First Mate First Love

Chapter 17: Confusion

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Tsume pitied her son. He was in hell. Kiba had been suffering for days. For three days it was a pure animalistic rage. He howled till night to crack of dawn. The fines were adding up quickly for disturbing the peace. All her neighbors thought it was one her dogs, not her son. At this point, she'd rather have her son raging than in his current condition. Now Kiba was in horrible depression. He'd figured out Neji was far out of his reach. She went to the basement to check on him. He lay on his side weakly calling for his mate. Kiba hadn't moved from the spot in hours. He didn't even raise his to look at her. The poor thing must think Neji abandoned him. He doesn't understand Neji was forced to help on a mission. She tried explaining it to him countless times, but he didn't understand.

"He'll be back I promise", said Tsume.

He whined in response. Kiba watched as mother walked away. Why did he leave him? He's good, alpha isn't he. What wrong did he do to deserve being abandoned by the one his loves? Did he go off with that annoying male? He growled. If that idiot shadow man touched his mate he's dead. He'll kill the shadow man as soon as he stepped foot in the village. His mate will see he's the better alpha. He smiled but for, now he'll rest.

Tsume looked through the kitchen cabinets making a mental checklist of what she needed to pick up from the store. When she looked out the window, she saw all the dogs from the pound were roaming free in her backyard.

"SHIT!"

Hanabi giggled. This was easier than she thought it would be. She snuck into the house and went to the basement door. At the end of the stairway lay a beast sleeping on the floor. She weakened each of his chains. Then she took the pillow case she stole from Neji's bed out of her bag. Hanabi placed it just out of Kiba's reach. She sped out of the room. It was only matter of time before her plan would be put into motion.

Neji? Kiba opened his eyes. There was a piece of fabric just out of his reach. It smelled strongly of his mate. When he pulled forward, the chains that bound him broke. He smirked. Time to get his mate back. He shoved the fabric in his back pocket. His escape route was through the side door and deep into the forest that surrounded the border of the Land of Fire. His mate would most likely come through this growled, when he heard howls. There was no mistaking it those were his sister's dogs. He needed to find somewhere safe to den. Just for now. He can't risk being dragged back to that hellish basement. No, he wouldn't go back not. He didn't want to lose what was most precious to him.

After almost five days of battle, Neji and others could finally have a well-deserved break. He sat by the fire with Shino and Shikamaru. This was the first time since they started the mission had a real rest. His mind wondered to Kiba. With all the fighting Neji didn't have time give into his link Kiba. He opened it. The depression, sadness, anger, and desperation Kiba was feeling swept over him. He put his hand over his heart.

"I'm sorry Kiba", he whispered to himself.

He let his emotions flood through their bond. Maybe this would help ease the pain Kiba was feeling. He closed his eyes and focused all his attention on the bond. Please, let this get through.

Kiba woke. He smiled when his mate's emotions flood through their bond. It felt so good. Neji hadn't left him after all and now the lovely being was comforting him through their bond. He snuggled his nose closely to the pillowcase and quickly fell asleep. At the night of the sixth day he woke. He started drooling when he caught the scent of his mate. Kiba tilted his head back and howled. He whined when there was no answer. If Neji wouldn't come to him he would come to Neji.

He sped toward his mate. There he was standing with his back turned to him. His long dark brown hair was down. Kiba licked his lips. He growled when he saw his claim mark was faded. His tongue ran over his fangs. He'll just have to fix that. Kiba pinned his mate down and dug his teeth into that soft neck. Something was wrong. The taste was different. He pulled away and sniffed carefully. The being underneath smell like his mate, but the scent was old. He growled. This creature tricked him into marking it. He raised his hand. Right, when he was about to bring down his claws on the creature he was hit with a powerful jet of chakra, which sent him flying. Kiba managed to get on all fours. He'd betrayed his mate by marking a stranger with his claim mark. This horrible mistake made him a failure as an alpha. Neji would never forgive him. Kiba howled. It revealed all his feelings of pain and sadness. He sped off in the direction of home.

Neji yawned, before move closer to the small campfire Shikamaru made.

"I'll take the first watch", said Shikamaru.

Neji was quick to fall asleep. He dreamed of Kiba. Shikamaru couldn't take his eyes off him.

"You were sloppy", said Shino.

