First Mate First Love

Chapter 8: Revelations

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Neji woke in Kiba's warm embrace. His face was nuzzled to Kiba's neck. The smell of earth, dogs, and fresh air clung to Kiba's skin. It was a wonderful scent. He was surprised that he never caught on to it before. His body and mind were both in agreement in not wanting to leave the bed. He nuzzled closer to Kiba's neck. His husband's arms pulled him even closer. Neji closed his eyes. Only to open them again when Akamaru licked his faced. The powerful smell of doggy breath hit his nose. The large dog started whining. He must have to go the bathroom. Neji forced himself from bed.

"Akamaru", called Neji.

It was a peaceful walk. Normally, he'd go alone, but there was something nice about having quiet company. Maybe he should have gotten dog. They had been walking for a while. Kiba might be getting worried.

"Why do I care?" sighed Neji.

Akamaru nudged against his leg.

"Sorry",

The large dog licked his fingertips.

"It's odd seeing someone besides Kiba walking Akamaru",

It was Shino. He was in a tree out of plain sight.

"He had to go so I took him out", said Neji.

"It says a lot that Akamaru came to trust you so quickly", Shino.

"Goodbye Shino",

There was something to what he said. Neji had never seen another walk Akamaru. Kiba wouldn't trust anyone with his best friend. He returned home. Neji stared at the small cabin in front.

"This is home", he said.

Akamaru pounced on him and licked his cheek. The dog's eyes were so warm. He pushed the dog off him. Neji went in. Kiba's snoring could be heard from the bedroom. Still asleep he shouldn't be surprised. Akamaru whined at the fridge. He pawed at the door. Neji placed out a bowl of food down for him. After that, he made his own breakfast.

Kiba woke alone. Where could he have gone? He stretched and got dressed. Neji walked into the living room and saw Akamaru sitting with Neji on the couch. The dog's head was resting on his lap. Kiba couldn't help being jealous of his best friend.

"I've already fed and walked him. I hope you don't mind", said Neji as he looked up from his book.

"Why would I mind? It's nice to see you two getting along so well", said Kiba.

He sat down in the small space left on the couch.

"Why does he like me? He hardly even knows me", said Neji.

"He knows how important you are to me", said Kiba.

"That simple", said Neji.

"Yes", said Kiba.

An uneasy quiet settled between the two of them. Akamaru decided to break it by farting.

"God, Akamaru give a guy some warning before unleashing something like that", said Kiba.

Neji gave a soft laugh. Kiba joined in his husband's laughter. Good boy Akamaru.

"I could love dogs", said Neji.

Kiba's smile grew wider. He caught his mate's hidden meaning.

"I need time and patience", said Neji.

Kiba has never been a patient person, but he was willing to be patient for his mate.

"I can do that", said Kiba.

There was a knock on the door.

"That's Hinata I told her I would train with her", said Neji.

Kiba nodded his head and Neji went off with Hinata.

"Looks like I might have a chance Akamaru, but for the moment he seems to enjoy your company more than mine. That will change. I want you to be friendly to him even if he and I are fighting", said Kiba.

Akamaru nodded his head. His master's happiness was all he wanted. He knew Kiba's happiness was dependent on how things went with his bitch. After his master ate they started training.

Neji spent hours training with Hinata. She'd improved greatly, since the day they first fought against each other. His cousin was no longer a weakling little girl. She actually posed a challenge to him, while training.

"Let's take a break", said Hinata.

They sat on the small deck and relaxed. Neji started fiddling with his wedding ring.

"Neji",

He looked over at his cousin.

"Kiba will always be loyal to you", said Hinata.

"I never doubted that", said Neji.

Neji never even saw Kiba look at another man or woman. Even though he was causing him such pain.

"What are you getting at?" asked Neji.

"He loves you", said Hinata.

"That's not true. He only feels that way because of our bond", said Neji.

"So what", she said.

He glared at Hinata.

"It's not like what you and Naruto have", said Neji.

"Yes, it is. Do you think Kiba chose you as his mate at random?" said Hinata.

