First Mate First Love

Chapter 26: Concern

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As soon as they reached the village Kiba sprinted to his house with Akamaru, Shikamaru, Choji.

"Slow down, Kiba", panted Choji.

"What's the rush?" asked Shikamaru.

"Something is wrong that why!" snarled Kiba.

"I'm sure everything fine, Kiba", said Choji.

He could only hope his friend was right. They froze when they reached Kiba's house. Anbu was there. The entrance to his house was crossed off with yellow tape. The powerful smell of blood mixed with his mate's scent. This was an all too familiar scene for Kiba.

"No", he whispered.

This can't be happening again!

"NEJI!" yelled Kiba.

Choji grabbed him before he could enter the crime scene.

"LET GO OF ME!" snarled Kiba.

Choji gasped in pain as Akamaru's powerful jaw locked around his ankle. He released Kiba. Kiba charged toward the door. Kakashi stopped him before he entered.

"Calm down", ordered Kakashi.

Kiba's eyes were an angry golden brown. He snarled at Kakashi. How dare this lower alpha go against him?!

"Kiba, look at me", said Kakashi.

Those predatory eyes met his.

"Take a breath", said Kakashi.

Kiba forced himself into a state of calm.

"Is he?"

"He's in surgery", said Kakashi.

That wasn't what he wanted to hear, but it was better than what he thought. Kiba followed his brother in law to the hospital.

"What happened?" asked Kiba.

"Neji was attacked", said Kakashi.

Kiba's heart dropped. He should have been there. He should have never left his omega.

"He managed to kill the assailant, but Neji didn't escape without injury", said Kakashi.

Kiba lost his breath. Kakashi paused. This most be a horrible shock. He would be in the same state or worse if something like this happened to Hana.

"You're having a panic attack", said Kakashi.

Tsume raised her head when the hospital door slid open. There stood Kiba and Akamaru. They were both drenched and covered in mud. A look of fear was carved in Kiba's expression. Tsume took his hand and lead him to chair.

"Neji? Tala?" he asked.

"What's wrong with him?" asked Hana.

"He's in shock", said Kakashi.

"Kiba, look at me", said Tsume.

She took a step back a dangerous pair of golden brown eyes. Tsume shook it off.

"They'll be fine", she said squeezing his hand.

Sakura came out. Kiba focused in on her.

"How are they?" he asked.

"It could either way. Tsunade and I are trying our best. There was so much bleeding", said Sakura.

Kiba gave a pained gasped as he fell to the floor. His hand clasped at his heart. It felt as if his heart was being ripped from his chest. Sakura hauled him from the floor. He was wheeled off. A few hours later he woke in a hospital room. His family surrounded him.

"Good to see you're awake", said Tsunade as she entered the room.

"Neji", said Kiba.

"He pulled through", said Tsunade with a smile.

"Tala?" he asked.

Tsunade sighed.

"Could either way", she said.

Kiba's heart dropped. Their pup was at risk.

"What happened to him?" asked Tsume.

"What does that matter?!" snarled Kiba.

"It matters because I'm your mother", said Tsume.

"I assume it was caused by their bond", said Tsunade.

"That doesn't explain what happened", said Tsume.

Tsunade took a breath.

"Neji's heart stopped the same time you passed out, Kiba. It was only for a few seconds so he should be fine", she said.

"Should be?!" growled Kiba.

"His heart stopped. It's serious. I won't sugar coat things for you", said Tsunade.

Kiba forced himself from bed. His chest ached, but he pushed it away.

"Take me to him", said Kiba.

"Only you for now", said Tsunade.

"Fine", said Kiba.

"Follow me", said Tsunade.

Kiba was on edge. He needed to see his mate. They went to the west wing of the hospital. Two anbu stood outside the entrance. He went in. Neji lay motionless in bed. The monitors showed both his mate's and baby's heartbeat.

"When will he wake up?" asked Kiba.

"Give him time Kiba. Surgery is a trauma in itself", said Tsunade.

