First Mate First Love

Chapter 5: Unchangeable Beliefs


Neji woke early in the morning. Everything was normal, yet something was missing. Could he miss Kiba? No, it couldn't be. He got up and brushed his hair. No one should disturb him in his meditation. He went to the small garden. It a peaceful place where he could escape his family. Memories of Kiba embracing him tightly kept appearing in his mind. Something must be wrong with me he thought. His mind couldn't help drifting toward it. A memory of such warmth seemed to be enjoyed by both his body and mind. He finally managed to escape those thoughts.

"Neji", said a soft voice.

"Hinata, why did you disturb me?" he asked.

"Breakfast is ready. I was told to get you", said Hinata.

"I'll be there in a few minutes", said Neji.

She sat down beside him.

"Do you know why Kiba and his family are coming here today?" asked Hinata.

He shook his head.

"Your bandage let me change it", said Hinata.

Before he could stop her, she pulled it off. Her eyes went wide when she saw the harsh bite mark. The bruising stood out. It was harsh purple green. This is what they were hiding. Only one person could have done this.

"Don't stare Hinata", said Neji as he put his hand over the wound.

He winced at the slight touch of his own hand.

"Sorry", she said.

Hinata carefully placed the bandage over the mark.

"Why did he do this?" asked Hinata.

"It's complicated and I rather not go into it", said Neji.

Hinata couldn't imagine her teammate doing such a thing. Especially not to Neji.

"Like I said before Hinata it's complicated, but your teammate wasn't in control when this happened", said Neji.

They went to breakfast. Neji felt like everyone at the table was watching him. It wasn't a feeling it was a fact. The change for the better was temporary. But the Hokage stopped the sealing of the second branch. He left breakfast early to escape the looks from his family. Neji returned to the garden for some peace. He wasn't upset with Kiba even though knew he should be. The incident between the two of them was a horrible accident. Kiba wasn't in control of himself. After it happened Kiba never laid a harmful touch on him. And against all reason, he longed to see Kiba and have him near. At the same time, the idea of Kiba touching him was terrifying.

"What's wrong with me?" he asked himself.

"What are you up to cousin?" asked Hanabi.

Neji suppressed a groan as his cousin Hanabi made an appearance. She became his grandfather's pet. Grandfather successfully brained washed his youngest cousin. She used to be such a gentle girl.

"What happened between you and dog boy?" asked Hanabi.

"His name is Kiba", growled Neji.

She snickered, before running off. Neji sighed. Why did he come to Kiba's defense? Something is definitely wrong with him. Kiba's words were ringing through is mind. I don't want my life mate hating me. Should he give Kiba a chance? After all, there's no escaping it. No, he must be gone insane. He stared up at the sky. Why couldn't he have a normal life? A life of peace and happiness with a family of his own. Was it an impossible dream?

Kiba woke up late in the morning. He groaned he wanted back in that wonderful dream. There was an uncomfortable ache in his pants. His hand traveled under the blanket. He pulled down his pants. Kiba bit his lip as he ran his hand over his painfully hard erection. The image of Neji appeared in his head. He was underneath him panting calling out his name. His pale skin flushed and those soft lips were parted slightly as he moaned his name. Kiba swallowed a moan as he released heavily in his hand. He wiped it off on the sheets and tried sleeping again.

"If only it could be real", he muttered to himself.

He dreaded the meeting with Hyuga family. Today he wasn't his full of energy self. Akamaru scratched at the door.

"Leave me alone", groaned Kiba.

Akamaru growled. He wasn't going to allow his master to sleep the day away. Today was too important for that. He took a few steps back and rammed the door with his full strength. Kiba didn't even flinch. He whined he wasn't used to seeing his master like this. Akamaru jumped to into bed with him and started licking his master's face, but that got no response. He barked in Kiba's ear and that got his master to open his eyes.

"It's too early", said Kiba as he tried pushing Akamaru away.

Akamaru gave an annoyed grunt and dropped his full weight on his master. Kiba eventually pushed his giant dog off him. Something very important was missing. It was more like someone very important was missing. Neji. He needed his mate. Kiba finally forced himself from bed.

"Happy now Akamaru. I'm out of bed", said Kiba as got dressed.

Akamaru nodded his head. They both went down to the kitchen.

"So he finally rises from the dead", said Hana.

"I'm in no mood for jokes sister", said Kiba.

Tsume placed a large plate of food in front of her son. Kiba had no interest in eating. His nerves wouldn't allow it.

"You should eat honey today's going to be a long day", said Tsume.

"Not hungry", said Kiba as he pushed it away the plate.

