First Love First Mate
Chapter 28: Ours
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"You're in what?!" asked Kiba.
"LABOR!" yelled Neji.
The color swiftly drained from Kiba's face. This is not the reaction Neji wanted. He groaned. Neji wasn't in the mood for this. He forced himself to sit up. Neji slapped his husband across the face successfully bringing him out of his shock.
"Are you with me?" asked Neji.
"Yes, thanks for that", said Kiba as he rubbed his cheek.
"Get your mother!" growled Neji.
Kiba wouldn't dare leave his mate undefended. Especially now.
"AKAMARU!" yelled Kiba.
The large dog ran into the bedroom. He pounce on the bed. Akamaru pressed his nose against Neji's belly. Kiba gave a low warning growl. Akamaru whimpered, before rolling onto his stomach with his tail between his leg.
"Go", said Neji in a calmer voice.
Akamaru scrambled out of the bed and went running.
"Kiba, he's your best friend. He wouldn't do anything to harm me, you, or Tala", said Neji.
Kiba's eyes met his. They were a bright golden brown instead of their normal ebony color. He was in alpha mode.
"Your eyes", warned Neji.
"I know. They will stay this way for about week. Don't worry Neji. I'll behave", said Kiba.
Akamaru shot through the doggy door of the main house. He couldn't believe the pup was coming. With great ease he destroyed the door of Tsume's bedroom. Before he could take a move forward, Kuromaru tackled him to the floor. Akamaru shoved the older dog off him.
"AKAMARU WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU!" yelled Tsume from her bed.
He barked at her.
"The baby is coming", said Tsume as she settled down in the pillows of her bed.
Akamaru waited for the proper response.
"THE BABY IS COMING!"
She shot out of bed. Tsume was at her house and at Kiba's front door in seconds. She let herself in. Tsume walked into her son's bedroom. It didn't surprise her to see that Kiba was more nervous than Neji. Kiba gave a low warning growl.
"Easy Kiba. She's only here to help", said Neji.
"There's no need to look so worry. This is only the start", said Tsume.
Neji's eye twitched. This would only get worse a time went by.
"Should we get Tsunade?" asked Kiba.
"She told me not to get her until his contractions are five minutes apart. If you want to speed up things a little give him a warm bath and bit of cuddling will help too. When things really start happening, we'll move Neji to guest room where things have already been prepared", said Tsume.
She left the two of them alone. This time was important. Both times she was in labor cuddling with her mate took two hours off her early labor.
"Do you want me to get a bath ready?" asked Kiba.
That would wonderful on his aching muscles. He nodded his head.
"I'll get bath ready", said Kiba.
He could smell the lavender. Lavender relaxed both his body and mind. He ran his fingers over his stomach. Kiba walked over to the bed.
"Can you carry me?" asked Neji.
Kiba smirked.
"Are you actually allowing me to carry without complaining this time. This must be the second in the history of our relationship", said Kiba.
Neji smiled. He still had his Kiba. His inner alpha didn't take over. Kiba eased him into the tub. The water felt wonderful. His eyes closed.
"How can you be so calm?" asked Kiba.
His eyes slowly opened. Kiba looked more worried than him. He ran his fingers through Kiba's hair.
"You should pay more attention to your mother's lectures, Kiba. You might actually learn something", he said.
They both heard Tsume laugh from the living room.
Neji gave a soft laugh himself.
"I'm high on my hormones. To ease me through my early labor my body releases chemicals to keep me calm. It doesn't do anything for the pain though", said Neji as he went through a contraction.
Kiba started washing Neji's hair.
"Mmm, that feels nice", murmured Neji.
Kiba smiled. One of his favorite things to do was to pleasure and ease. He placed gentle kisses along that beautiful pale neck. That earned him a relaxed sigh from his omega. Later he pulled the plug from the tub and the water drained. He helped Neji into pair of sweat pants. They settled into bed. Neji huddled as closely to him as he could. Kiba ran his fingers through Neji's wet hair. He was on high alert for any threat. This was time of vulnerability for his family.
"Kiba?"
"What?" he asked.
"Where's your mind?" asked Neji.
"I can't help being tense my love. You're at your most vulnerable right now. I can't help being alert its my instinct. I want to protect you and our pup", said Kiba as he placed his hand on Neji's stomach.
Neji took a deep breath. He caught the scent of two clan alphas. He placed his hand on top of Kiba's.
"This territory is extremely safe. If I counted right there are two other clan alphas roaming this land right now. I'm guessing Barnard and Kondoru", said Neji.
"You are getting better at that. It's tradition two or more clan alpha to offer protection, when one of the clans' members in labor. We might not be of the same blood, but we are family in a way", said Kiba.
"If you really want to help me you can give the affection I want", said Neji before he nipped at Kiba's chin.
