Chapter 1: My Turn with Silence
Chapter Text
The entire mess started with a group mission out to the Land of Iron. The mission? Secure a resort. The reward was simply enough to enjoy the springs afterward. The catch, was that their rooms were shared and the lowest quality to save the inn money after its recovery from bandits and feudal conflict.
Shikamaru and his team scarcely paid mind to the mission. Throwing their weight around sent the bandits packing or bound in ropes and off to a detention center. He stretched, popping his back as the warm water soaked into his skin.
He lingered at hours when the baths were clear of people. A little quiet went a long way, and with Naruto screaming and Choji snacking and Lee going on and on about his training…
“What a drag.” He mumbled, scratching his hair. The tie felt loose, so he pulled it free and snapped it around his wrist. The shuttering of the sliding wood door opening in closing prompted him to roll his head and stare through the steam.
Just before he could snap that it was ‘his turn’ with the quiet, he blushed and covered his face with one hand. What looked to be a mistaken woman had wandered into the spring, with thick, long, brown hair and skin like moonlight.
It wasn’t until the figure turned around that he realized he was ogling Neji Hyūga.
Shikamaru wouldn’t say it was the first time he’d blushed in front of the beautiful man, and perhaps in a private moment playing Shoji, Neji even noted that he knew he earned stares. Especially in his traditional Hyūga dressings.
Neji surveyed the pool, and for just one moment Shikamaru saw veins crease and pull tight under the skin around his eyes, and near his temples. They zero’d in on Shikamaru, and to his relief, relaxed. Neji came to enjoy the peace, and without even a nod, stepped toward the rocky pool to sit on the side.
He ditched the towel with grace, going so far as to fold it neatly. Steam hid Shikamaru’s curious eye, and what he wanted a peek at. He looked away, disguising his own embarrassment at his curiosity of how much ‘a man’ Hyūga was by rolling his head back on the towel to rest.
A comfortable silence fell between them. Occasionally, water lapped and jumped. Neji combed his hair in the steam, using the heat to pull it clean and straight. Hot water was more than enough for Shikamaru to consider himself clean, but knew Neji would probably wash off later.
The heat must’ve been getting to him. Shikamaru watched the man as he stood, leaning far over the ledge for the towel to rest over his head and wrap up his hair. He noted a fallen leaf stuck plainly to one muscular cheek as he leaned.
Neji paused, and snapped his gaze to him. “What is it?”
Shikamaru knew Neji trusted him; his stare was regarded almost like the Hyuga may regard another’s from his own clan. “Oh. Uh, got a leaf stuck to you.” Shikamaru scratched his damp hair with a frown, adverting his gaze. “I saw it fall.”
Which was true. Fifteen minutes ago. Neji surveyed his rear end and plucked it off with finely kept nails, discarding it with a hint of annoyance. “Thank you. That would have been annoying to catch in the water.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Please don’t mention it.
Shikamaru hung out for a while, but Neji’s small movements and little sighs when he stretched did things to his head. It was all his fault for being such a perv, and Neji’s for being so damn pretty.
He chose not to think about his preferences, and decided to try to think about any girl he liked.
Only...
He didn’t like girls. Oh, sure, he was friends with Temari, and she was more than tolerable. Hinata was sweet enough, and Sakura cared deeply for her friends. Ino was his long time teammate and probably best friend out of them all. Even TenTen proved to be a vital member to the team…
But he didn’t like them. And while he came to the conclusion he was just too personally invested in those close to him to form a romance, that didn’t explain why he noticed his attention slipping around the Hyuga.
Shuffling on a robe, he knocked his head against the cabinets. “What a drag. I want to lay down and sleep. But our rooms aren’t ready. And dinner won’t be for another hour.” He thought aloud, groaning again, and heading out into the hall.
He nearly bumped chest-to-face with Hinata, who was carrying a folded set of clothing.
“Oh!” She gasped, shuffling back with those astounding reflexes. “I’m sorry!”
“’s fine.” The cloth messily disturbed in her tight grip drew his attention. “Looking for Neji?”
“Ah, yes. I had this washed for him.” She smiled sweetly, tenderly. “His skin is sensitive to some detergents, so I made sure... Um!” She blushed. “Please don’t tell him I told you!”
Shikamaru smiled lazily to assure her he wouldn’t dare. “Not my business, and not my style to go throwing personal info around. He’s in the spring soaking.”
Hinata glanced up and around Shikamaru at the door, deflating. “Oh. Um, I don’t know where to put it… Our rooms have been picked. Two to a room, Shikamaru. The others already picked bunkmates.”
Shikamaru felt a spike of betrayal. “Even Choji?”
She nodded once with a short hum. “He and Naruto wanted to continue talking about uh, cup ramen.” The fond little giggle at Naruto’s name made Shikamaru feel sugar sickly, like he’d get ill just from her affection toward the man.
“Right. Guess I’ll just bunk with Neji then. No problem.” Neji was far from the worst roommate. Quiet, slept through the night usually, and was up and gone early so Shikamaru could sleep in alone.
Hinata frowned a bit. “Um, Shikamaru? Can you take this to him please, and pass on the news?”
“Huh? Oh, sure.” He took the folded robes almost gingerly. They smelled faintly like fresh forest, which he knew well. Washed only with hot water and care. “Yeah, I’ll let him know. You go ahead to the dining hall. We’ve got run of there, so people will gather for dinner I’m sure.”
“Okay. Thank you, Shikamaru.”
Hinata glanced back once, but her expression was unreadable. Typically in situations like this, Hinata and Neji shared a room. Everyone knew, but nobody talked about how protective Neji was of her, and of his sporadic night terrors. Not even Naruto, not even Sai brought it up.
Shikamaru walked back in the door and raised his brow. Neji sat in just his damp towel, brushing out his hair. A comb lay in his lap. Wordlessly he shrugged a shoulder, inviting Shikamaru closer.
“I overheard.” Neji stated calmly. “I would prefer if you did not tell anyone of that information.”
“Isn’t my business. As far as I know, I never heard it.”
“Good.” Neji stuttered in his even strokes. “Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.” He set the clothing down. “Oh, your skirt is missing.”
“Hinata is mending it.” Neji replied. “And it is a thigh guard, Shikamaru. Not a skirt.”
Right, he thought with a little smile. He looked up, and only then did he realize Neji wasn’t wearing his forehead bandages. He had in the baths, usually did, but brushing out his bangs that were usually pinned underneath was impossible with the wrappings on top. Shikamaru realized he was staring at the pale green mark, and lazily shifted his head.
“It was cut by the bandits.” Neji stated quietly. The sudden softness to his voice implied he’d noticed. Shikamaru wished he had the guts to explain that it was surprise, not pity that caused him to stare.
“Looks like we’re bunking together tonight. I plan on sleeping as long as I can. So try to be quiet in the morning.”
“What do you mean?”
“You seem like the early to rise type.”
Neji paused, and stared at him oddly. “I can sleep in on a mandated vacation, Shikamaru.”
“Wanna make that a bet?” He broke into a grin, and stood up straight. He shoved his hands in the robe pockets and shuffled for the door. “Don’t take too long brushing out your flowing mane Rapunzel. Dinner’s in an hour, don’t get lost looking at yourself in the mirror.”
Neji just huffed the word ‘ridiculous’ under his breath, and went back to brushing. Shikamaru got half way down the hall before he realized Neji didn’t need a mirror to brush his hair. What a drag.
Chapter 2: Food Fights and Futon Fights
Notes:
I have so much more. And its ALL not beta-read.
Chapter Text
Dinner ended up turning into a brawl. Neji shut it down with his rotation, while Shikamaru caught Choji before he could turn Sai black, white, and blue all over. The hole in the floor was easy enough to patch back with dirt, though Shikamaru added ‘fixing furnishings’ to the general list of helpful tasks they could be doing with downtime.
Hinata caught up with him once rooms were assigned. Most of them received double-wide futon. Plenty of space, and a mission tent was even more cramped, so it was still luxury for the ninja. She looked concerned. TenTen shared a room with her, so he was pretty certain she wasn’t about to ask to swap roommates.
“What’s with the worried face?” He asked bluntly.
“Um, have you ever shared a tent with Neji?” She nearly went so high pitched that he couldn’t make out her whispery words. “Because—”
“I know. About the nightmares.” Shikamaru murmured quietly. “We don’t talk about it. If it happens, it happens.”
“No, um—”
“It’s fine.”
“Not that, Shikamaru, something else. Neji—”
Lee bolted past with gusto, laughing wildly while Kiba and Akamaru rushed after him snarling. Shikamaru gently moved her aside. “We can talk later.”
“No, um, please.” Shikamaru stopped mid step when she grabbed his robe. “Neji is a bit clingy!”
Shikamaru swore his vision went blank. What? “Run that by me again.”
Hinata shook her head. “It makes him feel safer. And if he trusts you, he may do it on his own in his sleep. I never minded, but, he does trust you. I didn’t want to see him upset.”
She was protecting Neji. Shikamaru didn’t even laugh, because it was just absurd enough to be funny but serious enough to weigh the noise down to a grunt. “He does?” Was all he could get out.
“Mhm!” Hinata smiled nervously. “But I didn’t want you to think poorly of him. Neji sleeps on his back during missions, to keep from letting it happen, and locks up some of his chakra points. It is uncomfortable, but it works.” She glanced around nervously. “Just please, he needs to rest too.”
“I hear you. He pushes himself to the brink of exhaustion. I wonder all the time about you and him. Lot… A lot of pressure.” Shikamaru frowned. “Thanks for looking out for me, Hinata. But you make sure to rest too. Also, his favorite cup ramen right now is the miso.”
Hinata turned bright red, but Shikamaru rushed off to set things up before Neji got done throttling Lee within an inch of his ‘youthful’ lifespan.
Chapter 3: Whispered Breath
Notes:
I started out typing the fancy U with the line over it and then I stopped. I apologize to those that this bothers, I might fix it later.
Chapter Text
Neji slid open the door to find Shikamaru asleep. On the floor with just one blanket and a pillow. He narrowed his eyes sharply. “Shikamaru, you are going to fall ill sleeping like that.” He raised his voice a notch, which startled the sleeping man awake.
“Aw, man. I was havin’ such a good dream.” He rubbed his dark eyes in annoyance. “I was comfortable.”
“You’ll get sick.” Neji looked around and found the futon was already lain out with just one pillow and the other blanket. He stared. “You went to the trouble of doing this, then slept on the floor?”
Shikamaru sat up and stretched. “You sound like my mother. Alright, alright.”
He threw the pillow at Neji sharply as he got up. Neji caught it, shoving the other cushion over and arranging them so they both had optimal space. Enough space. Neji worried his little ‘habit’ would rear its ugly head, especially since soaking in the hot water left him chilled as the night cold set in.
Neji chose to not think about it, and just unfolded the second top quilt layer Shikamaru ignored in favor for the lighter blanket. Maybe Hinata told him about this too? No, that was too personal.
And it wasn’t his blood relative, but just Shikamaru. He trusted his judgement, sure, but that was a battle relationship. Just comrades, and friends, and occasionally, Shoji players.
Just friends.
Neji began to dress down for the evening, taking off the repaired skirt and his traditional robes in favor of ones from the springs. They were warmer, and thicker. With some hesitation, feeling Shikamaru watching him half-awake, he began to undo his head wrappings. The forehead guard he’d long since abandoned, but without his headband he felt a little naked.
Shikamaru was staring at it earlier. Maybe he felt some type of way about the mark, knowing its origins? Everyone knew. The entire village… He regretted that sometimes.
Neji wound the cloth strips into neat piles, resting them atop his clothing. He turned to settle into the blankets, any warmth left in his bones seeped out into the fresh, cool cloth of his new outerwear. Shikamaru seemed unbothered, blinking once before rolling to face the other way. Neji lay on his back, and despite his nerves, left himself ‘unlocked’ and free. The careful control was so hard to maintain, and this was supposed to be a vacation.
Who knew when he would get another break?
------
Warm air ghosted over Shikamaru’s chest. He slept with the rope top open to get some air, as Neji pulled up the second layer of blanket sometime in the night. He suspected it to just be his head wedged in a weird position but his neck felt fine.
A heavy weight wrapped itself around his ribs, his legs, and it took everything in his power to stay lax and still.
Neji.
Neji was wound around him like a vice grip, cheek pressed into his right pectoral. He’d turned over in his sleep, and Neji latched onto him like a monkey would its mother. He bit back the groan and lay there, wide awake and regretting not listening to Hinata’s warnings.
The air was cold around them. A front must’ve moved in. That was the least of his problems.
The soft moonlight glowing in the window lit up Neji’s face, giving him an ethereal, heavenly appearance. Shikamaru wondered if it was just Neji’s warmth or his embarrassment giving him a healthy flush of heat. Unsure of what to do next, he simply lay there until exhaustion overtook nervous excitement he couldn’t place.
Chapter 4: Omissions and Admissions
Chapter Text
Neji was gone next time he woke up. It was noisy, so late enough that he probably missed breakfast. A tray of fruit greeted him, with a small note reminding him to eat something, and that Neji went to enjoy the spring early in the morning.
He checked the window. It was well into morning. Shikamaru grabbed an apple and crunched into it, quietly thanking the Hyuga as he went about dragging himself into existence.
The springs were quiet other than a handful of new patrons. When they opened back up, Shikamaru expected a rush, but wariness remained. So the ninja remained to watch over the springs. They funded an oddly disproportionate amount of tourism for the land, and thus were important to the neutral nation.
Shikamaru didn’t mind the notice of a few more days’ leave. It was a rare time. He shrugged off his robes and tucked a towel on, striding out for the water. He was blindsided by smacking chest-first into the man.
“Shikamaru.” Neji stated in surprise. Shikamaru instinctively reached out to grab his shoulder and steady him. Neji’s pale skin was flushed and red. He looked surprised, then disgruntledly stood up. “I can stand on my own.”
“Should come back here and sit down.” Someone called. “Let us see more of those pretty eyes.” A few chuckles went around the spring.
Neji’s eyes closed defiantly, and he pushed past Shikamaru. “Excuse me.”
Shikamaru summed up the situation quickly: men from this land weren’t used to pretty men, Neji was a little flushed from soaking so long, and their teasing was something he couldn’t snark off.
“What a drag.” Shikamaru groaned openly. “And here I came to relax with the other team leader.” Which was true. Neji and Shikamaru both headed the two-pronged assault earlier. The murmurs quieted down, people parsing through his words. “I guess that’s what I get for taking such a thankless job. But still, it’s a drag, y’know?” He eyed the men in the spring with lazy anger, and turned around. “Whatever.”
He snapped the door shut, and looked around for Neji. The man sat staring at his clothing basket on the shelves, fist balled in the end of his towel that lay loosely draped over his lap. The other was on his forehead, steadying the uneasy sway. Shikamaru wandered over and stood there awkwardly.
Neji knew about last night, because he had to have untangled himself in the morning. Patting a naked man’s back also wouldn’t make his situation any better. “You should ignore those guys.”
“That is what I am doing.” Neji snapped. “I left.”
“No, I mean you should just go soak with me. Is what I would say, but you’ve been in there all morning.” Neji froze. Shikamaru could see the wheels turning: did he know?
Yes, but he didn’t let Neji know that fact.
Shikamaru blazed ahead. “Want to get out of here and go play Shoji? Nobody plays this early.”
“It is nearly noon.” Neji mumbled softly. Shikamaru shrugged. Neji glanced back at the spring, then at Shikamaru. “Alright. Though I do not see how this will be fun for anyone but yourself. You always win.”
They played, and Shikamaru did indeed win, but in two ways. Neji talked, for once. Maybe it was the heat of the spring, maybe it was that they were alone, maybe it was that Shikamaru ordered some sweet dumplings for them to snack on, but whatever the case he talked.
And Shikamaru listened, chiming in where appropriate. It started about his squad, then about his own training, and finally slid into things about Hinata. And by proxy, his clan.
“I do believe that she will surpass me. Which is good; she is to lead the clan some day.”
“I can’t imagine that kind of stress. What a drag it’s gotta be. For both of you.”
Neji narrowed his eyes, though not at Shikamaru. “I have invested a lot into her rise to her potential. One day she will no longer need me.” He stared to the side. “The head of the clan rarely needs a bodyguard.”
“What?” Shikamaru drawled. Neji looked up at the sharp clack of the Shoji piece. “You think she’ll toss you aside, just because she’s a little stronger? She loves fighting next to you, Neji. She wants to protect you too, y’know.”
Neji thought quietly through their next few moves. “I am still unused to being more than just a tool to a higher power.” He nearly whispered. “Everyone other than the teams here generally just see me as a pair of very good binoculars.”
Shikamaru tried not to snort-laugh at the poor joke, but even Neji sighed and smiled which got him chuckling. A light arid sound echoed in Neji’s chest. Shikamaru realized he was making Neji rethink his words.
“You never saw me like that.”
“I’m not going to dispute your skill as a holder of the byakugan, Hyuga, because that’d be discrediting your skill. But you have a lot more to you than pretty eyes.”
Shikamaru realized the words were out a second too late. Neji tilted his head, uncertain but grateful. “Thank you. And Shikamaru?”
“Hm?”
“Check.” Neji smirked triumphantly.
Chapter 5: Novel Ideas
Notes:
I work this week but I'll try to do an update at least every other day. I'm about a third of the way through what I've written. No telling when the muse will die on this one.
Chapter Text
That night, Shikamaru stayed up with Choji and Kiba in the springs. It was cold air and warm steam, and it felt heavenly on his tired body. The more the day went on, the more he realized Neji’s death grip snuggle over the prior night left him tense.
“Leave it to Shikamaru to be the only stressed guy at a hot spring.” Kiba grinned. Akamaru barked and panted, wagging his tail as if to suggest to Shikamaru that he should relax.
“I didn’t sleep well, get off my back.” He grumbled, turning to rest his chin on the stones. He reached out to pet Akamaru to make sure the big dog’s feelings weren’t hurt by his annoyed tone.
He got out after an argument started over which of the girls were prettiest. The last thing he wanted was to hear about how much Hinata ‘filled out.’
Neji was nowhere to be found in the changing room, so Shikamaru headed off to find him.
Unsurprisingly, the Hyuga was in their room. Surprisingly, he was reading a book for pleasure. Something he cared to shift a finger and blank out the title and author for, looking up from his novel with a raised brow.
“Sorry. I’ll be quiet.” Shikamaru drawled tiredly, setting up a card game for himself. Secretly, he hoped Neji would be in bed already, so that he could go to sleep on the floor and be done with his exhaustion.
Neji watched him deal cards, and returned to the book. Shikamaru realized that the title was for some kind of soft romance novel. The kind with a lot of gentle slow burn plot. He played with the cards himself a while, then sacked out on the floor. Neji’s eyes were on him.
“If you fall asleep there I will put you on the futon. You will not foolishly fall ill on my watch.” Neji snapped the book shut and came to stand over him, arms crossed and face serious. Shikamaru stared up at him blankly, studying his face with a squint.
“Want to go drinking?”
“Aren’t we a little young to become alcoholics?” Neji shook his head. “I do not drink.”
“Neither do I. I’m saying we get a bottle of something kinda light and sit and talk.”
Neji glanced away, contemplating, before that intense stare was back on him. “We cannot tell the others. You know how Lee gets around alcohol.”
“Whoa, really? I mean, cool.” Shikamaru stood up and grinned. “If you want I can bring it back here.”
“No I… Rather not have the comfort to drink until I pass out.”
He’s worried he’ll do it again, Shikamaru thought. “While we’re out, we’ll ask for more blankets. Kinda cold last night.”
Neji relaxed, and Shikamaru led the way.
Chapter 6: Through New Eyes
Notes:
It's purely self indulgent and I just realized I've been spelling Shogi wrong this entire time. I may not go back and fix that BUT I have noted this for the future.
Larger chapter later. That'll be the good one.
Chapter Text
They really only had a few sips of sake each, but inexperienced as they were, that was enough to send them packing. The staff were gracious enough to supply them with two more blankets, and a bottle of mineral water for the soon-to-be hangovers.
Shikamaru felt Neji stagger into him. Hinata found them arguing playfully over Neji’s hair, in which Shikamaru admitted he preferred it down.
Hinata wrangled them both before either could truly make a fool of himself, and now hefted Neji along over her shoulders while dragging Shikamaru by the wrist. Her grip was iron. She dumped both of them on the futon unceremoniously and frowned, which looked strange on her gentle face.
“Hinata?” Neji squinted. “Why are you angry?”
“You could have drank here.” She murmured, refusing to look at them. “What if the others found you?”
“We aren’t drunk.” Shikamaru flopped back on the bedding. “Plus, it’s a vacation.”
“You never drink in the village.” She was talking to Neji.
Neji sighed. “If Uncle found out that I had, he would hang me by my hair.”
“He would not! I just don’t understand. What if something happened to you? What if you were hurt?”
“Oh. Shikamaru was there. Surely between the two of us, all would be well.” Hinata looked at Shikamaru and the shadow user shrugged.
She relented with a sigh. “Just be careful. And don’t forget your eye drops.”
“Right.”
The girl left. Shikamaru sat up and wandered to the bathroom. He never noticed them the few times he’d used the facilities, but next to Neji’s neat bag of comb, brush, toothbrush, and nail clippers, was a small bottle. He grabbed it and his own shaving mirror, bringing both to Neji.
“Before we pass out.” He read the label. “For eye strain?”
“It is best to keep on top of it, or you develop headaches later in life.” Neji let him hold the mirror steady while he dripped two into each big violet eye. He held them open and then blinked.
A light droplet effect dusted around each eye. Shikamaru felt his red face tint darker. Neji frowned in concern. “I’m fine.” Shikamaru answered before the question. “Just had a little more than I intended.”
“You and I both. We will sleep well, at least.” Neji capped the bottle and stood woozily to set it on a shelf. “Please remind me where that is.”
“If I remember, I will.” Shikamaru laughed, shuffling into bed. He tossed the second blanket at Neji, thanking Hinata for dragging it all with her. “Your cousin is really protective.”
“Ah.” Neji lay down neatly, yawning behind a hand. “She feels a duty to guard me for one reason or another. In truth, Shikamaru? Her tenacity and stamina are much better than my own. She lasts much longer in combat training these days.”
Shikamaru lay on his side, watching Neji get comfortable. A distant side of him wanted to ‘play drunk’ and just hug on him before they slept, so he could get comfortable at least. But Neji would never allow that.
Instead he rolled to his back and stretched, hugging his blanket in a roll. Neji did much the same. The two dozed off in the silver light of the moon coming in the window.
Chapter 7: Like and Like Again
Notes:
I hope this isn't to OOC. But then again, I'm really just posting it for fun. Writing as I post as well; I have a backlog, and it only grows.
Chapter Text
Shikamaru felt the warm press of skin to his chest and woke up. The tickle of breath over his chest left him both amused and terrified. If Neji ever caught him staring, he’d never look Shikamaru in the eye again.
Mostly because he’d probably put both Shikamaru’s eyes out.
Which would be a shame, given how pretty his eyes were to look at. And his hair.
Damn it, he thought, this whole thing is a drag. He’s just…
Perfect. Not the way Neji wanted and acted to appear perfect, but perfect as he was, hair a mess over half of Shikamaru’s pillow, temple cushioned against his chest. Thin arms wrapped his ribs. He looked so peaceful.
Shikamaru dared to shift an arm, closing his eyes and playing possum for the offchance Neji woke. He returned the cuddle with a single arm rested around his back, the other rested on the pillows. Neji stirred slightly, so he played asleep. He could feel eyes on him in a heartbeat. From that distance, he felt Neji’s heart speed up and his back went tense.
He fell for Shikamaru’s trick, and tried to ever so delicately slip away. Only, Neji stopped when his back hit Shikamaru’s hand. For a horrible moment, Shikamaru feared Neji caught onto the trick, but he only sighed quietly and leaned back into Shikamaru.
Gripping the other tighter, Shikamaru pretended to sleepily wrap Neji into an embrace and tuck his chin over that soft thick hair. A grunt of strained discomfort and unease left Neji, who took some time to relax into the grip. In fact he began to pant softly, and Shikamaru wondered when the last time Neji received a hug was.
He lay like that until they both fell asleep.
Neji was there in the morning, wrapped close to his body. Shikamaru planned on blaming the alcohol, but as soon as he was awake Neji spoke.
“I apologize.” His words were a soft hush.
Shikamaru almost denied it, but twice? They had a week to share the room. “Don’t worry about it.”
Neji lay staring at the roof. “Shikamaru, may I… Share some thoughts with you?”
“Sure. Anything you want.” Shikamaru sat up to give him his full attention. “I won’t tell the others.”
“I know. As much as I wish to talk to Hinata about this, I truthfully don’t know if she would decide to take it upon herself to fix the… Issue.” Neji breathed in slowly. “You were awake.”
Caught red handed. “Uh, yeah. Sorry.”
“And you didn’t push me off.” Neji stared at the roof intensely. “That, was what shocked me. No, you… Held me.”
“You grabbed me first.”
“No I—” Neji huffed. “I’m not very good with words, and I understand this comes off as accusatory. That is not my intention.” He gripped the blankets in both fists. “You never mention when you notice things, unless its pertinent. Like my choice of novel.”
It was a little odd. “Just didn’t seem your flavor, Neji. That’s all. I mean, nobody expects Sai to like sweets but he does.”
“Books are to escape, Shikamaru. I… I find myself craving touch as of late. No, for some time.” Neji shuttered in disgust. “I feel like a basal animal.”
Shikamaru was speechless. He never expected the admission, but there it was in the open. He had to say something. “Everyone needs a hug sometimes. Usually Choji and I do that side hug thing—”
“Shikamaru, you know damn well that is not what I mean.”
“Yeah, okay, so you want to cuddle. What’s the big problem?” Neji snapped his stare over so fast Shikamaru flinched. Right. Hyuga clan expectations. “Well. You’re doing it subconsciously right? Uh, twice now. I wasn’t going to even bring it up but…”
Neji’s stare softened. “You consider my feelings too much, Shikamaru.”
“I think you’re not considering your own feelings enough, Neji.” He spoke honestly. “Look, you’re only human. You… You don’t have to pretend to be anything more around me. It makes me exhausted sometimes, just looking at you play-act perfection. I—”
He cut himself off and stared. He rubbed his temples, brain chanting ‘say it say it’ over and over. “You…?” Neji prompted politely.
“I think you’re perfect just like this.” Shikamaru blurted out, laying back and draping his arm over his eyes. “Damn, Neji, you confused me now.”
“I am sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s on my end.”
A soft hand touched his elbow. “I am confused myself, Shikamaru.” He whispered. “But I appreciate your friendship, and I appreciate that you see me as a person enough to let this slide. But I cannot ask you to do that for me thrice.”
“Don’t say thrice, you sound old.”
“Shikamaru.” Neji took a breath. “I will ask Hinata to swap with me. TenTen is… More understanding about this, as she is my teammate. Only she and Lee know. And even Lee keeps deathly quiet.”
“I can’t imagine hugging on Lee or TenTen is comfy, Neji.”
“It isn’t. Lee is a solid board and TenTen is too.” He sighed. “I am just bones. But that would require Hinata to stay here.” Shikamaru peeked out in surprise. “I will kill you if you try anything.”
“The girl’s in love with Naruto anyway. Plus. Uh.” Shikamaru squinted at the roof this time. “Not sure I get girls.”
“I don’t follow.” Neji probed for more information that way, pretending to play stupid.
“I don’t like girls.”
“That is hardly a secret.”
“No, Neji. I don’t like girls. They’re pretty and strange, and pretty strange. I would protect our friends to the end, but I don’t like girls.” Shikamaru sat up and stared between his knees at the floral blanket print. “And that’s the first time, ever, I’ve said that aloud.”
Neji’s eyes bore a hold in his side. “I see.” The words were short.
“Don’t think I was trying to take advantage—”
“Don’t insult me, Shikamaru. I would never think that of you.” He raised his voice a little, gritting his teeth and tapering himself back. “I am merely surprised. That’s all. It is not so common in the shinobi world, to see that. Typically because there are more men, and that becomes boring.”