"Something is bothering you", said Tsume.

"I can already feel his strongest emotions", said Kiba.

"It isn't surprising. You've had such strong emotions for such a long time its only normal. Luckily your heat has cooled some. I don't think I'll have to chain you down", said Tsume.

At least there was slim silver lining for this situation thought Kiba as he picked at the food on his plate. He ended up giving most of it to the dogs. A few hours later they started their journey to Hyuga compound. Kiba felt at ease when felt Neji's presence near. He's safe. His mate is safe.

Neji found peace from his family in the garden. He had been out there for hours meditating. But every now then his mind would travel to Kiba. Even with that, he managed to relax. His eyes opened. He knew Kiba was close. Neji couldn't see or smell, but he knew the alpha was there. His body screamed at him to go see him.

"Neji",

"Yes, Hinata", he said.

"Kiba's family is here. I was told to fetch you", she said.

He followed his cousin into the meeting room. On one side of the room was his family on the other was Kiba's. There was harsh tension between the two.

"Hinata, you may go this is a private matter", said Hiashi.

"Yes father", she said before leaving.

But she stayed by the door. Hinata couldn't help being worried for her cousin and teammate. She wanted to discover exactly what happened on their mission. Now whatever Neji and Kiba were hiding was too big for them to keep secret.

"Ease dropping sister that's unlike you", said Hanabi.

She ignored her younger sister and kept her ear focused on the door. She wished she had Kiba's hearing, so she could hear what was going on inside.

Neji felt a knot of conflict building in his stomach when he saw Kiba. He started twitching.

"Be still", growled the Elder.

"Sorry grandfather", said Neji.

He forced himself to be still. Why was this happening to him?

"There's an unavoidable truth here. These two can't be separated. What are we going to do about it", said Tsume.

"The solution is simple but unpleasant", said the Elder Hyuga.

Neji spared a nervous glance at his grandfather. He had no idea what the old man was planning for him. The man never treated him well and had gone out of his way to his life a living hell.

"Tell us this solution", said Tsume.

"They will be married", said the Elder Hyuga.

Neji and Kiba were both surprised. One was terrified the other pleased.

"Excuse me", said Neji.

He stared at his grandfather hoping that there was some chance he'd miss heard. The old man smirked.

"You made the foolish mistake of not pressing charges against this crude boy and I gave you that. The only to rectify this horrible misjudgment on your part Neji is for you to be wed. You have no choice in the matter. I won't have any bastard children running about", said the Elder Hyuga.

"Uncle" pleaded Neji.

"Don't argue boy accept this. I don't want to see you suffer because of this bond", said Hiashi.

Hiashi pitied the boy. He had no control over Neji's life. Hizashi would never forgive. His hands were tied.

Neji sighed. At least his uncle seemed to care somewhat about his well-being. His grandfather was only looking out for the clan as a whole.

"I'll marry him, but under my own conditions. I will join Kiba's family. I'm tired of this almost unchangeable clan and its ways, so I will find change elsewhere", said Neji.

"No man in our family has ever left our clan", said Hiashi.

Neji gave a cold smirk.

"I'll be carrying his children, won't I? That means I'm the wife in the relationship, so I'll be moving to my husband's family", said Neji.

Kiba suppressed his smile. The idea of having Neji being a member of his family was very pleasing. Even more pleasing was the idea of Neji having his pups.

"May I be excused?" asked Neji.

Hiashi nodded his head and his nephew left without another word. As soon as they were out of view Neji went into a run. Before he could escape Hinata hugged him.

"Let go of me", he growled.

"Neji, you can let it out", said Hinata.

Neji took a deep breath as he tried regaining composure.

"Let go of me, Hinata. I'm fine", he said.

"You're not fine Neji. You are being forced into a marriage", said Hinata.

He sighed he should have known his cousins were ease dropping.

"I don't have any other option. Kiba and I are bound together. My life is tied to his and his to mine", said Neji.

"But Neji-

"Leave it alone, Hinata", said Neji in a cool tone.

He hurried to his bedroom. There he quietly sobbed into his pillow. Neji felt pathetic. This wasn't like him. He wasn't a crying weakling. Neji forced himself from bed. He started brushing his hair as a way to calm himself, but even then the tears didn't stop flowing.

Kiba's body demanded to be with his mate. Now that Neji left the demand was even stronger. He was itching to get out of this room and comfort his mate. He'd never been good holding still, even now that he was older. Being separated from his mate made the idea of keeping still unbearable. He couldn't stop himself from fidgeting. His eyes were focused on the door.