"Why would someone do this to Neji and our baby?" he asked.

Tsunade knew better than to feed into Kiba's suspicions. He would figure it out on his own, but for not it was best for him to keep his attention on Neji.

"I don't know. Anbu is looking into it. Right now you should focus on your husband", said Tsunade.

"You really think my attention would be anywhere else", said Kiba.

He frowned.

"He can't lose Tala it will kill him. And I can't lose him", said Kiba.

"Her heartbeat is weak and it's worrying me. I'm hoping by tomorrow there will an improvement. I stay here until he wakes up", said Tsunade.

"Can I touch him?" asked Kiba.

She nodded. He caressed Neji's cheek.

"I'm here my love", said Kiba.

Tsunade felt like again she was interrupting on an intimate moment between the couple. He took the seat closest to the bed. In his hand, he clutched Neji's.

"I should have never left him", said Kiba.

"Don't blame yourself for this. Doing that will only hurt him further. This wasn't your fault you had a mission Kiba. No one could have predicted this", said Tsunade.

Neji woke. His heart raced. He couldn't feel his baby! By this time Tala would normally be kicking up a storm. He couldn't breathe! Monitors beeped waking those around him. Kiba's arms wrapped around him trying to keep him calm, but it did nothing to lessen his fear.

"I CAN'T FEEL HER!" he screamed.

Kiba never saw his mate so panicked.

"Calm down",

His command had no effect on Neji.

"You must get him calm. It's dangerous for him to be like this, while in this condition", said Tsunade.

Kiba did the only thing he could think of. He bit Neji's neck and didn't let go until he felt his mate go slack in his arms. Kiba lapped away the blood. He sighed when he saw Neji's tears still hadn't stopped.

"Did I lose our baby girl?" he asked.

His eyes were watering.

"Neji, your baby is alive", said Tsunade.

"Is she healthy?" asked Neji.

"Let's take a look", she said.

Neji opened his shirt exposing his large stomach. He whined when he saw the dark bruising that painted his abdomen. Kiba nuzzled his neck.

"It will be okay", he whispered.

"It's not as bad it looks. Your chakra did a great deal to protect her", said Tsunade.

She squirted blue gel on her patient's stomach. The couple noticeably relaxed, when they heard the baby's heartbeat. She searched the screen for damage done to child or Neji's womb. To her relief, she couldn't find anything that was cause for concern.

"She's perfectly healthy. I think she's in shock. As the day goes by her heartbeat should grow stronger. Neji, I want to keep you under observation for a week. Bed rest isn't optional", said Tsunade.

A wave of pure relief swept through Neji's body. His baby is safe. He placed a hand on his stomach. Both his husband and his baby are safe. That's all that mattered to him at that moment.

"I'll give you two some alone time. Unless you want me to call your visitors in", said Tsunade.

Neji groaned at the idea. None of his friends had seen him, while he was pregnant. He didn't want to be stared at like a freak.

"Only family for now. Can you make up some excuse?" asked Kiba.

Tsunade nodded head before leaving them. Neji's eyes closed right before the door of the room opened. Kiba smirked. Very smart Neji. His mom was the first to enter the room.

"Are they okay?" she asked.

"He's going to be sore for awhile, but both him and Tala are okay", said Kiba.

"How about you?" asked Tsume.

"Fine", said Kiba.

His eyes were still golden brown. Kiba's inner alpha was fully awake and ready to attack. This could prove dangerous.

"Has he woken up yet?" asked Tsume.

"Not yet, but Tsunade did an ultrasound. There was no damage done to Tala", said Kiba.

After that, the rest of their friends filed into the small room. Kiba heard the well wishes, but he hated the way they stared at Neji's stomach. The one who hadn't stared at his mate like a freak was Hinata. She only looked concerned about Neji's well-being. The door opened again. It was Shino and Yochu.

"Baby brother open your eyes. You know I can alway tell when you are faking", said Yochu.

His eyes opened.

"I'm glad to see you're okay. You had me worried sick", aid Yochu.