Shikamaru shrugged and raised both hands. “I’m not ogling anyone.” Other than Neji. Sometimes. Rarely. More frequently as of the last two days. “I’m not even sure I like guys, Neji. I just know what I don’t like.”
“But you twice now have complimented me.”
Shit.
“And you do stare. I check my surroundings often, Shikamaru.”
Double shit. “What a drag.” He mumbled. “Thought I was being stealthy.” He rubbed the back of his neck and closed his eyes. “Yeah, I think you’re pretty, Neji. That’s far from abnormal. You should see the way TenTen has to defend you from the girls when you’re being oblivious.”
Neji raised a brow. “Me, oblivious?”
“To flirting women? Absolutely. The innkeeper, the barmaid, the housekeeper, all three and more here have tried to flirt.” Shikamaru glared at the floor when he opened his eyes. “I don’t really mind. But sometimes it bothers me, you know?”
“That others flirt with me?”
“That you don’t notice.” Shikamaru looked at him. Those piercing eyes were watching him, and Neji had sat up to lean closer. He blinked, staring into violet pools. “Uh, I mean, you really do need someone. To help with those cravings.”
“I rather not a stranger. They tend to have expectations that I am not willing to meet. And I do not understand most people, even if I do notice the social cues.” Neji flushed pink in his cheeks. “I haven’t the time to explore more intimate relationships.”
He hasn’t fucked, Shikamaru realized. Or hasn’t really gotten far? Shikamaru didn’t ask. Sure he’d rolled around a few times, but it turned out to be too much work for not a lot of gain. Also, he didn’t like girls.
Silence spanned between them. “I hope I did not disrupt your sleep.”
“Huh? No. You just squeeze my ribs sometimes.” He rubbed his side. “But I’m not real used to uh. That.”
“Cuddling.” Neji made the word rise. “Contact.”
“Yeah, that.” He repeated uncomfortably. “I mean sometimes Choji and I pass out on the bed together but he snores so loud when he’s not on mission, I swear the entire village hears him. So I usually just go sleep on the floor.”
Neji nodded along, then froze. “So that first night… You knew?”
The anger that rose right to the surface made Shikamaru T his hands. “Only out of care. And only I know.”
“It was Lee, wasn’t it?”
“Hinata.”
Neji’s face morphed from shock to betrayal to distant understanding. “She discussed that with you?”
“I told you, she’s protective.” Shikamaru gestured between them. “She knew I didn’t know, and didn’t want me to be surprised. But in all honesty, I really did just fall asleep on the floor.”
Chapter 8: Holding True
Notes:
So I cut the last chapter a bit early, but this was due to the 'spoilery' nature for the chapter after that. Since they're both short, here we are! Please note that I am still writing this as I go. My backlog hasn't diminished since I started since I write as much as I post every evening. I'll try to keep things coherent, but this goes beyond the springs. After this chapter, expect a change of scenery.
Chapter Text
Neji stared at the dumb grin. The anger subsided to a soothed anxiety. Shikamaru knew. And further…
“It didn’t bother you at all?”
“Nope. Not really.”
Neji stared at the roof. “Oh.” He replied softly. The question he wanted to ask nagged in the back of his head: do you want to do it again?
“You know if you really need that kind of thing, Neji, you just had to ask…” Shikamaru trailed off awkwardly, then blushed bright red. “I’m not propositioning you or anything like that, just figure if neither of us—”
Neji rolled the sound on his tongue before managing to get out a weak ‘yes.’ It stopped his friend in his defense, and Shikamaru lowered his head. His eyes stayed on Neji. “Yes.” Neji repeated a little louder. “I… Shikamaru, I trust you. A lot.”
The other smiled contently. “Okay. Then, for at long as we share this room? No more worrying about it. Just relax. And this won’t change anything between us, okay? I’m still going to kick your ass as Shoji and irritate you time to time.”
No strings attached cuddling sounded too good for the Hyuga, but he breathed in, out, in again and nodded. “Okay.” He shuffled uneasily. “What do we do now?”
“You go eat breakfast with the other early risers, and I go back to sleep and take up your half of the bed.” Shikamaru yawned tiredly. “All this talk exhausted me.”
“You slept all night.”
Shikamaru just grinned lazily and dozed off.
Neji muttered under his breath. “Ridiculous man. I will be in the springs.”
--------------
When Neji returned that evening, Shikamaru was gone. He spent the day wrestling with his own excitement. To curl up with his trusted friend from sleep until morning sounded amazing.
Of course, he had to work up the courage to ask.
In lieu of the cold breeze from the window, he moved the futon against the wall and wrapped himself up. He always was a glass shard: sharp and deadly but easily scratched or broken.
He chose not to think about it, and dozed off.
He woke to something warm against his back. Blankets were shuffling around. Shikamaru was back.
He was back, and holding true to his word.
Neji’s body tensed. Shikamaru froze. “Too much?”
The man’s chest was curved against his back. Neji was taller, so the soft words came from just behind and below his jaw. He managed to shake his head.
“No. I was surprised.”
“I did tell you I didn’t mind. Can I take out your hairtie?”
Neji felt heat creep into his cheeks. The cold night air did little to soothe it. “I can—”
Fingers already had it, pulling it free. He expected a struggle and tugging strands, but Shikamaru kept his own hair tied up. Naturally he knew what to do.
But he didn’t seem to know where to put his arms at all. Neji sighed, and shuffled back into his chest. He smoothed a hand along until he found Shikamaru’s bicep, and slid that to lay over his side. The other arm he pulled under his neck cushioned by a handful of blanket.
Then they lay there quietly. The past few nights, they spoke. Or played cards. Or were drunk…
“You haven’t gone to the springs much.”
“Those men are still in there. I rather not have my rear pinched again.” He curled a lip. “Ridiculous people, touching others without permission.”
Shikamaru pulled him closer protectively. “They touched you? I wish you would’ve said something. I would’ve thrown them all out.”
“I know. That’s why I did not.” The heat of Shikamaru’s breath made his skin tingle down his spine. Neji began to grow confused.
He never liked anybody. Men, women, nobody appealed enough. He only got close with well trusted friends, and even then, particular friends.
TenTen and Lee, he trusted like no others. They became his family, back when his family wasn’t on his side. Then Hinata entered his world, and Naruto, but the latter was far too high energy for him. He only heightened Neji’s anxiety.
“You’re thinking.” Shikamaru mumbled. “You tensed up.”
“Yes.” Neji replied weakly. He felt so warm and peaceful again suddenly, a bloom of peace in his chest. He closed his eyes.
Shikamaru dozed first, leaving Neji to contemplate the warmth in his body until it dragged him under with Shikamaru.
Chapter 9: In Sickness and in Health
Summary:
This chapter will contain slightly suggestive matters and eluded nudity.
Notes:
It isn't steamy guys. (Not currently steamy at all.) Long chapter. Hold onto your pants.
Chapter Text
Neji rested quietly in his home. Really, a small house toward the edge of the clan homes. It was appropriately a servant’s quarters, retrofitted to be more accomodating. And in the chilly winter air, he felt very alone.
The nights with Shikamaru were gentle, peaceful, and warm A taste of what he’d been missing in his life, that gentle care and contact. Shikamaru reminded him about his drops, and he woke the man up at a decent hour. They grew close, but returning home…
The Nara forest was far from his place of residence. A simple stumble-into wasn’t about to happen. No matter how hard he wracked his brain, he never found reason to ask Shikamaru for that comfort again. A few days grew into a week, and after several short day missions, he lay cold and growing colder in his bed.
No matter how many blankets he piled on, the shivers wouldn’t stop. Hinata found him like that the next morning, and immediately sent for a doctor.
The next thing he knew, a familiar voice echoed in the entryway to his side house. There was talk of deer antler, and personally delivered for a friend. The doctor handed the familiar figure some instructions, and the door clacked shut.
Shikamaru stayed. He stared down at Neji with a worried frown he’d never seen personally. In a hurry, he walked toward the kitchenette and heated water in the kettle. Next he returned, a calloused hand rested over Neji’s forehead.
“Damn, you really are burning up. Don’t worry. Making some broth now to put this medicine in, and you’ll be fixed up in no time. My dad gave me the recipe, so it’s good stuff.” Shikamaru talked as he worked, tucking the blankets around Neji like a worried mom.
He listened to the man mutter math quietly. He tried to not feel at ease when Shikamaru tended him, instead of the doctor. Or Hinata, or his Uncle. To appear weak before them, or in front of a stranger, sent shivers down his spine.
Neji felt a cool glass touch his lips. A hand propped his head up so he could sip water, flavored like herbs and minerals. He drained it all upon insistence, and was gently lay back down on an extra pillow. He suddenly felt hot, and tried to squirm out of the blankets, but strong hands tucked him tighter.
“You’ll get sicker if you chill. Just hold on, okay? I know you hate being dirty and sweaty but just bear with me.” Shikamaru plopped a cold, misfolded wet rag over his entire head, barring his face. Neji sighed softly, and let the momentary relief drag him back to rest.
He woke up with a start. Neji felt a little better from the water and medicines therein, but when Shikamaru helped him sit up to eat, the world spun. Shikamaru steadied him against his shoulder.
“Easy Neji.” He murmured. A warm spoon touched his lips. Obediently, he opened and ate. It was bone broth with something else added, topped with a few scallions. Simple, easy on his twisted stomach.
He assumed this was a ‘drag’ to Shikamaru, caretaking his friend. But he still hung around, spoonfed Neji a large bowl of soup, another half-glass of water, and put him back to bed like a child. Neji felt a hand rest on his head, then another wet cloth, and then he passed back out to rest.
Next he woke, he felt a little better, if not stickier. The sweat from his fever dried his clothing down to his skin. He grimaced as he sat up, moaning softly in discomfort. Shikamaru glanced up from the chair in the corner.
Towels, blankets, and anything else he could find were layered atop Neji. Even Shikamaru’s jacket. Neji rubbed his eyes, expecting them to feel dry. Instead, he found the trace of drops. He checked the clock on the wall; Shikamaru even treated his eyes in the throws of his fever.
“How long was I out?”
“Several hours. But the medicine seemed to work. You were just impossible to keep warm.” He laced his fingers, thinking seriously. “I just sent for warm water. If you keep those damp clothes on, you’re going to get sicker. My mom’s seen this illness before. Not too dangerous, unless you get cold. It likes cold.”
Based on his running around in the snow, that made a lot of sense. And his home wasn’t all that well insulated, not that it mattered. It was a boon in the summertime.
Someone knocked, and Neji heard the voice of his uncle. Shikamaru nodded respectfully, and stepped aside. “Neji, your Uncle’s here. Are you awake?”
There was a choice. Shikamaru was standing up to the head of his family, and barring him entry without permission. Of course his Uncle didn’t mind that one bit anymore, though he probably was annoyed.
Neji nodded. “Yes. I am awake.”
Shikamaru came back carrying a wooden tub of hot water, and a few rags. There was a set of clothes as well, which he tucked under the tub to warm them. Hiashi stared on with a crinkled frown, the kind he knew meant worry.
“This young man tells me you’ve caught a rather serious illness.”
“Apparently so.”
“Perhaps I should send for the family doctor again.”
Neji tried to shake his head, but that hurt, so he used words. “No, that’s unnecessary. It is late and I have improved with rest.”
“The Hokage has taken you off of missions for now. I just wanted to let you know myself.” Hisashi glanced to Shikamaru, who knelt by the tub with a serious stare. “Thank you for taking care of him so well.”
“It’s a bit of a drag, but what can I do? He’s sick and my friend.” Shikamaru’s blunt answer was atypical for the clan leader, who just nodded in uncertainty, glanced once more to Neji, and walked away. He let himself out and Shikamaru sighed. “I know it isn’t my business, but he still gives me the creeps.”
“He tries to make up for it.” Neji murmured. “I do not want to discuss that.”
Shikamaru didn’t miss a beat. “Can you sit up well enough to wash? You gotta feel gross by now.”
Neji did feel particularly disgusting. He tried to sit up properly, but the dizziness came back. Shikamaru was there. “It will have to wait.”
“I’m not putting you in clean clothes without a wipe down, Neji. Shrug your shoulders out, I’ll get at least your back and chest.”
“Wait…” Neji frowned confusedly. “You would go that far?”
“What’s the harm? We’ve all been to springs and bath houses together. It’s not that different.” Shikamaru’s pink cheeks suggested otherwise. “Look, it’s not like I’m asking you to strip.”
“That is exactly what you are doing.” Neji pulled the towel layer close to him, shifting atop it to stop water from wetting the bed. He sighed, pulling the tie to his robes and shuffling out of them. He used a towel to cover his lap.
The bed weighed down toward the edge, Shikamaru balancing the tub on the nightstand while dampening the cloth. He started by moving Neji’s hair to the side, decided that was too much effort, and pulled his own hairtie out to tie up Neji’s long locks.
Soothing warmth seeped in from the water, passed over just as soon with a dry towel. He used both hands to delicately wipe off Neji’s back and arms, then gently pressed him to lay down. Neji tried to ignore the warmth that sparked from his touches, chalking it up to the water and fever.
“Got a bit of fever rash. I’ll make you something for that if it gets worse, but it should be fine with a wash.” He paid extra attention to the rash, patting it dry delicately.
“I’m not fragile.”
“Right now, yeah, yeah you are. Calm down.” Shikamaru helped him untangle his legs from the mass of blankets.
Chapter 10: Preening
Notes:
I have decided any chapters with nudity, etc will have warnings. Eventually I will go back to the beginning and mark these scenes for those of you digging around for 'lemons' if you will, though I'm not sure it'll ever reach that point.
30,000 words total in the document, friends. I'm still writing. Note that today's second update will come later. (12/24/21) I have to drive home.
Chapter Text
The fact that Neji let him wipe down his legs raise a question about his feelings toward Shikamaru. He forced them down to focus on Neji’s care. Neji mustered the strength to clean more sensitive regions while Shikamaru prepared the fresh clothing.
Get your head out of your pants, Shikamaru; he’s sick. Shikamaru breathed out a sigh and turned back around, adverting his gaze and holding out the sleeves. Neji nearly fell off the bed trying to coordinate himself into leaning for the garment, but he reacted and caught him in time. An arm around his chest, Shikamaru tried to ignore Neji’s warm skin on his. His jacket gone, the fishnet did nothing to stop the contact.
“This really has drained me.”
“Don’t apologize, please.” Shikamaru scooped up the robes and fluffed them out to fall neatly around Neji’s back. One arm, then the other, letting Neji’s chin rest over his shoulder. “You’re clean and covered now. That’s what matters.” Hefting the man under his arms, he lay Neji back and carefully moved his hair to the side. Tangling up in your own hair was a drag.
Neji panted softly from all the effort. Shikamaru refreshed the cool cloth on his forehead, and very carefully tied the robes shut. Why do ties have to be so close to his groin, he thought with a slight tint of pink returning for vengeance. “Is that too tight?”
“No, that’s fine.”
He sounds so exhausted. “Do you want anything else? If not, it’d be best to sleep.”
Neji closed his eyes. Even with a fever blush, it was easy to see the embarrassment on his face. “It is hard for me to be comfortable with my hair in tangles.” He opened one eye. “My brush. Please.”
“Neji, there is no way in hell you can brush your own hair. You could hardly clean yourself.” Shikamaru crossed his arms, feeling a bit like his mom all of a sudden. Scary. Shikamaru saw the haughty defiance in his face, and turned with a sigh. “I’ll do it.”
“What?” Neji gritted his teeth, the exclamation stirring his fever-addled head.
“You heard me. Now lay down and rest.”
Neji pouted. When he turned back with the brush, Neji pouted and it was…
Even sick as a dog he’s too damn cute, Shikamaru thought with a smile. Neji lay still and allowed the brushing. Shikamaru watched the stress and pain melt out of Neji with the pass of each stroke. He likes his hair brushed. Okay, I can work with this.
Shikamaru spent the next hour working out every knot until Neji’s hair lay smooth in a dark halo around his head. He was long since asleep, but Shikamaru admired the man a little before going to sit in the corner chair and rest himself.
Neji woke up to the feeling of his hair being brushed. For one moment, he was a child again, and his mother was brushing out his hair. So few days he remembered with her, so the memory was a warm regard. His few warm days of childhood…
But the face that came into view was definitely not of the Hyūga clan, and definitely not his mother. Shikamaru sat on the edge of the bed, focused and grumbling about a stubborn knot. A little cup of water sat nearby, the man using the liquid to untangle it. A faint smell of his conditioner lingered. Shikamaru thought to make a mixture to work the knot free, just like Neji did some nights.
“Damn thing… Ah!”
Oh, that’s new. Neji’s heart skipped a beat at the triumphant smile. No coyness or cocky pride, just an elation. Shikamaru hadn’t noticed he was awake yet, so Neji slipped his eye shut and indulged in the caretaking for a little while longer.
A knock at the door made his eyes shoot open. “Neji, Shikamaru, I have lunch for you both.”
“Coming.” Shikamaru barely kept the annoyance out of his voice, quickly setting the brush and water behind Neji’s nightstand lamp.
So he doesn’t want to be caught? Is this embarrassing for him?
Considering recent admissions, Neji began to wonder if Shikamaru cared a little more than average friends. Lee and TenTen knew better than to visit while Neji was sick, at least, not for this long. Shikamaru slept in a chair just to tend him, even if he were grumpy.
It was Hiashi again, and Shikamaru let him in this time. Neji managed to pull himself up against the pillows weakly.
Chapter 11: Barbs and Birds
Summary:
Hiashi learns why shadows don't speak often.
Shikamaru learns that all the Hyuga are birds.
Notes:
Change of setting, hopefully I haven't lost you all yet! I know sometimes a sharp change in story can give others uneasy and malcontented feelings. Know that premise has not changed: This is still touch starved Neji and Shikamaru figuring out his own head. Now with added Hiashi being told off!
Chapter Text
“Is he any better today?” Hiashi’s concern was genuine, but Shikamaru saw the underlying annoyance.
“Yeah. He’s sleeping more soundly.” Shikamaru took the tray of simple soup, noodles left out to the side just in case. “He’ll need another bath later. The fever is reduced, but one more treatment and it should break. If not, I’ll head home for a day and find something else. He really needs some kind of fireplace or heater in this house. It’s a bit of a drag, how cold it is.”
Hiashi frowned, the lines in his face pulling taut. “He never complained about the cold.”
Shikamaru lowered his head, eyes still locked with the taller man’s. “Neji doesn’t complain about himself, unless it’s social situations.” He turned around into the kitchen and began to prepare the medicine again.
Hiashi followed him to watch. Shikamaru paused, looking back at him. “I’m sorry. I wanted to learn.”
He feels guilty over something, Shikamaru thought. “Suit yourself. Not much to it. But it’s important to use an oily broth with enough protein. Helps carry the powder.” He explained, grinding the medicine finely in the mortar.
“You know a lot about this.”
“Runs in the family. I didn’t have much choice.”
He chose the words specifically, and they had the desired effect. Hiashi looked away. “You… You know more about my own nephew than I do.”
Shikamaru paused, and turned around to lean on the counter, arms crossed. “Well, I run missions with him all the time. And we’ve been through the exams together, among other things. You train with him, right? Not much talking during training.”
Hiashi’s eyes narrowed in concern. “I worry about how little I know. I did not even notice he was feeling poorly, or that he missed tea that morning. Hinata—”
Shikamaru held up his hand. “Look, if it bothers you this much, you need to talk to him about it. Not me. I respect you as his clan head, but I’m not going to give you an inside peek into his life.” He shrugged, palms facing up. “To tell you the truth, Neji doesn’t talk about himself much. Or much at all. I just watch and learn.”
People are like annoying clouds, always changing.
Hiashi considered all of that and bowed slightly. He paused to check on Neji, lingering moments before leaving to consider the lecture.
The rest of the day passed to evening. Shikamaru fed him twice, whenever he could get Neji to eat. He spent time talking with Neji about his teammates, his preferences. He carried Neji under the arm to the restroom, which Neji was insistent about on ‘going’ alone.
Neji never once felt such care and warmth in his little home. It made him feel better, even if Shikamaru insisted he was getting worse.
“I’ll have to go back home and get something stronger.” Shikamaru insisted, throwing on his jacket. Neji questioned why he missed it from the giant pile of blankets. “There’s water on the bedside, and I’ll stop by Lee’s place. I know he’s a bit loud but someone has to check on you in case I can’t come back before midnight.”
Neji lay there propped up with a book within reach. Shikamaru just helped with his eyedrops, so reading didn’t strain him. “Shikamaru?”
“Yeah?” The serious tone dragged his attention.
“Why are you doing this?” Neji whispered. “I know we are friends, but you have gone above and beyond the call of a friend. Even TenTen wouldn’t brush my hair out.”
“Well, you asked. And you liked it, so…” Shikamaru turned red. “Look, there’s stuff to discuss, but maybe when you’re recovering okay? I promise. I… Have some thoughts to sort out myself. But, it’s out of a good place okay? You don’t owe me. I want to do this.”
Neji rested his head back and nodded. “I will try to think my thoughts out as well.”
“You need to sleep. If you’re awake when I get back, I’m gonna be annoyed.” Shikamaru huffed, going toward the door. “Kick Lee out if he gets to be too much. Night, Neji, I’ll be back soon.”
“Goodnight.”
Neji heard the door shut. Lee would be there in seconds, babble a while, then go outside to train. He could be deathly silent when needed, and knew Neji needed rest. Lee was a good choice, since boundless energy kept him on guard.
On guard. I still feel unsafe and watched here. Even if Uncle wishes it from a good place…
The earlier conversation and how hard Shikamaru shut him down, Hiashi certainly didn’t expect that.
A knock came at the door not five minutes later. Hiashi’s voice called his name softly, as if trying to not wake him.
“Enter.” He winced as his voice cracked. Thank the heavens Shikamaru didn’t hear that.
Hiashi brought with him a cup of warm tea, peppermint by the smell. “This should help.”
Neji struggled to sit up, agitated instantly with how weak he appeared before his clan elder. “Thank you. But I will be fine.”
“The Nara boy mentioned that you were improving earlier, and yet, has left now for stronger medicine. I worry his treatments are not effective.”
Neji slid his stare to the other. “Shikamaru did not wish to overmedicate me. I am particularly sensitive to medicines.” Anything strong, and Neji’s muscular body over-processed them. A few sips of sake, too-hot curry, anything with a potent power. He accepted the tea, and with some annoyance, gestured for his Uncle to sit.
“That boy—”
“Shikamaru, Uncle.” He reminded, as if the man forgot his name. In reality it was clan bias.
“Shikamaru. Right. We had a discussion. He informed me I should speak with you directly, instead of with him.”
Neji nodded once, sipping the tea delicately. “What did you wish to discuss?”
Hisashi adverted his gaze. “I should have noticed you were unwell that morning. Hinata was the only one who came to check on you. But I am your guardian, and your clan leader. And for that, Neji, I apologize.”
The earnest words took him aback. He was stunned silent. Hisashi continued. “I know I have not taken an interest in you beyond your training, Neji. But it is not out of a lack of interest, but a feeling that you required space.” He looked around the small home. “When you recover, I wish for you to move into the larger guest quarters in the main home. They will no longer be for guests, but for you.”
Neji’s eyes widened. “Are you sure, Uncle?”
“Yes. I spent a very long time today thinking about this. I figured you would not want to be so close to us, would want your privacy. If you do, please feel free to stay here, and I will have this place insulated more properly.” He looked around in distaste. “You never did mention the cold.”
Neji glanced down at the teacup. “It never really bothered me.”
Hisashi closed his eyes. “I see. Well, it must be dealt with.” He rose to stand. “The boy—Shikamaru said a friend would be by named Lee. He is the loud one, yes? Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer Hinata to tend you?”
“She is on mission, Uncle. She needs rest today, for tomorrow. Lee is only covering until Shikamaru comes back. He… May get up on the roof.” Neji admitted tiredly. “But he will be silent.”
“Good. Rest, I will bring you something to eat in the morning. Unless you want something now?”
“No. The tea is fine.” Neji answered honestly, leaning back to sip at his leisure.
Hisashi bowed before he left, with no words of goodbye or goodnight. As awkward as the encounter was, Neji felt a little warmer. Shikamaru managed to get through to the clan leader, and now, Neji had options.
Chapter 12: Mom Knows Best
Notes:
Poor Shikamaru. We all remember those days. Hell, I bet we still have them.
Chapter Text
The berating from his mother snapped off like a tree in a storm when he blurted out Neji’s condition. She went right into mother bear mode, and dragged him by the ear to the gardens. Shikamaru’s mind ran fast, listening to exact dosages and recipes. He set the basket aside and scrambled for a notebook.
After a while the babble stopped, and she just stared at him with a knowing smile. It shifted to a worried frown. “Yeah?” Shikamaru asked nervously.
“Shikamaru.” His mother never spoke so gently. “Is this a friend, or… It’s just you never put this much effort into, well. Anything. Or anyone.” She crossed her arms and stood up tall. “I just wonder what you think of this Neji. Truly.”
Shikamaru tinted pink and recoiled a bit, hastily gathering the basket and shoving his notes on top. “Uh, well, he’s a great comrade and we spend a lot of time together and he’s a great Shoji player, reads a lot and isn’t obnoxious like the others, uh. I think… I think he’s a great guy.” Shikamaru felt static crawl his spine at his mother’s inquisitive stare. The pink spread out. “Look, I’m… I’m still thinking.”
“Shikamaru, I’m your mother. I can see what you feel on your face, plain as day.” She took a breath. “Figure out what you’re going to tell your father, alright? You know how he is about… This.”
Shikamaru deflated a little. “Yeah. I hear the jokes all the time.” He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I’m still not sure, mom. I haven’t thought about it.”
“Does he know?” She asked softly. “He has to think something is up.”
“Yeah. I think he caught on. But I’m just still curious okay? I mean, we’re not getting married or anything.” Shikamaru joked. His mind provided Neji in a wedding dress, and his mother laughed at his sudden fluster. “Leave me alone.” He grumbled.
“Not on your life.” She smirked. “Why don’t you take him… This? He’s from the Hyūga clan, right?” She plucked a simple stem of lavender flowers. “They have delicate systems, but a little lavender will help relax him in his sleep without overwhelming him. Just put it in water.”
“Alright.” Shikamaru remained pink. “That seems a little girly don’t you think?”
“Do I think its girly to like flowers? No. A real man knows what he likes, Shikamaru.” She patted his cheek once firmly. “So figure your feelings out, before you hurt yourself and this boy.”
She walked back to the house. Shikamaru started back for the Hyūga compound, his head full of spiraling thoughts.
Shikamaru relieved Lee from his post, the man bidding him a good luck and bolting off for a night run. When he slid the door open, the scent of peppermint hit his nose. Neji was asleep, breaths fast and short. He hurriedly made for the kitchenette.
The medicines had to be given in a particular order. With the lavender spring rested in a thin tall glass, Shikamaru prepared everything into the early morning. Just before exhaustion got to him, he lumbered into Neji and gently roused the sickly man. He passed him a cup of steamy tea.
“Drink this.”
Neji grimaced at the smell, but accepted it as medicine and downed it before he could think about the scent. Shikamaru grunted in relief, sitting heavily on the bed.
“You look exhausted. Were you up all night?” Neji inquired, sniffing at the room. On the edge of the counter he could see, was a lavender spring. It quickly dulled the scent of the medicine.
“Don’t worry about it. But I’ve got to get some rest.” Shikamaru rubbed his eyes. “Call me if you need something.” He sat up, grabbing one small blanket to throw on the floor.
“Shikamaru…” Neji trailed off, and gently patted his bed. “It is a tight fit…”
Shikamaru thought a moment, and then thumped back over to sit down on the wall-edge of the bed, and lay down. “What about your uncle?”
“I don’t think he would come in. And if he does, so be it.” Neji decided firmly. “I… Would not mind being caught. As long as it is you. Plus, we are only sharing a bed. It isn’t anything dirty.”
Shikamaru stared at him through tired eyes. “My mom called me out, Neji. I got a lot of thinking to do still, but—”
He rested a hand on Shikamaru’s head weakly. “As do I.” Neji murmured. “But after we sleep. The lavender is making me tired.” Neji nervously looked to the side. “Stay with me?”
