First Mate First Love
Chapter 6: Couple
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News about the new couple was spread like wildfire through the village. Neither Neji or Kiba got any peace from the constant questions. By some miracle, Neji found a refuge from the gossip. He sat high up in a tree deep in the forest. No one should bother him out here. It was peaceful. Songbirds flew freely through the air. He held a slight envy toward the small creatures. A skylark perched on a branch near him.
"You have no idea how lucky you are", said Neji.
The lark flew off. His attention focused on the silver engagement ring on his finger. It wasn't anything special, only a simple metal band, yet it symbolized so much. Never in his life would he have thought he would wear one of these. If someone told him a few weeks ago he would be engaged to Kiba he would think they were insane.
"Neji",
He sighed. So much for peace and quiet. When he looked down from his perch, he saw it was Tenten and Lee.
"Come down we want to talk with you", she said.
There was no avoiding this. He jumped down.
"Who knew Neji would fall into the wondrous thing called love", said Lee in a dreamy voice.
Neji twitched at his teammate's comment. He couldn't say what he had with Kiba love. This whole thing started with blind uncontrollable lust.
"Ask your questions", said Neji.
He was so tired of people forcing him into small talk just to get answers. Why couldn't they get straight to the point? He leaned against the tree and waited for Tenten's questions.
"Have you always like men?" she asked.
His face redden slightly. Neji was expecting such a blunt question.
"Tenten, it isn't your place to ask such questions", said Lee.
He agreed with his teammate, but he knew Tenten wouldn't let him be until he answered. Neji never had much preference to either gender. He respected and cared deeply for some of the women in his life, but never in a romantic way. All the drama that surrounds them is a headache at times.
"I never thought about it till now", said Neji.
"How long have you and Kiba been together?" asked Tenten.
"I'm curious about that as well", said Lee.
"Awhile", he answered.
"Why so vague?" asked Tenten.
"I didn't want to make anything public until I knew it was real", said Neji.
"So what you and Kiba have is real?" asked Lee.
"Yes", lied Neji.
He knew if he answered any other way he would have answered more questions.
"When's the big day?" asked Tenten.
There was a bright smile on her face. It was obvious she was far more excited by than he was.
"Two weeks from now. To answer your other question yes you're both invited", said Neji.
He wanted a small wedding, but the guest list expanded greatly when news of the couple spread.
"Your fiancé is looking for you", said Tenten before leaving.
He'd avoided his fiancé for days. Kiba seemed to understand he needed space. He knew Kiba was trying he hadn't laid a foul hand on him. When he reached the front gates of the village, he saw Kiba waiting for him.
"What do you want, Kiba?" asked Neji.
It sounded far harsher than Neji wanted it to.
"I thought now would be a good time to start packing up your house", said Kiba.
Neji nodded his head. Kiba's heat was over he shouldn't try anything. They went to the Hyuga compound. It was a quiet process. Neji was having a hard time reaching something from the top shelf. Kiba couldn't help staring. He had a perfect view of his mate's ass. He finally decided to help Neji. Kiba stood behind his mate and easily reached what Neji was trying to get. It was a framed photo cover in dust.
"Please give it back", said Neji.
Kiba handed it to his mate. When Neji wiped away the dust, it revealed the photo of his parents.
"Neji",
He hugged the photo closely to his chest.
"Why did you have that all the way up there?" asked Kiba.
"I don't want to talk about it", said Neji.
Kiba noticed how few photos Neji had. In fact, there were only three including one of his parents. It was odd to Kiba. At his house, there were countless photos and scrapbooks. Two hours was all it took to pack up.
"That was quick", said Kiba.
"I don't need much", said Neji.
The big day came quickly. Neji was dressed in white with lavender flowers woven into his hair. He looked almost feminine.
"You look beautiful", said Hinata.
"Thanks", he muttered.
Neji was having a hard time believing this was actually happening. When he reached the doors of the chapel, Neji was almost tempted run. What would be the point? Kiba would come chasing after him. He walked down the aisle. Kiba was waiting for him at the end. He took his place across from Kiba.