"Kiba, you may go", said Tsume.

"No, he won't be leaving", said the Elder Hyuga.

"Why he's not needed in these negations?" asked Tsume.

"I won't him have poking around my clan's home", said Hiashi.

"He can go the mutt will only be a distraction. Beside he doesn't have enough power to be a true threat to our clan, even if he knows the layout of our home", said the Elder Hyuga.

It took every ounce of Kiba's self-restraint not to attack the old man who had just insulted him. The man was baiting him. He left and slammed the door shut behind him. Kiba sniffed the air trying to find Neji's scent. It didn't take him long to find what he was searching for. It was a small guesthouse that couldn't be more than three rooms. Neji's scent hung heavily in the air. Before Kiba could make a move toward, he was sent flying backward. He crashed landed into a birdbath. Standing over him was his quiet teammate, Hinata.

"Don't you ever hurt him like that again", she said.

He blinked a few times to make sure it was Hinata who just shot him into a birdbath. Her scent confirmed it the woman standing above was his shy teammate. She had never done anything like that before, but she was standing up for her cousin. Kiba knew Neji needed more people like that his life and he desperately wanted to be one of them.

"How could you do that to him? I thought you actually cared for him", said Hinata.

"I do. I had no control over what happened. I promised him and I'll promise you this I will never harm him", said Kiba.

This side of Hinata reminded Kiba of a wolf protecting her pup.

"You know I never meant to hurt him, Hinata. I will keep my promise to you and him", said Kiba as he got up.

Her shoulders sagged and her tough demeanor faded.

"Be good to him Kiba", she said in soft voice.

"I will be", said Kiba.

Hinata left. The two men needed time together to sort out their difficulties. She couldn't force herself to go too far. Something could happen she might be needed. She kept herself hidden in a tree.

Kiba took a deep breath and went to the front door of the house. His heart throbbed when he heard his mate crying from within the house. He knew better than to interfere he had to wait. Going in now might ruin everything. He waited a total of twenty minutes before he couldn't wait any longer. Neji sat on a pile of pillows with hair loose. His eyes were red and puffy from crying. Kiba felt Neji's panic through their bond. Kiba sighed and shut the door behind him. This only made his mate uneasy.

Neji tensed and backed himself into a corner. What's the point of fighting? Kiba is his husband to be harming him will be problematic. Kiba kneeled down next Neji. Too close he's too close. He pulled back his fist, but Kiba caught it before it could make impact.

"There's no reason to be hostile Neji", he said.

"I have all the reason to be hostile", spat Neji.

The once emotionless mask known as Neji expression became clear. Kiba could read it perfectly now. He saw the hurt, anger, confusion, and want.

"I know you do, but it won't get you anywhere. It might end up with you hurt and that's the last thing I want", said Kiba.

The scent of his mate's fear filled the room. It was only growing stronger. Kiba came closer.

"Do you feel it?" he asked.

"I don't know what you're talking about", said Neji.

"Don't lie to me, Neji", said Kiba.

Neji sighed and gave a slight nod of his head. Kiba took his hand and placed it against his chest. His skin was warm. Through their touch, a wave of warm emotions washed over Neji. What were these feelings? Why did they feel, so real? This couldn't be real. His body went still as he tried figuring out what to make of the situation. Kiba took advantage of his distraction and pulled him close. As soon as Neji felt the embrace panicked. No, this can't be happening not again! He struggled violently in Kiba's arms.

"Neji, I won't hurt. Listen to our bond. What is it telling you?" asked Kiba in a calm whisper.

Neji forced himself to regain his self-control, even though his mind was in a haze of panic. There were no violent emotions coming from Kiba. His breathing calmed and he stopped struggling. He leaned into his husband to be. His back rested against Kiba's chest. He couldn't deny there was something nice about this. He closed his eyes and leaned his neck to the side.

The submissive gesture made Kiba smile. He was succeeding in soothing his mate. Kiba couldn't fight his alpha instincts. His fingers carefully removed the bandage that covered his mark. Kiba licked his claim mark. Neji tensed but didn't fight his advance. Eventually, he relaxed and gave soft moans as Kiba continued tending to his mark.

Neji eyelids grew heavy. He felt safe enough to close them. Kiba's embrace loosened. Then he realized what he was doing. This was the man who attacked him. He shouldn't be acting like this. Kiba pulled away from his mate's neck a wave of panic hit him hard. Neji started a weak struggle.

"Shh, I'm not going to hurt you. This will make the ache go away", whispered Kiba in his ear.

Neji knew the ache Kiba spoke of. The painful emotional knot in the pit of his stomach was at ease.