Shikamaru smiled, and wormed under the covers. Without a word, Neji turned into his chest this time. He closed his eyes and gripped onto Shikamaru’s jacket, listening to his heartbeat.
Chapter 13: Old Wounds
Summary:
References to combat and grievous bodily injury.
Notes:
Lots of POV swapping in this one but I feel bad posting this update so late today. So I'm not gonna cliff hanger you guys. (Much.)
Thank you to everyone who has made it this far. I have thousands of words more to post, and keep writing and letting the situation evolve naturally. We'll see where it heads!
Chapter Text
Lavender eyes snapped open. He felt the distant moisture of eye drops at the corner of his eyes, and wondered how Shikamaru did that without waking him. The poor man was still sleeping away wrapped around his back. In the night he must’ve rolled over, and Shikamaru molded right to him.
The more they did this, the more Shikamaru grew comfortable. The thought warmed Neji.
Slowly sliding away to relieve himself, he chose to let himself think about Shikamaru. In the quiet and peace of his own bathroom, he sat down on the toilet seat once he was done. His hair brush rested on the side of the vanity, and he noticed a new bag. Shikamaru must’ve brought some toiletries.
He shouldn’t go through the bag. But he did, opening it up to explore and hopefully learn. A razor proved the man had to shave. Neji felt a distant spark of jealousy; he never did grow in any facial hair. Shikamaru brought shampoo, indicating he wanted to stay a while.
Or he couldn’t be bothered to remove it from the bag, Neji realized with a smile. What a lazy man. I can’t believe he’s so relaxed about everything. But…
That mission. The one Neji preferred to think about as his awakening and not near death…
Shikamaru did check on them frequently. Often, Neji could see tear marks under his eyes for the first week. A phantom pain struck his side, where the arrow hit. He flashed back to the agony and pain and drew a sharp breath.
He focused back to Shikamaru. The agony left immediately, and his heart fluttered nervously. Neji knew little about love, but he imagined, this blushy fluttering, was what Hinata experienced around Naruto.
“I hope I don’t pass out.” He mumbled.
“Neji?” Shikamaru’s voice came from the bed. “You okay in there?”
“Yes.” Neji quickly zipped up the pouch. “Contemplating a shower.”
Why am I lying?
Neji unlocked the door and slid it aside, greeted by Shikamaru stripping down the bed. He smiled at him. “Look at you, up on your own. I’m going to change the sheets.”
“Thank you.”
Shikamaru worked efficiently, only stopping to yawn here and there. Neji grew cold, pulling his arms closer. Shikamaru paused to come wrap one of the blankets around him, and stuffed the others in a corner like a little nest. “Go sit there for now, okay? I’ll hurry.”
“Shikamaru, I was thinking.”
The man paused in fussing with the stretchy sheet corner. “Yeah?” He kept working. “Me too.”
“About… This. I am not good with emotions or words about them. But I know I… This feels nice. And you think about my feelings, rather than assuming I am fine. Everyone always thinks I am fine.”
“You do wear a pretty good mask, Neji. But I watch and learn.” Shikamaru wadded up the sweaty sheet and tossed it toward the door. He patted out the mattress and sniffed it, nodding approvingly. “I notice when you’ve had a bad day. Or, a bad night. Your eyes, they get lines.”
Neji fidgeted uncomfortably. This went far outside his comfort zone. “If you had a nightmare, and could check on every person you wanted to know was alive, would you?” He whispered. “Just to see if a light was on. That their bedroom window was shut.” Neji shivered. “That Lee was on a run, and not stuck in a hospital bed. Or Naruto was snoring loud enough to rattle his windows, and not covered in bandages?”
The dam broke. Neji began to shake. Flashes of events came back sharply. “That your cousin’s blood is on your hands, or your team is threatened by lightning. And what can you do to stop lightning?” He gritted his teeth, fingers curling in his hair. “So you check on them, Shikamaru. To make sure none of that happens again. To make sure you weren’t bleeding to death in the forest.”
Neji shut his eyes, unwilling to face the look on Shikamaru’s face. “I just want to protect my comrades. They were family before my family ever came to be something to me, and I—”
Shikamaru’s hand touched his. He untangled hair from fingers gently, and then rested down in the mess of blankets beside Neji. Without hesitation, he pulled him into a warm embrace. Hot tears spilled over Neji’s eyes, and he turned into the familiar smell of the worn jacket.
Shikamaru held him close, biting his lip to try to stop his own tears. Neji was so strong, but at that moment, so frail in his arms. He’d be strong for Neji. And admit his own fears. “I failed as a leader once already. I need more experience. So… So that never happens again. So you’re not bleeding to death in the forest either.”
Neji looked up at him in confusion. Shikamaru shook his head and smiled bitterly. “It was my fault. All of it. I should’ve stayed behind to help you. We should’ve taken everything on as a team, and let Naruto go ahead.”
“I’ve played it back over and over, Shikamaru. There was no other way.”
“There was. I could have been stronger. Smarter. Faster. Any one, any number of things.” He leaned to rest in Neji’s hair. The soft smell of his conditioner still lingered. Something woodsy and familiar and it smelled like home…
He sighed quietly. “Neji. I’ve watched you for a while. I’m sure you know. But I didn’t know you checked on me too.”
“Of course.” Neji murmured, the jacket muffling his smooth voice. “I… Care very deeply about you, Shikamaru.”
Shikamaru’s heart jumped into his throat. “I… Yeah, me too. I care a lot. Neji, I… I know what I said at the springs. And I meant that, the part about not taking advantage?”
Neji sat up with a glare. “You had any and all opportunity with my recent condition. I am not worried about that.”
“But I’m not sure uh… I think, I figured it out. What I like.” He frowned and let Neji turn to face him, sat on his knees in the pile of cushions. Shikamaru met that intense stare. “I think I like you, Neji. Um, just. You.”
Neji stared at him, looking for any hesitation that didn’t belong to nervousness. Shikamaru met his eyes until he had to blink. Neji began to feel feverish again. His face turned red and he leaned into the wall. Shikamaru was right there to support him.
He always was. Surgery, family, even the touch issue. He’s always been around.
Neji took a breath. “I’ve never once, ever, felt anything like that. I partly believed myself unworthy.” He explained quietly. “But when I am with you, Shikamaru, I feel safe. You, who stood up to my Uncle, who lets me have choices where I see none. You do not see me as a perfect soldier, a weapon, just a skilled ninja.”
“Well, you’re a person, Neji. No amount of anything changes that.” He smiled dopey and strange. “You’ve always been a person.”
Neji hitched a breath, getting himself under control. “I… Feel things with you, Shikamaru. Which is odd. Usually my feelings stay below the surface, and here I am in tears. Do you know the last I cried?”
Shikamaru didn’t respond. “I feel better. Not just from illness. You… Bring things out of me that I did not knew existed. Those little heart flutters.” He mumbled embarrassedly. “But I cannot name them. I only know what it is from watching Hinata.”
“Don’t you start passing out every time you see me now.” Shikamaru teased, dragging Neji into his arms against his chest. “Here. You’re not the only one.”
The boy listened to the other’s chest. Sure enough, Shikamaru’s heart was thudding rapidly. It sped up when Neji put a hand nearby to feel. He wished he had enough strength to see. “This is what Hinata’s heart looks like, when she—Well. I won’t be passing out. If I do, it is a combination of you and the illness.”
“Thank goodness.” Shikamaru sighed. “That’d be a drag. I was hoping we could cuddle some more. Uh, if you want.”
Neji worked his jaw, worried about his Uncle, worried about anyone coming by. But he stopped. Just this once, he let the worry go. “I’d like that.”
Shikamaru rested his head against Neji’s for a moment, then got up to change the sheets.
Chapter 14: Red Handed, Redder Faced
Notes:
So Hiashi always struck me as a little gentler as time went on. Maybe I'm wrong.
Comments always loved! I will reply to all of them!
Chapter Text
Two days after their heart to heart, they finally got caught. Hiashi brought them breakfast, and despite being up, Neji decided not to answer. Shikamaru finally fell asleep on his lap, and it comforted Neji to pet his hair while he read.
Hiashi opened the door and before Neji could say or do anything, the man walked into his room. They met eyes immediately. Neji’s hand paused in petting hair for just a moment, before continuing and going back to reading his book.
The confusion and unreadable fluster behind Hiashi’s face culminated in a tint of pink. “Neji?” He whispered.
“It is nothing inappropriate.” Neji murmured back. “I simply like his companionship.”
Hiashi glanced aside, still conflicted. Resignation graced his features. “I wish to discuss this later. I am… Not mad. Surprised, Neji, but not mad.”
His shoulders sagged; Neji was relieved. “Thank you, Uncle.”
“There is rice and broth. Eat, before it becomes cold.” He paused at the juncture between the door hallway and the room. “Please, Neji, things like this… Tell me.”
Neji realized the unreadable emotion was now hurt. He frowned. “I only came to realize it recently, Uncle. I am still figuring some things out.”
Hiashi nodded once, the feeling leaving his features. “I would like to help you do that. If I can. I will not tell your cousin.”
And with that, he left. Neji lay there, still stroking Shikamaru’s hair. Hiashi didn’t believe him, when he claimed it was platonic. Beyond a sponge bath, that was the closest he’d ever gotten to intimacy with Shikamaru. Neji sighed quietly.
Shikamaru woke an hour later, sitting up and rubbing his eye. “Mh. Sorry.”
“You’ve taken care of me so long, you deserve a nap.” Neji thought about how to breach the subject. “Uncle saw.”
Shikamaru froze getting off the bed. “Uh.”
“He was hurt that I did not tell him.”
“Well, you just figured it out.”
“I know.” Neji nodded silently. “And he accepted that when I told him. I think I should go talk to him. And perhaps you should go home to your family.”
Shikamaru sagged and looked away. “Yeah. I’ve been overstaying my welcome, huh?”
“Not at all.” Neji stood up. No dizziness or swaying, so he approached Shikamaru and rested a hand on his shoulder. Very awkwardly, the gesture was returned, and Neji slowly pulled the shorter man into his chest for a hug. “I just think your mother will be worried. And I do not wish for you to have to speak to my Uncle before myself.”
The soft relief in Shikamaru’s voice touched Neji. “Yeah, you’re right. He’s terrifying, but not as scary as my mom.” He squeezed Neji gently. “I have to tell her. But… Neji, I expected our biggest problem to be your Uncle. Now? Uh, it might be my dad. But I don’t know yet.”
Shikamaru fixed his hair, and nodded to the food. “Eat. Call for me if you need anything, okay? I’ll handle it on my end.”
“And I will on mine.” Neji finally let go with a sigh. “Were we a bit older, nobody could say anything.”
“Well, it’s a drag, but some people are just bigots like that.” Shikamaru rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. “I’ll figure it out. You focus on getting better.”
“Alright. Have a safe walk back.”
“Mhm.” Shikamaru put his shoes on, spared Neji a little confident smirk, and headed off into the light snow.
Chapter 15: Spooning in the Unconventional Sense
Summary:
Foreshadowing!
Notes:
Just a heads up, future chapters after this one may contain some unsupportive parent nonsense. I will mark chapters as I go, but I wanted to put a general note as that can be personal to many people. (No slurs of course, but eluded to homophobic ideas.)
I will do my best to mark each chapter, but if something sticks out, please leave a comment and I will mark it. Thanks!
Chapter Text
Shikamaru expected this much. His mom was happy he told her. He never told her much about his life, but she was happy he was happy. Shikamaru told her about the medicines, what worked, what didn’t. Symptoms. And a little about the time he spent with Neji.
“Well with how stuffy the Hyūga clan is, I can see why he’d want a hug.” His mom frowned. “You’ll have to bring him by sometime for dinner. I want to meet this young man that’s finally captured my Shikamaru’s work ethic. I mean heart.”
Shikamaru groaned, rubbing his cheek. “Mom, don’t say stuff like that. It’s embarrassing. We’re just… Close. Okay? We’re taking it kind of slow.”
“Alright, alright. But still. Dinner.” She wagged her finger. “You tell him he’s always welcome in my house.”
Shikamaru wasn’t so sure. “Mom, you’re taking this kinda well.”
She paused chopping vegetables. “Shikamaru. You are my son. I don’t understand this. I don’t get why him. But you’re my son. And I will always love you, and support you in good decisions. I’ve heard of this boy a little, enough to know that you made a good pick… But more than that.”
She put the knife down and wiped her hands on her apron. “I trust you. Most of the time.” She grinned a little. “You’re lazy, but you’re driven to see the best and make the best of others. And that makes you work hard.”
Shikamaru sat up at the dining table and nodded with a serious stare. “Thanks, mom. Now I just have to get dad to see that.”
“Well you have two or three days. He’s still deployed.” She swept the carrots into the pot and frowned. “Do Neji’s parents know?”
The hard wince made her rile up to scold, but he shut it down. “Neji’s father is dead, mom. And his mom…”
Actually, Shikamaru didn’t know. “I see. So who is his guardian?” His mother pressed, getting a carton of beef stock.
“Uh. Hiashi Hyūga is the closest thing to that.”
His mother nearly dropped the stock container and he leaped up to grab it. “The clan leader? Shikamaru, if you’re not careful—”
“He already knows, mom. He uh, caught us on the bed.”
She had his ear before he could react. “You were caught? Damn it Shikamaru, learn to keep it in your pants! You better treat that boy right. I get you’re young, but not while someone’s sick. I’ll get you some books, heavens know you won’t get them yourself—” She tugged hard and let go when he swatted at her hand.
“Mom! It—I haven’t—It was just cuddling! Neji was sick. I know better, and I’d never do that while he was sick! Jeez. So much for faith.” He rubbed his hear, then winced when a spoon knocked him on the head.
“Books. Study up. Now continue. He caught you snuggling?”
“Yeah. Neji… Likes that sort of thing.”
She cooed softly. “How sweet.” The spoon knocked him on the head again. “Too sweet for you.”
Shikamaru looked up for help from the gods. Nothing came down other than a spoon between the eyes.
Chapter 16: Hyuga have Their Tea
Notes:
He's trying.
Chapter Text
Tea was awkward. Hiashi stared at his cup. Neither knew how to breach the subject. With a deep breath, Neji went to speak.
“I—”
“I—”
The two stared at each other, eyes wide. Looking into his Uncle’s eyes like this, Neji saw so much of his father. He had to look away, folding his hands formally.
Hiashi knew. He knew so much about that feeling, because whenever he looked at Neji, he saw his little brother.
“Are you feeling better?”
“Mostly. I did some light exercise today with Hinata. Mostly stances. I am more tired than I should be, but no longer dizzy.”
Hiashi took a sip of tea. “Then the Nara boy’s medicine truly helped.”
A segwey into the topic, Neji realized. He took the bait.
“About the other day, Uncle. Truly, he was exhausted. I was not about to ask him to sleep on the floor.”
“Was that all it was? Sharing a bed?” Hiashi spoke gently. “Neji, your eyes are so conflicted it surfaces even around me. I have never been in your place. But I want to understand.”
Neji hesitated, and put a hand against his chest. “Perhaps it runs in the family, but when he smiles, my heartrate increases. I feel dizzy, feverish, and uncertain. I am never uncertain.”
Hiashi smiled. It almost creeped Neji out, until he followed his Uncle’s stare. On a table behind them, was a picture of his wife. “It does run in the family, Neji. Your father was like that with your mother. I was like that with my wife. Hinata is like that around that boy.” Hiashi sighed long over that statement. “That boy…”
Neji nodded in agreement. “I do try to keep them apart in that manner, but Hinata is strong of will these days.”
“It is a good thing. Though I am not entirely pleased with her choice, I trust her to make her own decisions. As long as this does not affect her studies and training. And that goes for you as well, though I doubt this Shikamaru will do much more than push you harder. If unintentionally.” Hiashi stared into his tea. “He is strong of will as well, though he doesn’t push too much against things. Flows with the tide.”
Neji closed his eyes. “He is lazy, stubborn, and a bit melodramatic about work. But he cares deeply for this village, for the friends and comrades around him, and… I do believe he cares quite a bit about me.” Neji juggled his words, choosing to take a risk. Just for Shikamaru, he took a risk. “He told me, that he had figured out what he liked. He knew he did not like women, but he… Says he likes me.” Neji took a sip of his tea.
Hiashi hummed in deep thought. “That is a profound statement for such a young man. You are older?”
“By a year or so.”
“And he has decided so young that you are who he likes.”
“Uncle, this is not a marriage proposal.” Neji snapped his eyes open and glared. “I intend to let us take this at his pace. Arranged marriages, even to those young and in love, are not the way of most clans. I do not want to scare him away.”
Hiashi relented with a gentle smile. “Neji, this is your battle.” He frowned sharply again. “But know I intend to talk to him about this. If you two are so intent on sharing quarters, then it will be best to keep you to the exterior home. More for your sakes than ours.” Hiashi nodded firmly. “You are nearly grown anyway. Consider it your own home, from now on, Neji. Yours and yours alone.”
Neji widened his eyes. “Uncle, that is generous…”
“Think nothing of it. I am providing a place for my nephew to study this phase of his life.” Hiashi stared at the wall. “Ah, I am not sure how to breach the subject… Intimacy, Neji. You are aware of risks and complications?”
Neji resisted turning bright red. “Yes, Uncle. I intend to… Research. A bit more.” He admitted. “Though I doubt this will head that direction anytime soon.”
“Good. As you said this is not like arranged marriages. And times have changed… Should it be that long, you may always adopt.”
“Uncle.” Neji scolded softly, but they shared a little smile together.
Chapter 17: Falling Outs
Summary:
Everyone has their limitations, whether we agree with them or not.
TW for homophobia. A fair heads up, you didn't expect this out of Shikaku and neither did I. I am writing from an experience, so I apologize if this hits close to home. I avoided posting this until there was a finality to this 'arc' if you will, and just finished up last night. So hang in there.
Notes:
LOUDER FOR THOSE IN THE BACK: Trigger Warning, see above!
Chapter Text
“What the hell.”
Shikamaru winced hard. “Dad, I—” This wasn’t the reaction I expected.
He held up a hand, and took a long drink out of his cup. “You didn’t say anything up until now? What the hell, Shikamaru. Is this some sick joke?”
“I didn’t know!”
“Bullshit.” His dad threw the glass against the table and rounded on him, staring daggers. His raspy voice was drawn and tight at the same time, struggling to take the volume he wanted and double it. “You brought girls home. I know it.”
“Yeah, well, it was exploration, Dad!” He gritted his teeth. “What the hell do you want me to say?”
“The truth. That this is just a phase, and you’re confused.” The man smacked his hand down on the table. “Could’ve gone with that weapon user or the pretty gal from the Sand, but no. My boy is chasing around some guy with long hair. There’s another reason. I’ve seen those Hyūga.”
Shikamaru tensed up. The next words that left his father’s mouth had him seeing red.
“You only like him because he’s girly. So what is it? Is he just an easy lay? They’re stuck up and haughty.” His dad pushed his shoulder aggressively when Shikamaru tried to leave, heading for the porch. “You’re not going anywhere until we fix this.” He snatched at his jacket, nails biting skin under the fishnet.
His fist connected with his dad’s jaw. A blow came right back to his shoulder, and before he knew it, they were wrestling outside onto the porch. The brawl continued for a few short minutes, blows growing more serious and purposeful. A pan whipped just between their faces, and fear lit in his father’s eyes. He stared at Shikamaru, and gripped his own head after they sprang apart.
“What the fuck am I doing?” His father murmured.
“Good damn question.” Shikamaru spat over the railing, blood hitting the dirt of the forest around their home. He grimaced, touching the inside of his lip. “I’m leaving now.”
“Shikamaru—” His father turned to grab him. Out of reflex, Shikamaru turned and knifed his hand into his father’s, bruising his palm. His father cursed and reacted with a snarl of pain.
They stared at each other again. Shikamaru barely contained the burning tears in his eyes. “You…” He swallowed hard, shook his head, and turned inside. He dodged his mother’s grab, glaring at her harshly. “Leave it. This isn’t up for discussion anymore.” His sharpness made her hesitate to grab again, so he took his chance.
Shikamaru hiked upstairs and slung his long term travel bag on the bed. Packing up his usual clothes, mission gear, and his travel Shogi board missing three pieces, his mind began to formulate a plan. He stared at the picture of his team, and decided to take that too. He hefted the duffle down the stairs and marched over to the door.
He was far too angry for a plan.
“Shikamaru, wait—” His father’s voice grated like sandpaper on his ears.
“Save it.” The shadow user slammed the door in his father’s face. Once outside, the tears started. He took off at a dead run for the forest, leaping high to clear the ground. No prints, no tracks, and nobody but Kiba could probably find him if he set his mind to it.
Or Neji.
Shikamaru didn’t want to see anyone right then. Right then, he wanted to beat himself in Shogi, and sleep for a year. And pretend none of this happened.
Chapter 18: Absent
Summary:
Worried mom noises.
Chapter Text
Neji found the woman frantically pacing outside their home, and nearly pounced down to interrogate her. Hinata was training with her father nearby, and he was well enough to keep guard. He noticed the crest, however, and walked out slowly rather than startling her.
“Mrs. Nara?” He took an educated guess.
Shikamaru had been gone for four days. Not even Kiba caught scent of him, and Shino’s was away. Choji and Ino went looking in all the usual spots. Choji even baited a basket in the woods with a Shogi board. Not even a squirrel investigated.
It began to worry him.
Significantly.
The woman looked up and smiled with relief. “Oh, you are just who I was hoping to see. You must be Neji, with hair like that!”
So much bolder than her son. “I… Yes. Hello. How can I help you?”
“It’s Shikamaru. Is he here? Please tell me he came here.” She fretted, hands clasped at her waist. The worried stare Neji fixed on the ground told her everything. She sagged and rubbed her face. “Did he at least stop by?”
“No.” Neji murmured. “I have not seen him since he left after caring for my illness. I assumed he was deployed in a hurry and could not alert me.” It was odd, though, that he didn’t at least tell someone he’d left. Choji didn’t even know. “Or he took time to train alone.”
The woman lamented with a groan. “Damn it all to hell, where is that boy!” She stomped on the ground hard enough to leave a print in the hardpacked dirt. Neji crossed his arms.
“Why did he leave?” He pressed sharply. “You know. I want to know why he’d take off like this.”
She paused. Her eyes were conflicted. “I’m not sure it’s my place to say, Neji. He and his father, they had a fight. And he ran off. He even took the picture of his squad. They can’t find him.” She paused. “And you have looked too, haven’t you?”
Before Neji could reply, Hinata and her father came to the gate. “Neji, who is this? What is going on?”
Neji looked up at his uncle with worry. “Shikamaru is still missing.”
Hiashi looked at the woman, and his eyes softened. “Excuse my state of dress. I was sparring with my daughter. Please, come in. Shikamaru took very good care of my nephew. I would like to hear what you know. Perhaps we can find him.”
Neji raised his brows in surprise. “I will go prepare tea.” Hinata announced, hustling off to do just that.
“Neji, the sitting room. Prepare a table and cushions. This woman looks exhausted.”
Neji hesitated, then nodded. “Right, of course.
Mrs. Nara sat across from Hiashi and Neji, drinking a second cup of tea as she told them of what happened. Neji stood up when she got to the part about the fight.
“Neji, you are being rude.” Hiashi stated firmly. “Sit back down.”
“Why bother? He went into the forest. Then he must still be there. I will find him.”
“Wait, Neji, please. That forest is only for those of the Nara clan! If you go in there, you may become lost or trapped.” She hastily stood. “Please, let me go with you.”
Hiashi stood as well. “I will go as well. Between the two of us, Neji, we can scan more ground.”
Neji stopped, and turned on them both quickly. He surveyed both of them, and raised his chin. “No.”
The two adults were taken aback. Neji crossed his arms. “I think this is a bad idea to begin with. Shikamaru needed time alone for a while and now he is avoiding everyone. Including his own mother. I assume his father.”
Hiashi began to speak on his insolence but Neji just turned and went for the door. “I am not open to speaking on the matter. Do what you will, but I do not want followers.”
Mrs. Nara stared at him as he put his shoes on, and clenched her fist. “Who do you think you are, to tell me what my son wants?”
Hiashi rubbed his face. “Forgive him. He becomes like this sometimes—”
“I am the man who your son warned about his father. Because he was concerned, that his father may react rather poorly to our… Relationship.” Neji narrowed his eyes and looked aside. “I should have handled it myself. After all I am used to handling volatile family matters.”
Hiashi’s wounded stare underlain with understanding backed him off. Mrs. Nara looked between them and huffed. “That’s enough of that.” She stalked over, and snatched Neji up by the ear.
Neji reacted but a strong forearm blocked her attack. She glared at him. “Regardless of what you think of his father, Neji Hyūga, you do not get to tell me what I do with my family.” Neji tried to twist away, wincing when her nails dug in. “No. We go together.”
A sweet smiled turned to Hiashi, who stood in shock. Nobody ever handled Neji like that and walked away without some internal damage. “I’m going to borrow your nephew for a bit. I’ll keep in line.”
Neji was thinking about his Eight Trigrams, but decided attacking Shikamaru’s mother was not a way to get Shikamaru back. She released him to continue putting on his shoes. “Plus.” She started, frowning at him gently. “You were just ill. What if you have a relapse alone in the forest?”
A warm kind of annoyance rose up in his chest. Neji frowned a little. Is this what it felt like? It was so long ago, I don’t remember her fussing this much.
His own mother…
“Right. Yes. I suppose that’s reasonable. I know where first to check.”
The worried mother followed along hastily, power in her stride. “Good. Because Choji and Ino checked everywhere typical. Did he… Did he tell you something?”
“Of sorts.” Neji murmured. One of their quiet conversations while he brushed out Neji’s hair. Neji still wore his hair tie, even if it came loose a lot. “He told me of a waterfall he liked, in our chatter.”
“There are no waterfalls in the forest. Little ones over streams, but nothing major.” She frowned. “I’ve been in the forest a lot, over many years.”
Neji sighed tiredly. “It is a start. Show me the little falls, please.”
Chapter 19: Echoes
Summary:
Neji doesn't know what to call her yet.
Chapter Text
Neji scanned the ground, and the tree line. Shikamaru knew people would track him. He wondered if he thought about Neji. Looking for any trace, and any mark.
It was small. A simple pebble of weak slate. Cracked in half and pressed into the ground. Neji gently pried it free, and studied it. A shadow loomed over him. He twitched a brow. “You are in the light.”
“Oh. Sorry.” She leaned back quickly. “You must think I’m just an overbearing mother hen.”
“My sensei was Might Guy. I know a think or two about overbearing mother hens, Mrs. Nara.” He slowly pressed the stones together. Perfect match. He snapped his gaze to the trees, and let his eyes peer further and further in that direction. Nothing. He closed them. “Shikamaru is not unlike you. Other than he does not grab my ear.”
“Sorry about that too.” She laughed nervously. “Some impression I’ve made.”
Neji dusted his hands, and looked at her seriously. “You are a parent who lost their child. As a child who… Who has lost a parent, I can relate.” He turned away before he saw her pity, and scanned the opposite direction. Then he froze up.
She stopped moving as well. He slowly rotated his blind spot to the exact direction opposite the break of the stone. He pointed. “That way. There is a branch that is cracked at the base 45 degrees from the top. It was hit from the side. A second one above it at a duller angle.” He bolted. She followed, and to his surprise, kept up well.
The branches proved fruitful. Neji cleared them to a good travel height and leaped about the woods in a zig-zag, Shikamaru’s favorite tactic to throw off Kiba’s scenting in training. Sliding back to the ground where Shino’s insects would’ve kept going, he paused, and looked again for sign.
A broken twig headed in the same direction. Once more he put his blind spot the proper path, and found Shikamaru’s footprint. A scuff of moss. It was…
“Too obvious, I know.” His mother examined the mark herself. “But if this is a dead end, we start at square one and go again.” She paused, searching her bag and taking out a granola bar. “Here. With how thin you are, you need the calories.” She smiled and broke it in two.
Neji took it. “Thank you.” Home cooked granola. When is the last time I had a real meal? Not prepared by the house staff, or a restaurant. When did I last cook for myself?
