First Mate First Love
Chapter 30: Longing
Chapter thirty already. Thanks for reading. Please leave a review.
Neji woke early in the morning, when he heard Tala crying for him. He went to her crib. She smiled up at him and reached out her arms. He picked her up. Neji quickly changed her and dressed her. He was happy that his daughter seemed to have no recollections of the events that happened hours after her birth. Tala was a perfectly happy six month old.
"Let's go wake up Daddy", he said.
Kiba lay spread out on the bed snoring. His arms, chest, and neck were wrapped in bandages. The idiot had gotten hurt on a mission.
"Kiba, wake up", said Neji.
That got no response from his husband.
"Shine",
The Rottweiler left her place at the foot of the bed and went to her master's side.
"Wake up Kiba", said Neji.
Shine pounced on the sleeping mass in the bed, which earned loud groan from Kiba. She continued to jump on him.
"NEJI CALL HER OFF I'M UP!" yelled Kiba.
Tala was laughing at her father's current predicament.
"Why our daughter seems to be enjoying it", said Neji as he held their laughing baby closer.
"PLEEASE NEJI", begged Kiba.
"Shine",
She was instantly at his side. He scratched behind her ear.
"Good dog", he said.
Kiba sat up. He saw the slight hint of fear still hidden in his mate's eyes. Guilt pried at his heart. He and Akamaru got caught in an explosion during an a-ranked mission. It was a careless mistake, which Shino and Neji were quick to point out to him.
"Neji, how many times do I have to say I'm sorry?" asked Kiba.
Neji sighed and joined his husband in bed.
"You scared me. Can you blame me for being angry?" he asked.
Kiba shook his head and pulled his mate and child close.
"I'm sorry", said Kiba before licking his mate's neck.
"I can't raise her on my own", said Neji.
"Even if something were to happen to me our family would be well taken care of. The other animal clan and our friends would help you raise her", said Kiba.
Neji got up from the bed. He sighed.
"That's not what I meant. I don't want to raise her as a single parent", he said.
"My mom raised Hana and I just fine", said Kiba.
"I know, but imagine how difficult that was for her", said Neji.
Kiba never thought of that. His mom made it look so easy. She didn't even have the help of the other clans.
"I'll be more careful next time Neji. I promise", said Kiba.
Tala started squirming in Neji's arms. They went into the kitchen. Kiba made breakfast for two. Tala nursed. Neji flinched she kept biting him.
"What's wrong?" asked Kiba.
"She's teething", said Neji.
Kiba set the breakfast out on the table. Then he went to freezer and took out Tala's teething ring.
"Thanks", said Neji.
He sighed in relief, when Tala finally finished her meal. Neji gave her teething ring. She start chewing on it. Today would be another normal day. Take care of her and get some training in. Neji sighed. He seemed to follow that same schedule every day. From the training he managed to regain all the muscle he enjoyed another peaceful breakfast. There was a knock on the door.
"Come in", said Kiba.
The door opened a Shikamaru came in. Neither Kiba or Neji knew what he could possibly want.
"What brings you here Shikamaru?" asked Kiba.
"What always brings me here a mission", he said.
"Well, I'm out of commission", said Kiba.
Shikamaru gave tired sighed. Would he really have to explain this?
"I'm here to get Neji. Or have you forgotten that you're married to one of top jonin in the village", said Shikamaru.
"Me?" asked Neji.
"Yes, you. Unless you preferring being a stay at home dad", said Shikamaru.
Neji would never tell this to Kiba, but he craved a chance to get out village on mission. He loves his daughter more than anything in the world, but he needed a chance to get out. Let Kiba stay at home parent for a bit. It wouldn't kill him.
"It's an a-ranked mission-
"I'll go", said Neji without hesitation
"What?" said Kiba.
"It's tomorrow we are leaving at six. It will take about a week give or take", said Shikamaru before leaving.
Kiba waited until Shikamaru was out of hearing range.
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!" yelled Kiba.
Tala instantly started crying. She might not understand what her parents were saying, but she understood that raised voice were bad. Neji started rocking her in his arms.
"Shh, little one your daddy is just being an incompetent ass right now", said Neji in a hushed voice as he rocked Tala in his arms.
She calmed, but stayed huddled closely to Neji's neck. He put Tala down her basket. Kiba was practically growling at him. Neji's hands fisted.
"You aren't going", said Kiba in a low voice.
"Were you not listening? I already agreed. And I'm not going back on my word", said Neji.
The cold edge in Neji's voice only made Kiba angrier.
"I'm going. That's final", said Neji.