"I was in the right place at the wrong time", said Neji.

"That's not true and you know it", said Hinata.

Neji ignored her. Why does he have to be so stubborn? Why won't he allow himself to be loved?

"Do you want to know a secret?" asked Hinata.

Neji would do anything to get off this subject. He nodded his head.

"Kiba has had a crush on you for years", said Hinata.

He couldn't hide his surprise.

"Why?" he asked.

Hinata smirked now she has his interest.

"He loves your personality, strength, and looks", said Hinata.

"How can you be so sure?" asked Neji.

"Kiba is like a brother to me, so reading him is easy. The way he talked about you made it so clear. He told me that if both of you made it through the war he would tell you how he felt", said Hinata.

He had no idea Kiba felt that way. Now that he looked back on it explained a good amount of Kiba's action before the incident. Like how he was alway at the hot spring, when he was.

"How long has he felt that way?" asked Neji.

"Since he first set eyes on you", said Hinata.

"Eight years?" asked Neji.

He couldn't believe Kiba felt that way for so long.

"Why would he want me after want I did to you? If you him are truly like siblings he should have never forgiven me", said Neji.

"He saw your suffering as clearly as I did", said Hinata.

He frowned. That suffering he held in such secrecy was known by more than. He thought he'd kept it well hidden.

"Was it that obvious?" he asked.

"No not many noticed. You kept everything so bottle up and your face so expressionless at times it made it almost impossible for someone to read. The only reason Kiba could tell is that he had such strong feelings for you", said Hinata.

"That doesn't explain why he kept such powerful feelings for me. I nearly killed you, Hinata. How could he forgive me after I did such a thing?" asked Neji.

"I forgave you, but Kiba was torn up. Holding a grudge against someone love extremely painful and I hated seeing you in such pain. I told him I already forgave you and that he should too", said Hinata.

"Why would you do that? You had no reason to?" asked Neji.

"I care about you and Kiba even then when things were rough. I thought he could make you happy. You've gone through so much sadness and agony in your life I thought you deserved a chance for love", said Hinata.

That could have been true if the incident didn't happen. But now love seems impossible.

"Would you have given him a chance before?" asked Hinata.

"I'm not sure", said Neji.

He looked at the clock. It was getting late.

"I should go", said Neji.

When he returned home he showered. Kiba hadn't returned from his training yet. Neji didn't feel like staying in the house, so he went outside to the garden and sat down in the soft grass. He closed his eyes. They opened, when someone licked his face. He thought it would be Akamaru, but it was Kuromaru.

"You seem to be feeling better", said Tsume.

He nodded his head.

"We need to get you a dog", said Tsume.

"Mrs-

"No, you call me Tsume or mom", she said.

He hadn't called anyone mom since he was a child.

"I don't need a dog", said Neji.

"Yes, you do. Every member of this clan has a dog even the ones who married into family have one. Kiba will help you pick one out", said Tsume.

Kiba appeared next to his mom. Neji allowed Kiba to take his hand as they went to the pound. Hana was waiting for them there.

"I've picked the dogs I thought best for you", said Hana.

As they walked through the pound they passed kennels Neji stopped in front of one. It held a scared up Rottweiler. Those sweet brown eyes told a sad story. He fell for the dog. Her short tail started wagging. She licked his fingers through the cage. Hana and Kiba hadn't noticed that he didn't follow them.

Kiba stopped when didn't hear Neji following them. Neji was smiling as he petted a dog through the kennel door. Kiba walked over to see what dog caught Neji's interest. Both Kiba and Hana were surprised at the attraction.

"What about this one?" asked Neji.

"I'm surprised you'd be interested in her. No one has ever wanted her because she's a former fighter. Her appearance doesn't help either. Sadly, we might have to put her down because she's taking up space", said Hana.

"I don't mind. Can you let her out?" asked Neji.

Hana opened the door of the kennel. The dog didn't jump she quietly trotted over and sat by Neji's side. He ran his fingers through her fur and she leaned into his leg. Akamaru approached her and she licked his muzzle.