“If you don’t eat it, I will. This batch was good.” She teased, walking in the direction Neji last stared. A small taste, and then Neji took a larger bite. “Hah! You like it too. Shikamaru said he didn’t like them. I told him to take you some, and half the pan is gone now.” She dusted her hands off of crumbs.
Neji didn’t know how to reply, so he just pointed. “If we keep going this way, we’ll slingshot right back to the start. Keep your eyes open for any deviations of the path.”
They went around the forest for two hours. Neji almost missed the footprint. He froze, right back at the zero point. Faint, a half print in the mud. Dry. Neji bent down and traced his little finger around the heel. The very deepest part of the print was moist.
He bolted for the direction it went, and heard Mrs. Nara shout after him. He didn’t intend to lose her, so he pulled a stick and began to mark the moss and trees. Light rubs that would be gone in a day or two.
He heard him before he saw him. The clack of Shogi tiles deep in the trees.
Neji slid to a stop, panting heavily. His sickness left him weaker. He hated his stamina to start… Any self-depreciating thoughts were snapped off at the ankles.
He wasn’t even hiding.
“I was wondering when you’d come.” Shikamaru looked up. A fine black fuzz covered his face. He looked tired, with a bruised lip and eye and a gauntness to his face that only came with lack of sleep and little food.
Neji swallowed. His teeth squeaked with the force of his bite, and he stalked right up to Shikamaru fast. Shikamaru’s eyes went wide with surprise and fear and relief all at once.
Chapter 20: The Bird's Talons
Summary:
Neji finds him. And he's mad about it.
Shikamaru best hope he gets out of it without being shaken within an inch of his life.
Notes:
Technically it is 'tomorrow' for me so have an update.
I'm still writing this, so anyone waiting for it to finish at like 20-30 chapters, you are going to be sorely mistaken. But I do think I know where the end point will be.
This thing is 140 pages in word now. A lot of that is page breaks but. :D
Chapter Text
“Do you have any idea what kind of state you have put me in!” Neji shouted.
Shouted. At full volume. He hadn’t heard him that angry and loud since the Chunin exams. Neji came at him fast and had him up by the collar in seconds. His eyes were burning into Shikamaru’s soul. Even his byakugan couldn’t see that deeply on his own, even if he was in fact using it.
No doubt to check on him.
Shikamaru couldn’t break his grip if he wanted. “You better have a very good explanation for this. You ran off and told nobody! Not even Choji! I have been pacing the house nightly waiting for you to come back.” Neji took a breath, if only to continue yelling. “If only to tell me that you were alright. I had no idea what occurred to you but…”
Shikamaru eventually lost track of how many different reasons the Hyūga had for snarling in his face. His mother appeared out of the brush, swatting a twig off her sleeve and gasping. “Shikamaru!” She snapped.
“Get in line, I get to chew him out first.” Neji snapped coldly. Neji dragged Shikamaru back to his little campfire. Shikamaru tried to catch his tired mind up while Neji sat him down and dug through his supplies.
Once he found the medical kit, he started treating his wounds to his standards. Shikamaru obediently sat still while his mother approached to stoke the fire. Despite her tenacity, Neji’s seething kept her back.
Physically. The words bubbled to the surface.
“We were so damn worried.”
“You were worried. Don’t lump dad into that, mom. I got how he felt.” He tapped near his lip. “Ouch!” He jerked away when his impromptu medic put a dab of antiseptic on the split. “That hurts!”
“Quiet and listen to her.” Neji whispered. “Or I will make you.”
He’s pissed. A flutter of nervousness shot through him. If I tried to move, he’d put me down right now before I could get three steps or cast a hand sign.
His mother came over to check his things, and tsked. “No food. What the hell, Shikamaru?”
“How did you find me?” He looked between them. “I waited until you were well out of range.”
“Half a footprint. I wouldn’t have even needed my byakugan, Shikamaru.”
Shikamaru mentally beat himself. For all he thought of Neji’s talent, he forgot what simple observational power could do. He forgot a variable, which left him vulnerable.
Or maybe, part of me wanted him to find me. Only him. Shikamaru lifted his jaw for Neji to see his bruises. A brief flask of anger faded to worry.
“This is unacceptable.” He whispered.
“Yeah, that’s why I left.” Shikamaru drawled. His mother paused in her searching through his things. “This forest is for the Nara. I’m allowed to live out here. It’s a drag, but it’s better than being kicked around.”
“Your father—”
“Hasn’t looked for me once.” Shikamaru stood up. Neji was right on his three o’clock, closer than his own shadow. “Easy, I’m not gonna run. Just tell the Hokage she can find me here if she needs me. Okay?”
He could tell Neji was about to blow a fuse again. He took a chance, and reached out to gently touch the side of his head. Neji dodged him the first time, then like a hesitant cat, allowed him the second. A hand nervously came to rest on top of his own.
The touch seemed far more intimate than any before. Shikamaru blushed when Neji hummed. “You do not need to sleep in the woods to be safe, Shikamaru. I can protect you too.” Neji murmured, squeezing his hand. “And give you a place to stay.”
Their moment was interrupted by his mother gently clearing her throat. “Shikamaru, your father is deployed right now. For three days. Come home. Think about things. Or at the very least take a shower. Neji’s eyes probably can’t even see through all that dirt!”
Neji glanced at her, and then nodded slightly. “Your hand is going to leave a print.”
“Only because you are so damn pale.” Shikamaru hesitated. “He’s gone?” His mother nodded. “And he’ll stay gone?”
“At least until then, but he was saying it could be longer. And… And to try to send word, if we found you.” His mother clasped her hands. “He’s sorry he lowered it to that.”
Somehow, it didn’t matter. “That may be, but laying your hands on your child is unacceptable. Except perhaps self-defense.” Neji admitted. “More than once, it has come to blows with my Uncle. But we never intended true damage. This? This was violence. Not talking. Not sparring.” He growled. “Just violence and rage.”
Neji knelt neatly and began to pack Shikamaru’s things. Shikamaru thought over options. “I’ll go home a day. That’s it. I can’t risk running into him right now, mom.” He gritted his teeth. Blood boiled to his face. “I’m not afraid. I’m furious.”
Neji’s hands paused a moment. “That he would be so callous about this.” Pocketing his own hands, he shook his head. “I thought him a better man than to care about who that someone l… Cares about this much is.” The red spreading on Neji’s face made him wonder how far he could go in front of his mother, before the man passed out.
His mother chuckled at them. “What if Neji came to stay? Could I have my boy home for two days?”
They both snapped their heads up at that. “I don’t wish to impose—”
“Maybe. Depends if you’re going to pester him. If dad came home to him staying there, he could get wrapped up in our fight.” All his instincts screamed ‘bad idea.’ For all the cunning and strength of his father, Neji was vicious when pressed. The level of aggression he saw, and the genius in his own right.
Not to mention, Neji understood their shadows well enough to avoid them, as well as sneak in a hit. It’d be over before it started, if his dad snagged him first. And if Neji got to him first… Well, Neji’s rage was a variable untested.
He wants to protect me, but in truth, I’d freeze up. I’m sorry Neji, I’m really messed up right now.
Neji looked at him, then his mother, and politely bowed. “I would like to stay and return the care Shikamaru has given me. At the very least.”
His mother looked taken aback, and then smiled. “Wonderful!”
Shikamaru frowned at his friend, who just shouldered his things, and reached to take Shikamaru’s hand. “We’re leaving.”
“Wonderful. I’ll make noodles tonight. Do you like noodles, Neji?” His mother started to talk. Babble. Warm, comfortable, familiar babble.
He leaned against Neji’s shoulder tiredly. His entire body ached. The short fight was one made more for Jonin-level ninja sparring, more than enough to leave bruises. Big ones.
An arm swept up under his. He forgot how strong Neji was, strong as any of them when he needed. Maybe more, with all the physical training he went though. Lean and powerful, tall and graceful—
“If you stare at me any harder, you will see the trees on the other side, Shikamaru.” Neji murmured crossly. “What is it?”
He opened his mouth to snark, then closed it. Shikamaru glanced aside and grinned a little. “I’m glad. That you came. I was worried it’d be Choji, and I’d have to tell him what happened. He’s kind, but he’d get mad.”
“Make not one mistake, Shikamaru. Were your father at home, this would be a fight to rival that of Sasuke and Naruto’s mess at the falls.” Neji gritted out. “I would put him in the hospital, if not in the ground by accident.”
His blood froze. That tone, he’d never heard Neji so full of malice.
“What’s gotten into you? I told you this would be trouble.”
He hefted Shikamaru closer, and dropped his voice to a near silent whisper. “I have no idea what happened, and you are battered and wounded. Those blows are near that of broken ribs and cracked bones. I can see what he did. And it drives arrows into my rationality.” Neji murmured. “I want to return the damage ten-fold. But instead, I will simply exist in defiance by your side.”
Shikamaru grinned tiredly. “Hope at least some of that is wanting to be near me too.”
Neji scoffed. “That goes without saying.” Shikamaru glowed despite his wounds.
Chapter 21: Shadow House
Notes:
Still going. We'll see for how long! I have books to write and my muses have returned to me so I may try to wrap up the backlog.
Chapter Text
He saw red. The moment he realized what had happened to Shikamaru, the blood pooling under skin, the crack in the base of a tooth, he saw only red. Neji couldn’t recall ever being this rageful about anything short of his father’s death.
And he refused to confront that entirely just yet.
They reached the Nara home and his mother let them in. Neji immediately took Shikamaru upstairs to his room, and dumped him in the bathroom. He stood outside the door while he stripped off. He didn’t need to peek to see how bad it looked. He knew the depth of the injuries.
Neji took his gear once Shikamaru had the water running, and went down the stairs. “Mrs. Nara, where should I go to wash these?”
“Oh, don’t worry about that, Neji. You can put them in the hamper, I’ll get to it.”
Her voice came from the kitchen. He looked inside, watching her get down pots and pans. She struggled for the tallest shelf. Neji lent her his reach, and she smiled at him.
“Such a kind boy.” She patted his cheek. He drew back sharply. “Oh, sorry. A habit.”
Neji felt a tinge of guilt. “I apologize. I do not react well to sudden contact.” Shyness overwhelmed him. The initial adrenaline was fading. Shikamaru was home. His father was not here. Neji could relax.
Only this was a strange environment. So he couldn’t relax. This woman was a stranger and he must be on his best behavior. She was pointing, she said something. He was too lost in thought.
“…strainer for the noodles? It’s on the top shelf. Neji? You must be exhausted.”
“No. Where is it? What is it?” He asked, watching her point. He reached up for it, and brought it down. The strainer was designed with shadows dancing through the holes. “This is beautiful.”
“It’s the crest of the Nara.” She turned it over and held it up to the light. The black lines weren’t the design, it was the holes. He traced one on the counter curiously. Mrs. Nara leaned in to watch him. “You know, he was right.”
“Pardon?”
“Your eyes. They are prettier than others. More depth.” She smiled cheekily as Neji turned red. “He spoke of you. Not a lot, trying to hide it I think, at first. But he does care.”
“I…” Words failed him.
“Oh, don’t have to respond, Neji. Just tell me how you like your noodles.”
Noodles. “Typically, I eat rice and fish with vegetables.” He laced his fingers. “I suppose however you usually prepare them is just fine.”
She winked. “You’re in for a treat then. And you can call me Yoshino, Neji.”
Neji lingered in the kitchen a bit, watching her chop vegetables. A distant memory of the sound flickered back into his thoughts. A woman smiling at him, and offering him a fresh bite of cucumber…
Yoshino looked at him with a wistful stare a moment, then her eyes sparked with decision. “Neji.”
“Yes ma’am?”
“Can you cut this?” She held up some small potatoes. “It would really help.”
He tilted his head. She looked as if she had everything handled. She may wish to include me out of politeness. Perhaps Shikamaru usually helps? No; he is far too lazy. By the time the thought tree ended, he was cutting potatoes into cubes like the rest of the veggies.
The water cut from upstairs. Neji glanced up. A spoon knocked him on the head. He glanced back. She eyed him skeptically. “No peeking.”
He huffed and drew up tall. “I wouldn’t dare!”
“Good. Chop.” The orders were short and left no room for argument.
A comfortable kind of resignation settled in place of annoyance. He was a guest after all. Neji defiantly cut the cubes into such even pieces she would have to notice his effort.
Chapter 22: Domestic Fears
Summary:
Sometimes positive change is still scary.
Chapter Text
Shikamaru came downstairs to light talk. Mostly his mother, but a deeper voice, Neji, filled gaps. He ruffled his hair, using his fishnet undershirt to allow his skin time to dry.
“…used to help me all the time, so it’s nice to have extra hands.”
“I’m not much of one to cook. The house staff typically brings me something if I am home, or I pick something up.”
“You can save a lot of money cooking at home—Shikamaru! You look human again. Go set the table for three.” She waved her spoon.
“Mom, he’s our guest and you’re working him? Neji you don’t have to do this.” He smiled though, watching his friend grip his knife more firmly. He wants to do this.
“I do not mind. I will be eating, it is the least I can do.”
“How you ended up with my lazy, mannerless son is a mystery…”
The words trailed off. Shikamaru chose to ignore them, pulling out place settings for three. He stared at his father’s usual chair, and decided to leave it empty. Putting Neji there, or gods forbid, sit there himself? He’d go mad.
He sat at the table, and folded his hands to think. His father was gone. Neji was here. The house was two bedroom. With disturbing skill, his mother put them in a place where they could rest together. Unless she expected Neji to sleep on the sofa. Or him.
Neji set a glass of water in front of him. “Drink.” He murmured. “You still look exhausted.”
“You don’t look much better.”
“Well. You know who to blame for that. But… I do not blame you for leaving.” Neji sat down in the chair next to him. His mother’s usual seat, but she wouldn’t mind. Neji sat properly in the chair. “I do wish you would have come to my home.”
“After your Uncle caught us, I figured it wasn’t a good idea to walk right into another potential fight.” Shikamaru reasoned, leaning back and slouching. He’d get yelled at, but after days alone, it’d be a relief. “Neji, I’m not trying to make your life difficult.”
“Relationships are difficult. No matter how simple.”
Shikamaru groaned in frustration. Neji patiently waited for his take on the situation. “He’s not going to accept it. I can’t stay here.”
“Then come stay with me. Again.” He adverted his eyes. “But you will have to keep my room tidier than your own. I will not have you stay here either. If not here, perhaps Choji has room?”
“I really do like Chōji’s family, but honestly, they’re too much for me. Too high energy.” He grinned a little. “Your family seems uptight but at least they don’t snore like bears.”
Neji raised a brow. “Uptight? I—No. I suppose some are… You… Will be looked at as an outsider. Not all clans are as peaceful and laid back as your own.”
Shikamaru hesitated to answer. Never once did he feel that. Neji knew what it was like, to feel like that. His eyes briefly glanced to the coverings on his forehead. The mark was under those. Other friends knew: Choji for his weight, Shino for his bugs, Naruto for…
Well. He chose to keep those words a secret from his own mind. Fear lived inside him for that beast, but not for the man around it. He trusted him. He trusted all their comrades.
“Well, they’re not going to hit me in the face are they?”
“Unlikely.”
“Then it’s better than here.” Shikamaru summed up. “I’ll just have to stay quiet and out of their way. It isn’t like I won’t be on duty again. I’ll probably get chewed out for being gone.” He blew out a breath. “Need to come up with an excuse.”
Neji rested his arms on the table. “Perhaps not. I… May not know Choji as well as you, but you do trust him?”
“He’s my best friend, Neji. With my life. Remember, we don’t even need to talk to make a plan.” Shikamaru smiled a little. “Friends like that are irreplaceable and worth their weight—” He paused, their eyes both going wide as if Choji would bust the door down. Neji sighed and smiled if only a little.
“If I were to say I had a friend close to that, it would most likely be Lee. While he challenges me at all times… I know he would break himself in half trying to protect me. Which is why we cannot tell him this happened. Ever. Lee can become angry, Shikamaru. If Choji finds out about this, I can only imagine how close it would come to that day…”
Shikamaru watched a shiver race up Neji’s spine. He didn’t ask, and didn’t want to know the story.
His mother came out with a hotpot of chicken, vegetables, and noodles still simmering. “Hope you’re hungry, boys! I made extra for leftovers, just in case.”
The dinner was heavenly. Neji ate a bowl neatly. The second bowl, he ate a little less neatly. He stopped himself there, until Yoshino herself went for thirds. The food wasn’t anything special from a flavor standpoint, but there was savory and salty and distantly sweet and…
And it tasted like a meal he once knew. He set his chopsticks down and stood abruptly. “Excuse me. The meal was very good, Yoshino.” Neji made for the deck, closing the door quietly. Night fell, stars peeking over the nearby horizon stained purple-blue between the grand trees. The night smelled like fresh rain and frog calls filled the silence.
In the dark, eyes watched him, reflecting starlight and moonlight. He took a breath of it all, and activated his byakugan. Deep into the trees, seeing the deer in the night, seeing the birds hiding and resting. The insects of the dark, owls hunting in the trees. A rabbit hustled her kits into a den, just before the owl saw them.
Compared to his home, it was so very alive.
A hand startled him. “Easy, just me.” Shikamaru offered him a cookie. Fresh baked. “Mom made these for you. She heard Hyūga don’t like sweets so they’re kinda bland.”
“Thank you.” He stared at the round of dough, and shook his head. “This isn’t right.”
“Well it’s not that bland, she did put brown sugar—”
“No. Shikamaru, this… Domesticity.” He gestured to the house. “Do you know the last time I ate something that wasn’t prepared by a cold hand paid to do so? Or had someone knock me in the head with a spoon?”
He glanced back at the house with a sigh. “Yeah. Mom does that.” Shikamaru realized the failure of his words before Neji felt the slight sting. “Oh. R-Right.” He stuttered, sliding a hand down his face.
“I have been without a guardian since I was very small. This feels new, and Shikamaru, it scares me.”
“Scares you?” He pressed gently, stepping closer and staring into the forest.
“How much it feels comfortable. How much I like this. But it can never be like this forever. Lazy meals and forest nights. There is so much more I have to do.” He clenched his fists. “I feel softer here.”
Shikamaru raised his brows. “Is it so bad to be soft around a person you care for? Neji, it isn’t like I’m gonna hurt you. My mom may get liberal with the spoons, but she’s not gonna hurt you either.”
His careful shield was crumbling and the walls behind it were next. He just knew it. “Every time I am with you, I say more that I rarely speak of. I never regret it. And that is new and strange to me.” Neji leaned into Shikamaru.
An arm nervously looped around his own, Shikamaru stealthily holding his hand. Neji gripped it far too hard. His breath was beginning to get away from him. His friend pulled him closer and leaned on Neji’s shoulder.
“I don’t know what this is.” He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. They propped each other up. “I don’t know what to call us.”
“There are many titles, yes, but none of them describe… This relationship.”
“I wouldn’t say we’re dating? Unless you would.” Shikamaru back pedaled hard. “I’m not saying it’d bother—”
“Shikamaru please.” Neji rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I would not either. Be plain, I am not very good with words.”
“Liar.” He mumbled. “You can dance circles around people with that sharp tongue.” Shikamaru sighed. “My point. Had a point… Oh. Look, we don’t have to… Be anything particular. Just…”
He’s turning red. Neji rested his head atop Shikamaru’s and nodded into his hair. “Just be. Be together.” Neji agreed. “…I will stay tonight. Tomorrow, I wish to go speak with Uncle on this. I was given the option of either staying in the family guest quarters, or keeping my home. I have decided it would be better to keep my home.”
“Neji, if you want to—”
He broke off Shikamaru with a short, choked laugh. “Regardless of my stance, or Uncle’s, I will always be of the branch family. I will be a reminder to him of the brother he lost, and the man that took his place.” Neji closed his eyes. “I’m tired now.”
“Me too. Do you want to go lay down?”
“Mm.”
Chapter 23: First Date
Chapter Text
The Hyūga training yard wasn’t what he expected when Neji told him to ‘try a date.’ He also didn’t expect Neji to square up against him as soon as they cleared the gate. Shikamaru blinked, wide-eyed. “Uh. Neji, I know you want to spend some time together but—”
Neji didn’t respond. His eyes were narrowed just enough to tell Shikamaru he was serious. Focused. Dangerous. Scratching the back of his head, he slowly walked into the courtyard. A few curious heads poked around, pausing when they noticed this stranger that stood lazily with his hands in his pockets.
He’ll come at me full force. I can tell. He’s trying to do something, but without any prior discussion… Taijutsu wasn’t his forte. He’ll wipe the floor with me.
“Alright, but go easy on me, Neji. I’m more of a mid-range type.”
As soon as he was done speaking, a flash of white robes bolted directly for him. Shikamaru blocked the first three hits, knowing Neji’s typical opening pattern was to take out the arms then a side. A great way to incapacitate without removing the target’s ability to move. Shikamaru felt no chakra in his jabs; a mock fight, a spar.
Maybe I have a chance. But if we’re not using jutsu, I may lose anyway.
Inevitable loss wasn’t odds he dealt well with. More faces peeked out as they twirled around the arena.
Neji gave him a breather once he connected one hit to his thigh. Shikamaru knew it bruised. The kick was hard and fast, and despite his stamina and aggression up close, Neji’s body wasn’t padded at all.
In fact, he was all slender, tight muscle compacted down for quick motion and agility. Agility that lent him the ability to twist and bend around Shikamaru’s hits. Shikamaru decided to throw him, and began to mirror his strikes as best he knew how. To his surprise, the first one hit Neji square in the chest.
The branch clan Hyūga staggered back in surprise. Opening! Shikamaru rushed forward.
Neji smoothly slid back just out of range, and poked Shikamaru in the neck. It wasn’t hard, a gentle tap on the throat. He froze up, staring in awe into Neji’s eyes.
“Mh. Again.”
“Again? Neji, I’m not—”
“Again.” He nodded firmly. “Best… two out of three.” Neji didn’t smile, but there was an excited playfulness in his eyes.
In the eyes around them, there was a sort of blank amusement. Shikamaru didn’t realize they’d drawn a crowd. He slowly backed off. Neji lowered his hand, and postured for an attack pattern again.
He’s showing me off to the clan. So they get used to me. Shikamaru raised a brow, and Neji nodded slightly. Well then.
“This is a drag. Best two out of three, and winner buys dinner.” Shikamaru would get his ‘date’ yet.
Chapter 24: Stern Practice
Notes:
Pace yourselves. I'm doing two updates this morning because I won't get to later today.
Chapter Text
Two out of three turned into seven out of twelve. But Neji’s plan worked. He even earned some serious smiles from the onlookers.
More importantly, Hiashi invited them—demanded—back to his home to apply salve and eat something. The dinner table was oddly cold, compared to his own. Neji sat next to Hinata, with Hanabi next to Shikamaru. Hiashi sat at the head of the table, oddly enough, closer to Shikamaru than Neji.
But Neji told him to sit there.
The meal was simple but well put together. Nutritious without being boring. He minded his manners, eating slowly and sitting proper. “I hear you took a leave of absence.” Hinata murmured quietly.
“Yeah. I needed to uh, deal with something. Thinking.”
She hummed and looked down, accepting his answer.
“Meditation helps often with difficult to process things.” Hiashi surprise him by speaking up, and holding out a basket of fresh rolls. He politely took one, biting into it and blinking. The inside was filled with a nut paste. “Shikamaru, right? I do believe we were never properly introduced.”
“Forgive my rudeness, Uncle. This is Shikamaru of the Nara Clan. Shikamaru, this is my Uncle, Hiashi Hyūga, the leader of the Hyūga clan. You know Hinata.”
“I’m Hanabi.” The younger girl smiled at him happily. “I’m glad you finally came to eat with us in the house. Father has been very worried you would find the food boring.”
“Hanabi.” Hiashi scolded sternly, quieting the girl. He closed his eyes, folding his arms. “Though she does speak the truth. I know the differences between our clans’ diets, at least from festivals. I hope it is to your liking.”
Shikamaru finally swallowed his bread. “Nice to meet you, sir. I uh, apologize for making a scene in your training yard.”
“Training is good. I am happy Neji brought a… Friend home that has such a strong willingness to try, despite clearly stated personal reservations.”
Hinata’s head perked up when her father hesitated. She locked eyes with Shikamaru, who shook his head once lightly. She blushed and let it go.
Dinner passed without any more nervous questions. As soon as Hiashi was out of line of sight, Hinata grabbed Neji rather abruptly and hauled him into a side room. Shikamaru blinked in shock. Hanabi stood there with him, staring at the door. “Come on. Let’s go help with dishes.” She stated decisively. Without any other things to do, he shrugged and followed the girl to the kitchen to help. She washed, he dried, and she talked about training.
“Hinata, what is the meaning of this?”
Hinata said nothing, staring at him with deep concern. Her eyes told far more than her stuttering words ever could. Neji closed his eyes. “Right.”
Silence stretched. “Neji. Um. You and Shikamaru—”
“You told him about my secret. I would be angry…”
“I’m sorry!” She covered her face. “I didn’t want him to cause a scene.”
“…But it has turned into something—Something.” He cut it off. Hinata stepped back. Neji rubbed his wrist a little, trying to figure out how to explain it. “We are not a friendly couple, a bit more. I would go so far as to say we are partners of a kind. I… Find his company relaxing, and trustworthy.”
The little smile that bloomed over Hinata’s usually worried face melted his heart. He struggled to keep his own smile in check. “I see. Um, that’s really good Neji, but… Father, does he know?”
“He caught us—Not like that!” Both cousins turned red, and Neji huffed haughtily. “Really, Hinata, I am not that kind of man.”
“I know! But I don’t know about Shikamaru.” She pointed out, clutching at her shirt hem to calm down. “Um. Is that why you’re staying in the little house?”
Neji tried to relax. He slowly nodded. “Yes. I wish to provide him with a space, where he can come and be safe.”
“Safe? Oh. His parents—”
Neji held up a hand. “His father, is not like yours. Uncle seemed to only care for my reputation and safety, but is letting me handle this. I showed the clan that he is not a threat. Shikamaru’s was more… Aggressive.”
Hinata looked down. “Oh. Well, he can stay here then.” She stated firmly. “I will settle it with Father. Neji, don’t worry about it at all.”
She was off running before Neji could tell her that was the plan. He allowed that smile once she was gone. “She does not even care one bit. She must approve of him then.” Neji murmured, going to find Shikamaru. He heard a surprised gasp and a giggle from the kitchen.
“…all covered in soap, Shikamaru!”
“Well you put too much soap in the water. I had to do something.”
Neji peeked around the corner. Shikamaru wasn’t usually the playful type, but for Hanabi, who was swatting at his face with a towel, he donned a bubble beard. “My buddy Choji, he does this all the time.”
“Choji?” She asked, smiling with bright eyes. “Is he your teammate?”
“And my best friend.” He nodded, wiping the soap off and taking a dish to dry. “He’s pretty funny, and kind.”
“Oh! Like cousin Neji.” Hanabi’s words made him freeze just before he entered. Shikamaru raised a brow. The girl frowned. “What? I think he’s funny. He’s always being sarcastic.”
“Yeah? I guess I see him more seriously.” He leaned in to mock-whisper. “Maybe he’s only funny for his younger cousins.”
The girl grinned. “Maybe. But, you’re special to him too. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have kicked you around the arena so intensely. That’s how he shows he cares, you know.”
Shikamaru groaned and smiled. “Really? Because I don’t think I can take so much more ‘care.’”
Hanabi squinted deviously. “Then you do like him!” She stood up on the stool in front of the sink and giggled. “I knew it. Neji never brings home friends.”
The words caught him and Shikamaru off guard. “Yeah, okay, you got us. But it’s just… We like hanging out okay? It’s nothing lovey-dovey or anything.” Shikamaru put a finger to his lips. “Keep quiet for us, for now. Your dad already knows. I guess Hinata probably does too. But I don’t want it to be a big deal.”
Hanabi cover her mouth with a hand. “I can do that!” She hopped down. “Um, but one thing. You have to promise to be good to Neji. He… He really needs some company.”