"The mission was completed and no one was injured. I call that a success", said Shikamaru.

"That's not what I meant", said Shino.

"Then what do you mean?" asked Shikamaru.

"Whenever you had free chance to look at him you did. He didn't notice, but I did. And if I noticed Kiba would if your not careful. He won't be as calm about this as I am", said Shino.

"I wasn't checking him out", said Shikamaru.

"You were and you denying it is bothersome", said Shino.

"Fine so what if I did", said Shikamaru.

"Neji being in season isn't his fault. You being so distracted by him could have gotten yourself and him killed. If he dies I lose my best friend. Next time Neji is off assignment, for this reason, let him be. Kiba must be going through a great deal of suffering without him", said Shino.

Shikamaru just stared at Shino. This was one of the longest conversation he ever had with him. The bug ninja was right. He was distracted by Neji during the mission. Now he to take something new into consideration. Whenever he took Neji on a mission two lives could be on the line.

"Neji wake up",

His eyes opened and he saw Shino staring at him.

"It's your turn to take watch", he said.

Neji sat up. He looked toward the direction of the village. They were almost home. A howl ripped through the night air. There was no mistaking it. That was Kiba. To his surprise, it wasn't a beckoning call. He heard the heavy tones of sadness in it. He clutched his heart as waves of painful emotions hit him strong.

"Are you okay?" asked Shino.

"Fine", he said.

It was true enough that he was fine, but he was worried about Kiba's condition.

"Neji",

He glanced up at Shino. Neji had hardly spoken to the bug ninja the whole mission. But from what Yochu told him Shino sounded like a good man.

"I know that's Kiba howling. Even I can tell he's in some sort of emotional pain. He'll forgive you. No matter what you do to him he will always forgive you", said Shino.

He just stared at the bug ninja. Neji didn't know how to respond.

"May I ask you a personal question", said Shino.

The bug ninja easily read the wary expression of his teammate's husband.

"I have no interest in private matters of your marriage. I'm more interested in knowing how to approach your sister. I have no idea what to get for her birthday", said Shino.

Neji was somewhat stunned by the seemingly random question.

"She loves fireflies", said Neji.

"I can work with that", said Shino before returning to his place near the fire.

"Aren't you going to sleep?" asked Neji.

"Soon enough", said Shino.

Shino woke them early in the morning. Neji resisted the urge to speed toward the village. At ten they reached the village. He rushed to the main house. By the time he reached the door he was panting. When he saw Tsume's expression, he panicked. She had the same look on her face when she told him Kiba was in the hospital.

"What happened?" asked Neji.

"Don't worry he wasn't hurt too badly, but he broke free", said Tsume.

"How? I thought the chains were unbreakable", said Neji.

"That's a mystery to me too. It was obvious someone tampered with them. But I have no idea why a person would do that", said Tsume.

"How did you get him back here?" asked Neji.

"The odd thing is he came back on his own, which worries me. Something happened, but I don't know exactly what. Maybe you can figure it out", said Tsume.

Neji went down stairs. He saw Kiba huddled up in a corner of the room. This wasn't what he was expecting. He thought Kiba would tackle him down and cover him in licks and kisses.

"Kiba", he called.

There was no response. Kiba never ignored him especially, when he's in season. Neji crept toward the corner. There was a massive amount of purple and green bruising along Kiba's side. What happened? He recognized that bruising pattern. He knew the cause. Kiba was hit with the Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm attack. It was miracle more damage hadn't been done. He gently touched his husband's shoulder. The only response he got was a loud whine from his alpha. Kiba kept his face hidden from him. This isn't right and it was scaring Neji.

"Look at me", he said.

Kiba ignored him again. His heart ached. Tears streamed down his face. He felt rejected and hurt.

"KIBA LOOK AT ME!" he yelled.

Kiba couldn't ignore his mate any longer. He pounced on Neji and gave him all the love and affection he deserved and more. When he was sure he covered every inch of that pale skin with kisses and licks, he pulled away.

The welcome was exactly what Neji wanted. When he tried returning the affection, Kiba pulled away.

"Kiba, what is it?" asked Neji.

There was guilt in Kiba's eyes. What caused it? The question left his mind when Kiba pulled him into a tight embrace. Blood. He sniffed to find the source. It was coming from Kiba. The smell was too new to belong to be his. Who attacked his husband? Neji was stunned when Kiba let go of him and moved to corner furthest away from him.