Kiba punched a hole through the kitchen wall. Tala started wailing.
"Look what you've done now", said Neji as tried comforting their wailing child.
Kiba was openly growling now. His alpha instincts were telling him to put Neji in his place. But he push it down for moment.
"Go for a run punch another hole in our house if that makes you feel better, but you will not growl at me, Kiba", said Neji.
He was being glared now. Kiba's eyes went a shade of golden brown. Neji kept his ground.
"GET OUT NOW!" yelled Neji.
"FINE!" screamed Kiba.
The front door slammed shut. It fell of its hinges. His daughter was obviously scared. He held her close and gently nuzzled her.
"Your daddy is just frustrated little one. He'll be back soon", said Neji as he ran his gently up and down his daughter back.
Neji knew it was only a matter of time, before Kiba cooled down. He that his mate would never harm Tala or him no matter what level of anger he was in. Neji settled in his favorite chair with a book and his pup safely tucked in his arm. He read a loud to her. His voice seemed to calm her down and she quickly. He looked at her. Maybe he was making a mistake. No, he was trained to be ninja almost all his life. With Kiba's help they could balance both career and family hopefully. Kiba just needs to know what it feels like to be in his shoes for a change.
Kiba took out his rage on the training ground. He sat with his back to a tree panting. His knuckles were raw. He wrapped them. His body instinctively tensed, when heard someone come near, but his body relaxed when recognized the scent. He turned to see Barnard and Otso the bear. Barnard took a seat next to him. The giant bear Otso slowly eased himself to the ground.
"I know that expression. You and Neji had a fight", said Barnard.
"Yes", said Kiba.
"What was it about?" asked Barnard.
"Something stupid that I should have seen coming", said Kiba.
"Trust me there's none mistake you haven't made that me and the other clan alphas haven't made ourselves", said Barnard.
"Why do you want to help?" asked Kiba.
"We family in my book. And I'm more than just aging muscle, boy. I have a fair amount of knowledge and experience too. I would pass it down to grandsons later, but you seem to be in need of it now. And I'm good listener too. So tell me what happen", said Barnard.
"Neji's maternity leave is over", said Kiba.
"He was assigned a high ranked mission", said Barnard.
Kiba nodded his head.
"Do you have any suggestions?" he asked.
"It's not going to be anything you want to hear, but you should let him go. Let him do this and it will show Neji you trust him", said Barnard.
"I do trust him. I trust him with my life. I just don't want him in danger", said Kiba.
"You're husband prodigy in the gentle fist style. I've seen him training with his uncle. He more than capable of protecting himself from any threat. From the matches I've seen Neji never lost", said Barnard.
Kiba sighed. He didn't know that Neji was training with Hiashi.
"You didn't know about that did you?" asked Barnard.
Neji shook his head. He understood why Neji would keep the secret from him. Even if he didn't like Hiashi, he knew that Neji's uncle wouldn't harm him.
The large man got up. His bear slowly got to his feet.
"Grovel a bit and you should be back in your husband good graces soon enough", said Barnard.
"I should be getting back", said Kiba.
He went home and the front door on the ground he would be paying for that. Neji was asleep with their daughter. He kneeled down next the chair. Kiba ran his fingers through Neji's hair. Those beautiful white eyes opened.
"I'm sorry Neji. Please forgive", said Kiba.
Neji sat up carefully with Tala in his arms. She was in a deep sleep. He got up and placed her crib. Neji returned the living room where is husband was waiting for him.
"I know you are, but you shouldn't have thought that I wanted to be a stay at home parent. I love Tala, but I can't be stuck in the house watching her all the time. I'm a Leaf shinobi", said Neji.
"I know", said Kiba.
Neji was surprised, when he didn't get much of a reaction Kiba. He seemed to calm down a great amount.
"Why are you so calm?" asked Neji.
"Someone helped me realize that there's no stopping you", said Kiba.
"And who was this someone?" asked Neji.
"And old teddy bear", said Kiba.
Looks like Barnard had willing taken up the father role in Kiba's life. This would be a good thing a calmer Kiba is always nice. Neji woke early the next morning. He walked into Tala's nursery. Her white eyes opened and she smiled up him. He took care of her and her an early meal. Neji wiped away the milk from her chin. There's was a chance that he wouldn't see her again. The idea of losing the most wonderful thing he ever created scared the hell out of him. Her tiny hand wrapped around his finger. He forced those thoughts to the back of his mind. Neji couldn't allow that fear to cloud his judgement.
"Try not to give your dad too much hell while I'm gone", said Neji.
He kissed her on the forehead.
"I love you, Tala", said Neji.