Shikamaru narrowed his eyes. “Yeah. I know. Honestly, I do too. I have my friends, we hang out all the time. But Neji’s understood me in new ways. Do you uh, know what kind of things he likes? Other than beating me around the training yard.”
Hanabi grinned, and waved him close. Shikamaru listened to the whisper. Neji couldn’t hear it from that distance. What does she know, he wondered, considering stepping out into the kitchen.
Chapter 25: Polite Shovel Talk
Chapter Text
“And what are you two up to?” Hiashi’s voice filtered in to Shikamaru’s left.
He frowned apologetically. “Sorry, sir, I didn’t mean to run off in your house. I wanted to help with dishes, since I did eat off the dinnerware.”
Hiashi raised his brows. “That’s… Very thoughtful of you. I wished to speak with you. Alone.” He stared at his daughter, who bid Shikamaru a goodnight and hustled off into the hall. There was a hushed whisper, and a grumble, then silence.
Shikamaru wondered who she found in the hall. He turned his attention back to Hiashi Hyūga. “What’s up?” He started lamely.
Hiashi looked around. “I do not make habit of having difficult conversations in the kitchen. Come. My study.”
Shikamaru followed along, hands in his pockets. The house was sparsely decorated, neat, and clean. He could smell some kind of incense filtering in the open doors on the cool night wind. A spark of summer in the winter left the land unusually warm for the season.
“Crazy weather.” Shikamaru started.
“Indeed.” The small talk door swung shut.
Once in his study, Shikamaru sat on the offered cushion. He tilted his head, watching a mirror image of an older Neji settle so gracefully across from him. Tea and small crisps of sweet almond flour lay to the side, but Hiashi didn’t touch them.
He laced his fingers, and let out a sigh. “Would it be rude to ask we sit informally?”
Shikamaru blinked. “It’s your house, sir. You can sit on your head for all I care.”
“I wouldn’t go quite that far.” Hiashi looked at him oddly. “Neji mentioned you were a little more casual than I may approve of.”
Shikamaru winced apologetically, but Hiashi held up his hand. “Neji was incorrect.” The man slid off his knees. “I am… Not unhappy. That Neji has found someone to confide in, to trust enough to bring home. He rarely brings anyone around. Even rarer, spars in front of the clan. With even Hinata or myself.” Hiashi poured them both tea, which Shikamaru took gratefully. “I suppose I am curious and concerned with the sudden decisions.”
“Truthfully, sir, he didn’t even run that by me. He just turned around and started throwing punches.” Shikamaru rubbed his side and smiled. “First time feeling Gentle Fist style up close and personal. I’m more of a mid-ranged fighter.”
Hiashi nodded plainly. “So, this… Decision. Was it also undiscussed?”
Shikamaru realized he wouldn’t wiggle out of this one. “No.” He breathed out on the word, setting the teacup down. “When we had that vacation in the springs, we had to share a room. The others were being remodeled and fixed up. I guess we got to know each other better in that time, and kind of realized we clicked.”
“Clicked.” Hiashi tilted his head. “In what sense?” He set his own tea down. “Let me be blunt: what are your intentions?”
This sounds like the shovel talk, Shikamaru groaned to himself. He managed to avoid rolling his eyes. “I don’t know. I like being around Neji. I don’t really see myself ever not wanting to be around him. But, this is my first relationship like this.”
“With a man.” Hiashi looked a little nervous being so blunt, but it got him the answer he wanted. Shikamaru just nodded and half-shrugged. “So you are not experienced either.”
“Well I wouldn’t say that. I dated some girls. I just never really liked girls. I mean, I have friends who are girls, sir, but not—”
He went quiet. Hiashi held up his hand. Neji mimics him more than he realizes. I can never tell him that.
“I am not trying to scare you away. But I made a promise to my late brother. I am only looking out for him, but he is looking out for you. I suppose, then, I will look out for you as well.” Hiashi picked up his tea. “You are welcome to stay here. If. You handle your fair share of the work to keep the compound neat and clean. I expect you to report to the Hokage and give her an honest explanation as well. I doubt she will get involved, but this little disappearance has upset a great number of the ninja around my nephew.”
Hiashi narrowed his eyes. “And my nephew himself. Do you understand me?”
Shikamaru took a deep breath. “Yes sir.” He let it out and nodded. “I do have one question, sir?” Hiashi raised his brows. “Do… You know what Neji does in his free time? Other than train? Hanabi suggested the library, but that seems like kind of a drag.”
Hiashi tapped his finger on the side of his teacup. “No. Well, one thing that comes to mind, is that he often likes to stroll the marketplace. He does buy an unusually large amount of fruits, but he always eats them, so I never think much of it.”
“Fruit, got it.” Shikamaru grinned a little. “I am trying to make him feel more relaxed. I figured I can at least do something nice for him.”
“After you report.” Hiashi gave him the barest little smile. “He… Used to go to the stall market. But he never returned with anything.”
Shikamaru raised his brows. “You uh, watched him a lot.”
Hiashi’s stare became distant. “I suppose that’s what an uncle does for their nephew.”
More like a father, to a son. Shikamaru narrowed his eyes. “My father… Won’t come here.”
Hiashi balled a fist slowly. “I will respect your desire to deal with the situation yourself. Your mother came here. I was told. If he comes here with any intent to cause you harm, I will step in. You are under my roof, and therefore, I will be watching you as well, Shikamaru.”
“No pressure.” Shikamaru couldn’t stop the muttering.
Hiashi passed him an almond crisp. “Only enough to keep my family, and you, safe. That, is my priority. Now. Tell me of your fighting style more. I have no close ties with the Nara, and I wish to understand how you did manage to land hits on my nephew.”
Chapter 26: Dinner Date?
Summary:
These two just can't catch a break.
Notes:
Hope you guys are liking this. It's about as slow burn as it gets, I think.
Chapter Text
The talking went on for around an hour. Hiashi was more personable than Shikamaru first pinned him for, but stern. He did not joke, but speaking about tactics led to an understanding. They both just wanted to see Neji safe. For Shikamaru, that meant happiness and comfort. For Hiashi, a greater understanding of purpose.
I can work with you, Hiashi. Let me handle it.
Shikamaru wandered the halls to the door, pausing when he saw Neji standing there in the doorway. He’d just put his shoes on. Neji glanced back.
“I hope Uncle did not scare you.”
“Terrified.” Shikamaru drawled and smirked. “I’m not here to cause trouble, and he doesn’t agree with how my dad handled the situation. So. I think I’m clear to stay.” Shikamaru held out an almond crisp. “He said to give you this? Kind of weird.”
Neji politely took the treat, and bit into it. He finished it in two bites. “They were my father’s favorite.” Neji murmured quietly. “And are Hiashi’s as well.”
“Oh.” Shikamaru stared at his shoes, then began to put them on.
The night was cold, but not freezing yet. The new moon made the village dark. He walked the street with Neji. Not quite hand in hand. Neither talked until they reached the end of the straight road. Shikamaru hesitated, then turned left. Neji followed him.
“You know, you still kicked my ass. So I still owe you dinner.”
“I admit my appetite has not been the best since my illness.” Neji commented, stretching a bit in the cool night air. “Though that session today was… Reinvigorating.”
“Yeah? I’m glad. Maybe we can do it again sometime. Maybe you can uh, actually help me with my Taijutsu.” Shikamaru scratched his cheek with a finger, looking anywhere but Neji. “Not my strongest point you know.”
Neji leaned into his field of view. He smiled. An honest smile, warm and gentle. “I would be happy to, Shikamaru. But you have a lot of the intermediate skills already. Perhaps we can also work on combinations.”
He grinned. “Yeah. I’d say let’s start now, but.” He thumbed at the barest sliver of a moon.
“Ah.” Neji hummed. “That would be an issue. We do have a lit training room, but it is not conducive to most jutsu. Lined with wood and screening, for easy repair, but it breaks just as easily.”
This is the most he’s talked to me in a little while. Maybe because we’re out of the compound? Shikamaru nervously frowned. “Is your Uncle gonna deck me for taking you out here?”
Neji shook his head. “Whatever he told you, know he holds no actual rule over my actions. He is not my legal guardian. I have none.” His voice grew soft.
Shikamaru chose to swap subjects. “If the moon were brighter, we could go night cloud watching. But a walk is nice too.” He grinned a little. “But it’s hard to see.”
“If it becomes too dark, I will take us back.” Neji took Shikamaru’s hand in the shade of some trees.
“Must be nice. What… Does everything look like? When you can see that far, I imagine it takes a lot of focus.”
“Much like your shadows, I imagine, are somewhat an extension of your arms and legs, my byakugan is like just seeing many pictures at once. It took a long time to grow used to seeing so much…” Neji was looking around now, and paused outside a shop. He squinted. “Choji and Kiba are inside.”
The telltale bark of Akamaru sealed the proof. Shikamaru raised a brow. “Do you wanna…?”
Conflict crossed Neji’s face. “I do not, but Choji must be worried still. News of your return may not have reached him.”
That’s unusually thoughtful, Shikamaru realized. “Uh, you’re right. Do you want to wait? I can make it—”
“Shikamaru. Hinata knows. My uncle, your family. What is the harm? Kiba is loud but not the type to spread rumors. Hinata is fond of him. I… Trust Hinata.”
But not Kiba, at least not beyond a comrade. How much of ninja life is social, and how much is work? Shikamaru pushed aside the curtain and smiled as soon as Choji saw him. Tears welled in his eyes. Akamaru barked happily, and the large man rushed over to bear-hug him as if he were declared dead.
“Easy Choji. I was only gone for a few days.”
“I looked everywhere! What happened?”
Kiba approached and stood by Neji. Neji folded his hands in his sleeves to warm them, but when Akamaru presented a chance to be pet, pet the canine’s warm fur. Neji glanced at Shikamaru, who gently pried away from the bear hug to slap Choji warmly on the shoulder.
“Can we sit down and talk about it? It’s kind of a drag of a story.” He looked down. “And you can’t tell the others. Not yet.”
Kiba raised a brow. “Alright, sheesh, so secretive. C’mon, Shikamaru, your meal is on me.” He offered with a fanged grin. “Neji, you come sit down too. You’re freezing.”
Kiba shrugged out of his coat and threw it over him, muttering something about Hyūga ‘skinny genes.’ Neji barely could tolerate the smell of dog, and made a face. Shikamaru smiled hollowly, and began to recount… As much as he felt safe.
Neji filled in gaps. It took two orders of sweet dumplings and a simple tea for Neji to warm up. Akamaru lay his head on Shikamaru’s lap the entire time, whining softly in happy affirmation. The canine was trying to keep Shikamaru from his worries.
“…and then Neji found me with my mom. I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to leave you out of the loop Choji, really, but I didn’t know how you’d—”
Choji put down his meal. He turned and grabbed Shikamaru by the shoulders, frowning seriously. “We’ve been friends forever, Shikamaru. This? It doesn’t change anything. You’re still my best friend.” He slid his gaze to Neji, who Kiba was ogling like he grew three heads. Choji looked over his lightly pink face and nodded with a chuckle. “You could do better.”
Shikamaru deadpanned and sighed. “Yeah, really, Neji.” Kiba started bluntly. “Neji? I always thought you were into TenTen. And girls.”
“I’m not ‘into’ anyone, for your information. This is… Entirely platonic.” ‘For now’ hung in the air. Kiba sniffed it out, and smirked.
“Figured you were more of the cold fish type, Hyūga. You do have a warm spot riiiight—” A clawed finger swirled toward him. Neji’s eyes were already tracking.
Choji held up a hand. “Kiba, I wouldn’t do that.”
The finger landed on his chest. A burst of chakra exploded out and he yelped. “Ouch! Hey! I was only teasing.”
Chapter 27: Starlight
Notes:
So one issue I've come across with same-sex story writing, or heavily leaning one sex or the other, is that 'he he he his his he' becomes a problem in third person.
My solution is to use names over pronouns, so excuse me if that's a bother. When I come up with a better solution, I'll let you all know. (IF you have a better solution, do tell me)
Chapter Text
Neji stood abruptly, about to storm off, but Shikamaru’s laugh hung in the air. It was warbly and broken.
He was in tears. Choji rested a hand on his shoulder gently. “Shikamaru?”
The Nara rubbed his eyes and covered his face. “Look at me. Look at you guys. I’ve made a mess of things.” He managed to get himself at least partly back under control. “Really screwed things up, confused everyone.”
“That’s not true.” Neji insisted firmly.
Kiba frowned and stood with Neji. “Yeah! I mean, we don’t care. Some of my family, they’re bonded with other guys or girls. Who cares?” He shrugged feebly and put his hands on his hips, searching for jacket pockets. Akamaru barked. “Yeah, you tell him. Animals don’t care about that stuff, only people.”
“They have a point, Shikamaru.” Choji took a fresh napkin, dampening it on the outside of his water glass to clean up his face. “And I was only teasing. Anyone is lucky to have you.”
Choji then turned to Neji with those gentle eyes. Neji sat down slowly. “And you too, Neji. As far as I’m concerned, you’re about the only person smart enough and cunning enough to challenge Shikamaru. I think this is great.” He waved at the server. “Celebration dumplings! Four orders, please.”
Neji ended up giving Choji half his order. Shuffling seats so the ‘lovebirds’ could sit together, Kiba began awkwardly listing all the times they were a perfect team. Not just on the battlefield, but off it.
Choji was eating happily, but Neji felt his eyes on him often. The approval of Shikamaru’s best friend felt warm, and the dumplings were good, and the shop was warm. In the end, Neji felt peaceful and almost cozy.
They parted ways outside the shop. Kiba waved them off and grinned. “I won’t tell. Dogs can’t lie, you know.”
“Come stop by sometime, Neji! I want to hear more about Hyūga cooking.”
It was always food. But that was fine. He had a passion.
They walked off, holding hands once Neji confirmed they were out of range of sight. He felt tired, so he guided them back toward home. Shikamaru lent him his jacket.
“Next time remind me to pack you a coat.”
“I will remember.”
“We should eat with them again sometime.”
Neji glanced at him. “Choji… Made a point. You are far smarter than the average man.” Shikamaru began to downplay, but Neji shook his head. “Do not challenge that. Your records reflect it. I am… Called a genius. But—”
“I’m a tactician, Neji. You are the one with skill. Application takes me time, but you just act.”
“Move, or die. That is the way of Gentle Fist.” Neji stated quietly. “If you are not in motion you will be hit. And you will see it coming.” He looked up at the stars. “It can be terrifying.”
Shikamaru nearly tripped in the darkness. Neji pulled him up, and looped his arm around his waist. Shikamaru lightly touched his hip, but Neji smirked and leaned into it. “Oh, please. You’re being shy now? You just told them… Well, more than I would have.”
“I’m sorry.” Shikamaru hesitated to touch more. “I should’ve checked first.”
“No. I would have wanted to, but been unable. You… Are better with people than I. Socially.” Neji wrapped an arm around Shikamaru’s shoulders, and the two walked back home sharing warmth under the starlight.
Chapter 28: Confrontation and Ferocity
Notes:
It's a good one.
Neji's had enough.
Chapter Text
Tsunade didn’t get involved. Neji and Shikamaru explained the situation, and to both their surprises, earned her permission and approval.
“My two smartest spending time together? Our enemies will be in trouble.” She smirked. “Just keep it off the battlefield, alright? I’m not interested in complaints about libido of young ninja.”
“Of course.”
“Sure thing.”
“Then you are dismissed. Missions have slowed for winter, but I’ll let you know if anything comes up. I imagine you two will need a few days to settle into this.” She frowned. “And, tell me if this becomes an issue with others. I won’t tolerate infighting.”
“We won’t make it a problem, I promise.” Shikamaru nodded to her, and turned to go.
Neji paused a moment. “We would like to tell others ourselves.”
“I’m not a gossip. Now go on then. Be happy I don’t ship you both off on this D-rank mission. I just might if you distract me any longer.” She warned.
They both scrammed, heading out the office. “Well. That went better than expected.” Neji stated coolly.
“Yeah. Better than telling Naruto. I think his head was going to explode trying to figure it all out.” Shikamaru laughed. Neji’s little smile made his day right then and there. “Well. We have some time. Why don’t we head—”
“Shikamaru.” That voice stopped him dead.
Down the stairs’ curve, just out of sight, his father stood there. He knew it. He slowly stepped into view, and Shikamaru hestitated, thinking about arming himself. He wasn’t going to take any more lumps.
Only Neji already had one. His byakugan was already active, locked on. He backed right to Shikamaru’s front, keeping him well within the safety of his Rotation if he’d need it. “Stay behind me and stick to my back.” Neji ordered sharply.
Shikamaru swallowed hard. A flutter of anxiety, but also… Relief. Relief that he wouldn’t have to fight his old man, if he didn’t want to. That Neji wouldn’t think differently of him, if he didn’t. That his old man was staring at Neji with shock and shying back.
“Easy…”
Neji’s grip tightened. “How about you ease your way back the other direction. Now.”
Now his father narrowed his eyes. “I don’t know who you think you are, but this is between us.”
“I’m the one you hit your son over in the first place.”
Shikaku stared at him. “The Hyūga’s genius?”
“You never told him a name?” Neji murmured.
“Of course I didn’t. I knew better than to tell him. He might’ve gone after you. And this is… This is my fight, Neji. Please calm down.”
“Not on your life.” Neji snapped, swapping the kunai from defensive to offensive. His father stepped back once. Neji stepped forward. The pattern continued. His dad was never one to pick a fight needlessly, and faced with one of the most powerful clans in the village stalking him…
How far is he going to back him down the tower?
One step after another, Shikamaru watched his father be bullied by Neji’s ferocity. So what’s his other way? Neji seems ready to jump if he sneezes wrong.
I don’t like seeing Neji this angry.
“I… Shikamaru, I just want to talk. Kid, put the blade away.”
Neji didn’t look back at him, but he nudged him with his foot. The question in the action was obvious. Shikamaru hesitated and rubbed his neck. “Dad, you hit me in the face. And the ribs, the side… I’m still sore. I still have a cut on my gumline. And I’m not going home to let you do it all again.”
His father sagged a little. “I’m sorry, son. I don’t know what got into me.”
“Bigotry.” Neji growled. “I have half a mind—"
“Neji, lay off a minute, okay?” Shikamaru touched his back. The tension slowly began to bleed out of the man, but he remained in defensive distance.
“Take one step his direction and I will attack you.” Neji warned. “I do not trust you. At all.”
Shikaku nodded slowly, and sighed. “I thought of what I could say the whole mission. To make this right. But there aren’t any words, are there?”
Shikamaru shook his head. “You already said what you think. That isn’t gonna change in a few days. Or weeks. Or months. You… Know you made jokes? Every time, I never laughed, dad.” Shikamaru hitched a breath in a forlorn chuckle. “And you never noticed.”
Neji mock-lunged when Shikaku tried to reach out. He snapped his hand back from the swipe, eyes wide. “Will you just let me talk to him? You aren’t making a case for yourself.”
Shikamaru froze. Neji began to tense again, preparing his words.
Shikamaru clacked his teeth together sharply to cut off a curse. “Case for him? Neji’s just trying to keep me from anymore blows!” Shikamaru started advancing quickly, balling his fists. “He’s my comrade, my friend, and my partner. And you only care about pleading your case to me.” Neji missed snatching him, Shikamaru shaking off his fingers.
He stopped in his dad’s face, glaring. Daring him to strike out. This time he was ready. “You owe him as much an apology as me, dad. I’m gonna send Choji to get my things.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and turned his back. His eyes were stinging. “C’mon Neji. We’re gonna be late for training with the guys. There isn’t anything more to say.”
“Shikamaru—”
“Let it go. I’m done. We’re done talking.” Shikamaru waved his hand with finality.
Shikamaru left Neji there a moment. Neji stared at the Jonin with intensity. “I am not as forgiving as your son. There are no words on this planet that will ever make me forget what you’ve done to him.”
Shikaku glared, then rubbed his face. “Why’d he pick a stuck up brat like you, huh?”
Neji paused, and looked down. “I don’t know. And I don’t care. I’m only grateful.” He pocketed his kunai. “If you dare to lay a finger on him, say one word I don’t like, I will come after you. With intent to maim.”
Shikaku narrowed his eyes. “Is that a threat, boy?”
“No. It is a promise.”
And with that, Neji leaped away to catch up with Shikamaru.
Chapter 29: BBQ Chips
Notes:
Let me know if there's too many chapters. I mean I won't stop but you can tell me.
New year, same story. OR IS IT? (It.. It gets different later? But its still just self-indulgent relationship stuff. There is now exactly ONE smut scene. At around 50k words ish)
Chapter Text
Training went well, in Neji’s eyes. Hinata was improving substantially. The unintentional benefit to Shikamaru choosing to spend time with him, was a deeper connection with the others that flocked to him. Neji began learning not only ways he could help the others perfect taijutsu, but ways he could perfect himself.
To his surprise, Ino accepted their odd arrangement with open arms and exactly zero surprise. “A woman has her intuition, Neji.” He didn’t bother to ask what she meant, though he did ask TenTen, and only got a wink.
His own team were just happy for him as well. They came to realize that a joint exercise with the two teams brought out new strengths: restraining and sensory types plus hard-hitters made for deadly combinations. Efficiency spiked. Experimentation with Chōji yielded that pinning things between Chōji’s Human Bolder and his own Rotation ground things in two directions.
That afternoon, they worked on timing. “Ten seconds is a good interval. I think I should back off first.” Chōji sat down panting and smiling. Neji nodded breathlessly.
“If it became a matter of escape, slide into the direction of my Rotation and I can glance you off. I know your chakra well enough now to not punch into it.” Neji heard the telltale rustle of chips. Only it stopped there.
Chōji held the bag out with a smile. “Want some? You use a lot of chakra doing that over and over. Must be hungry.”
Salty junk food wasn’t his usual idea of an after-training snack, but it was rare to see Chōji offer food. His favorite barbeque chips, as well. Neji wiped his hand on his skirt to get the worst grime off, and took two chips.
Chōji grinned, then began to chow down. It used to bother him, seeing him stuff his face. Now it was a fond after-training memory.
He watched in the distance as TenTen practiced with Shikamaru, Lee their mock enemy for this round. The chip tasted salty and sweet with a smoky bite. I’m surprised. I think I actually like these.
“What brand are those?” Neji inquired.
“Hm? Ohhhh, a convert to the way of BBQ, eh?”
“I—”
Chōji shook the bag, and put a finger to his own lips. “I won’t tell, Neji.”
Neji eyed the bag, and took a third one. “I have to watch my diet.”
“A few chips isn’t going to hurt.” Chōji frowned. “Shikamaru mentioned he was worried you don’t get enough ‘fun food’ in your diet.”
“Fun food? Food is not fun. Food is for sustenance.” Chōji’s stare was wounded and shocked. Neji raised a brow.
“You need to understand food better as a tool for happiness. Why don’t you come by sometime with Shikamaru for dinner?” Chōji offered for the umpteenth time. “If anyone can show you the joys of food, it’s my mom’s home cooking!”
A weird kind of jealousy bubbled up in his chest. Shikamaru’s mother’s food was good as well, a different kind of taste. Maybe all mothers have their own recipes? He winced and found himself nodding. “I would… Like that. But given the situation between myself and Shikaku, I wouldn’t like to place your father between our disagreement.”
Choji narrowed his eyes and frowned. It looked unnatural on his usually-happy face. “My dad and I talked about that, Neji. Once we started training. I made my position clear with him, and he supports me. So, he’ll support you guys.” He smiled slowly again. “Maybe once he sees you two together, he can talk some sense into Shikamaru’s dad.”
The bag was held out again. Neji reached in, and startled. One chip left. He held it up and frowned. “Choji? Are you feeling alright?”
“I’m fine. You need it today. Okay?” He crunched the bag in his fist. “Alright! I feel refreshed.”
“Wait, you need to drink something!”
But the large man was already off to the field. Neji sighed and finished the chip, going as far as to lick his fingers. He stood up and followed Chōji after a few sips of his water. Maybe chips weren’t so empty after all.
Chapter 30: Onion Ring
Summary:
Sometimes its just a tempura onion. Sometimes, its's an olive branch.
Notes:
Well it was requested that Neji needed a home cooked meal.. Who am I to refuse?
Chapter Text
Shikamaru reached over slowly to curl one strand of Neji’s hair back and tuck it into the rest. “Nervous?”
“Exceedingly.” Neji’s voice was tight with honest terror. “What if this goes south?”
“Well, first, it won’t. Second, I’m here. Third, Chōji’s here. You think I haven’t thought of every variable possible? I spent the entire afternoon thinking on this after my mission.” Shikamaru assured him.
The short mission brought in some cash, which he felt very domestic in splitting with Neji for groceries. Neji floated him between jobs, and he returned the favor. Neji suggested bringing a gift for Chōji’s mother, so they stopped by Ino’s shop on the way over.
Shikamaru already heard the laughter inside over talking, and took Neji’s hand with a soft grin. Neji squeezed in return: he was ready.
Shikamaru knocked twice, then pushed the door open. “Hey, we’re here.”
Choza glanced up and grinned wide around a piece of tempura. “There you boys are! Come on in, leave your shoes wherever.”
“Don’t you be wearing shoes in my house.” Someone called from the kitchen. A woman walked out with a kind smile, coming over to hug Shikamaru. He smiled and allowed it with a mock groan.
“I’m not a little kid anymore.”
“No, but I’m still going to hug you.” She turned to Neji and surveyed him. Shikamaru refused to drop Neji’s hand through the hug. “Well aren’t you just handsome?”
Neji blinked and straightened up, blushing softly. “Mom, don’t embarrass him.” Choji complained teasingly.
“Ah, a sensitive type. Perfect for our Shikamaru. Come on in, make yourself at home! Dinner will be ready soon, I just made some quick tempura to tide everyone over.” She waved at the table.
Neji nodded politely. “Thank you for the invitation. It smells delicious.”
The woman laughed and beamed. “So polite and proper!”
Shikamaru put his shoes next to Neji’s, and the two sat next to Choji at the table. Choza spooked the nervous Hyūga by leaning forward on the table and squinting. “I hear you have been training hard.” He held up the decorative onion tempura that held the shrimp together at the tails. The shrimp were long gone, but he nodded seriously. “So I saved you this. Keep at it. I can’t wait to see what you can come up with!”
Blatant approval oozed off of Chōji’s father. Neji picked up chopsticks and took it gently. “Thank you.” He ate it, hungry of course for dinner and understanding the importance. Food was important to them, that much he got. “The combination of directions of grind shred things into four cuts.”
“Like grating garlic, dad.” Choji explained excitedly. “Neji’s also protected from Spikey Boulder too.”
Choza slapped his hand on the table. Neji jumped. “Brilliant. I see now why they call you a genius, Neji! But I have an idea.” He pointed at Shikamaru, who settled right into the ignored tempura broccoli. He froze mid bite. “If he restrains a target in the center, there’s no chance to miss.”
Shikamaru chewed and nodded. “Sounds good.”
“Do not speak with your mouth full.” Neji murmured softly.
Choji and Choza shared a stare, then chuckled. “Choji, you were right. They’re a matched set.”
The Hyūga was relieved to hear those words.
Dinner ended up being nearly a full five course. Shikamaru felt full after three, and poor Neji resorted to a bite of this or that just to be polite and taste everything. He seemed to like fish the best, and for dessert, a lemon cake. Not too sweet.
“Choji said you weren’t too much for sweets.”
Neji took only a small piece. “Yes. I typically only eat what is needed. This was… Very different.” He looked up at her with a small smile. “I rarely have home cooked food. It was nice.”
“Well I’ll pack you up a slice to go. I know we eat more than other families, but we get to laughing and—Hey! We can play cards now!”
Shikamaru glanced at Neji. He reached for his hand and squeezed. You okay? Too much social interaction with a loud family could drain Neji. Even training left him quiet and in need of space, so Shikamaru had lots of time to himself to think too. Cards were fun, but a silent night of sitting side by side on the floor was just as fun to him. He’d play Shogi by himself, against himself, and Neji read his novel.
It’s so domestic it makes me want to hurl. But Shikamaru liked it. No arguments, no yelling, and any disagreements were talked out. Bliss. So far.
Neji squeezed his hand in return, confirming he wanted to stay. “What are the rules?”