Shino nodded in agreement.

"I'm surprised you weren't here sooner", said Neji.

Almost every time he was sent to the hospital Yochu was always one first to be there.

"Oh lovebug was just a bit worried about me having too much stress", said Yochu.

"Lovebug?" said Kiba.

He couldn't help laughing at stoic teammate's pet name. Shino sighed.

"I'm happy to see you're well Neji", said Shino before leaving.

"Well I guess time for me to leave", said Yochu.

It was nice seeing his sister, but he was happy to be alone with husband again. Neji gave a weak smile. His husband kissed him on the forehead, before joining him in bed. A simple motion like that made him feel at ease. He felt safe and at peace. He rested his head on his husband's strong chest.

"I thought I lost our baby", whispered Neji.

"You did all you could do to protect Tala. You deflected the blade, so it wouldn't hurt her", said Kiba.

"I nearly killed myself in the process", said Neji.

"You were doing what any parent would do", said Kiba.

Those white eyes looked up at him for an explanation.

"Protecting your child", said Kiba.

"Ours", corrected Neji.

The alpha smiled.

"Yes ours", said Kiba.

Neji shivered against him.

"Shh, it's safe. I'm here no will hurt you or our pup", said Kiba.

"Kiba?"

"What if you had to chose?" asked Neji.

"Chose what?" asked Kiba.

"Between Tala and I", said Neji.

"I couldn't make that choice", said Kiba.

"There's a slim chance you might have to", said Neji.

"Don't say that", said Kiba.

"If it ever comes to that I want you to chose Tala. Kiba if you ever chose me before her or any other children we might have I could never forgive you", said Neji.

There was a powerful look in his omega's eyes. The maternal instinct was already so powerful and Tala wasn't even born yet. Neji would be a fierce parent.

"I get it the pup comes first. I hope I never have to make that choice", said Kiba.

"You have to promise me something", said Neji.

"What?" he asked.

"If you do make that choice. Don't blame her. Promise me that and then we can move off the morbid topic", said Neji.

"I promise", said Kiba.

"Thank you", said Neji.

They kissed. It was gentle and quick. Then he frowned.

"What's wrong beautiful?" ask Kiba.

"Keeper, died protecting me. Could you bury him for him for me? I don't like the idea of him laying in a puddle of blood on the floor", said Neji.

"Later", said Kiba.

"Now!" growled Neji.

There was a knock on the door.

"Come in", said Kiba.

It was Kakashi.

"I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. Anbu has finished processing the scene so you can bury, Keeper. I'll keep Neji company until you get back", said Kakashi.

Kiba hated the hated idea of leaving his mate in such a state, but Kakashi was trustworthy and he had to pay honors to a fallen friend who died protecting the one he held most dear.

"I'm not sure", said Kiba.

"I'll be fine", said Neji.

"I won't leave his side", said Kakashi.

"Fine", said Kiba.

He kissed Neji on the forehead.

"I love you both", he whispered.

Kiba left. When he walked into the waiting room, he saw more friends waiting there. Lee, Guy, Momo, Tenten, Kurenai, Choji, Shikamaru, Sasuke, Yochu, Shino, Grams had come.

"How is he?" asked Choji.

"He's tired weak, but he's going to survive", said Kiba.

"What about the baby?" asked Kurenai.

"She's going to be fine too", said Kiba.

Everyone in the room smiled at the go news.

"When can we see him?" asked Guy.

"He needs his rest and lot of it. Only family, for now, I'm sorry. You can see him then", said Tsunade.

"Where are you going?" asked Hinata.

"I have to bury a friend", said Kiba.

Everyone in the room except for his family gave him an odd look.

"Keeper, he died protecting Neji. I can't leave him dead on the floor", said Kiba.

"Kiba, do you need a hand?" asked Lee.

"No, but thanks, Lee", said Kiba.

Lee seemed to understand this was something he needed to do alone. He walked out the hospital. The fresh air smelled wonderful on his senses.