Neji wrapped his chest and grabbed his bag. He met Shikamaru and Choji at the front gates. They took off in a run. As they ran Shikamaru informed them on the mission's details.
At eight in the morning crying woke Kiba. Neji had already left for his mission. He should have woke him up to say goodbye. Kiba forced himself from bed. He picked up Tala. She squirmed in his arms. He made her bottle formula, which she spat up. She started screaming.
"Shh, I know you miss Papa, but you have to eat", said Kiba as she offered her the bottle again.
She spat it out again. Tala's screaming set Kiba on edge. Neji could always calm her down, when she was like this. After an hour of pure crying and screaming Tala finally settled down. There was a knock on the door. Tala woke and started wailing. Kiba groaned.
"Come in", shouted Kiba over his daughter's cries.
Tsume came in. She took her screaming grandchild from her son's arm. Then took one of Neji's pillowcase from the bed and wrapped Tala in. Kiba watch in amazement as the pup settled down.
"How?" asked Kiba.
"She misses her Papa. Now she needs a chance to get used to you. She's not used to seeing your ugly mug every day", said Tsume.
"Very funny", said Kiba.
"How long is he going to be gone?" asked Tsume.
"A week maybe more", said Kiba.
"It's going to be a long week, but at least you're not on your own", said Tsume.
"How can I get her to eat? She keeps spitting it out", said Kiba.
"Neji, probably feed her before he left. If she get hungry enough she'll eat the formula", said Tsume.
Three days if nonstop screaming kept Kiba up. Akamaru and Shine were smart and took shelter in the main house. Tala's recent accomplishment was two canisters of formula to floor. Both Shine and Akamaru were cover in the powder. Kiba groaned. Tala screamed and pulled on his goatee. He had to go shopping. Maybe he could get a break from his daughter's wails. He went to the main house with Tala in his arms. Kiba was having a difficult time keeping her skill. She kept squirming trying to get away from him. He smiled, when he saw breakfast. His mom had even made a bottle for Tala.
She took Tala from her tired son's arms. Tsume had never seen her son so exhausted before. She knew Tala's Inuzuka streak would kick in soon enough, but this was only a temporary change in the calm baby's personality. She would be back to her normal self again as soon as Neji came back. Tsume finally got Tala to take a bottle.
"Mom, can you watch her fit a bit while I go to the store?" asked Kiba.
"Sure", said Tsume.
Kiba gave a relaxed sigh. Some quiet would be greatly appreciated. As soon he stepped toward the door Tala screamed. It wasn't like the others before. It was a high-pitched screech. Kiba had only heard his pup make that sound once before. That was when she was taken from them. He rushed to her side. Kiba held her close. He nuzzled her. She calmed.
"She's afraid you'll go too", said Tsume in a soft voice.
Kiba sat down at the kitchen table with Tala tucked safely in his arms. She'd calmed down greatly.
"Stand up", said Tsume.
"What?" he said.
"You heard me", said Tsume.
He didn't feel like arguing he was just too damn tired. She put some kind of odd sling on him. It was made from soft gray cloth. His mom placed Tala in the sling. His pup rested calmly against his chest.
"I feel ridiculous", said Kiba.
"But look how happy she is. Babies love being held like this. Hearing their parents' heart beat is very comforting", said Tsume.
He looked at his pup. She did look happier this way and if this kept her quiet for a few hours he wouldn't complain. He went to grocery store. The top two things he needed were diapers and formula. He groaned, when he went into the baby aisle. There were at least twenty different brands of baby formula.
"May I be of help to you sir?"
Kiba tensed. He knew that voice. Only a few feet away from him was Tamaki. No charges were pressed against her. That incident was too blurry for anything to be pressed against her. That meant he couldn't harm her. He put a protective hand over Tala's back.
"Since when do you work here?" asked Kiba.
Tamaki sighed. She'd missed seeing Kiba's face.
"The pet store has hit a rough patch. For some reason your sister has stopped recommending her patients come here. So that's taken a big chunk out of business. I had to get another job. I've also heard your sister is considering opening a pet store of her own", said Tamaki.
"Yeah, she'll be co-owner with Nala. She one member from the other animal clans", said Kiba.
Tamaki leaned a bit closer to get a look at the baby huddled closely to Kiba's chest. She didn't believe Neji actually gave birth. That was just impossible. She thought one day she would be having Kiba's children. They must have adopted
"She's beautiful", said Tamaki.
"Thanks", said Kiba.
He was growing more and more uncomfortable with this situation. Neji would rip him a new one if he even caught Tamaki's scent on him or Tala.