Kiba whined as Neji's pain flooded through their bond. He went to his mate's side. Kiba lay down. He shivered when Neji's fingers went through his hair. He moved away he didn't deserve that touch.

"Kiba, tell me what's wrong. You are making me nervous", said Neji.

He whimpered, before gently licking Neji's cheek. Sunlight streaming through the small window woke him. Sometime during the night, he'd moved his mate into his arms. He smiled weakly when he saw Neji in his arms. The guilt hit hard. It was much worse now that he regained more of his sense. That night wasn't a nightmare. He'd put a claim mark on another. Neji woke and smiled at him. That made it, even worse.

"What happened Kiba? You were acting so strangely", he said.

Kiba couldn't meet those white eyes. Before more could say more his mom made an appearance. The look in her eyes didn't do anything to calm him.

"We have a problem", she said.

Neji stared at him. He wanted an answer.

"We'll be up soon mom", said Kiba.

They got to their feet. The blatant guilt in Kiba's expression had Neji nervous. He blocked the stairway.

"What I should expect?" asked Neji.

"I think I might have attacked someone. It's all a bit blurry", said Kiba.

"You attacked someone from my clan", said Neji.

"Why do you think that?" asked Kiba.

He twitched when he felt Neji's hand gently run up his bruised side.

"I've seen that bruising before. My grandfather would want your head if you attacked someone from the family. I would have heard about it already", said Neji.

He smiled when he saw Kiba relaxed some. Neji took his husband's large hand in his. He led them up the stairs. They sat down at the table.

"I haven't seen you look this guilty in a long time", said Tsume.

She sighed when it didn't even earn a smirk from her son. How much damage could he have done? If it were anything serious they would have heard about it already.

"Tell us exactly what you remember", said Tsume.

"I bit someone", said Kiba.

Neji tensed. He bit someone? His hands fisted.

"Where?" he asked.

Kiba gave him a dumbfounded look.

"Don't stare at me like. Do you know where?!" growled Neji.

"They looked like you. I missed you so much I didn't pay attention to scent. I was so worried that Shikamaru took you away from me. When I saw someone who looked like you, I went on sight alone and bit them. As soon as my teeth dug into their skin I knew it was wrong. I felt horrible knowing that I betrayed you in such a way. Please forgive me", said Kiba.

Kiba sensed that he'd lost a massive amount of Neji's trust. He had to prove it was only an accident.

"Neji, I'm sorry", said Kiba.

He forced himself not to give into the apologetic look Kiba was giving him. Neji would wait to forgive Kiba. He needed to make sure it was only an accident. The look Kiba was giving him pried at his heart. He needed all the facts.

Kakashi paced nervously around the office the girl in front of him was the source of his stress. This girl was Tamaki. She claimed to be bitten by Kiba. By scent, he knew the girl spoke the truth. He had Sakura heal it, but she had no success. This could be a source of massive conflict. The worse case scenario a feud would break out between the Inuzuka and Hyuga clan. The Hyugas would feel cheated, since their most powerful prodigy. They would think the Inuzuka clan lied to them to get the Byakugan. He had to clear things up before the Hyuga main branch caught hold of it.

Kakashi didn't believe that was true. There has to be more to it than that. For years it was obvious that Kiba had feelings toward the Hyuga. Kakashi gathered as much information on the Inuzuka clan as he could, but it didn't help clear up anything. It doesn't make sense. Animal clans like Kiba's only claim at mate once. Why would Kiba bite Tamaki? And why won't Tamaki's bite mark heal? Neji's didn't either with chakra. It doesn't make sense. Maybe a more sensitive nose would be necessary for this problem.

"Lord Hokage is everything alright?" asked Tamaki.

"Yes, just caught in a thought that's all. I need some time to think over what you've told me. And I would prefer you keep that bandage on until things are settled", said Kakashi.

The girl nodded her head and left.

"Summoning Jutsu",

With a small puff of smoke, Pakkun appeared.

"Hey, Kakashi", said the pug.

"Do you know of the Inuzuka Clan's process claiming and mating?" asked Kakashi.

"Of course I do. Every ninken knows how the heat process of animal based clans", said Pakkun.