"The painful pulling and twisting in the pit of your stomach that feels like it's going to tear you apart. I know you feel it and I do too. Us not being close caused that pain. Our bond is fresh it needs a chance to grow strong or we'll always be in this much suffering when we are apart. I won't go any farther than this", said Kiba.

Neji gave into his empathetic bond and let Kiba's emotions wash over him.

"I'll never hurt you again", whispered Kiba into his mate's skin.

Neji knew Kiba was sincere. He sighed and leaned his weight into Kiba. His emotions were drained him and all he wanted to do was rest. Neji moved his neck to the side. Kiba easily read the wordless request. He started licking his mark. Kiba loved this. The smell and taste of his mate were wonderful. It was enough to satisfy his urges.

Neji was extremely relaxed. He couldn't remember the last time he ever felt like this. The feel of Kiba's goatee against his skin didn't even bother him. His lips felt wonderful against his skin. He knew this was wrong, but chose to ignore that. Neji had no idea how long they stayed like. He enjoyed the silence. Is this the same Kiba he went on the mission with? This one was so quiet and gentle. What happened to the loud-mouthed knucklehead?

"Neji?"

"Hmm",

"Can I kiss you?" asked Kiba.

Neji body tensed in his embrace. Kiba knew he would be pressing his luck asking for a kiss, but he couldn't resist. He rested his chin on Neji's shoulder.

"Shh, I won't force you", said Kiba.

Kiba gave up on the idea of a kiss and just basked in his mate's presence. Neji settled down. He moved his neck to side and Kiba started tending to his mark again. This wouldn't only help his mate heal, but it would also strengthen his scent.

"I hope you like dogs", whispered Kiba against his mate's neck.

Neji almost laughed.

"I don't dislike them", said Neji in a quiet voice.

He felt Kiba smile against his neck.

"That's good because you'll be living with five of them. Eight if you include me and my family", said Kiba.

"You should definitely count yourself in", Neji whispered.

His voice lacked spite. It held a slight playfulness to it. Kiba laughed. He was overjoyed he made his mate happy. Why couldn't it be like this all the time?

This calmness should be impossible, but Neji couldn't stop the way he felt. The only explanation that came to mind was the bond between them. It was far too intimate of a connection. He'd never experienced anything in his life.

Little did the new couple know a friend was watching them. Hinata couldn't believe what here eyes were seeing. Never had she seen Neji like this. The smile on her cousin's face was one she'd never seen before. This would be a slow process, but eventually, the two would be happy. She aimed her eyes at the meeting room. It looked like the conversation between the two clans was over.

Tsume left the meeting hall with Hana and Kuromaru following slowly behind her. It was easy enough to find her son. All she had to do was track Neji's scent. It lead her to a small guesthouse.

Akamaru was spread out on the deck. He raised his head when he saw her approach. The large dog didn't want his owner to disrupted. He knew how much this was helping Kiba. This time had already been stressing enough for him. Kiba should be enjoying his newly claimed bitch. He moved in front of Tsume trying to block her path. She pushed him away, but he only appeared in front of her again. Kuromaru growled and Akamaru backed down. Hana appeared by her mother's side.

"Do we even want to know what they are doing?" she asked.

"They aren't doing anything like that, but I wish you wouldn't disturb them", said Hinata in a soft voice.

There was a heavy blush on the young girl's face. Tsume saw that this one different from most of the Hyuga clan. She could see why Kiba took such a liking to her.

"Kiba, I know he's pretty, but it's time to go. You'll see him soon enough", yelled Tsume.

Kiba's face went red when he heard his mother calling for him. He kissed Neji on the temple.

"Looks like it's time for me to leave, beautiful", said Kiba.

Neji couldn't deny he was disappointed at Kiba leaving.

"I'll see ya soon", said Kiba before left.

Kiba left Neji's house. He traveled with his sister to their house.

"You reek of your mate, brother", said Hana.

Kiba smirked.

"Jealous?" he asked with a smirk.

That earned him a smack to the head by his older sister. But that didn't ruin his great mood. He was covered in his mate's scent and couldn't be happier.

Neji watched as Kiba's family left. There was such happiness in Kiba's eyes. They seemed kind and so warm compared to the family he was raised in. Maybe it won't be so bad.

"Hinata, it's rude to spy. And if you do you should do a better job of concealing your chakra", said Neji.

"Sorry, I was only curious to see how the two of you were getting along. It seemed to be going well. You looked really happy", said Hinata.

Neji didn't know how to confront what Hinata just said. He shook his head he shouldn't respond at all especially with his grandfather so near.