“No peeking.” Choji stated seriously.
That got a soft snort-laugh out of Neji, which got the rest of the table laughing again. Shikamaru smiled big. But the lingering though rested in the back of his mind, that he wished he could do this with his own family…
Chapter 31: What Are Friends For?
Notes:
Sorry, sorry! I got distracted gaming today, forgot to post. I promise more updates tomorrow to make up for it!
Chapter Text
Neji tapped on his shoes. “You don’t mind?”
“I’ve simply used up my energy for the day. I’m sorry.” Neji nodded to the Akimichi family. “Thank you. Tonight was wonderful.” He took the slice of cake packed up neatly for him.
“You come visit anytime, Neji.” Choji smiled big. “I’ll see you in a few days. I was deployed for tomorrow.”
“Be safe.” Neji stated seriously.
“Ah, he’ll be fine. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Shikamaru smiled, waving him off with his cake. Neji hesitated just a moment in his leaving, then walked away after a light bow. When Shikamaru turned back, Choji tilted his head curiously. “What?”
He glanced at his leaving parents, heading in to bed to let the boys talk. “Well. Not saying anything, Shikamaru, about your relationship?”
Here we go, the hidden thoughts. “Spit it out.”
“It looked like Neji was a little hurt that you didn’t hug or kiss him goodnight.” Choji frowned, pointing at him. “You can do that in front of us, you know. I think it’s sweet how you two hold hands sneakily under the table at the restaurants, or sit in the same tree for lunch break.”
Shikamaru widened his eyes, then looked after Neji. Right, he likes contact! Shikamaru groaned and smacked his forehead. “Damn it. I’ll apologize tomorrow, he’s long gone now.”
Choji smiled and waved him back into his room. “So, it really all started at the springs?”
“Yeah. Just happened to be the right time I guess.” Shikamaru sat on his bed, stretching out. Choji sat at his desk. “This… Doesn’t bother you does it?”
Choji crossed his arms. “Not at all. If anything, Shikamaru, I’m a little jealous. Neji seems to really care about you.” He chuckled happily. “I hope I can find someone like that.” Shikamaru’s red face drew his attention. Choji snickered. “So uh, you two… Do anything—”
“No, we don’t do ‘things.’ Naruto already grilled me on that.” He glanced away and sighed. “I’m not even sure Neji likes stuff like that.”
Choji frowned. “He is a man, Shikamaru. Posh and pretty and stuck up as he comes off, he’s still a man. Even Sai thinks about stuff like that. And I’m pretty sure he doesn’t know what he likes.”
You and me both, Sai. Shikamaru rubbed his eyes. “I wouldn’t even know how to approach the subject.”
“So you have thought about it.” Choji sat on the bed. Shikamaru shuffled to make space for him to sit back too. Silence filled the gap. “You know I’m only bringing it up because I’m worried.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“You spend a lot of time worrying about his happiness. Don’t forget about things you want too.”
Shikamaru grumbled and stared at the roof. “Not sure what I want. In that regard. I’ve had girls, you know, but it was always kind of a drag.”
Choji nudged him. “Then what made you decide to do it with them? Why not Neji?”
The red returned with a vengeance. “Um.” He’d never given it any thought. “I guess I’m happy with how things are now.”
“If he’s that touch starved, you think he’s ever…?”
“I’m pretty sure not. Actually, no, you won’t gossip. He hasn’t.” Shikamaru sighed. “I’ve nearly got caught whacking it in the bathroom twice now.”
Choji made a face. “Too much info.” Shikamaru just shoved at him and he laughed. “Well, Neji can kind of check where everyone is, right?”
That little secret, Shikamaru let Choji in on early. He frowned, narrowing his eyes. “Right…”
“So unlike you, he’s gonna be super careful. Because he’s probably convinced everyone that can is checking on him too.”
Always on that razor’s edge of paranoid. His vision gave him purchase in all his arguments. With no wiggle room to find flaws in Chōji’s logic, Shikamaru relented. “I can’t imagine I’m easy to live with. I leave my shirts on the floor in the corner. I left a bowl in the sink today, you know, for breakfast? I was running late. I woke up late for our mission.”
Choji shrugged. “So?”
“So it was washed when I got back!” Shikamaru dragged his fingers through his hair and ruffled it. “Agh, I need to think about him more. Not less.”
A hand rested on his shoulder with a firm pat. “I think you just need to ask him what bothers him up front, Shikamaru. Neji doesn’t talk much about himself, but he is very fast to voice complaints. Don’t you think if it bothered him, he’d say?”
Chōji’s little smile made him relax. He’s right. He’s so intuitive with people, and so bad with words. “You know, I’m glad you two became friends. Not just for my sake, but because I’m really bad with this stuff.”
His friend chuckled and nudged him again. “Just don’t overthink. Instead of two hundred steps, maybe just two is enough?”
“Just two. Got it.” Shikamaru yawned tiredly. “C’mon. Let’s play cards or something.”
Chapter 32: Cold Bed, Warm Thoughts
Notes:
Alright I promised more updates today.
Chapter Text
Waking up to an empty bed startled him at first. “Shikamaru?” He called. There was no smell of coffee or tea. If Shikamaru woke before him, he usually left Neji something to drink.
Right, he stayed over with Choji. Neji waited to see if there was any jealousy. None at all. Good. I don’t want to compete with Choji.
The night was fun. Neji felt a little sick later from the rich food, but it was worth it and he felt fine that morning. He swung out of bed and stretched, then decided to curl his legs up and meditate for a bit on an empty stomach.
Clearing his mind proved difficult, so he decided to use the quiet and peace to work through difficult thoughts. What was this? Was Shikamaru happy, or just content with him?
Was he happy?
Happier than I have been in a long time. He smiled delicately. I keep waiting for it to be ripped out from under me.
The thought on their relationship turned to Naruto’s teasing. He meant it playfully, but the idea of sex had crossed Neji’s mind time to time. He was entirely inexperienced with partners, but not with himself. Shikamaru probably didn’t even see him like that, doing things like that.
I think a night alone left you a little wanton. Get your desires in check. Neji’s subconscious berated him a few moments. The last thing he needed was to jump Shikamaru at the door for a hug.
But you didn’t get one last night, the voice reminded him. You didn’t even ask or reach for one. Coward.
Coward. He opened his eyes and stared at the wall, where Shikamaru installed a hook just to hang his jacket. Mostly so Neji would stop folding it every time he dropped it on the floor, out of plain habit.
Maybe I need to be more forward. He always reaches for my hand, I never take his. He hugs me first, I never initiate. But how to do this, without appearing desperate…?
A soft knock-knock-slide drew him from his broken thoughts. “I’m home.”
Home. Neji smiled a bit, standing up and walking to the door to greet him.
Shikamaru smiled awkwardly, and rubbed the back of his neck. “Hey, Neji. Sleep okay?”
Be honest. He took a breath. “I…” This was hard. “I did. But, I missed you this morning.”
The heat in his face made him dizzy. Shikamaru blinked in surprise. “Oh. Sorry about that. And uh, sorry about last night. I should’ve hugged you—”
“No! No.” He held out a hand to take the bowl in it. Egg rice, probably sent home for breakfast. “I… Should be more forward myself. I wanted to hug you, but I did not. Out of embarrassment and nervousness.”
Shikamaru sat to slip his shoes off. “Well that’s fine, Neji. This is new for you too.” He stood up and put his hands in his pockets.
Neji squinted, slowly setting the rice down on the table in the entryway. He’s challenging me. He’s letting me meet my words.
Hesitantly he closed the small gap between them. The hug was awkward, but immediately returned. He melted against Shikamaru and sighed longingly. Shikamaru was cool from outside, so he rubbed his back to warm him up through the jacket.
They stood like that for a minute solid. Shikamaru gently pulled away, but Neji startled when he swept him up and hauled him to the bed. “Shikamaru!” He scolded. “Put me down—” Neji grunted when he hit the bed.
“I missed you too, you stubborn jerk.” Shikamaru laughed through the words. Neji was covered by warmth.
He lifted his chin so Shikamaru could snuggle up under it. “Y-You didn’t have to do that.” The words were stutter and confused. He’s being so… Romantic. Yes, that’s it. A bolt of nervous elation shot through him. Was Shikamaru wooing him…?
He stopped shifting around and dead weighted on Neji, sighing contently. “This is the good stuff.” He mumbled. “I wanted to do that. Maybe I want to show you that kind of attention sometimes.” Shikamaru sat up to look Neji in the eyes.
They were both pink in the face. “Was it too much?” He murmured softly, as if addressing a different Neji than the one he just carried off like a bride. “I figured you might uh. Like that.”
I did. Neji managed only a nod, then shook his head. “No, not too much.” Appropriate for being gone all night. A triumphant smile worked across Shikamaru’s features. Ah, he was thinking about this.
About me.
Neji smiled and stroked through his hair, pulling out the tie. “Choji snores. You must be tired.”
“Nah, I’m used to it.” But he lay down on Neji’s chest anyway and grinned. “You’re heart’s going. Don’t tell me a little carrying is all it takes to be romantic, huh?”
Yes. Neji scoffed instead of answering.
“That’s a yes. I’ll do it time to time, okay? When you least expect it.”
“Not in front of the others, please. Not… Yet.”
Shikamaru nodded seriously, but the smile kept to his face. “You’re warm.”
“I’ve just woken up, I was in bed.”
“Mh. Feels nice.” Shikamaru closed his eyes. “Hey, uh. You know, I need this too right? This isn’t just one sided.” He opened one eye a sliver to catch Neji’s reluctant nod. “That didn’t seem very confident.”
“Because I still expect this to be a fleeting dream.” He murmured, wrapping an arm over Shikamaru and squeezing his eyes shut. “I woke up this morning alone. It… Reminded me what that was like.”
Shikamaru’s arms wormed around his back, holding him in return rather than passively laying there. “We got a lot to figure out, but we’ll do that together okay? I’m… Really happy here. I’m not gonna go anywhere.” Shikamaru grunted with effort, rolling them to their sides for a proper cuddle. He shuffled up the bed so Neji could rest against his chest, his favorite spot.
His heart is so steady and calm.
Neji let himself sink into it for a few moments. “I want you to have what you desire as well. I know I am not always the easiest to read.”
“It’s a fun challenge. Always something new, Neji.” He grinned lazily. “And when I figure it out, the it’s just fun. I… Damn, uh… I like how we can just talk about things.” He breathed out slowly. “And I’m sorry I leave my shirts on the floor. And the bowl in the sink. And sometimes forget to close the kitchen window so it gets cold at night.”
Neji looked up at him with confusion. “All of that is habitual, Shikamaru. I never mind folding your shirts or washing up when you’re late for a mission. You always make breakfast, so I wash.” He could tell from Shikamaru’s face, that he never thought of it that way. “And you take our things to the wash on your way out every morning, so I fold them. This is…”
“A partnership.” He finished after a moment. “Right. Yeah, you’re right as always.” Shikamaru began to run his fingers up and down Neji’s back. Tension melted. “Enough serious talk though. Choji was up my ass all night about happiness. I’m happy, Neji.”
“So am I.” Truthfully, he never had been happier.
Chapter 33: Sticky Situations (And Feathers)
Summary:
A short mission. Contains violence and NPC-style death.
Notes:
Changing gears. Mission time.
Chapter Text
Neji scanned the tree line behind him without moving. Surrounded.
The moonlit night lent him no favors, having to hide his shadow as well as his body amid some thorny brush. Training with Shikamaru gave him a slight advantage now.
Lee was badly wounded, stashed in a hollow log for the time being. TenTen was on guard there, leaving Neji to complete the mission on his own. Naruto was undoubtedly wrapped up in a fight with the first two assailants, which left the last three to him.
Focus.
A distant explosion turned a head away from him. He lunged, forcing a sharp point of chakra right through the man’s heart. Significant cardiac damage silently took care of him. Neji took the opportunity to move. He leaped up and into a tree, perching well above their search radius.
Distant grey haze lingered above the forest. As the sun rose, his ability to hide from the rogue ninja would lessen. A morning dove perched directly next to him and hooted. Neji cursed silently.
A kunai whipped to the side. Without even thinking he struck out to glance it away from the bird, but he was too late. It struck the creature in the wing. Neji managed to catch it before it fell, putting the fluttering bird in a fork in the tree. It paused, and stayed down.
It’s bleeding. Neji felt another kunai strike past his arm. He learned long ago that sometimes taking a hit was better. Now we both are. The bird stayed quiet, but hopped up after looking around. It waddled to another branch, jumped down, and disappeared.
That tree is hollow.
“That bastard is up somewhere!”
Shit.
Neji rushed for the hollow, and thanked his lineage for his slender frame. He hopped down inside, grabbing the bird as he passed to keep it still, and wiggled down as far as he could go.
The sap stuck to every fiber of his being. He’d taken off his skirt to wrap the bird, and tore a piece to wrap his arm as well. The ninja outside still prowled around, but he felt safe enough to eat something and think and rest.
The bird sat in the tattered remains of his skirt, resting as well. He broke off a bit of granola, and stared at the bar thoughtfully. Shikamaru made this. He’s out somewhere too. I hope he’s in a better spot than myself.
Seeing everything helped keep him safe, but when there were no openings, that left him frustrated.
Calm. Think it out. Lee is safe, TenTen is safe. Naruto should be done soon. He will find them, then come here.
Neji didn’t know if he possessed the tracking skills to find him, but he’d make enough racket to draw the others off.
“Hey, I found a body!”
“It’s Jun. Bastard got Jun. He’s not breathing.”
They’re right outside the tree. I must’ve slid down to the base of the hollow.
He thought about options. Breaking out would not only take the tree down, but only yield him one hit. The other would be there, and his arm was injured. He glanced at the bird in his apron. Neji didn’t want to kill the bird either.
Softhearted fool, he heard his Uncle’s voice whisper.
Neji picked up the creature. Chakra wasn’t a problem as much after a rest. Choji was right; a simple snack did wonders on the battlefield.
Rotation it is. He tucked the bird close, bracing its head and neck to his chest inside his robes, and spun hard. Once he started, the tree became shrapnel. The rest toppled on his head, but he continued to rotate and shred the area with wooden shards.
They didn’t even see it coming. They were stabbed full of pieces, and one was pegged to a tree.
Once he stopped, the area smelled heavily of sap. He knew this sap, from Shikamaru’s homemade medicines. Neji checked on the bird. Shaken, but alive.
“You did all that… With a bird in your shirt.” One of the ninja spat blood. She grinned and chuckled, then hung her head. Blood loss, he verified. She’d be dead in minutes. The other struggled to free himself, but just as he jumped away, a flash of orange pile-drove him with both feet into the dirt.
Naruto stood on his back and smirked. “Thanks for slowing him down, Neji.” Naruto hefted the man by the collar and shook him. He was out cold. “Guess we don’t have to tie him up.”
“No.” Neji held the bird still with his bad hand, and applied pressure to his cut with the other. Naruto stared at the bird.
“Um, Neji? Why do you have a bird?”
“It was hit in the fight. It found the hollow tree I used to stop them.” He looked at the dove, who cooed anxiously.
“Oh!” Naruto grinned and gave the creature a thumbs up. “An ally! Nice work. Maybe we can train it to be a messenger pigeon back at the village!”
“It’s a dove.” Neji stated firmly. “How was Lee?”
“Huh? Oh. I sent them back to the village. Bushy Brow was covered in a weird rash and rambling on about being too warm. I think it was a poison.” Naruto stared at his arm, then approached. Neji let him take a look. Naruto blinked. “…Are you okay, Neji?”
“Yes.” He felt tired and glad to be done. “Why?”
“You never let me this close without hitting me.”
He paused. “I’m tired. My hands are full. Can you tie it off?”
Naruto just smiled. “Sure thing, Neji.”
Neji reported, bird in apron, to the Hokage on the mission success. The rogue ninja were eliminated, and Lee was safely in the hospital. “You better get that looked at. If they were poison users, it could have a delayed effect.”
“If that were the case, this bird would be affected first. It was hit with the same weapons.” Neji placed the bird on the desk, allowing her to see it. The bird preened its chest.
Tsunade stared at the creature with surprise. “You’ve never been one to take prisoners.” She smiled. “Take it to the dispatch center. They have an avian vet there. Once it’s healed we can release it. Though it seems pretty docile.” She leaned forward to let it peck her finger lightly, then allow a chest rub. “Maybe it was a pet that got free.”
Neji nodded, bowing at her dismissive wave, and took his bird toward the dispatch team center. He shielded it from any hawks in the area, entering the much shorter range messenger pigeon wing. He waited at the desk. A woman came to take the bird, taking his name so he could be informed on its recovery progress.
“If it needs extended care, we’ll notify you.” She smiled, taking the bird and looking over its wing. “But it seems to just need time to heal. We’ll get it some water.”
Neji gently set the remaining dust of granola in the back on the counter. “It likes this. And it was exposed to this as well.” He set a sap-soaked sample of cloth on the plastic bag. “Please tell me when it is released. I would like to see it fly.”
“Oh! Of course. And you can come visit it anytime in the afternoon, alright?” She kept his apron, which he found agreeable. It was time for a new one anyway.
Chapter 34: Bathhouse
Summary:
Rated M for My God
Notes:
Finally a little steam! Not just from the water..
Warnings in this chapter for nudity and sensual/sexual situations.
Chapter Text
Shikamaru saw familiar dark hair slide into a cloth and fabric shop. He raised a brow, and followed in. Neji was back, given he ran into TenTen at Ino’s shop. Lee was back in the hospital, but for minor wounds.
Neji stood before dark tough fabric. It took him a moment to realize he was covered in something sticky and missing his skirt.
“Heard you had a fun night.” Shikamaru stated, walking over to him with a smile. “Looks like you need a new skirt thing.”
Neji glanced back and nodded. “I rescued a bird as well.” He informed him. “How was your class?”
“Being a teacher is a little bit of a drag. The kids were more interested in my shadow jutsu than shuriken jutsu. So I had to throw with the shadows all day.” He sighed. “I’m beat. And sore. Taijutsu still isn’t my thing.”
Neji smiled a little, an idea forming in that pretty head of his. Shikamaru knew that smile. “Well. After I select what I want, why don’t we go to a bathhouse? A soak would solve some of this.”
“A long soak. Your hair is a solid sheet.” Shikamaru chuckled, holding out the fabric Neji didn’t touch out of politeness. “So a new robe then?”
“And ‘skirt thing.’” He clarified.
Shikamaru held fabrics for Neji, who more or less stayed in one place. The shopkeep made small talk with Neji. They were familiar enough, which meant Neji crafted his own clothing.
He’s got to be pretty good then. I guess he had to be self-sufficient.
They walked along toward the bathhouse. Half the way there, he realized that this was different. Neji was tinted pink, so he realized it too. They were partners now, so perhaps a private room would be best…
Shikamaru didn’t want others looking at Neji. He was pretty, always drew eyes, and nude…
“I’m thinking we should rent a private suite. It is not that expensive and I would prefer to have the privacy.” Neji spoke up.
“Yeah. I was thinking the same.”
Neji raised a brow. “Oh?”
Shikamaru looked anywhere else. “Uh. I don’t… Want everyone staring at you. If there’s other people.”
The small smile on Neji’s face made Shikamaru feel warm. “I was thinking that too.”
“Aww, like anyone looks at my sorry ass.”
“I do.”
The words were out before Neji could think. Shikamaru blushed. That was forward, he must be really tired.
Neji glanced aside and began to walk ahead. “Come. I want to be there before the evening rush.”
The bath house was empty, so the suite was cheaper. A pleasant surprise for his pocketbook, since Shikamaru insisted on paying. Neji called it even for that dinner he owed him, and the two went for their tub.
Stripping down had them both facing opposite walls. This is awkward. Shikamaru tucked the towel around his hips, but when he turned, Neji had a towel wrapped up around him like a woman hiding everything. He deadpanned.
“Neji I’ve seen you nude a thousand times now. I cleaned you up when you were sick. It’s fine.”
But Neji didn’t look so sure. He glanced at Shikamaru’s towel, then the bath. “I just need a moment.”
His annoyance subsided. Shikamaru nodded, then tapped at his own forehead in a silent reminded to take the bandages off too. Neji reached up and made a soft sound of resignation, and turned back to put the items on the benches. Shikamaru made for the water, dropping the towel and sinking in up to his chin.
“Oh that’s great.”
“Good. It is cold out.” Neji approached through the hazy room and tested the water with a hand before glancing aside and dropping the towel.
Shikamaru couldn’t help peeking, even with Neji’s annoyed stare. “Uh.” He turned red. “Sorry. I just—”
“It is fine.” Neji sunk in and sat, combing damp fingers through his hair self-consciously.
“I think—” He stopped when lavender eyes locked onto him. I have to be careful here. “I think you’re pretty. Is all.” Shikamaru sunk up to his nose in the water, staring at Neji like a kicked puppy.
Damn it, Shikamaru.
The truth was, Neji hated looking in the mirror. To see what Shikamaru saw, was near impossible for him. “Thank you.” He whispered softly. “I suppose I don’t see it.” He looked away.
Shikamaru doubled down, much to his dismay and delight. “Well you’re just a practical man, Neji. Beauty isn’t too important to you.”
“You are the textbook definition of practical.” Neji shot back. Shikamaru winced into a grin and nodded. Neji smirked at him a little in return.
They awkwardly began to wash. Shikamaru kept stealing glances. Neji kept his left side turned away to hide the scar. That awful day in the woods…
“So.” His mind returned to the present. Right. A bath… With Shikamaru. And only Shikamaru. This is nice… The smile on the other’s face coyly twisted into a devilish grin. “You like my ass.”
Not nice. Neji sat down in the water before he swayed, face bright pink. “Ah… Well. You rarely do get up and move—”
“Thanks.” Shikamaru rolled his eyes playfully.
“—but lately in our joint training I did notice you’ve put on muscle.” Neji finished quietly. “And I find that attractive.”
It was so awkward, but Shikamaru stammered through a thanks. “You guys are a lot faster paced than we are at times, with the taijutsu. We’re all gaining skills. Um. Do you… Prefer muscular partners?”
Neji worked his jaw a moment, then laced his fingers and sank down so that his hair floated in the warm water. “I have no idea, Shikamaru. I know I like you. But if that were the case there are many muscular ninja.”
Shikamaru deflated a bit. Neji quirked a brow at him. “I’m trying to figure you out is all. I uh, well. You’re more than just pretty, Neji. Strong too.” Neji closed his eyes just to bask in the words and a hint of Shikamaru’s victorious smile.
Neji rarely heard good words of praise. Honest ones. It was nice to hear the laundry list of things that Shikamaru liked about him. I should return the favor. Neji opened an eye and Shikamaru went bright red as he slid over to rest against his side. Head on his shoulder, Neji chuckled softly.
“Well, to say something of your intelligence is obvious. But it is how you apply it that I notice. Using your shadow possession to fight with Lee like a puppet to one-up my physical strength in combat was genius.”
“That’s your title.” He rested his head back against Neji’s. Neji twitched but ignored the sticky feeling of wet skin. “I mean, you an Choji are really getting your timing down. I’ve got battle plans in place that use that move of yours.”
Neji frowned, and delicately wrapped an arm around Shikamaru. “Thank you, but now it is your turn.”
“My--?”
“I also noticed, that you steal glances. All the time.” Neji whispered softly, turning his face into Shikamaru’s neck. “And yet, you never do… Try anything. Why is that?”
The color rose and drained from the skin he could see. “I didn’t think you’d want that kind of stuff.” His mind was turning, definitely rethinking that now. “I have my own head to keep me occupied. That came out wrong!” He sat up a little straighter.
Neji squinted. “So you would rather be in your own head?”
“I just thought you wanted platonic stuff is all. You’re beautiful, Neji, of course I’m gonna think things. Even most of the guys notice you.” He pointed out, almost pouting. “Sometimes Kiba runs his damn mouth and I can hardly stand it.”
Not a surprise, that Kiba would say what’s on his mind. Neji curved slender fingers over Shikamaru’s bicep and squeezed, pulling him close in the warm water. “What did he say?”
“Comments about—Um. Neji, that’s…” Shikamaru didn’t pull away when Neji pulled him to his side flush. Any closer and they’d be in each other’s laps. Neji stared intensely.
Shikamaru hesitated to go on. “That uh, if you didn’t wear the robes all the time, we’d have to practice with that stupid jutsu Naruto uses to get used to you in tight gear.”
Lavender eyes snapped to the water, then back to him. “I suppose maybe you would, Shikamaru, given how you’re acting right now.”
“Well you’re grabbing on me and stuff!” He defended himself, sure, but Neji knew it was all just a game. A new game for them both. “I wish I had your confidence sometimes.”
Neji hesitated, then leaned his forehead against Shikamaru’s. This close, he saw how endless Neji’s eyes truly were. Lavender pools that stretched so deep into nothing but his soul. Gross. How poetic. I have to remember that one.
“I am only this confident around those I trust completely. Shikamaru, if you were so interested, you should have said something.” Neji closed his eyes with a smirk. “I may be inexperienced but I am still a man. You think the thought hasn’t crossed my mind?”
“Honestly? No, I didn’t.”
“Keep in mind, in training? My byakugan is always active. I do not have to turn head to peek, when Lee puts you on your face in the dirt. You always make that determined face. It looks annoyed, but stubborn. My favorite one.”
Shikamaru bit the inside of his cheek to test if he was dreaming. It hurt, and he tasted blood. Gods help me.
He decided to take back some of his control, if only a little, and returned the contact by stroking his fingers down Neji’s back. He knew he liked it, but bare naked in a bathhouse, it held different context. Shikamaru put on his best grin. “You know what my favorite thing is, watching you? The way you’ll call me ‘ridiculous’ and then turn around so I can’t see you smile. Pretty smile. Should show me more.”
“I can think of something else you’d probably prefer my lips to be doing.”
Oh.
Shikamaru’s thoughts went straight south for the winter and he stayed still. Neji turned his head to brush his lips against Shikamaru’s. Not quite a kiss. He spoke first. It took twice for him to relay the message to his struggling brain.
“…okay with this? Is this too much?”
“No. Never. Neji, never.” Shikamaru smiled and met him the other twenty percent of the way.
Their first kiss. Maybe Neji’s first ever. He tried not to want for more, and instead splayed his hands over Neji’s back. Neji leaned into him, Shikamaru staggering to catch his weight. Strong as they both were, Neji’s slender frame hid power. His back was hard muscle, and the barest hint of his vertebrae.
Hands rested on his chest, lining out his chakra network. A glance proved his byakugan was inactive; Neji memorized all of his points and network paths by heart. Shikamaru swallowed hard once Neji broke the kiss.
“If uh, if we keep doing this, Neji… I’m gonna—”
Neji glanced down with Shikamaru into the soapy water and blushed. Right. “Natural reaction, Shikamaru.”
“Is it too corny to say it’s only because its you?” He smiled lopsidedly. Neji glared at him.
“Don’t speak lies.”
“It isn’t.” Shikamaru insisted.
Neji tsked in disbelief, but before he could speak on the matter, Shikamaru stole a kiss. Somehow the quick little kiss was different, and Shikamaru gently backed off. Wrapped up in a torrent of emotions, he barely noticed Shikamaru stroking fingers in his hair.
“Sorry. I should’ve asked.”
“No.” Neji replied quickly. “I… Like this. That. Kissing.” He specified. “I am still unused to having contact. Please be patient with me a little longer.”
Shikamaru cupped water to the back of Neji’s neck. He’s washing me again. “You know, why don’t we just take things at your pace? I’m fine with that, if you get all forward like today. Just… When you want to?”
Neji recalled reading a romance novel by a Nara Clan individual. In that book, most of the men were rather passive. Maybe he expects me to make the first moves? What was that just now?
Looking back on the events, Neji saw he was very ‘forward’ and pushy. But Shikamaru still looked flustered and happy. He smiled, and spun a finger. “Turn around. I’ll wash your back, too.”
Chapter 35: Another Kind of Steam
Notes:
Triggers for homophobia in this one.
Chapter Text
Shikamaru ended up spending two hours in the baths scrubbing out Neji’s hair. The sap stuck firmly into the strands, but he managed to get it all free. In turn, Neji washed his back and hair for him.