"Kiba claimed Neji Hyuga as his mate now they're married. The girl who just came into my office claimed Kiba bit her. I wouldn't have believed her if I didn't see the bite and caught the scent connected to it", said Kakashi.

"Did it heal?" asked Pakkun.

"No, I even had Sakura tried healing it with her chakra, but it didn't heal. The part I don't understand is that, when Kiba marked Neji the wound didn't heal either. I want you to bring Kiba and his family here. While doing that I want you sniffing around to see if you can bring any light to this situation", said Kakashi.

Pakkun went running. To his surprise, he saw Akamaru outside with a pretty Rottweiler. The large white dog told him everything he knew about Kiba and Neji's mating. From what Akamaru told him Neji was truly Kiba's mate. That girl only brought confusion. An alpha would only claim and mark one mate. Pakkun jumped through the large doggy door.

He gave Neji a look over. The multiple marking scars on his neck prove he belonged to Kiba. The boy was covered in Kiba's scent, while the girl only had one scent marker. When he sniffed over Kiba, he frowned. The girl's scent was on him, but it didn't smell like he mated with her.

Pakkun jumped into Neji's lap. He took a deep breath. The former Hyuga smelled wonderful. He'd love a chance to catch of whiff of him when he was in season. There's no way any alpha would give up Neji for that simple girl. He tensed when heard Kiba growling. Pakkun relaxed as the submissive wrapped a protective arm around him.

"Kiba, don't be rude this one of Kakashi ninken", said Neji.

The pug nodded its head in agreement.

"I was sent to bring you to the Hokage's office", said Pakkun.

The walk to the Hokage's office was painfully quiet. When they reached there Sakura, Kakashi and Tamaki were waiting for them. Kiba growled when he saw the bandage on the girl's neck. No, there's no way he would confuse Tamaki for his beautiful Neji.

Neji glared at the girl. This is the one who Kiba supposedly marked. There's no way. He was obviously the better of the two. It can't be true. He nervously eyed the bandage on Tamaki's neck. Kiba marked him in the same exact place.

"Tamaki, you may take off the bandage", said Kakashi.

Neji nearly whined, when saw the deep bite mark on Tamaki's neck. Kiba's scent was tied to it. There's still a chance if Sakura can heal it there's still a chance.

"Sakura",

Neji's attention was focused on Sakura. The wound didn't heal. His heart broke. The injuries he suffered in war were less painful than this. He had enough self-control not to break down in front of all of them. As he sped toward their home tears streamed from his eyes. Kiba was using him this whole time. He should never trust that mutt!

"NEJI!" screamed Kiba.

He fell to his knees when he felt his mate's pain. When he was capable of getting to feet, he charged at Tamaki. Kakashi stopped him just in time. He fought with all his strength to reach the girl, but the Hokage was too strong.

"What the hell did you do?!" snarled Kiba.

"I didn't do anything Kiba. You're the one who bit me", said Tamaki.

"Kakashi, you can let go. I have more important things to deal with than her", said Kiba.

He rushed home. Please, let him still be here. Kiba sighed in relief when he sensed Neji's presence. He walked into their bedroom where his mate had taken shelter. Neji had wrapped himself in the blankets of their bed. Kiba was unable to see the being hidden under the covers. The whimpers and cries coming from the bed were like stabs to his heart.

Kiba moved closer to the bed. When he pulled away from the blankets a clawed hand came at him. He groaned when those claws scraped down his neck. Kiba nearly cried, when he saw Neji gave into his beast instincts to escape the heartbreak. He stood in the four-legged stance readied to attack. Neji wouldn't be able to use his chakra against him, but those claws posed a risk to him.

"Neji, I'm so sorry. I never wanted to cause you such pain", said Kiba.

Neji only growled at him. Kiba left. His mate needed rest, which would help bring back some of his sense.

"Sleep!" ordered Kiba.

Even with power behind his command, his mate didn't give in completely. Neji collapsed on his side onto the mattress. Those hateful white eyes stared up at Kiba. He thought Neji would never look at him that way again. Kiba sighed.

"I hate you", said Neji before giving into his alpha's command.

Kiba sat next to Neji.

"I know you do. I promised you I wouldn't hurt you again, but I failed", said Kiba.