"Can I take her?" asked Neji.

"Of course", said Hana.

"What are you going to name her?" asked Kiba.

"Shine", said Neji.

"Wait, outside Neji. I'll fill out the paperwork", said Hana.

He nodded his head. Shine followed after her master.

"His choice says a lot about him. Shine will help drawl out his personality. But now you're competing against Akamaru and Shine for Neji's affection", said Hana.

"I'm just happy he's happy", said Kiba.

"It looks like Akamaru likes Shine too. Maybe there will be puppies soon", said Hana.

The large dog whined.

"I don't think Akamaru is ready to be a father yet", said Kiba.

"What about you then? When will I have a little niece or nephew?" asked Hana.

"Not anytime soon", said Kiba.

He sighed. In all honesty, he would rather have a child sooner rather than later, so he wouldn't have to undergo heat every other month, but he was willing to go through it for his love.

Neji waited for Kiba outside. His new dog licked at his fingers. He smiled at her. What is taking Kiba? His husband finally made his appearance. They made their way home. Neji didn't plan on staying for long. To his surprise, Kiba didn't ask where he was going. Kiba sighed as he watched his mate walk off with Shine. The two looked very happy. He groaned yet again he was jealous of a dog. He needed to find something to distract himself. Akamaru barked at him.

"Yes, of course, I want to be with him", said Kiba.

Maybe his master needed a nudge in the right direction. He would also love an excuse to be near that pretty Rottweiler. Akamaru moved him behind Kiba and pushed him in the direction Neji traveled.

"Just because I want to be with him Akamaru doesn't mean I should. He needs his space", said Kiba.

The large dog shook his head in frustration. He couldn't understand it. If want to be with your bitch be with your bitch. What was so complicated about that? Why must human mating rituals be so complicated?

Neji sat in the soft grass. Shine rested by his side. The cool breeze gently caressed his body. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the feel. Neji lost track of time. He hadn't felt this tranquil for some time. He didn't feel depressed or hopeless instead he felt at peace. A part of knew this peace wasn't real it was only caused by his bond with Kiba. After the stress of these past days, he would accept it fake or not.

Kiba stumbled upon Neji and Shine while walking Akamaru. His mate looked so at peace and so elegant. The breeze carried Neji's alluring scent toward him. He took a deep breath. His gaze traveled to Akamaru. Had his loyal friend led him, while he wasn't paying attention.

Neji opened his eyes when he sensed he was being watched. He turned his head slightly and saw Kiba. His husband was staring at him with a gentle gaze. He didn't seem like a danger. Kiba wouldn't be foolish enough to try something out in the open. He sighed.

"Kiba, you can join me", said Neji.

He smiled and quickly joined Neji. Kiba took a seat in arm's reach to his mate. He smirked when Akamaru cuddled closely to Shine. Lucky dog. He inched his hand closer to Neji's. His fingers caressed his submissive's hand. He was stunned when felt Neji open their bond slightly. This was a massive step in the right direction. Kiba turned to face his mate. Neji's cheeks were flushed a light shade of pink.

"What are you staring at?" he asked.

"Nothing", said Kiba.

He took great pleasure in being able to touch his mate. The sun was setting and it was starting cool.

"We should go inside", said Kiba as stood up.

Neji shook his head.

"Aren't you cold?" asked Kiba.

Neji simply shook his head no. Kiba stood beside his mate. He took a few seconds just to admire his mate, so beautiful. Kiba couldn't believe this handsome man was his mate and husband. He wanted to hold him. Neji didn't mind a caress. Maybe he wouldn't mind a little more contact. Kiba decided to push his luck. He sat down behind his mate. His arms pulled Neji so he sat between his legs with his back to his chest. He gave it a few second and prepared for any incoming attack. Neji was still tense, but he didn't struggle. He wrapped one of his arms around mate's waist.

"I refuse to leave you in this weather. I'll have to keep you warm", said Kiba.

A small smile crossed his mate's lips. His heart melted when he saw that smile. This was paradise for him. His cheek rested against Neji's head. He kept breathing in his mate's intoxicating scent. By some miracle, he didn't get a hard on, which would have ruined the spell.

