First Mate First Love
Chapter 10: Changes
Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Tsume was sick of how the young couple was treating each other. She needed to see them together to figure out how to help them. She knew the perfect way to get them in the same room.
"Neji", she called.
He perked up from his meditation.
"Yes, Tsume", he answered.
She smiled even with all the chaos the boy was going through he still, has the sense to show respect for his elders. Kiba, on the other hand, would snap at her every chance he got.
"I need to speak with you", said Tsume.
He nodded his head.
"Let's take the conversation inside", said Tsume.
Neji followed her into the living room. He sat on the couch and waited for Tsume to start the conversation.
"Kiba, come in here", called Tsume.
He appeared in the entrance of the living room. Kiba took the seat on the furthest edge of the couch to give Neji space.
"What do you want, Mom?" asked Kiba.
"I want to tell the both of you about the changes each of you will experience when the next heat comes around", said Tsume.
"You've already given me this lecture", said Kiba.
"Yes, I've given you this lecture, but not Neji. Besides, I only gave you the abridged one", said Tsume.
He gulped. Kiba knew both of them were in for a very long and very awkward lecture.
"Are there any questions you would like to get out of the way first?" asked Tsume.
"If by some miracle Neji does give me the privilege of joining me in heat is there any way to prevent him from getting pregnant?" asked Kiba.
He ignored the icy glare Neji sent in his direction.
"That's simple Neji would have to drink a bitter brew of herbs right before heat sets in. Then there will be no risk of pregnancy", said Tsume.
Then she went into every excruciating detailed lecture about heat. To Neji and Kiba the conversation seemed to go on for hours. By the time she finished Kiba was as red as a tomato and Neji had a light blush spread across his cheeks. Sometime during the conversation, the two of them had edged closer to each other. Now they were only inches apart.
They returned to their house. Neji took a seat on the porch swing. Shine hopped on with him. For some reason, Neji seemed much more at ease. Kiba was happy that for this moment his mate wasn't sending waves of hate at him through their bond. Neji gently pushed Shine from the swing and settled down next to Akamaru.
"You can sit with me if you want", said Neji.
Kiba stared at him.
"Don't make me repeat myself Kiba or I might change my mind", said Neji.
Kiba quickly took the seat next to him. He didn't make any attempt at moving closer to his mate. Kiba didn't want to risk ruining this closeness.
"Sorry about the lecture. I know that must have been uncomfortable for you", said Kiba.
"Yes, you're the one who went red", said Neji.
Kiba smiled when he heard the playful tone in his mate's voice. He missed that tone.
"I have no idea how you were able to keep composer through that", said Kiba.
"Years of training", said Neji.
Kiba nearly jumped, when he felt Neji's hand touch his. He wrapped his hand around Neji's. Kiba decided to take a risk. He moved his hand away from Neji's and put it around his shoulder instead. His mate leaned into his chest. A massive wave of relief swept over him.
Hana and Tsume watched the couple from afar. They were both happy to see the couple together. This felt right. Neji and Kiba actually looked like they were mates.
"You're a miracle worker, mom. How the hell did you get those two back together?" asked Hana.
"It was easy all I had to do was make them feel so uncomfortable that they sought out each other's comfort", said Tsume.
"And giving them the heat talk did that", said Hana.
"At least they learned something and look how happy they look. They are going to have the cutest babies", said Tsume.
"Isn't it a little early to be thinking about grandchildren from them?" asked Hana.
"Maybe, just to warn you my lovely flower you are my next project. You and Kakashi would make a lovely couple too", said Tsume.
Hana blushed. Now that her mother was retired and brother was married all free time would be focused on her. She didn't want to make a fool of herself in front of Kakashi. In few a days, she would be spending a few hours with him at vet appointment for all his dogs. She left before her mother could pry further into her personal life. That and she thought Kiba and Neji deserved some privacy.
Kiba and Neji watched the sunset together. At this moment Kiba wouldn't move for the world. When Kiba looked at his mate, he was asleep. Neji must not have been sleeping well if he so easily fell asleep with him near. Neji was in such a deep slumber Kiba was able to move him into his lap.
"Probably the first decent sleep he's had since that girl caused trouble", said Tsume.
"Quiet, you might wake him", said Kiba.
Neji cuddled closely to Kiba's chest. He smirked when he saw his mate clutching his shirt. Kiba pulled him closer. Neji gave a content sigh.
"Doesn't look like he'll wake up anytime soon", said Tsume.
"What caused this change?" asked Kiba.
