehead. Her hand glowed a greenish blue. When she pulled away Neji's expression relaxed.
"He should be up in a few hours", said Sakura.
Neji slowly opened his eyes. When he turned to the side he saw a vase of daffodils. He sat up and saw Hinata sitting next to his bed.
"You're awake", said Hinata.
"How long have I been out?" asked Neji.
"Almost three days", she said.
"Kiba",
Hinata nervously bit her finger.
"Tell me what happened!" he growled.
"He's gotten worse", said Hinata.
Neji left his bed and skidded across the room. He froze in front of Kiba's bed. The sight made his stomach turn. His husband had a tube down his throat and looked weaker than ever. Machines were breathing for him.
"Kiba", he whispered.
Hana and Tsume opened their eyes. She sighed when she saw the boy's condition. Neji's body was shivering. His fear was apparent. The start of their relationship awful, but the boy's feelings for her son were obvious. It was no longer one sided.
Neji's heart was racing. He opened their bond completely. The link was weak. He could barely feel Kiba. He touched the hand of the one he loved. The physical touch didn't help.
Tsume saw that Neji and Kiba needed time alone. Hana and her were about to leave when Sakura and Tsunade walked in. They both had smiles on their faces. For the first time, since her son was brought to hospital Tsume relaxed.
"You've found a cure", said Tsume.
"Yes", said Sakura.
"Let's hope we aren't too late", said Tsunade.
She injected a blue liquid into Kiba's vain.
"Now it's only a matter of time before he takes effect. If we aren't too late", said Tsunade.
"If does work he should be up by morning", said Sakura.
Neji smiled. His mate will be back morning. He wanted his alpha. Sakura and Tsunade left.
"Come on Hana let's get these two some time alone", said Tsume.
"Thank you", said Neji.
He crawled into the small space left in Kiba's bed. Neji was careful not to move or pinched any of the wires or tubes connected to Kiba. He knew there was a chance his husband wouldn't return to him.
"Kiba, I love you. Please don't leave me alone", whispered Neji.