It was romantic. The kisses were nice too. Shikamaru walked home feeling refreshed despite the missions earlier. Neji’s arm looked better after a wash too.
“So can you teach me to sew clothes?” Shikamaru looked at the bolt of cloth in the bag. It was dense, heavy material that kept Neji safe from most debris from explosions in battle. It was that very fabric that held up to his Rotation, and the abuse that he put it through on the daily.
“I can teach you about robes. And I once learned how to make fishnet shirts, but the process is long and tedious and I doubt you would sit for it.” Neji slipped his hand into Shikamaru’s. The shadow user caught just the barest hint of veins sliding away to his temples.
Still embarrassed in public. I guess that’s to be expected, that he checks the area.
The streets were mostly empty. How Neji judged some spaces safe, and some not, he’d never know. Neji stopped rather suddenly, and turned to face the trees. An evergreen grew nearby, bearing needles even in the cold weather as of late. He squinted. Shikamaru surveyed it as well. Something was off about the tree, and without missing a beat, Neji took a leading step of him. Shikamaru lagged back to his left shoulder.
Training prepared them well for this. Neji slowly slid into attack stance, implying that whatever he saw was a true threat.
A figure seeped out of the shadows, materializing as if out of thin air. Shikamaru knew better. “What do you want, dad?”
Shikaku stepped into plain light with his hands in his pockets. He raised them when Neji twitched his left hand forward. Shikamaru stopped him with a light touch on his back, then splayed his hand there and pulled Neji out of the stance.
“This is unwise.” Neji murmured.
“He wants to talk.” Shikamaru murmured back. “He didn’t attack you last time, he just backed off. I want to hear what he has to say.”
Neji tsked and muttered under his breath before nodding, standing tall and crossing his arms. “Fine. If he moves any closer I will react.”
“You heard him.” Shikamaru narrowed his eyes. “Now what do you want?”
His father looked at them, then at the stars, and then back again. “It’s quiet at home.” Shikaku said softly. The two began to form retorts. “And that was my fault. Shikamaru, I let my shock and feelings get the better of me.” The man raised a hand to rub the back of his head. Neji was in a stance before his hand left his pocket. Shikaku froze, and smiled bitterly. “Yeah, I owe you an apology too, Neji. Part of me thought, ‘oh here’s this kid using my boy for a fun week.’ But…”
The man rubbed his face. “That’s not what this is. I’ve been watching.”
“I know.” Neji clipped shortly. Shikamaru raised a brow. “He was far off, but he did watch.”
“I was worried for my son’s safety.” Shikaku put the hand back in his pocket.
Shikamaru began to run through paths and outcomes. His father wasn’t an enemy, but definitely a threat. Neji seemed to think he was still more likely to attack than not.
“What a drag.” Shikamaru climbed Neji’s back with his fingers and stroked his hair, still loose and damp from the baths. “You’re not worried. You’re looking for flaws. For reasons we’re not compatible.” Shikamaru tilted his head down slightly. “You don’t really care if this makes me happy. And yeah, maybe Neji is secretly using me. But if he’s smart enough to do that and keep me happy, dad, then what’s the harm?”
Neji rounded on him sharply. “I would never! How dare you!” He snapped, taking a handful of Shikamaru’s shirt. “I do not play with people like that. I know what it is like to be—I know what it is like.” Neji shrugged away from a hand going for his hair again.
Shikamaru smirked and tried again, catching the ends to play with them. “Calm down. See? If he was so worried, he would’ve just caught you in his jutsu. But you didn’t, dad. And the moon’s bright enough.”
The two Nara stared at each other. Neji slowly turned to stare the man down. “You know, I expected someone that raised such a good man to be good himself. I respect your assets as a shinobi, but I will not let you near Shikamaru until I vet your intentions.”
Shikamaru raised his brows. “Whoa, hey, don’t I get a say in this?”
Neji blinked, and then stood aside. “Sorry. I got carried away.”
“Oh, no. Dad, he’s right. Every time you’re here, I can’t relax now. You attacked me in cold blood for no reason.”
“I told you why.”
“No good reason. Mom didn’t attack me. And she’s more aggressive.” Shikamaru took a breath. This was starting to get complicated. He felt stressed and tired. “Regardless of how you feel, that doesn’t disregard how I feel. And everybody else seems just fine with this. You know we had dinner at Choji’s place? Played cards. Ate food. They knew. Choza didn’t seem to care at all.”
Shikaku stared hard at him. “He’d never accept this.”
“I don’t want you to accept it, Dad! I want you to tolerate me!” Shikamaru gritted his teeth, blood boiling to a breaking point. He took two steps forward. “Either get used to it or get lost. I don’t… I don’t care anymore! I’ve worked through dozens of plans to get you to understand me. I stay up late and wake up early from nightmares.”
Neji blinked in surprise. Didn’t tell you. Didn’t want you to worry. Shikamaru felt iron-bar grip settle around his chest. Neji hefted him right up off the ground, and started walking away.
“We are going home.”
“That place isn’t his home.” Shikaku snapped. Neji paused.
“No. It is not for me either. But home, is where you feel safe. And wanted. And that is not here with you. I am going to ask my cousin and uncle to keep watch. I will be keeping watch as well.” Neji promised. Threatened, perhaps, as a Hyūga’s stare was absolute.
Shikaku found no words to compete with that. “I was trying to apologize.”
“You did a pretty shit job.” Neji stated crassly, shocking both men. “Ridiculous.” He carried Shikamaru away, bags and all, until he deemed them far enough. Shikamaru tried to keep his tears back.
Chapter 36: Doubt Expression
Chapter Text
Neji put Shikamaru to bed. He fell asleep playing Shogi on the floor. Again.
Something bothered the man. He’d been there for nearly two weeks, and something was eating him alive inside. Most likely, Neji assumed, it was his father.
Neji tucked him in to keep warm and turned on the heater for an hour cycle, then went to tap on his shoes and head for his Uncle’s study. The man was waiting for him at the door instead, and lifted a brow. Neji shook his head.
“Depression is a fickle, unruly thing, Neji. This may be outside of your realm of help. You should seek someone who understands emotions on a more logical level, more experienced level.” His uncle looked up at the wall of the Hyūga compound. “Where are you going?”
He stopped a moment and stared in the direction of the wall. “I want to speak with that man.”
“That is unnecessary. I’ve already slated a meeting with him. Personally.” Hiashi’s eyes took on an uncharacteristically shadowed color.
He’s angry. Neji turned to face him. “Did you clear this with Shikamaru?”
“Did you?” His uncle shot back. The denial in Neji’s eyes spoke for him. “You were going to fight an opponent to what, scare him into backing off? That is irrational. That’s unlike you.”
Neji caught his shout before it rose above a hissed whisper. “What am I supposed to do? Have you seen him?”
“Yes. He made breakfast and dropped Hanabi off at a friend’s before he left today. I was treated to some tea. He still goes back to his forest. He misses home. I cannot imagine growing up surrounded by trees and birds, only to end up in a fortress made to keep everyone else at bay.”
Hiashi suddenly looked his age, and then some. “Neji, the man is homesick. And as much as I do not understand the nature of this relationship, I do understand that makes you upset.” The man wrung his fingers together nervously, as if trying to convince himself to say something.
But he didn’t, and just lowered his head. Neji turned back and looked at his little home. “I wish to know what happens. If not be there.”
“I can do that. Hinata will be there. She did not so much request as demand.”
“Shikamaru said, that she protects me behind my back.” Neji murmured. “I do appreciate that. She has… A very kind heart.”
“Mhm. Much like her mother.” Hiashi’s eyes closed. “Go back to bed, Neji. Take care of him. I will do what I can. But do try to keep him out of the conference building tomorrow. Hanabi will be keeping watch for him.” Hiashi took a breath sharply. “If that man were to attack Shikamaru in my presence, I may be held liable for his maiming.”
Neji’s eyes widened a fraction. “I didn’t think you felt so strongly.”
“He lives here because I want him to be here, Neji. Where he is safe. And he does contribute to the clan. More than once he’s helped with things around the home. It… Would feel a little odd now, were he to be gone.” Hiashi turned without a goodnight, hustling off to hide from his own words.
Neji went home. He opened the door, scooping up a bucket to appear as if he’d done something. “Shikamaru.”
Shikamaru stepped out of the bathroom, buttoning his shorts. “Yeah?”
“Why don’t we, ah… Well. I’d like to go somewhere tomorrow. While the weather is nice.” Neji suggested. “You have an escort mission yes? What is the chance Lady Tsunade would allow me to go?”
Shikamaru blinked tiredly. “Uh, actually I was gonna ask Naruto since he’s back. You don’t like escorts. Sure, I’ll amend the paperwork tomorrow.” Shikamaru yawned and smiled. “Better you than the blond menace. Undoubtedly if he goes, it’ll be a drag.”
They both climbed into bed. Neji shed his robes, and kept only his undershorts. Shikamaru liked skin contact as much as he craved it, he’d found. They curled up together, Neji gently applying pressure to chakra points in such a way that the aches he complained of earlier would fade.
Shikamaru’s little sigh of relief, and the way he nestled into Neji’s chest, it was all the payment he needed for a little chakra. “You’ve been more restless lately.” Neji murmured.
“Thinking.” Shikamaru replied softly. “About a lot of things.”
“About your…” The nod was more felt than seen. Neji closed his eyes, and reached up to tend his shoulders. “Uncle has noticed. He says he wants to help.”
“It will take more than that. More than the clan leader of the Hyūga. More than the Hokage…” Shikamaru drew in a tense breath.
He’s holding back tears. Neji squeezed him closer, wrapped around him to guard him from the world. “Shikamaru, sometimes people refuse to change. Even now I struggle to understand that I am not just a guard to the main branch.” He stroked the man’s back, trying to mimic that thing Shikamaru did with his fingers. He never got it right, but Shikamaru seemed to relax anyway.
“He still cares. He worries. I can see that.” Shikamaru breathed in deeply. Neji felt a warm wet drop hit his chest. “Sorry. I just want him to understand how good this is. Can’t I just be happy? Without it being a drag?” Shikamaru laughed tiredly, rubbing at his eyes. “If your uncle can’t fix this, and I don’t doubt Choza tried to talk to him…” He shivered a bit.
Neji shushed him gently. “Then I will try. Maybe it is a pointless effort, but perhaps a fight is the only option. If I was not seen as weak… Oh.” Neji smiled and pulled Shikamaru to stare him in the eyes. “I’ve an idea. But I need to speak with your mother. Alone.”
Shikamaru blinked. “After the mission.”
“After the mission. Tomorrow, it is just us and our duty to his village. What is the job?”
Chapter 37: A Sunny Day
Chapter Text
The job ended up being one of Neji’s least favorite, if only because it was simply below his skill level. Guard a target until they reach a point.
The day was lovely, and Tsunade was more than happy to put Neji on the mission. It was a B-rank escort with the potential to become an A-rank if it went south. Shikamaru was better suited for other tasks, but a little extra money in their pockets wasn’t a bad idea.
Neji took his job seriously, perched atop the wagon while Shikamaru handled the horses. A cat took a liking to Neji, sitting up there with him. The target that day was a trader caravan known for bringing rare spices and goods. A prime target for bandits, thieves, and even rogue shinobi looking for an easy score.
The old woman that hired them patted Shikamaru’s arm. He looked over and she pointed up. “So, you two are partners?” She smiled gently.
It took Shikamaru a moment to realize she meant teammates. “Uh, yeah.” He smiled. “Neji’s the best at lookout. If anything gets within a certain distance, he’ll see it. Don’t worry.”
“Ah, and here I thought he was blind, with eyes like that.”
“Almost the opposite.” Neji knelt down, watching them talk. His eyes startled the woman. “Nothing to report.”
“Good, good. We should be there by nightfall. I’ll make you up something good for energy. You ninja, never get a decent meal on the road.” She patted Shikamaru again fondly. “You know, I don’t know how much you make on these little jobs, but I do know they ought to give you a bit more for it.”
“Mom, stop harassing him. He’s trying to drive.” A boy around their age poked his head out with an annoyed but friendly look. He rolled over to stare up at Neji. “Whoa.” He blinked and blushed a little. Shikamaru smirked at Neji, who didn’t even notice.
“Not a bother at all. Can you tell me anything about the bandits you’ve been having trouble with?”
The boy frowned. “Yeah. I suggested we hire ninja, since we can afford it. And I’m pretty sure at least one guy is a rogue shinobi. He was wearing the metal headband, but… There was no symbol.” He looked confused. “Like, yours has the leaf.” He pointed up at Neji. “And you wear yours on your arm, but there’s a leaf. This one was blank.”
Shikamaru took in the information and began to process it. The old woman took the reins and waved him back. “Go, learn from my grandson. Ren is a sharp boy.”
He nodded and hopped in the back. “Holler if you need me, Neji.”
“Mh.” The reply was distracted. Neji locked onto something, then relaxed and continued scanning.
Ren smiled and offered him a drink of water. “You guys work so hard.” Then he grew serious, and pulled out his sketch book. “I do caricatures, so maybe I exaggerated some features. But I took down what I could.”
Shikamaru gazed over the sketch, then tapped twice on the roof of the wagon. “Got this, Neji?” He called.
There was a pause. “Blond male with a facial scar and burn scarring, green-brown eyes. Yes. I have it.”
Ren blinked in wonder, but passed it off as ‘ninja stuff.’ “Yeah, and his voice was raspy. Like an old man that smoked several packs a day.”
“Hey, not all of them sound like that… Anyway. Neji can keep an eye out for this guy. Can you tell me anything about how he fought?”
The boy hesitated, and shrunk back. “I was too nervous to confront him. He stole one of our horses, a mare named Mai, and ran off with goods. I’m worried. Not about Mai, she’s a good horse and she’ll always come back to us, but there was a puppy in the saddlebag.”
Great. Shikamaru took a breath. “We’ll do what we can if we see them. But if the mare comes back, chances are the puppy will too. Okay?”
Ren smiled hopefully. “When they do, I’ll introduce you.”
Shikamaru admired his optimism.
Chapter 38: Burrowing
Chapter Text
Neji looked over the forest again, eyes starting to strain from use. He kept a sharp eye out for this rogue, but nothing showed. Time to time distant chakra rose and fell over the hills, other travelers, people passing by, and two boys training with a minute amount of ninjutsu.
He almost spooked when Shikamaru came up behind him, far too focused in on a fish in the nearby stream. “Hey, take a break.”
“I’m fine.”
Shikamaru frowned. “We’ll need your eyes once the clouds move in. I can take watch for now.” A warm hand rested on Neji’s shoulder. “Go get something to eat. The old woman, Miki, she made some fish and rice.”
He was hungry. “Alright. But only for a few hours. I see rainfall on the horizon.”
“Yeah, I can smell it. I’d like to be there before morning but the horses need rest.”
Neji left Shikamaru on the vantage point, and finally gave his eyes a break. The fire felt bright on his sensitive vision, no dark pupil to manage his light intake when his eyes were tired. He squinted.
A hand lightly touched his arm. Miki passed him a bowl with rice and fish. “Eat up. You’ve been so busy today watching us.” She waved her spoon. “I can take point a while.” She chuckled and winked.
“Thank you.” He sat next to Ren, the boy sketching something secretively. Neji saw he turned away, and just over his shoulder, a diagram of Neji’s eyes. He tilted his head. “That’s not quite right.”
“Huh? O-oh. Sorry, they were interesting.”
Neji said nothing about the comment. “My eyes have next to no pupil when my byakugan is not active.” He tapped by his eyes. Ren leaned in far too close to see, and he leaned back a bit.
“Oh… So neat.” He smiled a bit, sitting back. “I think its neat. That you can see so much, so far. If I could do that, I wouldn’t have to worry about Mom so much.” He looked over at the woman, who was berating two of the caravan workers for stacking things improperly in a wagon.
Neji watched with curiosity, then began to eat. A simple meal. His mind wandered to what was happening at home. Surely the meeting occurred, unless Hiashi thought to have it at night. Then again, he feared very little, and if Hinata requested to be there as well…
“…think he’s pretty neat too. Neji?”
Neji set his chopsticks down neatly. “I apologize. I was lost in my thoughts.”
Ren frowned. “I bet. There’s a lot to think about in life, huh?” The boy sighed. “Some days, I wish I went off to become a ninja. But then, who would take care of Mom?” He smiled wistfully. “Maybe I can when I’m older. At least learn some neat tricks, like your teammate. He just walked straight up a tree!” He grinned excitedly. “I was saying he’s pretty neat.”
Neji found him in seconds, using the shadows for cover. Nearly invisible. “Shikamaru is very smart, and cunning.” He looked away, pretending to be searching for something in Shikamaru’s bag. Only, he found something. “Hm?”
“What is it?” Ren examined the item with a stern frown. “That’s a vial of one of our spices.”
“Shikamaru would not take this.” Neji murmured softly, then surveyed the trees again. He gritted his teeth. “Ren, stay very close to me.”
Ren glued himself to his back, going so far as to whip out a knife. “I won’t back down twice.”
“That they slipped in under my watch is near impossible. Be on guard.”
“What about Mom?”
Chances are we’re already surrounded. Neji felt a little better after his food, and surveyed with his byakugan the carts and treeline. I can’t see anyone…
Mom spotted them squaring up, and quickly rerouted her employees to hide in the caravan with weapons. Shikamaru’s chakra pulsed, a trick he learned to get Neji’s attention. Hand signs, battle directions.
Down? Neji glanced down.
There was a cavern, mostly filled with water, but a few men lingered down there. A horse, and a dog were also with them. The puppy Ren spoke of, and the horse. They are down there.
He signed back to Shikamaru, who disappeared. He reappeared and carefully jumped down from the trees. Neji refused to look anywhere but the men under their feet about ten meters. “How many.” Shikamaru demanded.
“Five. One is definitely a trained shinobi. I cannot make out any discernable features through the stone. They’re filtering chakra into the rock.” He began to run plans. “Burrowing in would alert them.”
“Staying up here, we’re sitting targets. And so are the goods.”
Ren frowned, and began to wrack his brain by pulling at his dark hair. “Agh, where was it! There was a cave entrance we once knew. But the river flooded it, so we stopped camping there.”
“The other problem is that I’m useless at night.” Shikamaru frowned. “No shadows.”
“Shadows?” Ren glanced at his own. “Oh. More ninja tricks. Right. So what do we do?”
“The lives of the caravan and its people are most important, but we also must protect the wares.” Shikamaru squatted down by the fire.
“They tried to bait them into thinking you a thief.” Neji wagged the container.
Ren snorted. “We’re not tricked that easily. But… Hm. If we have to get away, why not pick up and move to the bridge? It’s over water. They won’t be able to attack from below.”
“Unless they have a water style affinity.” Neji murmured.
Shikamaru shrugged; Ren's plan was better than nothing. “Lead the way.”
Chapter 39: Bracelet
Chapter Text
As soon as they reached the bridge, they settled in again. Neji watched with a smirk as their pursuers paced at the edge of the tunnels, left in the dust. Shikamaru watched his veins smooth out. “Nothing?”
“About 200 meters away and stuck.” He slowly leaned against Shikamaru. The night was cold. “And the caravan folk are all at least 20.” That was a whisper.
Shikamaru took the hint. He gently held Neji’s hand. “Holding up okay?” He murmured. “This mission is turning out to be intensive. I’m glad you’re here, this is going to turn into a fight soon.”
“Yes. The meal earlier has left me rested.” Shikamaru smiled when Neji leaned in to nudge his forehead. “I see two there that have undeveloped networks. I think they are just there to haul goods. There are two who have developed networks, and one who is somewhere between.”
“In training. Maybe three rogues then.” Shikamaru sighed. “What a drag.”
“I think I could use a little combat.” Neji shook himself and stood straight. “I have some emotions best suited to combat.”
He’s still angry at my dad. “Just don’t get distracted.”
“Do I ever?”
Shikamaru smirked, and patted his back on the turn around. Then he froze, eyes wide. Miki stood there squinting and smirking, arms crossed. “I knew it.”
“Shikamaru?” Neji looked back and froze as well.
“So they sent me lovebirds. Perfect. People in love always work better together.” Miki nodded sagely. “How long then?”
How long? Oh no. Shikamaru looked at Neji, who stared back. “About… Two months? Three?”
“Brand new lovebirds. This is cause for celebration.” Miki nodded firmly, approaching them and gesturing to herself. “Hold out your hands. I spent the evening making these. A caravan tradition.”
Shikamaru held out his hand, and she took his wrist. She tied something on, then did the same with Neji. Bracelets of fine silk, the kind that never wore down. Beaded in were stones that matched the others’ eyes. A set of brown stones for Neji’s band, and white for his own. He glanced at it, the pretty silk delicately woven with intricate patterns.
Neji held his own up, a simpler pattern with tiny details that gave rise to a much more complex pattern overall. She figured us out in hours.
“What gave us away?” Neji queried. “I wish to know.”
“Oh, just a woman’s intuition. And several years’ experience. Ren is my daughter’s child from her first marriage, but her second, was to a woman. They lived happy lives, but short ones. She died in labor, the man a surrogate in the end, and her wife died soon after to illness.” Miki’s sad contentment struck a chord with Shikamaru. “I never did forgive myself for the words I spoke to her. So, consider this my little way of trying to make things right with my daughter.”
“You didn’t accept her right away.” Neji pushed.
“No. I thought, why leave a good man? But then, I realized she was in love. What really told me, was the fact that you. You never look directly at him, but he always is watching you.” She gestured to Shikamaru. “You need to see him, but you two are locking eyes without even meeting them. Lucky pair.” She smirked. “Well. Regardless of what happens, or where you are with that, Miki offers you her approval.”
Shikamaru grinned slowly, relaxing. She knew we needed this. “World is changing, ma’am. This isn’t so hard to accept is it?”
“Not at all. I get it now. I just wish I had sooner.” Miki frowned, watching Neji. “Pearl-eyes sees something.”
Neji ignored the nickname. “Advancing on horseback. They’re armored and the two up front are using some kind of jutsu.”
“It’s a diversion.” Shikamaru turned around. “Hold them here, Neji. We have to get everyone off the bridge, Miki.”
“But we just got on here.” She frowned in confusion.
“100 meters and closing.”
Shikamaru rubbed his temples. “Too fast. Okay, new plan. Get moving now Miki, and put the caravan in a circle with the least expensive items on the outside and animals in the center. Put the people in the trees.”
“The trees!?”
Shikamaru nodded, then grabbed Neji’s shoulder. “I’m gonna do what I do best. Can you hold them?”
“Try not to take too long. They may be done with before you finish.”
Chapter 40: Traps and Razors
Notes:
Short chapter! Just where it happened to cut.
I'm sorry, I know I usually leave you guys notes here, but I've been so busy lately I barely have time to post the updates. So I figure you'd prefer that to my silly rambles.
Chapter Text
Neji left the bridge to meet their assailants. Even in the dark, he found Ren’s drawing to identify not one, but both of the rogues. Twins. How interesting.
“Stop right there!” Neji hollered. He watched the pair slow up and stare in surprise.
“Leaf ninja, what are you doing out here?”
“Defending this caravan. If you or anyone attempts theft or harm to the wares and people of this group, I will take action.” Neji slowly slid into his stance.
That one has scars, and the other does not, makes them possible to tell apart. I will have to be careful of that.
The others around them moved back. The horse began to buck and kick, throwing one and shaking free to run off for the bridge.
“Let her go. She’s more trouble than she’s worth.” The scarred one gasped. He stared at Neji through damaged eyes. “This one however, is worth more to us alive.”
“Boss, what do you mean?”
“See those eyes?” The man smirked.
His twin squinted and grinned. “Oh, yeah, look at that. Those eyes would be worth a fortune alive or dead.”
Wonderful, they know. Neji tsked softly. Let’s see what they do.
The first thing they learned was that his Eight Trigrams was flawless. He dispatched their lackies quickly. But when he was forced to use Rotation, that’s when they snared him.
The threads were not typical wires, and latched into his skin as soon as he stopped. The barbs cut in sharply, and he found chakra made the hooks curl on contact. By the time he realized what was happening, he was tangled up like a fish in a net.
Neji began to cut the razorwire by blasting chakra through individual points, something he picked up from Hinata. Bleeding he could tolerate, but never restraints.
A detonation sounded behind them, and just as he broke free and leaped straight over the cliff for the river, flash bombs that lit up the posts from the bridge. Shikamaru worked his intelligence, ensuring not only that Neji had a brilliant light show to hide his escape, but enough light to snare and grab the assailants with his shadows.
He dangled from the cliff, watching the caravan people charge in with weapons and ropes. All five were restrained in minutes. A hand reached over the side of the cliff. Neji snagged it and pulled himself up. Ren smiled at him worriedly.
“You were so cool! But you’re hurt, so let me see that.”
“I’m fine. Where is Shikamaru?”
“Oh, he’s tying those guys together and figuring out where to drop ‘em off.” Ren tugged at Neji’s robe sleeve. “You’re cut to pieces. Come on.” Ren helped pull him over one shoulder. “Your partner is going to be worried sick.”
Neji allowed the help. The slashes were itchy, and he was nearly out of chakra from trying to keep up his Rotation so long. Shikamaru spotted him draped over Ren’s much shorter frame and paled a bit. Neji shook his head lightly, and gestured for Ren to take him back to the caravan to rest.
Chapter 41: In Stitches
Chapter Text
They arrived at noon to a small village known for its particularly flavorful noodles. Naturally their rare spices were valued, fought over, and nearly swiped. Shikamaru stopped seven or eight thieves in their first thirty minutes of hocking wares, and barely got a moment’s rest before having to net another with his shadow possession.
Miki tended to Neji, who refused to let Shikamaru help him. He was ‘needed elsewhere,’ and Shikamaru couldn’t argue that. After two hours of fending off noodle merchants, Shikamaru sighed and rubbed his temples. The wares were sold, and the merchants happy.
One of the large women handling the heavy crates tipped him, which he wasn’t expecting. “You already paid for our services.”
“We paid your village to get us here. You just spent half a day guarding us.”
“Well… Yeah.” Shikamaru frowned. “It’s a drag, but what else can I do?”
“Leave us to fend for ourselves. Because of you our profit was thirty percent higher. That’s your cut. Take your friend out for noodles or something before you hit the road.” She glanced at the cart that held Neji with a kind smile. “He really was able to handle it. I was worried.”
So was I, Shikamaru realized. But I let him do his part. I guess this doesn’t affect our efficiency.
It occurred to him that Tsunade was testing them. Shikamaru used Neji just like any other piece in his board, and while he felt bad Neji was hurting, he’d do it again.
“The wounds aren’t fatal. That’s all that matters.” Shikamaru lazily pocketed the money and decided to save it. Noodles or whatever else, Neji seemed to be saving everything lately. Maybe he wants to get an apartment. He never really considered that house his home. I kind of miss home.
Shikamaru pushed the thoughts aside and climbed into the back of the wagon. Neji sat there applying pressure on his wounds, panting softly in pain. Shit. Shikamaru already had the medical kit off his belt before Neji could tell him.
“There was an anticoagulant on the razorwire. I need stitches.”
“On it. Ren, can you make sure nobody comes in here?”
Ren frowned seriously, and saluted before hopping out and closing the back of the wagon. “Miki, they need privacy…” He just barely heard before the voice faded out.
Shikamaru shook out a sterile pack of needles and thread, and Neji shrugged off his kimono shirt. The wounds were partly clotted up but the scabs were all fresh. “Got you good. I’m sorry. If I predicted they’d move so fast—”
“I will get hurt. And you will get hurt. That is part of this line of work, Shikamaru. Now stitch me up.” Neji presented his back. Shikamaru obeyed, using butterfly bandages where active spots were likely to tear stitching.
It wasn’t perfect, but he knew enough from listening to his mom. Neji would be fine until they got home. “I’m thinking we stay a day. One of the workers tipped us, so we can eat cheap and sleep with the caravan one more night. When they get on the road I’ll say we’re done.”
“I think we can make a start back tonight. I just need a little more rest.”
“Wish we had some food pills.” Shikamaru sighed. “That’d fix you up. I’ll see if I can’t find a recipe.” He glanced up. “If your uh, if your Uncle got this mess settled, I can ask my dad.”