"Kiba",

He turned to see Shikamaru.

"I'm sorry. If I had been more willing to listen to you we could have gotten here sooner", he said.

"You were squad leader. Most would choose to brush off my worries as nothing, but you actually believed me. You have nothing to apologize for", said Kiba.

He walked home with Akamaru by his side. Shine sitting petrified on the front porch.

"Shine", said Kiba.

The dog snapped out of her trance. She pounced on Kiba and licked his face. Shine was shivering.

"Akamaru take care of your mate I'll handle this", said Kiba.

Akamaru started licking the blood from Shine's muzzle and paws. The large white dog looked at his master.

"I'm fine take care of her", said Kiba.

He opened the door of his house. The powerful stench of blood hit his nose. He ignored it and focused on his friend. He picked up Keeper. The beast was covered in blood. He walked to the bathroom and washed the blood from Keeper's fur. He went to the closet and took out a soft blanket and wrapped Keeper in it. Kiba took the large beast in his arms and carried him to his favorite tree. He carefully placed the beast down.

"Fang over fang Akamaru",

With jutsu the dug the perfect size hole.

"That should be good enough", said Kiba.

Akamaru barked in agreement. Kiba jumped down into the whole and placed Keeper in it. Shine and Akamaru helped him bury their friend. He found a large smooth stone a placed it. He took black paint in the shed.

Keeper

In memory of a faithful and loyal friend and companion

Underneath that he painted the symbol of his clan.

"You've proven yourself a true member of this clan Keeper. And I will never forget what you did for my family", said Kiba.

Someone tapped him on the shoulder. It was a man in dressed in black coveralls.

"Who are you?" asked Kiba.

"I'm the cleaner. People like me are sent to clean up the ugly mess anbu sometimes leaves behind", said the man.

Kiba got up.

"I want things like they were", he said.

"It will be like it never happen", said the strange man.

"If anything goes missing I'll go after you", said Kiba.

The man laughed loudly.

"I get paid more than you young ninja. You have nothing of any worth to me", said the strange man.

"Get work", said Kiba.

"Yes sir", he said.

Kiba went to the main house and showered. He found fresh clothes. He changed then rushed back to the hospital. Kiba quietly opened the door to Neji's hospital room. He smiled when he saw his mom, Hana, Senna, and Kakashi there. Neji was asleep on. Hana and his mom were asleep in the chairs. Kakashi was reading one of his perverted books.

"How is he?" asked Kiba.

"He slept the whole time", said Kakashi.

"Good", said Kiba.

"Can you help me move them to the room across?" asked Kakashi.

He nodded. Kiba picked up Senna and Kakashi picked up Hana. They placed the mother and child in one bed. When they returned, Tsume was awake. She hugged her son tightly before moving to the other room. He knew his family wouldn't leave the hospital until Neji left.

"I'll give you two some privacy", said Kakashi.

"Thanks, Kakashi", said Kiba.

"You don't have to thank me Kiba we are family. It only natural for us to watch over each other", said Kakashi.

Kiba joined his mate in bed.

"Mmm, Kiba?" said Neji.

"Hey, beautiful. I didn't mean to wake you", said Kiba.

"It's alright. Did you take bury Keeper?" asked Neji.

"Yes, I wrapped him in a blanket and buried him under his favorite tree", said Kiba.

"Thank you Kiba", he said.

"He deserved a good burial after all he's done for our family", said Kiba.

Neji cried quietly into his shirt. Kiba ran his fingers through his soft hair. He heard Neji's breathing calmed. Kiba loved the sound of his mate sleeping. The door of their private room opened. An old woman wearing a yellow kimono decorated with pink flowers stepped in.

"This is private room no visitors get out", said Kiba.

His voice was level, so he wouldn't wake his mate. Most would think she looked sweet. The look she was giving him was on of pure disgust and hatred. He tensed when he saw the Hyuga Elder appeared by the woman's side. He saw Kakashi staring at him with an apologetic expression. Kiba knew Kakashi's hands were tied. He couldn't stop himself from growling at the old man. It was deep and echoed through the room. This is supposed to be a place safety where his mate could recuperate in peace.