"Well first off I shocked the two you into it with my talk. Second, your heat is coming up, his instincts are telling him to make up with you. Make sure that girl stays away from him. He's my family too. I don't want to see him hurting", said Tsume.
"Neither do I", said Kiba.
"Here I thought you could use this", said Tsume as she spread a blanket over the two of them.
"Thanks, mom", said Kiba.
Eventually, Kiba had to wake his mate. He gently nudged Neji awake. Those white eyes slowly fluttered opened. For the first time, Kiba realized how long Neji's eyelashes were.
"Kiba?"
His voice was groggy with sleep.
"What were you staring?" asked Neji.
"You have the longest eyelashes. I just notice", said Kiba.
He felt his face warm. Neji hated this. He'd never blushed this often before. Neji's muscles relaxed as Kiba's hand ran down his back. He'd also never been this close to another person before.
"Did you sleep well?" asked Kiba.
Neji nodded.
"Hungry?" asked Kiba.
Neji nodded again.
"Ramen my treat", said Kiba.
"Can we go somewhere else?" asked Neji.
"Sure", said Kiba.
Neji took Kiba's hand and led him through town. Kiba was perfectly fine with being dragged around the village by Neji. His mate pulled him into a small out of the way restaurant. The smell coming from inside was wonderful.
"Oh, if isn't my favorite customer", said an old lady at the counter.
She dressed in a yellow kimono. Her long white hair was tied in a large bun at the top of her head. The woman was very tiny. She stood at eye level with Akamaru.
"So it takes you this long to bring your husband. You should be ashamed of yourself young man", said the woman as she walked closer to Akamaru.
"Sorry", said Neji.
"I thought you said he was handsome. He's kinda short and look how hairy he is. And these ears", she said as pulled on Akamaru's ears.
Both Kiba and Neji were having a difficult time not laughing. Akamaru whined. What was wrong with his ears?
"Grams, your glasses", said Neji.
"Oh, now where did I put those darn things", she said.
"Around your neck", said Neji.
She put them on.
"Much better", she said.
"This is Kiba and Akamaru", said Neji.
"Come closer. I want to get a good look at ya", said Grams.
Kiba kneeled down so he was at level with the old woman. He groaned as she pinched his cheeks.
"Very handsome. I'm surprised you spend so much time here when you have him at home. If I had someone like him I would never want to leave the bed", said Grams.
Neji blushed and Kiba smirked.
"You will call me Grams. Now you two take a seat and I'll fix you something to eat", she said.
Kiba followed Neji to a booth seat. As they walked there he saw photos. Many had Neji in them.
"This is place is special to you isn't it?" asked Kiba.
"My father used to take me here all the time. When he died, I came here on my own. The people here were always very kind to me. They became family", said Neji.
A young woman appeared at their table with a kettle of tea. She had dark blue hair and eyes. The woman smiled at Neji.
"So this is the mystery man", she said.
"He's not a mystery. You were at the wedding", said Neji.
The woman rolled her eyes.
"Be good to my baby brother", she said.
"You're only two months older than me. I don't know why you insist on calling me baby", said Neji.
The woman pinched Neji's cheek.
"Because you dislike it so much", she said before releasing his cheek.
He rubbed his face. Grams and her were only two people who get away with pinching his cheeks.
"That's Yochu. She's the older sister I never wanted", said Neji.
"I heard that!" shout Yochu.
"I wanted you to", said Neji.
Kiba knew this was an extremely big step for them.
"I'll be right back", said Neji.
Neji walked to the bathroom.
"You know he doesn't bring just anyone here. He told me the two of you were fighting maybe this his way of apologizing. Neji has always had a difficult time apologizing", said Grams.
She placed a bowl of noodles in front of him.
"Be good to him. He's has had it difficult. You might be able to help him. I can tell he likes you, Kiba. And it's obvious how much you love him", said Grams.
"That obvious huh", said Kiba.
The old woman gave a nod of her head.
"It's cute", said Yochu.
"Oh, if you have friends please bring them here. The more customers the better", said Grams.
"I'll do that", said Kiba.
She nodded her head and then returned to the kitchen. Kiba waited to until Neji came before he started eating. The food was wonderful.
"Kiba?"
He looked up from his meal.
"What was your father like?" asked Neji.
Kiba frowned. Neji squeezed his hand.
"If you don't want to talk about it. I understand", said Neji.
"It isn't that. When I was younger, I thought my mother scared him away", said Kiba.
"Knowing your mother she wouldn't let you think that for long", said Neji.