"But-
He whined. That got Kiba's inner alpha's attention. Kiba nuzzled his omega and placed gentle licks and nips on his neck. Neji returned the same affection. This continued for hours. It stopped, when Neji gave pained whine.
"It's time Kiba", said Neji.
Kiba flinched at Neji's tight grip on his arm. Tsume walked into bedroom.
"I've sent Kuromaru to get Tsunade. She should be here any moment now", said Tsume.
"Good", said Neji.
His claws dug into the mattress trying to control his pain.
"You'll be Neji", said Kiba.
"Says the one who isn't pushing her out!" growled Neji.
Tsunade woke from her sleep, when she felt a soft tongue licking her cheek. It was Kuromaru. The large wolf like dog tugged on her clothing. This could only mean one thing. The baby was coming. She quickly dressed and ran to Kiba's house. Tsunade knocked on door. Tsume quickly pulled her into house. As soon as she set eyes on Neji, she knew he was ready to push.
"It's time to move him", said Tsunade.
That was the last thing Neji wanted to. This was a place was safe. It would be safe for him to have his pup here. He didn't want move even if it only meant taking a few steps down the hall. Before he could protest, Kiba got him to his feet. After taking a few steps, he felt something wet trickling down his legs.
"What is it?" asked Kiba.
"My water broke", said Neji.
Kiba's eyes widened.
"It's okay. This all part of the process, Kiba", said Tsunade.
He was placed in the guest bedroom. Neji was stripped of his clothes and his hair was tied in a bun. The only thing covering him was a thin blanket. He'd never experience this sort of pain before. As the hours went by the pain only intensified. His claws shredded the mattress. Sweat coated his body and hair. He whined loudly. When Kiba tried touching him, he snarled.
"Don't take it personally, Kiba. He is in a lot of pain right now", said Tsunade.
Kiba was helpless in this situation. He had to trust in his mate's instincts. They would help Neji's body through this. His mate was crying. Neji let him wipe away the tears. It felt like an eternity to Kiba. He didn't even want to imagine what Neji was experiencing. His heart skipped a beat, when he heard his mate scream.
Tsunade pulled up the blanket to see how far Neji was. She rolled up her sleeves. This would be the oddest delivery she ever helped with. She would only witness more now that the animal clans returned.
"Okay, Neji it's time to push", said Tsunade.
Neji groaned. He didn't have enough energy to move let alone push. With the little strength he had left he managed to sit up. Kiba sat behind him supporting him.
"You can do this my love", said Kiba.
"I can't", whimpered Neji.
"Tala, needs you to push", said Kiba.
That got through to Neji. His hand strongly grasped Kiba's and started pushing. He let his instincts takeover.
"The baby is crowning", said Tsunade.
Neji grabbed the collar of Kiba shirt and pulled him down to eye level.
"I swear if you do this to me again, Kiba. I swear I'll neuter you myself!" snarled Neji.
That sent a shutter down his back. Soon another scream joined Neji's. Tsunade held up their beautiful daughter.
"Kiba, do you want to cut the cord?" asked Tsunade.
He nodded his head. Even with the massive amount of pain his hand was in he managed to cut the cord. Neji smiled. The infant was small and messy.
"I knew you could do it, Neji", said Kiba before kissing him on the temple.
It was finally over. He eased into to Kiba's arms. Their pup screamed. Neji panicked, when he couldn't see her anymore. He struggled to get up, but Kiba kept him in place.
"You have to keep him still Kiba", said Tsunade.
"I need to be with her!" yelled Neji.
"You'll be with her soon my love", said Kiba.
Neji cried.
"Why are you punishing me?" he asked.
Neji struggled with what little strength he had left. He yelped, when Kiba bit him. His body went lax. Tsunade healed the damage with her chakra.
"I've healed the tearing and other damage caused by the birth, but he'll be weak for about a week. Clean him up. I'm going to check on your daughter", said Tsunade.
"Can you do me a favor?" asked Kiba as he raised his broken hand.
She smirked and took his hand. The broken bones mended under her healing touch.
"Thanks", he said.
Neji felt like he was dying in the inside. He so desperately needed be with their pup. Kiba refused to let him. What had he done to earn such punishment? When Kiba picked him up, he struggled. He was placed in a tub of warm water. When he heard his baby wailing, he tried jumping out of the tub, but Kiba pushed him down.
"I promise our baby is safe", said Kiba.
His every instinct told him to keep fight. He tried again escaping. When Kiba pushed him back down, he bared his teeth and snarled.
"I'm sorry my love", said Kiba.
"Don't", said Neji.
"Be still", ordered Kiba.
With that Neji lost all strength to fight. Tears slid down his cheeks. The water quickly turned pink as Kiba washed away the blood and sweat. Kiba helped him up and into a pair of sweat pants.
"I'm sorry Neji. You can move", said Kiba.
