Potential trigger warning in this chapter: talk of sexual assault on a minor.
Neji couldn't believe the turn of events. He hadn't meant for this to happen so quickly, and yet, he was far from disappointed. Tenten needed a keeper, someone to make sure she didn't overdo things and to show her that it was okay to let go and enjoy herself without needing to worry about everything.
His baby slept for a solid two hours, and just when he was about to wake her up, she stumbled into the living area, looking disoriented and incredibly adorable. He was sitting at the dining table, finishing up some correspondence on his laptop, and he shut the computer down as Tenten walked over to him, still wiping sleep from her bleary eyes.
"Did my baby girl sleep well?" he asked, opening his arms, his heart leaping for joy as she walked into them without hesitation. He could very quickly get used to this amicable version of Tenten, though he equally enjoyed the fiery, sassy version too.
She leaned her head against his chest and looked up at him, her eyes still a little glassy from sleep. "Yes, Daddy." Tenten yawned loudly, and Neji knew she was still waking up. No way would she be this peaceful and docile with him if she were fully awake. He knew that her walls would go up again soon, and he enjoyed the vulnerability she was showing him now.
Neji loved every side of his girl. He knew that she was a strong, independent woman, and he respected her for that. But he also loved that she could curl into his arms like this, trusting him to hold her, care for her, and feel comfortable in her vulnerability. Of course, once she woke up completely and knew what she was doing, she would jump down from his lap like he had burnt her, Neji was sure. But he took comfort in knowing she wouldn't be sitting in just anyone's lap like this—just waking up or not. She already trusted him, and that meant a great deal to Neji.
He felt her stiffen against him, and just as he thought, she started wriggling to get away. He let her, and before she could say anything, he stood up and asked, "Do you still want to help with dinner? You are welcome to watch some television while I get it ready if you prefer."
She nodded, a feint blush dusting her cheeks. "I want to help."
"Okay. Wash your hands and then you can help peel the vegetables for me."
Tenten did as he asked, and soon they stood side by side, her peeling vegetables and him chopping them. When she offered to cut the carrots, he told her that Little girls didn't use sharp knives. To which she replied that she had been making dinner for years, and that she wasn't going to stop doing something she enjoyed now just because he told her she couldn't.
Neji sighed, knowing he had to be careful not to overstep. Yes, as her Daddy, he had the final say, especially when it came to her health and safety. But he also didn't want her to feel like he was trying to control her.
Daddy/Little relationships were different with every couple—no two were the same—and they just had to find what worked for them. He could concede on certain things, like using sharp knives when cooking, but he would put his foot down at other times.
Still, he told her that he would cut everything tonight. She had just woken up from a nap, and he was worried she would accidentally cut herself, especially since she was still yawning every few minutes. When dinner was in the oven, Neji led her to the couch, and they put on the news while they waited for it to cook.
"How did you come to learn about Daddies and Littles, baby girl?" he asked. "You mentioned earlier you have not had a Daddy before." His thigh was pressed against hers, and though he would much rather her sit on his lap, he didn't want to push her too far too fast.
She glanced his way, the feintest blush dotting her cheeks as she explained, "I never realized I liked dominant men until I read about them. Not the asshole kind, mind you, but the protective kind. At first, it was just that alpha type hero I enjoyed, but then I delved into BDSM books. Parts of those I enjoyed, but I didn't always like how the men treated their subs. When I stumbled onto a Daddy Dom book, I knew that was the relationship I wanted. Yeah, he was a Dom, but I loved his softer side, the way he really took care of his little girl. After that, I read every Daddy Dom book I could get my hands on." She looked at him again, eyes guilty. "I, uhm… I've always had Dodgers—he is the only thing I have from my childhood, and I just thought I slept with him for sentimental reasons. But after reading more about Littles, I began to identify with them, even though it felt wrong."
His eyebrows furrowed at that. "Why was it wrong?"
"Surely adults don't keep stuffed toys, let alone sleep with them. And other things in the books… I liked the ideas, but I didn't think they were right, so I've suppressed a lot of my feelings about it."
"Baby," Neji couldn't stop himself from picking her up and sitting her on his lap. Her eyes widened and she made to get off, but he kept one hand on her lower back, the other resting on her thigh. "There is nothing wrong with your desires. Everyone is different; so long as what you want doesn't hurt anyone, then how can it be wrong?"
"What would people think of me if they knew?" she asked, her face scrunching up in disgust.
Nope. He wouldn't tolerate that. His baby should never feel that her desires were wrong.
"Why would they find out? I am certainly not planning on telling them." He tucked a finger under her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Are you disgusted by me, Tenten? I am a Daddy Dom. I thrive on taking care of my little one, giving her a safe space so she can be herself without worry. I want to look after her, give her rules and discipline her when she breaks them. I want her to be happy and healthy, and I will do everything in my power to ensure she always is.