He pulled the blankets over his mate. Kiba placed a gentle kiss on Neji's forehead before leaving. Hana was waiting outside for him.

"I bit her sis, but I promise you she's not my mate. I barely even know Tamaki", said Kiba.

"I know Kiba. It doesn't make sense your bite mark on her should have healed. Come closer you need stitches", said Hana.

Kiba stayed still as his sister sutured his wound.

"It's going to leave a scar", said Hana.

"Don't care", said Kiba.

Hana hated seeing the defeat in her brother's eyes. She wrapped bandages around Kiba's neck.

"This will all work out somehow baby brother", said Hana before she left her brother.

"I hope so", said Kiba.

Neji's eyes slowly opened. He growled. Kiba knocked him out with a command to sleep. It was dark out. The hurt in his heart was still there, but it had dulled. He got to his feet. Shine followed him out of the bedroom. He joined Kiba outside on the deck.

"Kiba",

His husband turned to face him.

"Was any of it real?" asked Neji.

"Of course it was real. I love you more than anything in this world", said Kiba.

"More than that girl!" yelled Neji.

"Yes", said Kiba.

"Then why didn't the claim mark heal? Was I just the unlucky bastard whose body was too weak to heal even with the help of chakra? Was I just a good fuck? I can't believe I was foolish to let myself fall in love with you!" screamed Neji.

"You know you are more than that to me!" yelled Kiba.

Neji bit his lip and regained his control. He sighed and threw his wedding ring at Kiba who easily caught it. That earned him a confused look.

"I want a divorce", said Neji.

"That won't ease the pain", said Kiba.

When Kiba saw him walking away, he panicked.

"Stay", said Kiba.

Neji body froze he could only move backward.

"Release your command. If you force me to stay by your side I will spend the rest of my life aiming every ounce of hate I have for you through our bond", said Neji.

"You may go", said Kiba.

"Shine you stay or come", said Neji.

The dog trotted after her master. Neji ran to the farthest border of the Land of Fire. He sat under a pine tree near a stream. Shine sat by his side. The poor thing was panting heavily. She lapped at the stream's water.

Kakashi sat at his desk. He didn't understand this. His focus left his thought when Tsunade opened the door.

"You look like shit Kakashi", she said.

"Is there any substance that is scentless that stops the healing effect of chakra?" asked Kakashi.

"Yes, actually the small batch I had was stolen", said Tsunade.

"I wish you told me that earlier. Hopefully, not too much damage has been done", said Kakashi.

Pakkun appeared in his hand.

"I want you to track down Neji and tell him what Tsunade just told me", said Kakashi.

"I knew it. Kiba wouldn't trade such a beauty for plain Jane like that", said Pakkun.

"I'll tell Kiba", said Kakashi.

Kiba sat on the deck of the house. He clutched Neji's wedding ring in hand. A divorce? Could Neji truly want one, even though it would only cause them both pain? His heart ached painfully. He raised his head when he heard someone walking toward him. It surprised him to Kakashi standing in front yard.

"He wants a divorce", said Kiba.

"I don't think he wants that", said Kakashi.

Kiba smiled when Kakashi told him everything. He rushed in the direction of Neji's scent. Now he could mend things the one he loves.

Neji sat with Shine. Their peace was disturbed when Pakkun appeared.

"Why are you here?" asked Neji.

"To deliver a message that might just save your marriage", said Pakkun.

"What could you possibly have to say in his defense", he growled.

"Easy, I'm not your husband", said Pakkun.

"Tell me", said Neji.

"A substance that blocks the healing by chakra was stolen from Tsunade's storage. This substance was found on Tamaki's wound", Pakkun.

Neji hugged the pug he was so happy. His mate hadn't betrayed him. It was all a horrible mistake.

"Thank you", said Neji with tears streaming down his face.

"No problem", said Pakkun.

The little pug was in heaven. Neji smelled wonderful. He was perfectly happily being trapped in Neji's embrace.

"Please stop crying. Your alpha will blame me for your tears", said Pakkun.

"He's coming here?" asked Neji.

Neji dried his tears.

"Yes", said Pakkun.

He shoved Shine and Pakkun out of the way, so wouldn't be hit by the blast of chakra, which sent him crashing into a tree. Before he could make a move to defend himself a searing pain started in his head. He fell to the ground unable to defend himself.