Kiba saw through Neji's calm demeanor. He felt the heavy depression coming off his mate. Neither of them was paying much attention to the priest. The priest handed Kiba a small bowl filled with red face paint. Kiba dipped his fingers into it and painted red fang marks on Neji's cheeks marking him as part of the Inuzuka Clan. They were both brought out of their thoughts when they heard the priest clear his throat.
"Your wrists", he said.
Neji and Kiba extended their left wrists. The priest pulled a long red ribbon from his pocket and started tying their wrists together.
"This ribbon symbolizes your union as a couple. May the bond forged today never be broken", said the priest as he tying a complex knot.
It's over thought Neji.
"You may kiss the bride", said the priest.
Before Neji had a chance to protest Kiba's lips were on his. Kiba kissed his mate as if it were the last time. When he pulled away, Neji's face was flushed. He'd never been kissed like that in his life. The crowd went into a cheer. They filed out into the courtyard. Music was playing and people were dancing. Everyone there was happy except for the bride.
"You look beautiful", said Kiba.
A weak smile appeared on his mate's lips. Kiba moved a strand of Neji's hair away from his face. He smiled at the beautiful blush that appeared on his mate's cheeks.
"You're exaggerating", said Neji.
"Am not. You are truly the most beautiful being I've ever seen", said Kiba.
Neji threw his flowers. Every girl fought over it. In the end, Hana came out with flowers in her hand. She hoped the myths about catching the bouquet were true. She spared a glance at the silver haired male she'd have feelings for such a long time. Hana knew she was one of the many who felt that way about the new Hokage. That man could give her many strong pups. He gave her a slight wave before his interest turned to the couple.
All the young couples congratulated them. Neji signed. There would be a line of weddings they would have to attend. Neji never thought he would be attending his own anytime soon, though. Guy appeared in front of them. There were tears streaming down his face.
"I never thought my student would grow up so soon!" cried Guy.
He hugged the new couple in a tight embrace.
"I'm so happy for you two!" said Guy as he swung the couple side to side.
"Thank you sensei", gasped Neji.
He finally released his student.
"You two take care of each other", said Guy.
"We will. Guy Sensei I'm sorry about your arm", said Kiba.
"It was nothing just a simple flesh wound", said Guy.
Guy eventually left them once he finished his long lecture about the importance of love and youth. Kiba spared a glance at his mate. The poor guy looked exhausted.
"I know you hate this, but you only need to hang in there for a few more hours", whispered Kiba.
Neji forced a smile on his face. The day drained him of almost all his energy. Before they could leave Neji's cousin Hanabi appeared in front of them.
"What do you want?" asked Neji.
He didn't have enough energy to be polite.
"I only wanted to say don't further disgrace our family further by being sent back by this dog", said Hanabi.
"Why you little brat!" growled Kiba.
"Stop there's no point in wasting your breath", said Neji.
"Hanabi leave them be. You'll be lucky if I don't tell father what you said", said Hinata.
Hanabi huffed then left.
"I'm sorry about she's normally not so bold", said Hinata.
"It's nothing I'm not used to", said Neji.
Hinata left to give the couple some privacy.
"You shouldn't have to listen to that", said Kiba.
Neji gave a heavy sigh.
"Can we go?" he asked.
Kiba nodded his head. He understood Neji's urgency to leave. This was draining. It seemed to be even harder on his husband. They reached their cozy home on the Inuzuka Clan's land. Neji's things had moved been there days ago. He only wanted to sleep. Kiba followed him into the bedroom, which earned him a stern glare from his mate.
"I know you want your space and I wish I could give it to you, but our hands are literally tied", said Kiba as he lifted their wrists.
They wouldn't be able to take off the ribbon for one day. If they did it would be considered a break of their marriage. Neji flinched when he only saw one bed. Would Kiba force him to consummate their marriage?
"Neji?"
This was too much right now. He went through hell today and now it continued.
"Calm down", said Kiba in a gentle voice.
Neji snapped. How dare he ask him to calm down?! Rage to took over and he lashed out. His husband was the target of his rage. Kiba was stunned and hurt. Yes, he had taken far worse attacks than that, but being attacked by the one he loves made it hurt all the more. The taste of iron filled his mouth. It took all of Kiba's control not to get angry. Anger would only make the situation worse.
"I will not share the same bed with you", hissed Neji.
Then Kiba understood. It was more than Neji being afraid of sleeping with him, but the fear he would force him to make love.