"And then there are my sexual desires. Baby girl, you have no idea how many times I have fantasized about tying you up and eating you out until you screamed. Of plugging that sweet ass of yours to get you ready to take me there. Of making you kneel between my legs and suck me off while I work. Does any of that disgust you?"
.
Dear. Lord.
How was she supposed to answer that? Her panties were practically dripping from his confession as she imagined him doing those things to her. Her breath came out in short, sharp pants, and she could only manage a shake of her head in answer.
Neji chuckled quietly at her reaction. "Seeing you in Little space would make me extremely happy, baby girl. To know that you trust me enough to let go. There is nothing at all wrong with your desires, not to me."
Just like that, it felt as though a huge weight lifted off her shoulders. She knew that not everyone would understand this kind of relationship, but Neji did. And he wanted that with her. It still stunned her when she thought of where she was, who she was with, but it felt right. And it would only be for a week or two. So why shouldn't she try and let go with him?
She breathed out, long and slow, and gave him a smile. "Thank you, Daddy. That makes me feel a lot better."
"You are welcome, Poppet." He pressed a kiss to her lips. It was short, barely there, but her heart picked up at the feel of his lips against hers. "Now, is there anything else you want to discuss? I think dinner will be ready soon."
Shifting on his lap, she tried to think of how to explain what was in her head, worried he wouldn't like it. She had been worried about bringing it up ever since she'd decided to be his little girl.
Sensing her hesitation, he said, "There is no need to be nervous, Tenten. You can tell me anything."
"You won't get mad?" she asked.
His eyebrows rose at that. "Well, now I am a little worried, but I promise not to get mad, baby."
"Okay." She could do this. "In all the Daddy Dom books I've read, the Littles are always given rules."
"I would imagine so. You will be getting rules too, though I think we can wait until morning to discuss them. You have already had a big enough day."
She nodded, biting her lip. "I like the idea of having rules and consequences. To know that someone cares enough about me to enforce them. But…" she risked another glance at him, but he just sat there watching her patiently. "I didn't always agree with some of the rules given to the Littles."
"What sort of rules did you disagree with?"
"Well… one daddy didn't like his little driving. He insisted on driving her everywhere. Another didn't let his little cook because he said it was too dangerous," she shot him a look at that one. "Others had rules that, for them was fine, but it would be too stifling for me. I would feel like I couldn't breathe. I don't want to be kept under someone's thumb."
God, she hoped Neji wouldn't be mad at her for saying that. Was he the type of Daddy that needed complete control? In her books, some were like that. She never disliked those daddies—usually they had a reason for being that overprotective—but she didn't think she could handle that herself. She needed her independence.
But, to her relief, he just nodded. "I understand, baby. Not every relationship is the same. What works for some couples won't work for others. I will give hard and fast rules when it comes to your health and safety, but if there is ever anything that you do not agree with, then you can tell me. We will talk about it and if it is not one of the important health and safety rules, we can come to a compromise."
"Really? You wouldn't make me obey something I don't agree with?"
He gave her a slightly offended look. "Tenten, you have to know that you have complete control in this relationship. I may be the Dom and make the rules, but that only works if you agree to it. Your submission is a gift, baby girl. I would never force it from you. And you have your safeword that you can use anytime you need it."
Well, that was a huge relief. But now she was worried she had upset him. "I'm sorry, Daddy. I didn't mean to upset you."
"Thank you for apologising, sweetheart. I am not upset at you. You can ask me anything, Poppet. You know that Littles like having rules, though, right? By giving up all responsibility for a time to their Dom, they can let go of their worries and just be. That is why the Daddies in your novels have all those rules. It helps their little girls feel loved and protected. And some Littles need more rules than others."
"I know that, and I do want that. But I just don't think I could deal with all the rules. At least, not when I'm not in Little space."
"That is understandable. So, if I made a rule that you can't use a sharp knife in Little space, would you be okay with that?"
She thought that through, then nodded. "As long as I can still use them at other times. I don't want to give up cooking. It soothes me."
"Of course, baby. I would never want to take something away from you that you enjoy." The oven beeped and he helped her up before standing. "Sounds like dinner is ready. Would you like to set the table while I dish it out?"
Tenten couldn't believe how good he had taken all of that. She had been worried he would demand obedience, but she should have known better. This was Neji; he was always reasonable.
She smiled up at him, feeling lighter than she had in a long time. "Okay, Daddy."
.
Dinner was comfortable, much to his relief. After their conversation on the couch, Neji thought Tenten might draw away, hide behind that wall of hers. So, he was surprised when they were able to keep a good conversation going. He steered clear of the topic of her job and the lawsuit for the moment—she had dealt with enough today and he didn't want her to worry over it before bed. They could talk more of it tomorrow, along with the rules she would agree to for her Little.
Now that she couldn't go to work, though, she would be spending more time at his house. And unfortunately, he did not have a lot of things she could do. Nor did he know what she enjoyed doing as a Little.
"Baby girl," he began, deciding it wasn't too heavy of a topic to speak of before bed. "What does your Little enjoy doing?"