He helped Neji into their bed and pulled the blankets over him.
"Please forgive me my love. Never meant to make you suffer like that", said Kiba.
Neji forgot all about Kiba, when a new scent caught his attention. Tsume held a little bundle in her arms. She carefully placed his baby in his arms. The being in his arms had to be the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen. He'd never felt such love for someone before. She is his little girl and was worth every hour of hell he suffered giving to birth to her. He held her close. She was wrapped in soft gray blanket. Her name was embroidered in white on the corner. On her head was small white knitted hat with a small pink bow on it. Her eyes slowly opened revealing her pure white eyes. She yawned. Now that he had her safely tucked in his arms he was at peace. He felt something warm dripping down his chest. She started stirring in his arms. Neji brought her to his chest. She quickly latched.
The scene was truly beautiful. Kiba couldn't take his eyes away from them. He watched them from a far. The scene was too beautiful to disrupt. Besides this was the time for Neji and Tala to bond. He didn't know if he were welcome or not. He'd made Neji so upset.
"Kiba, why are you so far away?" asked Neji.
"I thought you were upset with. I hated that I commanded you", said Kiba.
Neji gave a weak smile.
"If you didn't notice I wasn't in the sanest state of mind at the time. You were taking care of me. She was safe, but I was terrified. Kiba you were doing the best you could", he said.
Kiba slowly approached. He joined Neji in bed. His arms wrapped protectively around his mate pulling him close. He breathed in deeply committing his daughter's scent to memory.
"You did wonderfully, Neji. She's perfect", said Kiba.
"She wasn't all my doing", said Neji.
"Heh, I just put her in you. That was the easy part. You did all the real work", said Kiba.
He nuzzled his mate's neck and gave it gentle lick.
"What day is it day is it?" asked Neji.
"September twenty-seventh", said Kiba.
Both his daughter and mate fell asleep in his protective grasp. In the morning he watched Neji care for their pup. Tala was healthy. She was a total of seven pounds five ounces.
"Kiba, do you want to hold your daughter?" asked Neji.
He nodded his head. This was the first chance he gotten to hold her. Neji carefully placed their daughter in his arms, before falling asleep. She had to be the most precious beings he'd ever set eyes on. Kiba nuzzled her making sure she was actually there and not a figure of his imagination. Her skin smelled of milk and baby power. This is his little girl. She looked so fragile and tiny, but so perfect at the same time. If anyone even tried harming her he would rip their head off or worse. He lifted her hat and saw she had her Papa's dark brown hair. Her eyes opened revealing the bloodline trait she inherited from Neji. Kiba wouldn't allow that bitter old man to touch her. He was brought out of his thought, when Tala's tiny hand wrapped around his finger.
"You have a strong grip like your Papa. He broke my hand bringing you into the world", said Kiba.
She gave him a toothless smile.
"I'm your daddy, Tala", said Kiba.
She giggled.
"The beautiful man sleeping is your papa", said Kiba.
She yawned and settled in his arms. Neji woke after an hour. He smiled, when he saw Kiba. Tala was the focus of his mate's attention. She look looked extremely comfortable in father's arms.
You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When sky's are grey
You'll never know, dear
How much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away
The other night, dear
As I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you in my arms
When I awoke, dear
I was mistaken
And I hung my head and cried
Her father's song lulled her to sleep. It was perfect.
"That's what you are Tala. My perfect little sunshine", said Kiba.
Neji heard the entire thing. He'd seen his tough alpha melt, under their daughter's gaze.
"You're good with her", said Neji.
"You want her back?" asked Kiba.
He shook his head.
"I don't want to know what you would do to anyone if anyone tried taking her away from us", said Neji.
Neji loved that protective look in Kiba's eyes. Their baby girl will be extremely well protected. She has two powerful jonin as her parents.
"She needs to nurse", said Neji.
Kiba handed her over.
"I hate waking her, but she needs to eat", said Neji.
"You don't have to tell me Neji. I trust your instincts with her", said Kiba.
He smiled that was a wonderful compliment.
"Thank you Kiba. You have no idea how much that means to me", said Neji.
Neji carefully woke the sleeping infant. He raised his shirt and moved Tala to his chest. The odd feeling of his daughter nursing made him flinch.
"What's with that look?" asked Kiba.
"It feels odd that's all", said Neji.
"It can't feel much different from, when I do it", said Kiba.
Neji went red. With his free hand he slapped Kiba on the back of the head.
"It isn't like that", said Neji.
"I really wish you didn't pick up that habit from my mother", said Kiba.
"I wouldn't have to pick up if didn't work so well", said Neji.
He growled, when sensed two females near. Neji didn't care that the scents were familiar he didn't want them anywhere near their den. He moved Tala out of view. She fussed at being separated from him.
"Easy Neji", said Kiba.