"Go Hinata. Naruto must be wondering where you are", said Neji.

Hinata sighed. She should have known she wouldn't get much from her stoic cousin, but she had to get one last word in. Something to defend her teammate.

"What happen wasn't under his control, Neji. He's a good guy", she said before running off.

He sighed at least his cousin was in for a great relationship. He couldn't say the same for himself. He was happy for her. She would soon be married to the boy she's fawned over for what seems like forever. They would make a happy couple. He wasn't nearly as confident in his relationship. He decided to stay outside for a bit longer it was a beautiful day. The beauty of the day was ruined when his youngest cousin made an unwanted appearance again.

"To what do I owe this unplanned visit to?" he asked.

She smirked.

"I couldn't help noticing how jealous you looked of Hinata when she went running off to meet Naruto", said Hanabi.

"That doesn't answer my question of what do you want", said Neji.

"I only wanted to remind you that you'll never have the same kind of relationship Hinata has with Naruto. You are forever bonded to that horrible excuse of a jonin", said Hanabi.

"He's a far better jonin than you'll ever be", said Neji.

Hanabi was somewhat shocked. It was odd for her cousin to snap back.

"Goodbye Hanabi", he said.

Neji went to the shelter of his home and locked the door behind as a way of blocking the annoying girl out. When caught a glimpse at his neck in the mirror, he saw most of the bruising was gone. Only a faint scar remained. He ran his fingers down his neck. Kiba's touch was gentle. He actual found himself missing the soothing touch.

"Wake up!"

Kiba woke to his mother's yells and pounding on the front door of his house.

"What do you want?" asked Kiba.

"It's noon you should be up", said Tsume.

They sat in his living room. Kiba watched as his mother took off her necklace. On it was his father's wedding ring. It was a band of hammered silver.

"I want you to have this", said Tsume as she handed it to him.

"I can't take this, mom", said Kiba.

"You will", said Tsume.

"Mom, I can't. My engagement to Neji wasn't like yours. He didn't agree to marry me because he loves me. You shall take it", said Kiba.

"You have to choose a ring for him", said Tsume.

"I don't know his size", said Kiba.

"I do", said Tsume.

He followed her to a small blue store. In the front windows, beautiful pieces of jewelry were displayed. The sign read Tiny Jewel Box. He had no idea where to start. There were so many options. An old woman smiled gently at him. Her name tag read Hoseki.

"Picking a pretty for someone pretty", she said.

He nodded his head.

"Male or female?" asked Hoseki.

Kiba stared at her for a moment.

"I don't judge. I'm only here to help you chose a ring", she said.

"Male", said Kiba.

"Seem you've already chosen a ring. I think I have the perfect match", said Hoseki.

She took a sparkling light silver ring from a display case. It was perfect for Neji. He only wished his beloved would accept it willingly not by force. He paid and took the black velvet box. The small thing weighed heavily in his pocket. Neji needs time before he gives him this. A week past.

"You can't procrastinate on this, Kiba", said Tsume.

"I'm not procrastinating, mom. I'm giving him time", said Kiba.

"If you wait any longer the Hyuga will take it as an insult", said Tsume.

Kiba smirked.

"I forced myself on their the most talented member of the clan in generations. I'm not sure that I can insult them even further", he said.

"It's unlike to be so negative", said Tsume.

"I can't help it. I deserve it after what I did to him", said Kiba.

"It was an accident, Kiba", said Tsume.

"I will give him it today", he said.

Neji needed freedom from the judging eyes of his of his clans. He walked out of the village and deep into the forest. It was peaceful here. He sat in the grass and tossed birdseed on the ground. Warblers and thrushes came down from the trees. The birds here were used to his presence and didn't fear his closeness. He tensed when heard someone approaching. Neji's Byakugan activated. He got to his feet. The birds rushed to safety of the sky.

"What do you want?" asked Neji.

"I wanted to see my beautiful fiance", said Kiba.

Neji didn't know how to respond. He didn't move away when Kiba stepped closer.

"I've know I've done many things wrong, Neji. I want to do this right", said Kiba.

Neji let Kiba take his left hand. Kiba went down on one knee and took out a silver ring.

"Neji Hyuga will you do me the honor of being my husband?" asked Kiba.

"Yes", said Neji.

It wasn't like he had another choice. He was bound to the man kneeling in front of him. Neji allowed Kiba to slid the silver ring onto his finger. Kiba got to his feet. He didn't know what to do now.

"Neji, I know I'm the last person you want to be with. I will spend the rest of my life trying to earn your trust once again", said Kiba.