As soon as he asked the question, he knew he had made a mistake. Her face fell, the hand holding a forkful of vegetables stilling halfway to her mouth. It only lasted a moment before she gave her head a little shake, shrugging her shoulders and plopping the food in her mouth.
She chewed slowly before swallowing, and he wondered if she was giving herself more time to think of an answer. Though he wasn't sure why that question would cause so much concern.
Finally, she replied with a shrug, "I never really had a lot of things to play with growing up, so I'm not sure." She said it so casually, as though it was nothing to be bothered over.
Neji frowned. "I do not understand. Did you not have toys growing up? What did your parents buy you?"
"I don't remember, okay? Can we please drop this subject?" Her tone was agitated, and he didn't know why.
"I am sorry, Poppet. I was only asking so I knew what to get for your Little. Are you sure you do not remember? There must have been certain toys you preferred playing with over others."
"There was nothing!" she snapped, and Neji was surprised by the vehemence in her tone. "All my parents ever did for me was abandon me in front of a church not twenty-four hours after I was born."
He stilled, her angry words swirling through his mind. She had been an orphan? He hadn't known, hadn't been aware that the people who were supposed to love and care for her above all else had left her, and at such a young age.
His eyes must have expressed his upset because Tenten stood up from the table, pointing a finger at him. "I don't need your pity, Neji!" she snarled, and if she were a cat her hackles would be raised. She was feeling vulnerable and was taking it out on him. And he wouldn't allow that.
"Do not take that tone with me, Little girl," he warned, staying calmly seated in his chair. He would give her a free pass because he knew she must be hurting, but if she didn't calm down then she would be getting a spanking.
"I can take whatever tone I like," Tenten retorted.
"Tenten." His voice was low, commanding—a threat of what was to come if she didn't back up. Neji was surprised at how quickly her anger had flared. He understood being angry and upset, yes, but he had asked her a simple question. It had not warranted her getting so mad at him.
"What?" she asked angrily, folding her arms across her chest. "You going to pity the poor orphan bitch who had no money and no friends growing up? Maybe offer me money if I give you a blowjob? Or are you the type of person who would force me to my knees without the promise of cash? Just assume I'd like it because since I was an orphan, I must be a whore as well."
Bloody hell. Neji fought for the calm that was usually so easy to find. He wanted to wash her mouth out with soap for speaking that way, and he felt sick and angry—so incredibly angry—at the realization that those weren't empty words. That they were things she'd had to endure.
"Tenten, come here." His voice was false calm as he pointed to the spot directly in front of him. He'd moved his chair away from the table but hadn't stood. He needed to remain calm, in control, even if his body was rebelling against the idea. He was furious, disgusted. But not at her. God, never at her.
If he ever found out who those men were, though, he would ruin their lives. Violence was running through his veins, but he knew that wasn't a viable option. It was a good thing he was a lawyer, because he had the means and ability to destroy their lives. And he would do so with relish.
She remained standing away from him, not daring to step closer. Her breaths came out in hard pants, her anger dying away. "I don't think so," she replied, shaking her head as she took a step back.
"The longer you delay this, the worse your punishment will be," he told her, feigning a calm he didn't feel. He had to get it under control before he spanked her ass, though. He would never punish her in anger.
Her eyes bugged out of her head, and it would be comical if he weren't so furious. "I'm getting punished? Why? Because I told the truth?"
"No," he answered, his gaze narrowing. "You are getting a punishment for not listening to me, for speaking back disrespectfully, for calling yourself names, and for assuming I would ever force myself upon you."
She sucked in a breath, and he saw as the rest of the fight left her. "I didn't mean that," she whispered.
That may be true, but it had hurt just the same. "Come here," he repeated. "I will not ask again."
Taking hesitant steps forward, Tenten visibly gulped, the bob of her throat catching his eye momentarily. When she was in front of him, he said, "Take off your pants and panties."
She balked at the command. "You're not going to do it?"
"No. I want you to be an active participant in this punishment, so you will take off your pants and panties, and then you will walk yourself over to the corner and stick your nose in the wall for a timeout."
With suddenly shaky hands, she did as he instructed, dropping her tights and panties in one fluid motion before stepping out of them. She chanced a look at him, but he just pointed to the corner, and she hung her head as she walked away.
Timeout hadn't been part of the punishment originally, but he was still too angry right now and he needed to calm down before delivering her spanking.
"You will stay there for ten minutes," he told her, watching as she moved into position, her bare bottom sticking out as she planted her nose to the corner of the wall. "And you will think of the reasons why you are getting a spanking. You will not move or speak until I tell you to. Do you understand?"
After a shaky breath she replied softly, "Yes, Daddy."
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. And weren't upset over Tenten's outburst. I still hesitate to add these sorts of scenes to my stories because I know they can be triggering or not well accepted.
If you're liking the story, please leave a comment. Or even a question about the dynamic.