"Neji remember my promise. I won't force you into anything", said Kiba.
His words didn't make it through to his mate. Even though they would only be tied together for one day this was going to cause many problems. If Neji has this bad of a reaction to sleeping together how would he respond to showering together? He had to be direct. Trying to go around the subject would only further agitate his mate.
"We have to share the bed Neji there's no way of getting around it. You are safe with me", said Kiba.
"Safe? How the hell do you expect to feel safe around you after what you did to me!" yelled Neji.
It felt like a blade had gone through his heart. Neji attacked, but Kiba blocked it. His normally sharp attacks were clouded with emotions. Kiba pinned Neji's arm behind his back. Using force against his mate was the last thing he ever wanted to do, but he didn't have a choice.
Neji stilled. The position Kiba had his arm in could lead to an easy dislocation of his shoulder if he wasn't careful. He couldn't believe Kiba disabled him so easily. His breathing calmed. He had to lure Kiba into a false sense of security, so he would be free to attack again.
"You keep telling me to trust you and that you won't hurt yet look at what you are doing. You're trying to force me into submission", said Neji.
"I promised I wouldn't harm you, but that doesn't me I'll allow you to hurt me", said Kiba in a soft voice.
Neji tried yanking his arm away but was only met with pain.
"Careful, I don't want you to hurt yourself", said Kiba.
Neji gave a bitter laugh.
"You say I'm forcing you into submission, but that's not what I want. I don't care about the whole dominant submissive thing. I want us to be equals. That only way we have a chance of working out", said Kiba.
"You have. During our mission you kept ordering me to submit", Neji spat.
"That doesn't count I wasn't myself", said Kiba.
Neji took a breath and leaned his body against Kiba to relieve the pressure on his arm. He was burnt out physically and emotionally. The will to fight left his body.
"Please let go. I won't fight", said Neji.
Kiba released his arm. He rolled his shoulder to relieve some of the ache.
"I'm willing to take this as slowly as you want to", said Kiba.
"I don't want this to go anywhere", said Neji.
"Give me a chance", begged Kiba.
"No, I will never give you that. I will never love you don't you understand. No one could ever love someone who did that to them. You forced me on all four and mounted me like a dog", said Neji.
Neji braced himself for savage anger, but it didn't come. Kiba just stood there. His eye lacked all emotions. Neji couldn't read any of his husband's emotions. His normally expressive and readable face was blank. Something about this terrified him. Had he broken the jonin standing in front of him? He'd gone too far. Neji sighed. He should be enjoying this. His rapist was in suffering. But seeing Kiba like this was hurting him.
"Kiba",
A small spark appeared in those sharp black eyes. They focused on him.
"I'm sorry", said Neji through gritted teeth.
Kiba's eyes came back to life.
"I should be the one apologizing to you I never wanted this. I never wanted to hurt you. Can I ask one thing of you? Open our bond. Let me show you how much suffering I'm in for hurting you. I only need a few seconds", said Kiba.
Neji nodded his head and opened their bond. He lost his breath and nearly collapsed when he felt a massive flood of pain and regret hit him. He regained his composer when Kiba close their connection. Was he really in that much suffering?
"Neji, I'm not going to ask you to like me or even love me. I'm only asking for a chance. Even if you hate me Neji, my love for you will always be unconditional", said Kiba.
"I'll try", said Neji.
"Thank you", whispered Kiba.
He slowly moved closer to his mate and pulled him into an embrace. Neji didn't put up a fight. Kiba gave a relaxed sigh, as his submissive leaned in his chest. He was even allowed to run his hand down mate's spine. Kiba moved his other hand to Neji's neck.
"Stop",
It came out more as a plea than a command. Kiba respected his husband's wishes. Neji had to give Kiba credit as they changed for bed not once did his eyes linger on him. He sat at the foot of the bed and starting working the flowers from his hair. Kiba moved closer to him.
"May I help?" asked Kiba.
Neji gave a slight nod of his head. Kiba was grateful for the chance to touch those silken locks. He took his time slowly working the flowers out.
"Finished, come on let me wash away those", said Kiba.