"These two are the best formulas", said Tamaki.
Kiba put the two canisters in the basket.
"She's adorable. What's here name?" asked Tamaki.
"Tala, I should really be getting her home", said Kiba as he walked pass the woman.
Tala looked up at him as he paid. They went home. Kiba was relieved Tala easily took the bottle. He placed her on the rug where Shine and Akamaru watched her closely. Kiba threw his clothes into the washing machine. Then went into the shower to wash away the foul smell of that he walked back into the kitchen, he saw Tala cuddled up in Akamaru's fur. She was sleeping peacefully. He sat down on the couch and let himself fall asleep. Crying an hour later woke him. Maybe he would have a peaceful night. He sighed he could smell rain coming. It would be a powerful storm.
Neji sat in the rain soaking with Shikamaru and Choji. They were taking recognizances. Their mission was to rescue a Lady Mizumi from one of the islands that surrounded the Land of Water. The island's name was Sangosho . It was known for it beautiful coral reef, but lately it had fallen. He searched the kidnapper's hideout with his Byakugan. He quickly found the Lady Mizumi. A newborn was cradled in her arms. This made things more difficult. They were planning on a quick in and out mission, but that was almost impossible with a newborn.
"What is it?" asked Shikamaru.
"She has a baby. By the looks of it the infant is only a few days old. She won't be able to walk on her own", said Neji.
"So an in out operation is option", said Shikamaru.
Neji nodded his head.
"How many are there?" asked Shikamaru.
"Twenty, we've handled worse", said Neji.
"Choji and I will distract them Neji. You find the Lady Mizumi", said Shikamaru.
He found her room little difficulty. On his way their he only ran into two guards, which he easily handled. Neji slowly opened the door to her room. She sat up in the bed. In the darkness he could see perfectly, but to her he was a stranger in her bedroom. He put her hand over his mouth. Lady Mizumi struggled weakly in his arms.
"I'm from the Leaf. My squad is here to rescue you and your baby", said Neji.
She calmed and he pulled away his hand.
"Can't walk", she whispered.
"I know", said Neji as he picked her up bridal style
Neji lifted the woman bridal style. He rushed out the hideout and to the meeting spot. From a far he heard the destruction caused by his teammates. Even the horrible weather and the danger of the moment Lady Mizumi was smiling. Her attention was focused on the baby in her arms. It made Neji's heart ache. He missed Tala. Neji desperately want to hold her in his arms. He would see his pup soon. Shikamaru and Choji met up with him. They didn't stop running until reached the boat. Lady Mizumi didn't want him to leave. He stood in her room, while others kept watch outside. The newborn started crying. Neji frown chest grew damp. Since he was already soaked from the rain the stains didn't show. Eventually the babe settled in its mother's arms.
"What's his name?" asked Neji.
He just made a guess on the gender. Mizumi smiled at him.
"His name is Arashi. Do you have any children?" she asked.
"A daughter she's six months old. I miss her greatly", said Neji.
We went home. When the storm settled, they set sail for the Land of Waves. The journey would take a few days depending on the weather. Two days later they reached the port. As show of appreciation the Lady and Lord treated them to a large spread of food. Choji was filling his stomach. The cooking was great, but he missed Kiba's food. They walked through the mark near the port. One of the booths was selling stuffed animals. A stuffed dog with cinnamon colored fur caught his attention. Tala would love it. He paid for it joined the others.
"What's with the toy?" asked Shikamaru.
"It's for Tala. You two should get something for children. It will give your wives proof t you were thinking about them while you were gone", said Neji.
Choji and Shikamaru would quick to take his advice.
"Tala, I'll be hime soon", whispered Neji to himself.
Kiba hadn't slept through the night in days. Tala missed Neji and wanted to make sure he knew it. Today Kurenai had invited him over for lunch. He was too tired to cook. Kiba put on the baby sling and put Tala in it. She nuzzled closely to his chest. Her eyes closed.
"So you can sleep and I can't?" asked Kiba.
Shino was there too. Kurenai took Tala from him and Faith from Shino. She place the two infants in a playpen. The two crawled around and seemed to be having a great time with each other.
"You two look like you haven't gotten sleep in days", she said.
"We haven't", said Shino.
Kurenai pushed her two students onto her couch.
"You two sleep. I'll watch over the little ones", said Kurenai.
"Where is Yochu?" asked Kiba.
His eyes were already growing heavy.
"Spa day with friends", said Shino.
Both her students fell asleep in a matter of seconds. She looked the cute babies. Kurenai had gotten much of a chance to get to know them, even though she was godmother to both them.