He wasn't pleased at having someone so near their den, while their pup wasn't even a day old and his mate was in a weakened state. He knew both scents. Even though one of the scents was his mother, he wanted no one disturbing his family bonding week. This was a time, when a pup would bond with its parents and siblings. Having disruption by even the child's grandmother might confuse the pup. Kiba opened the front door. There stood his mother and Tsunade. He made no efforts in trying to hide his displeasure at their presence.
"Don't give me that look Kiba. We'll be quick. Tsunade needs to check up on Tala", said Tsume.
He hated that his family's bonding week was disrupted, but he wanted to make sure his pup was healthy.
"Fine", said Kiba.
Neji snarled at them. He pulled Tala close. The babe seemed completely unaware of the change.
"Neji, Tsunade is here to check up on Tala to make sure she's healthy", said Kiba.
As much as he hated the idea he wanted to make sure their baby was healthy.
"Fine", said Neji.
He reluctantly gave Tala to Tsunade.
"Thank you", she said.
Kiba watched as Tsunade examined at the foot of the bed. He couldn't help laughing, when he saw Tala blatantly staring at Tsunade's large breasts. Everyone joined in the laughter; even Neji gave a quiet chuckle.
"She's a hungry little thing isn't she", said Tsunade.
Neji groaned, when his shirt grew wet. Tala turned her head toward him. She licked her lips. His face went hotter, when the stains in the front of his shirt grew.
"Neji, that's nothing to be embarrassed about its completely natural", said Tsunade.
A little while later Tsunade finished her examine of their pup. Tala was finally returned to him. He nuzzled her. She made a happy sound.
"Neji, I want to take a look at you too", said Tsunade.
He sighed. Their baby needed him safe and healthy too.
"Okay", he said before he handed Tala to Kiba.
She nuzzled against her father's chest.
"I'm not Papa", said Kiba.
Neji winced as Tsunade put pressure on his lower abdominal muscles.
"Bedsides the abdominal pain how are you feeling?" asked Tsunade.
"Tired very tired", said Neji.
"Have you eaten anything today?" asked Tsunade.
He shook his head.
"You need to eat fatty foods. This week's nursing is important it will pass down important nutrients and protective aspects to her. I also want you to take it easy this week. Then you can start up your training again. It will be good for you to rebuild your muscle", said Tsunade.
Neji smelled something wonderful coming from basket in Tsume's arms. She placed the basket on the bed. It was full sweets and other fatty food. He licked his lips.
"See you later Tala", said Tsume.
The two women left. Kiba gave him Tala. She quickly latched. He felt such relief having her close. Neji started humming a song to their baby. It was more to keep himself calm.
"What song is that?" asked Kiba.
"It's a lullaby", said Neji.
"It sounds far too sad to be something you sing to a child", said Kiba.
"It's better than rock a bye baby. I don't the idea of baby falling out of a tree", said Neji.
"Good point. Where did you learn it?" asked Kiba.
"During a mission in the Hidden Star Village", said Neji.
When Tala had her fill, Neji handed her to Kiba. He searched through the basket, until he found what he was looking. It was peach pound cake. He tore off a slice.
"I don't know how you can it eat that. Aren't you sick of peaches by now?" asked Kiba.
"Oddly no", said Neji.
Eventually night came. Kiba was uneasy, but he didn't let that let transmit through his link. His mate was asleep with Tala safely tucked in his arms. He smiled.
"Kiba?"
"What's wrong my love?" asked Kiba.
"I'm not the only one who needs sleep, Kiba", he said.
Kiba joined his baby and mate.
"We aren't going anywhere", said Neji as he caressed Kiba's face.
He was still nervous. His senses searched for any signs of danger. He finally relaxed and settled down with his family. His body went rigid, when heard a creak. Most would think it was nothing, but to him it was a clear warning. He shielded Neji and Tala with body. A wave of senbon hit him. At least a hundred of those needles had dug into his skin. The intruders must have covered themselves in something that hid their scent.
"Kiba",
Neji's heart was racing and he couldn't move. A senbon had struck his arm. It must have had some kind fast acting paralytic on it. He focused on their daughter. None of the senbon hit her.
"That was too easy", said one of the ninja.
"Shut it we don't want to bring attention. Transporting a baby quietly is difficult enough. I won't have you making this anymore difficult", said the other.
One of them approached the bed. Kiba had enough motion left in his body to bare his teeth and growl.
"He shouldn't be capable of that level motion. With paralytic in his blood stream he should be dead", said one of them.
Kiba and Neji were helpless. They couldn't even make a sound as their baby was away from them. Tala screamed for them. The sound shredded their hearts. Their pup was calling for them and they couldn't do anything.
"Shut the thing up",
Their child's cries were muffled, when one of the intruders covered Tala's mouth with their hand. They watched the masked men slinked out of the window.