"I can't say much about him. He died when I was a baby. He was a vet and ninja and died on a mission. Everyone tells me he's was a great man. Mom says I look a lot like him. What about yours? Sorry, Neji. You don't have to tell me", said Kiba.
"It's alright Kiba. People don't ask me about my father often. He was a very loyal and kind man. He was always there for me", said Neji.
"How about your mother?" asked Kiba.
Neji frown, but it faded.
"After my father's death, she couldn't handle the idea of life any longer. I found her hanging from the rafter", said Neji.
He felt his mate's slight sadness. Kiba moved so he sat next to his mate instead of across from him. He wrapped his arm around Neji's shoulder and pulled him close.
"I love you Neji more than anything in the world", said Kiba.
The most beautiful thing happened. Neji smiled. It wasn't forced or bitter. It was warm and made of the most gentle of emotions.
"Thank you, Kiba", said Neji.
"You don't have to thank me. I'm only telling the truth", said Kiba.
"I have a mission coming up", said Neji.
Kiba tensed. He didn't want Neji out of his reach when their bond was still fragile.
"It's a simple escort mission tomorrow. I'll be back in a day", said Neji.
"Who's going with you?" asked Kiba.
"Tenten", said Neji.
Kiba gave a sigh of relief. He was thankful it wasn't another male. The bill came. They both reached at the same time.
"Let me. You paid last time", said Neji.
Kiba made no argument over who paid. He didn't want to risk a fight. Neji felt wonderful from what Kiba had said to him. He felt he had to repay him somehow, but he couldn't think of how. Neji shook his head. He shouldn't be thinking that way. Kiba raped him. He shouldn't be feeling all these conflicting emotions. Their walk home was quiet.
"I'm going to take Akamaru on a walk. Do you and Shine want to come?" asked Kiba.
Neji nodded his head and followed his mate outside. The fireflies were out and the sky was clear. Neji let Kiba hold his hand as they walked. They were both relaxed. Tonight they decided to take a short walk through the village. Akamaru and Shine walked in front of them. Neji froze.
"What's wrong?" asked Kiba.
Then he saw what spooked Neji. His grandfather was standing in front of them. The old man gave a heavy sigh.
"Only furthering my disappointment in you, Neji", said the Hyuga Elder.
Neji released Kiba's hand.
"If only you could be more like Hanabi", said the Hyuga Elder before walking off.
"Neji",
Kiba grew worried when his mate didn't respond. He reached his hand out to touch Neji cheek, but he pushed it away.
"I'm fine", said Neji.
Kiba couldn't read his mate's emotions, but he knew that wasn't true. Neji had put a mental barrier. They walked home in complete silence. Kiba took his place on the couch. Neji went to their bedroom. He dressed for bed. Shine sat on the bed waiting for him. He ran his fingers through Shine's fur. Part of him was tempted to get Kiba from the couch but decided not to. Neji woke up early in the morning for his mission. Kiba was snoring on the couch with Akamaru lying on top of him. He sighed. Should he say goodbye? He owes him that.
"Kiba, wake up", said Neji.
Those sharp black eyes slowly opened. He pushed Akamaru off. The large dog whined, before falling asleep again on the floor.
"What time is it?" mumbled Kiba as he sat up.
"Five in the morning", he answered.
"Your mission", said Kiba.
"I just woke you to say goodbye", said Neji.
Before he could leave Kiba grabbed his hand.
"Come here for a minute", said Kiba.
What harm could he do? A few minutes wouldn't make him late for his mission. He shook his head. He shouldn't be doing this. His grandfather's words flashed in his head. Kiba pulled him onto the couch.
"Kiba, I have to leave", said Neji.
"I know. I only need a second", said Kiba.
He stiffened as his husband leaned closer to him. Kiba lifted his forehead protector and placed a kiss on his seal. The simple motion felt extremely intimate.
"I love you", said Kiba.
Neji allowed Kiba to fix his forehead protector.
"I have to go", said Neji before he ran out of the house.
Tenten was waiting for him at the front gate. They started their journey. Tenten couldn't help noticing her teammate seemed a bit off. They were only a few miles away from the village, but the merchants needed rest. Tenten sat next to her teammate.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing", said Neji.
"I've known you long enough to know when something is bothering you", said Tenten.
"It's nothing", said Neji.
"Isn't it obvious girl? He's missing someone badly", said one of the merchants.
Tenten couldn't help smiling. She'd rarely seen this soft side of her partner before. It was nice to see he actually had a soft side. Kiba is lucky to have married someone so handsome. There was so much mystery surround Neji's relationship with Kiba. How could she have not noticed her teammate was in a relationship with someone?