"Mommy?" said Mirai.
"Yes",
"Can I hold one", said Mirai.
"Okay honey, but you have to be very careful", said Kurenai.
She sat her daughter from the couch and placed Tala in Mirai's arms. Kurenai kept a close eye on her daughter. She could help finding the infants personality odd. Kiba's daughter was calm and quiet, while Shino's daughter was loud and couldn't keep still. It would be very interesting watching the two grow up.
"Mommy, I have a question", said Mirai.
"Go head and ask honey", said Kurenai.
"Who's Tala's mommy?" asked Mirai.
It was extremely innocent question by a child. Kurenai had no idea how to answer. How to explain that man gave birth to your young child?
"You know Neji right?" she asked.
Mirai nodded her head.
"Well instead of having a mommy, she's has a Papa", said Kurenai.
She sighed in relief. Her answer seemed to have satisfied her daughter. Kurenai's heart ached, when Mirai started crying. She took Tala from the little girl's arms.
"What's wrong?" she asked as she pulled her baby girl close.
"Why does she get two daddies and I get none?" asked Mirai.
The simple question struck her speechless.
"Your father died. He would give the world to be with you", said Kurenai.
Mirai frowned. Kurenai hugged her tightly. A few hours later Kiba woke up to the smell of cooking. He was shocked to see his pup sleeping peacefully besides Faith. He sat down at the table with Kurenai.
"I can already tell those two are going to be best friends", said Kurenai.
"They will mostly like be on the same squad", said Shino as he rose from the couch.
"I wonder who will teach them", said Kurenai.
Kiba's attention refocused on his daughter. Normally she would be screaming her head off by now.
"How did you get them so calm?" asked Kiba.
"They tired each other out", said Kurenai.
"I should be getting home soon", said Kiba.
He picked up Tala from the playpen and put her in the sling. As he walked through town something caught his eye. Sparrow and Tenten were together holding hands. He waved to his friend. It amazed him how quickly he bonded with the alphas his age. It was like they knew each other for years.
Sparrow came walking toward him. Since he was a lower ranking alpha he would have to greet a clan alpha if welcomed. It was more instinct than a rule. Even though he had a difficult time thinking of Kiba as a Clan alpha.
"I didn't want to disrupt", said Kiba.
He knew how annoying it could be having someone disrupt time with your mate.
"I don't mind. Anything to see this cutie pie. Can I hold her?" asked Tenten.
"Sure", said Kiba.
Tenten took Tala in her arms. She was completely distracted by the cute baby in her arms.
"I didn't mean to disrupt your date. I don't want stuck on your bad side. Raion warned of your stunts", said Kiba.
"You've done nothing to earn that kind of punishment from me. Besides, I have no reason to target you. Look how happy you've made her", said Sparrow.
Kiba knew the look in Sparrow's eyes. He had the same look in his, when he saw Neji with Miria in his arms.
"Be careful what you wish for", said Kiba.
"Was it worth it?" asked Sparrow.
"Yes, I would do all over again", said Kiba as looked at his daughter.
"You'll have to do it all over again. You still need an alpha", said Sparrow.
"It's too soon be thinking of another kid. Neji and I aren't ready for that yet", said Kiba.
Tenten eventually gave Tala back to Kiba. Late that night was too tired to take Tala to her nursery. He let his daughter sleep in the bed with him. Kiba fell asleep to soft sound of rain.
Neji was relieved to finally make it back to the village. The mission was a success. He desperately wanted to get home. Neji made it to the front door. It was unlocked. He rushed to the nursery to see his pup. His body tensed, when he saw an empty crib.
"Neji",
He turned to see Kiba. Neji sighed in relief, when he saw Tala in her father's arms. She's safe.
"You're soaked", said Kiba.
"Yes, I know that Kiba", said Neji.
"She's safe Neji. I won't let anyone hurt our little sunshine", he said.
Neji smiled and went to the bedroom to change. Kiba followed him. They huddled into bed. Neji took Tala from his husband's arms. He nuzzled the sleeping babe.
"How was the mission?" asked Kiba.
"It was a success. Happy to be home though", said Neji.
The family huddled close in a peaceful sleep. Neji woke first. Tala was peacefully tucked between the two of them. It was nice to know that Kiba could handle Tala without him. Kiba was next to wake and was followed. Tala wriggled in his arms.
"Papa",
Neji's eyes went wide.
"Papa", she called again.
Neji took her in his arms.
"Yes, I'm your Papa", he said.
"And I'm your Daddy", said Kiba.
"Dada", said Tala.
Both parents were extremely proud of their daughter saying her first words.