The only thing that could make the moment better was if his mate was under the influence of chemical. Right now Neji was high on his own hormones. This was part of the process to help Neji get over his shock. He shouldn't be complaining who knows when he'll get a chance like this again. Instead of question or judging it any further, he decided to enjoy it. He nuzzled his nose into his mate's silky hair. With his free hand, he started running his fingers through those locks. Neji sighed and relaxed further in his arms. Encourage by his mate's reaction Kiba started massaging Neji's scalp.

Neji was in heaven. No one ever touched his hair like this before. He gave a soft moan. His cheek warmed when he heard himself make such a noise. He brushed off his embarrassment and closed his eyes.

Kiba nearly lost it, when he heard his mate moan. Somehow he managed to stay calm. Thankfully Neji remained quiet for the rest of the time. He wanted to taste his mate. Kiba moved Neji's hair away from his neck. He started kissing his mate's pale neck. Neji flinched. He raised his shoulder to shield his neck. Kiba pulled away and rested is head against Neji's cheek. He started running his fingers through his mate's hair. His submissive dropped his defenses and his shoulders went at ease.

Once again the couple didn't know they were be observed. Hanabi smirked when she saw them. Once again her cousin was further disgracing their clan. She couldn't wait to tell her grandfather what she saw, but it would have to wait till morning. She ran off.

Kiba couldn't help smiling at the being in his arms. Those white eyes were lidded and showed no signs of protest. The scene was ruined when Kiba's stomach decided to growl.

"What you think about going out for ramen tonight?" asked Kiba.

"Sure", said Neji.

Tsume was surprised when she heard a knock on the door. She wasn't expecting anyone. The boys were out so she didn't have to cook. She answered the door and saw it was Hinata.

"Hinata what are you doing here? Neji and Kiba aren't here", said Tsume.

"Oh, well I just came to check on Neji. I guess since he's not here I'll go home", said Hinata.

"No, stay awhile", said Tsume.

They sat down in the living room.

"What do you want to talk about?" asked Hinata.

"Can you tell me about Neji?" asked Tsume.

"What do you want to know?" asked Hinata.

"Everything", said Tsume.

"Okay", said Hinata.

Their conversation went on for hours. Hinata only kept few parts hidden.

"What about his relationship with your grandfather?" asked Tsume.

That was one of the topics Hinata was trying to avoid.

"By your expression, I can tell it isn't a pleasant subject", said Tsume

"That's an understatement", said Hinata.

"Tell me why", said Tsume.

"Well since Neji is of the second branch he's been treated differently from me and my sister since he was born. The cruelty increased when my uncle died. Somehow grandfather reasoned that Hizashi's death was how related Neji. Years of emotional abuse had it affect. Neji became the master of the emotionless mask and well you saw him during the chunin exam", said Hinata.

"How could anyone treat a child like that?" asked Tsume.

"Grandfather never saw Neji as a child. He saw him as a weapon to protect the main branch. When he was deprived of his mother he lost one of the few people who loved him. That's why it's difficult for him to believe someone can truly love him", said Hinata.

"That explains a lot", said Tsume.

"I should be heading home", said Hinata.

Tsume walked her to the door.

"Thank you Hinata", said Tsume

"You're welcome", said Hinata before she left for him.

Neji and Kiba sat in Ichiraku Ramen. Both were quiet. After that moment of peace, neither of them knew what to talk about. Naruto came rushing into the restaurant. He tripped over Akamaru and landed face first on the floor.

"Graceful as always", said Kiba.

The blonde raised his head.

"One bowl large bowl of pork ramen", said Naruto.

"Coming right up", said Teuchi.

Both Kiba and Neji were grateful for the interruption.

"About time you two left the bed", said Naruto.

Neji coughed on his water. Kiba went red.

"Newlyweds. That gets an order of fish rolls on the house", said Teuchi.

"Congratulations", said Ayame.

"Thanks", said Neji.

The couple left.