"Kiba?"

Neji huddled closely to Kiba when he saw his grandmother and grandfather. Those two are bad enough alone. Together they made him uneasy. His heart started racing. The monitors started beeping.

"GET OUT!" yelled Neji.

He needed that man out of his room. When his grandfather gave no sign of leaving, he threw the vase on the side table at him. It shattered against the wall.

"GET OUT!" he screamed again.

A nurse rushed into the room.

"Everyone out now", she said.

The nurse didn't dare ask Kiba to leave. She left them.

"Neji you must calm down", said Kiba.

He'd never seen Neji give such a violent reaction to the Elder's presence before. Kiba needed to get his mate to a saner state of mind before pressing him with questions. He wrapped his arms protectively around Neji. His fingers ran through those soft dark brown locks. The change in Neji's breathing told him his love had fallen asleep. He didn't dare wake him. His mate needed sleep more than he needed answers. Kakashi and Tsume came in.

"What was that?" asked Tsume.

"I don't know, but I'm planning on asking when he wakes up", said Kiba.

"Do you think he'll be alright?" asked Tsume.

"I hope", said Kiba.

Tsume left leaving Kakashi alone with the couple.

"I'm sorry couldn't interfere unless things got physical. I want to help", said Kakashi.

"I understand. You don't have to explain to me", said Kiba.

They both heard crying from across the hall.

"I should help Hana with Senna", said Kakashi.

Neji slowly woke. He groaned his stitches hurt and his muscles were aching. His dosage of pain meds was kept extremely low to lessen any risk to Tala. He was willing to suffering through that to strengthen the chances of his pup's survival. Neji didn't move his head from Kiba's chest. He caught a quick glance at the monitor screen. Tala's heartbeat was stronger.

"She's stronger", said Neji.

His brief moment of happiness was ruined, when he saw the way Kiba was looking at him.

"Neji, I want you to tell me exactly what happened. What did he do to make you react like that?" asked Kiba.

"I don't want talk about", said Neji.

Kiba lifted his chin.

"Tell me",

That was an alpha order and a very powerful one at that.

"He came to the house, while you were gone. Told me that he wanted to put the Hyuga seal on her. He said I was making a mistake", said Neji.

"He did this to you", said Kiba.

His hands fisted.

"I'm going to kill him!" he snarled.

Kiba left the bed.

"Don't go. We need you here", said Neji.

"We?" he asked.

Then he saw Neji put his hands on his large stomach. His pup. His mate. Both needed his protection. He returned to his place by Neji side. They nuzzled. This was safe.

"Don't go after my grandfather", said Neji.

"Why? He hurt you and could have killed Tala", said Kiba.

"This wasn't his style. If he were going to do something he wouldn't risk hurting physically me. My grandfather knows that placing a seal on Tala would hurt me more than any injury", said Neji.

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

"I know both sides of my family", said Neji.

"Are you sure?" asked Kiba.

"I've faced my grandfather tactics for years. This isn't how he would approach a problem", said Neji.

He took Kiba's hand and placed it on his stomach.

"Doesn't it hurt?" asked Kiba as tried moving his hand way.

"Gentle", said Neji.

"Are you sure it doesn't hurt?" asked Kiba.

"I wouldn't have put your hand there if it hurt. It makes me feel safe having it there", said Neji.

"As long as you're sure", said Kiba.

Neji nodded his head. He relaxed further as Kiba fingers gently ran over his swelled stomach.

"Talk to her", he said.

"What?" asked Kiba.

"She missed you", said Neji.

"How do you know?" asked Kiba.

"She missed your voice. It seems to calm her", said Neji.

"What should I say?" asked Kiba.

He gave a soft laugh.

"Kiba, I've never known you to have difficulty talking", said Neji.

"Hey little one can you give your papa and me a sign you're awake", said Kiba.