"Neji, was your marriage arranged?" asked Tenten.
"No", said Neji.
His voice remained calm.
"Tell me when you and him started going out", said Tenten.
"What happens between me and my husband is private. I will tell you this it was unexpected", said Neji.
"Come on Neji I want to know", begged Tenten.
"No",
"Can you tell me this is he any good in bed?" asked Tenten.
Neji felt his face go hot.
"Neji, you're blushing!" squealed Tenten.
"Will you be quiet", said Neji.
"There's nothing wrong with missing someone", said Tenten.
If only she knew how much conflict he was feeling about missing Kiba.
"We'll be back soon enough. I'll take first watch", said Tenten.
Neji nodded his head. He flinched when he felt a slight cramping in his abdomen. He brushed it off as nothing. There were far more important things for him to think about. He closed his eyes and tried sleeping.
Kiba was aching for his mate. Kakashi shouldn't have sent him on a mission so soon. Their bond was fragile and new, so being a part was extremely stressing. Neji was putting up a mental wall made it all the harder on Kiba. He had no sense of his mate what so ever and that was terrifying. Akamaru nudged against his master's hand.
"Don't worry about me boy. I'll be fine", said Kiba.
"I would say you're far from okay. Normally at this time, you're running through trees with Akamaru", said Shino.
"You have no idea what I'm going through", said Kiba.
"Yes, I don't. But seeing you this way is disturbing. Would me offering to buy you lunch repair that", said Shino.
"I'll take you up on that offer and I know just the place to go", said Kiba.
Shino followed Kiba to a small restaurant. He'd never seen this restaurant before.
"GET OUT. HOW DARE YOU PICK ON A DEFENSELESS CREATURE!" screamed a woman.
Shino looked up to see what was causing all the commotion. It was a blue haired woman. She was chasing a man and attempting to hit him with a broom.
"DON'T YOU EVER COME BACK!", she yelled.
"Yochu, you okay?" asked Kiba.
She smiled at him. Her smile grew bigger when she saw that he had brought another customer with him. There was the added bonus of Kiba's friend being very cute.
"Oh, I'm fine Kiba please don't let that scare you and your friend away", said Yochu.
Shino followed his teammate inside. Yochu stopped at the front counter and picked a class holding a wolf spider in it.
"Can you tell us what just happen?" asked Kiba
"That man wanted to squish her. I'm planning on releasing her near the dumpster. There will be plenty of flies for her to eat out there", said Yochu.
"I can take her", said Shino.
"How do I know you won't squish her?" asked Yochu.
"Trust me Yochu. Shino wouldn't even hurt a flea", said Kiba.
She took the spider from the glass. It crawled up Shino's sleeve. Yochu smiled. She led them to an empty both seat.
"Your food will be ready shortly", said Yochu before she ran off to the kitchen.
"Hey, Shino you okay?" asked Kiba.
"Who was that?" he asked.
"That's Yochu she's the granddaughter of the owner. You like her don't you", said Kiba.
"Be quiet", hissed Shino.
Kiba couldn't help laughing. He'd never seen his stoic teammate like this before.
"Her name is interesting that's all. It means larva", said Shino.
Kiba had no idea why any mother their child after a larva. A few minutes later she came back with their food.
"We order", said Shino as he stared at the bowl placed in front of him.
"Oh, you didn't have to cutie. Grams knows the best dish for every customer", said Yochu.
"Thanks", said Shino.
Kiba stared at his teammate. Even with the high collar of Shino's shirt Kiba saw the light blush.
"What are you gawking at?" asked Shino.
"You're blushing", said Kiba.
"Be quiet and eat your food", said Shino.
The bill came.
"Cutie, my shift ends at eight if you're interested", said Yochu before she left.
Never in his life had Kiba seen any woman interested in Shino. The most shocking was Shino was interested too. Hinata wouldn't believe him. They left the restaurant.
"So will you go?" asked Kiba.
"That's none of your concern", said Shino.
By the time Kiba got home the ache returned. He ran into his house. Kiba got into their bed. The blankets smelled strongly of Neji. He wrapped the blankets around and breathed in the scent. It calmed him but aroused him. His mate will be back by tomorrow afternoon.
By the time Neji and Tenten arrived at the village it was mid afternoon. They were waiting to be dismissed from the Hokage's office. The cramping in Neji's abdomen had grown worse. All he wanted to do was go to bed. The pain hit hard. It took him to his knees.
"Neji!"