Neji followed Kiba into the bathroom. The former Hyuga groaned as he was forced to his feet. Kiba lifted his mate. Neji made no protests he was too drained. Kiba carefully placed him on the bathroom counter. He lifted Neji's chin.
"You know it doesn't look half bad", said Kiba.
Neji rolled his eyes. He flinched when he felt a damp washcloth against his cheek.
"What about you?" asked Neji.
"It takes months for it fades and is almost impossible to wash off", said Kiba.
Finally, they got into bed. Much to Neji's relief, Kiba gave him as much space as possible. It wasn't all that much since Akamaru took up a good chunk of the bed. Neji couldn't sleep. He watched as Kiba's breath quickly calmed as he drifted to sleep. There was something nice seeing him like this. Neji didn't understand why he enjoyed the scene so much.
He meant what he said to Kiba. Neji was willing to give it a chance. He'd been fighting a losing battle with his emotions against Kiba for too long. What would happen if he gave into them? He wasn't ready for anything physical, but he could allow himself to feel comfortable in his husband's presence. Why fight his relationship with Kiba? It would get him nowhere. He would never be free of him and their bond. He managed to escape one cage only to fly straight into another. The brief freedom was wonderful while it lasted. He escaped his thought, he noticed Kiba's breathing changed. A pair of sharp black eyes were focused on him.
"What has you thinking such dark thoughts?" asked Kiba whose voice was heavy with sleep.
Neji turned on his side to escape the glaze of those intense dark eyes.
"I don't know what you're talking about", said Neji.
"I wish you wouldn't lie to me. The depression you're feeling right now was strong enough to wake me up from my sleep", said Kiba.
"I apologize",
"Don't apologize for hurting. I want to make you feel better", said Kiba.
Neji hadn't heard such a truly sincere voice since he was a child.
"Please look at me", begged Kiba.
Slowly Neji turned so he was facing Kiba. He was greeted with a warm smile.
"I won't ask you to tell me what has you feeling this way. I trust when you are ready you will tell me. Remember our bond allows me to feel what you're feeling. I only want your pain to stop", said Kiba.
Kiba's intense gaze made him feel uneasy, so he tried turning away again. But Kiba gentle hold on his chin stopped him.
"You can't hide from me", said Kiba.
The way Kiba said that made it sound unthreatening, but it still got to Neji. He tried moving further away from Kiba but was stopped when a pair of strong arms wrapped around him. Now he was pressed against Kiba's chest. This is too close. Neji started struggling. Why is he letting Kiba do this? He's stronger and more talented than Kiba. Neji didn't want to hurt his husband he only wanted him further away. He channeled his chakra and was shocked to find out he couldn't. The shock made his body go still. Then the panic took over and he started fighting.
"Why can't I drawl on my chakra?" Neji nearly yelled.
Kiba was stunned. He has, to be honest with his mate. Kiba knew he should have told him about this part of the bond earlier.
"Our bond doesn't allow us to use our chakra against each other", said Kiba.
"Have you tried it against me?" asked Neji.
"Yes, you're difficult as hell to keep still", said Kiba.
Neji realized he was at a disadvantage. Yes, he's strong without the help of chakra, but Kiba is stronger. Because of the bond, he was rendered almost helpless. Recognizing this weakness made panic and frustration unavoidable.
Kiba felt chaos coursing through his mate. He moved Neji, so his back was against his chest. It looked like his mate was about to go into panic attack. This isn't right. This Neji was so different from the one he was used to seeing. Kiba moved Neji's hair away from his neck. He ran his tongue over his mark. Neji tensed at the feel, but was quickly soothed by the sucks, nibbles, and kisses Kiba placed on his neck. Much to Kiba's relief his mate calmed and started moving himself closer.
Even with his mate's relaxed sighs and moans, Kiba couldn't enjoy himself. He was far too worried about Neji to enjoy the bliss of the moment. Kiba was aware that what happened in the past few weeks might reopen old hidden wounds. He promised himself that he would find out what those old wounds were and would help repair them. Kiba would get his mate back to his original self. He was brought out of his thought when heard a soft whine coming from his mate. Kiba continued tending his mark until Neji fell into a deep sleep. He pulled away from his husband's neck. Kiba couldn't help staring at the scars on Neji's back. It was a miracle he survived these wounds. He sighed and pulled Neji close.