Neji smiled when he felt and extremely faint kick.

"What is it?" asked Kiba.

"She kicked, but it was very weak", said Neji.

"She'll get stronger, Neji", said Kiba.

"I hope so. I need her to be okay", said Neji.

Their friends and family gave them peace for two days. Neji hadn't felt her move, since that day Kiba spoke to her. They tried again speaking with her again, but she didn't react to their voices. It was making him anxious. Tsunade assured him his baby was okay, but he would love to feel her kicking. Kiba was asleep next to him.

"Please, Tala give me something. Can you do that for your Papa?" he asked.

Neji smiled when he got a small kick. It was much stronger than before.

"Thank you", he said

His eyes watered.

"Kiba",

His husband went into the full alpha protective mode. Kiba shielded him with his body.

"Easy Kiba. There's no threat", said Neji.

"Why are you crying?" he asked.

"This is why", said Neji as placed Kiba's hand on his stomach.

Kiba smiled when he felt his pup kicking.

"Already taking after your Papa", he said before kissing Neji's stomach.

He gave a quiet laugh. Kiba settled beside him. He yawned.

"I love you", whispered Kiba in his ear.

"Love you too", said Neji.

Tsume watched her boys from the doorway. They weren't ready for this news yet. Kiba is a young clan alpha with no true understanding of threats of the past. She never thought they would affect her pups. Tsume sighed and went to the morgue where Kakashi was waiting for her. He stood next to the metal table. On it lay the man who attacked her family. She glared at him.

"Do you know this man?" asked Kakashi.

"I don't him, but I know what he is", said Tsume.

"And what is that?" he asked.

"His people are a nightmare I thought was lost to the past", said Tsume.

"That doesn't answer the question", said Kakashi.

Tsume raised the dead man's arm. There were two tattoo bands on his arm. Both bands' pattern was made of Hayashi Clan crest.

"This tattoo means he's killed two of the Hayashi Clan. He's a hunter. They believe that mixture of animal and human talents is a crime. What they hate even more are omegas. They think it's an abomination for a man to lie with another man. They and the Hayashi are the reasons for the extinction of many of the animal clan", said Tsume.

"Why haven't I heard of them before?" asked Kakashi.

"They were a problem of the generations before mine. My parents told me of them when I was a child. I never put any real belief into until now", said Tsume.

"Are they going to be a problem?" asked Kakashi.

"I don't think so. I think this one might have just been walking through", said Tsume.

"Have you told Kiba this?" asked Kakashi.

"I don't think he's ready for a problem like this. He needs a real mentor. His father couldn't do that for him, even if he were alive. I need you to do me a favor", said Tsume.

"Sure", said Kakashi.

"I need you to give me a mission to find animal clans of Leaf", said Tsume.

"Your teammates", said Kakashi.

"Yes, my teammates and the last remaining member of my husband's squad", said Tsume.

"The added shinobi will be a great addition to the village. It will help keep any enemy at bay. Who do you want to bring with you?" asked Kakashi.

"Shibi, I don't think anyone else would be of much use", said Tsume.

"I send word to the Aburame. When we will you be leavening?" asked Kakashi.

"As soon as possible. Just let me say goodbye to my boys first", said Tsume.

She returned to the upper floor of the hospital. Tsume knocked on the door. Kiba opened the door.

"Hey mom", said Kiba as he got out of bed.

Neji was obviously annoyed at the change.

"How's the baby?" asked Tsume

"She's kicking again", said Neji.

"Great", said Tsume.

"Thank you Tsume for taking care of me. If you hadn't found me, when you did this could have ended badly", said Neji.

"There's no need to thank me. I'm just happy you and my little grandbaby are safe and sound", said Tsume.

She sighed.

"What is it mom?" asked Kiba.

"I have a mission", said Tsume.

"To do what?" asked Kiba.

"To bring back the other animal clans", said Tsume.

"I thought you said they were extinct", said Kiba.

"I never said that. I'm going to be gone for a few weeks", said Tsume.