Neji didn’t reply, so he kept working. Eventually he lay Neji down and took off his jacket. “I can’t curl up with you right now, but you can have this.” He whispered, smiling a bit. “Get some rest, Neji. That’s an order.”
“Yes captain.” Neji mockingly murmured, closing his tired eyes. The soft way he held onto the cloth proved it helped. Shikamaru ignored Miki and Ren’s snickering when he left the cart.
Chapter 42: Reunions
Summary:
I think you were all waiting on this..
Chapter Text
Shikamaru led the horse back to the village. Mai was wounded, and thus, the horse had no value to the caravan anymore. Ren begged them to take her back with them, and find her a place to stay.
Neji’s dove and now a horse. We’ll just open a zoo. Shikamaru thought, glancing back at the animal and then at Neji. The horse bumped him with her nose, and he scratched her chin. “Yeah, yeah. I’m sorry, I don’t know what to feed you. I don’t even think we have horses in the Leaf.” He frowned. “Come to think of it, maybe you can eat what deer eat. I’ll ask my—”
Dad. Shikamaru stood there at the gate, faced with his father standing there waiting. Hiashi stood there with a stern look of annoyance. It quickly faded flat when he saw Neji on the horse.
“It got a little rough. He’s banged up but not bleeding out or anything.” Shikamaru rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh. This is Mai. She was wounded in the crossfire, so the caravan gave her to the Leaf…” He trailed off, watching his father’s face morph from relief that he was back, to annoyance that he addressed Hiashi about Neji first, to resignation.
He approached, very steadily. He was watching Neji though, and with a glance back, Hiashi waved him on firmly and folded his arms back in his sleeves.
Dad’s nervous. Really nervous. Shikamaru took a step back once he was close enough. The two guards at the gate were absent at the moment, leading him to realize Hiashi was there to keep this private. And protected. Shikamaru glanced behind his dad at the man, and nodded gently. Hiashi lifted his chin, and gave the barest hint of a smile.
“I’m sorry.” Shikaku started, then winced. “But those words aren’t what I mean. I mean a lot more. I… Was a total drag.” He hung his head. “Shikamaru, I’m a failure of a father for what I did to you. I taught you from day one never to lash out like that. This whole time I thought I failed because you struck at me, but I started that.”
Shikamaru narrowed his eyes, and as Hiashi approached, passed him the horse’s reins. He awkwardly took them, uncertain what to do with the animal other than offer it a hand to sniff. Mai plopped her nose in his palm.
“And.” Shikamaru stated softly. “There’s more to that, I’m sure.”
“Hiashi and I talked at length.” Shikaku slowly began to drop to his knees. “I thought it shameful for a man to bow to his son. But I need your forgiveness. And his, when he’s better. And there isn’t much I can do but tell you: I get what I’ve done wrong.”
“So far I’ve heard part of that. I want to hear all of it.”
Shikaku’s face twisted up in guilt, but Shikamaru held firm. “The things I’ve said… No.” Shikamaru paused, about to cut him off. “Things I called you. And the things I said. I said them because I thought what this was, what you were with him, what you are, I thought it was gonna hurt you, me, your mother. I’m not a very aggressive man.” He looked up with shiny eyes. “I can’t smack people around like your mother.”
Shikamaru crossed his arms, patting Mai’s shoulder. “That isn’t a bad thing, Dad. But, you hurt me. And you hurt Neji. And that’s something I don’t think I can forgive.” He looked aside. “But you could prove that you don’t mind.” Shikamaru began to turn gears.
“Anything. Anything to make this better. I know now, I can never make it right.” He shared a glance with Hiashi, who nodded. Shikamaru raised a brow. “Hiashi shared some things. I understand the trust I broke. I will work to regain that.”
The determination on his face made Shikamaru’s eyes burn. He really does want to do something. “Neji needs to be looked after and we have medicines to do that.”
“Done.”
Shikamaru held up a hand. “I want my bedroom back. And we’re staying there until he’s better. If he approves of this. I’m a lot less of a grudge holder than Neji, so he may not. But we’ll settle that later.”
His dad faltered a moment. “Are you sure he’ll be okay healing in our home? After this, I think that might be too much. He’s hurt.”
Shikamaru narrowed his eyes. If I try any other time, Neji will lash out eventually. He has his limits. “Yeah. Has to be now or never.”
“I’ll uh, I’ll tell your mother to cook for one more then.” He rubbed the back of his head. “Thanks. For the chance.”
Shikamaru shook off the awkwardness and sighed. “Yeah, yeah. Get out of the dirt. You’re embarrassing me.” He took the reins back from Hiashi. “Are you okay with that?”
“Me?” Hiashi raised his brows. “Neji is not my ward.”
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. “Yeah, and I’m a three-legged dog.” Hiashi crossed his arms. Shikaku bit his next remark back. “You are the head of the family. I want your approval separate from Neji’s. He’ll be safe there, I’ll stake my life on that.”
Hiashi glanced at the two Nara, and then relented with a nod. He turned to walk off. Shikamaru posted the horse at the gate and took Neji off its back, leaving his Dad to figure out what to do with himself while they went to the hospital.
Chapter 43: It Starts and Ends with Tolerance
Chapter Text
“You look like a mummy, Neji!” Lee gasped, rushing to take his bag. “Let me help you. Mrs. Nara, Neji has arrived, ma’am!”
Neji allowed this to happen. Shikamaru’s suggestion left him annoyed but reluctantly accepting. The only caveat was that he demanded a neutral third party be involved for at least the first few hours while everyone adjusted. Lee’s energy was infectious and annoying, the perfect decoy for Shikaku.
Shikamaru helped him to the stairs. “Sorry, do you—”
“No.” Shikamaru winced hard. Neji softened his disposition a little, lowering his voice. “Please do not take my hostility to heart. It is not for you.”
“I know. And it’s warranted.” He glanced over at Lee, who stood by with Neji’s bag. He gave a big thumbs up.
“Do not worry, Neji! I will be your shield.”
Shikamaru inwardly groaned; it was plain on his face. Neji managed to climb three stairs before needing the guys to help him up the rest of the way.
The anticoagulant was made specifically to counter difficult opponents with high levels of mobility. It left him stiff, and after two days of treatment at the hospital, he demanded to be released into Shikamaru’s care.
Any other time they’d keep me because I have no help at home. Home. Was this house his home?
Not yet, given that at the top of the stairs, Shikaku froze up when he came out of the spare room. He hesitantly moved aside, then quirked a brow when Lee immediately engaged him in overenthusiastic conversation.
With Lee doing his best work, Neji could relax. He caught dark eyes following him not into the guest room but Shikamaru’s. Neji restrained his smirk.
Shikamaru took care of him yet again, mostly with his direction on loosening chakra points. “I don’t have fine control like you. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Trust me, Shikamaru. You will do fine.” Neji insisted. “It is just to convince my own chakra to flow again.”
Lee looked over from his handstand, doing push ups idly to pass time. “Neji, I wish I could help more.”
Shikamaru answered with a smile. “I know it’s kind of a drag, running maid for our mess, Lee. We appreciate it.”
“Love is messy, Shikamaru. But that is okay! Because it is also beautiful.” He rolled into a stand and salute. “I will protect your beautiful love.”
The glance Neji received was filled with reluctant agreement to Neji’s demands for Lee to be there, and only Lee. I told you it had to be him, the stare said sternly. Shikamaru smiled a little in agreement.
“Boys, dinner!” His mother called from downstairs.
“Main event time. If you’re not up to it…” Shikamaru offered his arm, knowing the answer already.
Neji braced himself on both his friends down the stairs. He made a mental note to never purchase a home with stairs. How did Shikamaru do this when he came home wounded?
The smile of Yoshino answered him. His family. I see why this is critical to him. “You two sit there. Lee, you’re next to me.”
The seats put Shikaku next to his son and Lee. Neji tensed a bit, protective drive to keep Shikamaru apart from him flaring. Lee fixed him with a stare and a little head shake: give it a chance.
So he did. He sat down and smoothed his skirt over his legs. “It looks great, mom. I missed your cooking.” Shikamaru began to serve Neji first, then Lee. Shikaku got his plate as well, much to the man’s surprise.
“Thanks.” He mumbled.
“Don’t mention it.” Shikamaru shrugged it off. Neji wondered how awkward this was for them.
Lee was the first to break the tension, raving about the flavor in colorful ways only he could create. Yoshino ate it up, going so far as to serve him more. “How are you feeling?”
The question filtered in over Shikamaru’s bickering with his mother. Neji looked up from his rice, then quickly adverted his eyes from Shikaku.
“Well enough.”
“Mh.” He returned to his meal.
Well. His intentions of trying were honest.
Shikamaru caught the small exchange and he hoped hard. Hoped that they’d really, truly get to have a little connection. Or at the very least, make Neji comfy enough to stop trying to attack him.
Even now the Hyūga sat with a kunai in his pocket. He’d kill to keep me safe. I’d do the same.
Lee wagged his chopsticks at Neji. “…never liked the curry much. Spicy food was never his favorite.”
“That is not entirely true. The curry he speaks of was nearly glowing red.” Neji grimaced. “I would have liked it fine, if it wasn’t for overdoing it.”
Lee gasped. “That curry is the best!”
“Lee. It was brighter than a ruby gemstone.” Neji pinched the bridge of his nose. “Ridiculous…”
“Sounds a little much.” Shikaku agreed, staring more appreciatively at his wife’s cooking.
Shikamaru watched Neji stare down his father again, judging his authenticity. He cut in. “Uh, I saw a cake in there…”
“You finish your rice, you can have cake.” His mother squinted. “You may be nearly grown, but you best eat a good meal. You too. Eat like a bird, and you’ll be as light as one.” She scolded Neji.
Neji took it surprisingly well and sighed, starting back on his rice. “I eat plenty.” He threw out there.
“You could eat a little more.” Shikamaru murmured. “Worry me sometimes.”
He forgot his father existed, and smiled at Neji genuinely when he ate a little larger of a bite. Lee glowed. He was a battery powered on positivity.
Shikaku twitched to his side, breaking his trance. He was reaching for the rolls, and paused to offer the basket around. “Anyone? My wife makes the best rolls.”
Yoshino beamed and blushed. “I know dear.” Her confidence made Neji snort softly.
Shikamaru decided to take one, if only because his father was right, and it made peace at the dinner table. He did break it in half though, and offered some to Neji. Much like a hostile dog, he only took the roll from a hand he trusted.
Chapter 44: Talking Outside
Notes:
I
Got distracted today. Sorry!
Chapter Text
Dinner wrapped up with cake, and then Lee leaving. Shikaku saw him out, the ninja in green gesturing him to follow. Probably to put in a good word for Neji.
Shikamaru helped him dress down and tucked him right into bed. “Feel okay?”
“Yes.” Neji closed his eyes. “You are going to talk to him aren’t you?”
“I’m gonna try.” Shikamaru found a handful of Neji’s hair to comb out. “See how he feels when he comes back in. Lee has a way of getting to people. He’ll probably want to talk to you eventually too.” Shikamaru worked out a knot with his fingers. “I’ll brush your hair when I get back, okay?”
Neji accepted the trade with a noncommittal grunt. Shikamaru tucked him in snug, left him with a T-shirt to snuggle with, and closed the door behind himself on his way out. Shikaku was there at the end of the hall waiting.
“He really doesn’t like me.” Shikaku stated bluntly, eyes focused down the steps. “I guess I’d be pretty mad if anyone attacked Yoshino.”
Shikamaru raised a brow. “Well, yeah. You love her.”
“So you love him then.”
Shit. “Yeah.” Shikamaru looked down. “I do. But you don’t believe that.”
“No, I think you’ve proved something is between you two. It isn’t often a fresh Jonin will take an offensive posture at a senior Jonin. I looked into his records. He’s… Something else.” Shikaku nodded once. “I can respect him as a ninja. But Shikamaru, you do realize others will find out. And not everyone will agree. They’ll go after your reputation rather than physically.”
Shikamaru glanced at the door, then nodded his head to the stairs. Father and son went outside to the deck and stared into the forest. “Reputation isn’t something Neji worries about. And just so you know, the Hokage is fine with this.”
That got his father’s attention. Shikamaru pushed onward. “That we are talking alone? He hates it. Because he’s convinced you’ll hurt me again. If you lashed out at me, right now? He’d come flying through that wall regardless of his condition.” He pocketed his hands. “On our most recent mission. I made the call that he’d take on the enemy.”
Shikaku weighed out the implications of his words. “You knew he’d be injured.”
“More than that. I knew the side effects of that razor wire. And I didn’t tell him. It was critical to my plan that he be snared, and knowing about it, Neji would find a work-around. He knows I knew, I told him at the hospital. That I used him like that.” Shikamaru smacked a fist atop the wood banister and sighed. “It’s a drag, but sometimes, someone has to be the pawn in Shogi.”
“You could do that, with your own partner? That’s a little cold, son.” Shikaku seemed concerned. “He didn’t look very good. I got an idea to fix that though, if you’d be willing to give it to him. He won’t take bread from me, he won’t take medicine either.”
Shikamaru smirked. “Well, then, I guess you better learn how to deal with stubborn people. But you get along fine with Mom, so I guess the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.” He turned to go back inside. “I’ve got to rest too. I’ve got to be awake before him or he’ll try to make breakfast for us on his own.”
His dad’s eyes followed him. That should make him think.
Chapter 45: Food Fights: The Return
Notes:
So I'm a little sick! That's why I've been forgetting. Not the 'serious thing' just a headcold. Please be patient with me!
Chapter Text
Neji woke before Shikamaru. He gingerly stood and dressed in his kimono top and managed to get his pants on all by himself. His muscles felt better each day, but Shikamaru’s gentle treatment of his chakra points helped.
Neji slipped out and shut the door, hobbling down the stairs to the kitchen. It was rude to simply stay and eat, so he decided to prepare a meal. Rice with egg sounded easy enough. He managed to get the pot to the stove, and began the tedious process of filling it with water cup by cup. His muscles refused to pick up anything heavier than the pot itself.
Halfway through, he noticed a presence. Its Shikaku, Neji realized even before his hands came into view. The pot rested into the sink, and the man began to fill it. Neji immediately turned to cracking eggs and frying those in a small amount of oil.
They said nothing for some time, Shikaku washing rice in the sink while Neji chopped some fresh green onion. He paused, looking over. “I can do that.”
“Not necessary.” Neji coldly replied, far too fast.
“You have sensitive eyes right? Onion must sting.”
Neji snapped his gaze over. “What would you know of my eyes? Everyone focuses on them. Leave it be.” He replied, dropping the onions into the pan with a decisive swipe off the cutting board. A little salt, and Neji had some tastefully done eggs going. He salted the rice’s water as well.
Shikaku stayed silent, only murmuring an apology when he bumped Neji’s elbow adding the rice. Neji shooed him out after that, but he remained annoyingly close in the kitchen hall. Watching. Neji twitched when he opened his mouth to speak again.
“I’m… I was gonna apologize, but you don’t care, do you?”
“Not particularly. You’ve made your stance clear about me.” Neji checked the eggs, flipping the square flat of egg to cook it evenly.
Shikaku stared at the floor. “Can’t a person change their mind?”
“In my experience, that takes either a very harsh lesson or a long time. Sometimes, both.” Neji sliced the eggs neatly with a spatula and rolled them. Four pieces. I still won’t let him go hungry in his own house. That would be indecent.
“Like your son leaving home and running off to stay with another clan? That’d be a pretty harsh lesson. So is being berated by the head of another powerful clan.” He closed his eyes and sighed. “That was a drag. But you know what really got me? Your cousin.”
“Lady Hinata?” Neji spared him a glance. “What did she tell you?”
Shikaku met his stare. “About a bird in a cage.” He replied quietly. Neji tensed up. “Easy. She didn’t use your name once. She just eluded, and I figured it out. You had a hard life, son.”
Neji pulled four bowls down and set them out with a sharp clack. “That is a personal sort of thing that should not be shared without my permission.” He turned to face him, arms crossed. It pulled his tight muscles. “I do not want to hear of it again. My life was directionless, and now it is not.”
“Because you changed.” Shikaku rubbed the back of his head. “I want, so much, to be alright with this. But I’m not… Sure how he got this lucky, honestly. There has to be an angle. That’s what I told myself.”
Neji portioned everything out, and picked up two bowls. “Help me set the table.” He requested, almost demanded of the man. “I am done speaking about this. But know, that I am the lucky man in this situation. That Shikamaru puts up with me, it astounds me.”
Shikaku followed him out, just as Shikamaru came around the corner. His eyes were wide.
Chapter 46: Egg On Your Face
Chapter Text
“Good morning.” Neji greeted.
“Hey son.”
Shikamaru quickly rationalized his thinking. Neji made breakfast, and talked to his father. There was no knives stuck in anyone, or anything. He was followed by his mother shortly after him. The simple breakfast brightened her morning.
“Oh, Neji! You didn’t have to do that.”
“It is polite to help out in a home you are visiting.” Neji tried to sit down, but the chair was too far down and his muscles weren’t having it. Shikamaru rushed over to help him. Neji grumbled and turned his head from the man.
He’s in a mood now. Shikamaru looked up and smiled. Must be feeling better. “Looks great, Neji.”
The family sat down with the boys. Yoshino seemed pleased she had an easy morning. Shikaku seemed awkwardly impressed with the egg, but didn’t spare the compliment. Whatever Neji said shut him down for the day.
“I was thinking we could cloud watch on the porch for the morning. It’s supposed to rain later.” Shikamaru suggested.
Neji nodded, eyes closed thoughtfully. “That is fine.”
“I heard your mission went well.” Yoshino commented. Neji looked up at her, and nodded.
“Yes. Shikamaru’s plan was flawless.”
“We got a little tip from the caravan. And a horse.” Shikamaru chuckled. “I still have to figure out what to do with that, Neji. Tsunade said she’s ours.”
Shikaku raised his brows. “Uh, we have stalls for the sick deer. Could let her stay there, at least for now.” He suggested. “If, that’s okay with you both…” He trailed off.
That dagger-stare Neji was giving him relented slightly. “That would be for the best. I do not know about caring for hooved animals.”
Shikaku saw an in, and Shikamaru silently pleaded for his father to be quiet. No such luck, and Yoshino quietly braced her hands under the table. Need be, she’d flip it and he’d grab Neji.
“Why don’t you come by the stables, when you feel up to it? I could… Uh. Show you. Some things.” He faltered awkwardly. “If you want.”
Be easy on him Neji. He’s trying…
Neji weighed options plainly on his face. “Perhaps.” He muttered. “That will depend, on how peaceful this house stays in the next few days of recovery.”
Shikaku smiled a little. “That’s fair.”
Shikamaru huffed out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. His mother broke tension with scolding him over table manners.
Chapter 47: Mother Deerest
Notes:
I'm not sorry.
Chapter Text
Neji sat on the deck with Yoshino, ignoring the two men inside bickering about tactics in Shogi. She helped sew yet another set of robes for him, going so far as to add a lining on the inside. “You see if you tighten the stitching up here in the armpit, your sleeves won’t fly out as much and the cut stays the same.” She instructed, turning the sleeve right side in to show him the result.
“I see. Thank you.” He’d never had proper instruction. Only books and observing his own clothing when he grew to the right age for the kimono top. “They have been yelling for some time.”
“Mhm. They take the game seriously.” Yoshino handed over the top. Neji tried it on over one of Shikamaru’s old shirts. “Perfect!” She praised, then glanced inside. “Hey. Take it down two or ten notches or I’m coming in there.”
The arguing stopped, then continued at a lower volume. Neji wasn’t so sure it was about Shogi anymore. Yoshino reached out to lightly pat his hand. He allowed it, closing his eyes. “I did not mean to upset your household.”
“You did nothing, Neji. You just fell in love.” She grinned. “Nara men are often very passive. That he took such a hard stance so soon, it was bound to cause problems. Shikamaru rarely rears up and fights so hard over anything.”
Neji tsked and looked aside, gritting his teeth. “Love may be… A bit strong.”
“Not where I’m sitting, young man.” She reached up and caught his chin, turning it to look at her firmly. Her frown spooked him. “Don’t lie to yourself.” The words struck him somewhere deeply, and he nodded in her hand. She smiled again, then motioned for him to turn around. He obeyed.
“Can I braid your hair? It must be difficult to brush with your wounds. This will keep it cleaner longer.” She ran her fingers through. “No knots…”
“Shikamaru brushes it out, but if you would like.” He agreed. “Hanabi often asks to do the same. I… Let her practice.” He held still while she worked.
“You seem to care a lot about your cousins.” She grinned. “Once this all blows over, Neji, we should do a family dinner between the two of us.”
Neji stood abruptly, ignoring how his hair pulled. “No. I do not wish to share a meal like that with them.” He strode to the banister and stared into the forest, conflicted feelings welling up in his chest. They were family, but the only one of them he cared for deeply was Hinata. “They are not my family.”
Don’t lie to yourself, Yoshino’s words echoed. I’m not. I care for them, but not in that regard.
Yoshino stood next to him and nodded slowly. “Do you want to know a family secret, Neji?” She cupped her hand his direction. “I was once head of this clan. But I stepped down. To take care of those two.” She looked back at Shikamaru, who was focused intensely on a diagram on a napkin, hastily drawn.
Neji’s eyes widened. “I did not know that. Shikamaru never mentioned…”
“Of course not. He doesn’t want a big deal made of it. Here, Neji? Titles and family ties, I want them to be relative. By that I mean, what is important to you? That’s important to him. And I’m his mother, so that’s important to me.” She took his hand, squeezing lightly. “Why don’t we go take a walk? They’re giving me a headache. And I want, frankly, to know you’re enough of a hardass to keep Shikamaru in line.” She smirked at Neji’s surprise. “Nara men need a firm hand. Or they get lazy and unmotivated.”
“I think it unfair to define an entire clan’s sex by a trait.” He murmured, following her down the steps carefully and off into the forest.
“Boys mimic their fathers.” She explained, then winced.
Neji looked aside, tangled in his emotions. “Not all of them.” He replied quietly.
“I’m sorry.” She frowned. “I truly am.”
“I know.” Neji watched the trees, looking for birds. “I do wish Shikamaru’s father wouldn’t have harmed him. From now until I die, I will see him as a potential threat. That is how I am.”
Yoshino nodded once. “But maybe there will be times where you don’t need to see him as a threat. He really is a kind man. I think in truth, his worry is grandchildren.” She smiled teasingly. “But then—”
“We could adopt. Uncle already suggested this”
She dropped her jaw and laughed boisterously. “Really? That fast?”
“Traditionally we would’ve been betrothed in my clan. We do this to ensure marriages are between those that are compatible. But I firmly rejected that.” Neji sniffed haughtily. “Shikamaru would never consider that so young. I always assumed I’d be married off some day.”
“Some girl would’ve gotten lucky. Turns out it was us that got lucky.” She nudged him gently and pointed. “Look.” She smiled and held out her hand. “Come here.”
A deer stared at them, wary of this stranger with strange smells and strange clothes. The creature stepped closer, then approached to rest its chin in Yoshino’s hand. Neji stared in awe of the creature’s beauty. Slender, but powerful muscles lingered under the surface. It was a young buck, as far as he could tell.
Yoshino took his wrist, and gently placed his hand over its neck. Neji smoothed a hand down the fur, and jumped a moment when it turned to sniff him. It startled too, then calmed down to curiously nibble his sleeve. Neji managed a gentle smile. Yoshino stepped away, leaving Neji to pet the deer a moment while she gathered leaves to feed it. Those big soft eyes made Neji think for a moment that all was well.
Chapter 48
Summary:
Warning for slightly steamy stuff at the end and mentions of death.
Notes:
I am leaving that cliffhanger for today, sorry!
Chapter Text
Shikamaru watched Neji feed the deer the next morning, letting them eat out of his hands. He smiled and admired the simple braid his mother put his hair into before he left, lest the deer try to graze on the long strands. Shikaku joined him to watch with a soft, curious frown.
“Seems to like animals.”
“He likes the deer.” Shikamaru stated. The Shogi argument from the prior day left him feeling confused. It was just like old times. Before all of the bigotry. “Did you want something?”
“Not really.” His dad softened his stare. “I uh. Just wanted to say I… Appreciate yesterday. I missed talking with you.”
Shikamaru closed his eyes. “I’m not one to hold a grudge, Dad, but I’m still not over this. So far it’s only been two days, and you still haven’t said more than ten words or so a day to Neji.”
“He’s hard to approach.” Shikaku muttered.
Shikamaru gestured to him out in the leaflitter. “There he is. Go make nice.”
“What kind of things does he like? What do I talk about with him?”
“I don’t have a clue. We usually talk about missions or whatever book he’s reading. Training. Uh, deeper stuff that isn’t for other people.” Shikamaru blushed a bit. “He likes window shopping? Never buys much. Does seem to like practical things.”
“Practical things, huh?” Shikaku was thinking. “Maybe… I don’t know, maybe I can take you two out shopping?”
Shikamaru stood up and shook his head. “Not on your life. We hold hands in public, and you’ll make a scene if someone barks at us about it. Show of support. I’ve played it out in my head seven different ways today.” Shikamaru pocketed his hands, and began to walk down the steps. “Think of something else. We’re gonna go see a movie today anyway.”
His father left him alone, pondering ideas. Neji took his arm when he approached, pointing at one of the deer. “This one. This one has a problem inside her lung.”
Shikamaru raised a brow, noticing Neji was using his byakugan. “Studying them?”
“I wanted them to become used to my eyes when my pupil is more visible. But something is making her lung fill with fluid.” Neji reached out to pet her neck softly. “Can something be done?”
Shikamaru heaved a breath. “No. Sometimes, they get like that. She’s old. Just her time. As long as she isn’t in pain, she can live her life out normally.”
The answer made Neji tense a moment. “I see. And if she were to be in pain, you would end that?”
“Yeah. It’s not fun, but it’s better than letting them suffer. We use all the parts of the animal for food or medicines.” He explained, offering her fingers to sniff. “Her life would be honored.”
Something sad crossed Neji’s features. “Yes… She would be remembered.”
He turned to look back at the house. Shikamaru reached for his hand. “Neji, what’s going on?”
His partner didn’t reply right away, thinking about something deeply. “I want to say that it is nothing, but I really have been thinking about what may happen to you were I to die.”
Shikamaru felt panic shoot through him. “That won’t be for a long time, Neji.”
“Realistically, Shikamaru, were that to happen, I want there to be a plan.” He explained, turning to take his other hand. “It won’t be for some time, no. But the idea of leaving you without an idea of what to do, it has been a recurring nightmare.”
I always have a plan, but nothing comes to mind. Shikamaru paled, and dragged Neji close in a surprise hug, squeezing him far too tight. He gripped those robes, closing his eyes to will the panic away. I can’t imagine life without him. Alone again…
Neji held him gently. I struck a nerve. He nestled his nose into Shikamaru’s hair. “It comes with our occupation.” Neji murmured softly. “What would you want me to do?”
“Go on living. And be happy, Neji. Whatever that would mean for you.” He shakily drew a breath. “But none of that talk okay? I can hardly stand to think about you injured.” With some effort, he forced his muscles to respond and clear Shikamaru off the ground in a tight squeeze. He chuckled and pushed on Neji’s chest gently. “C’mon. I get it, just a thought.”
“No. I’ve upset you, and this is my retribution.” Neji quipped with a small smirk.
Shikamaru returned the smile with a coy wink. “If you wanna make it up to me, go out to the movies with me today.”
“Oh…” Neji gently set him down. “A date?”
“Mh.”
“In… Public?”
Most of their dates up til that point were with friends, who shielded or warned them when others were around. Or they were Neji kicking Shikamaru’s ass in Taijutsu, which Neji thought he enjoyed a little too much these days.
Shikamaru read mind, and reached to touch Neji’s cheek. “Or we can stay in and read. Or you can get in some recovery practice and start kicking my ass in front of my clan this time.” He smirked and shrugged. “I’ll take the hit.”
“Nara, you best mean that. I may be sore, but I can still beat you.”
“I know.” He leaned in. “But I kinda like seeing you aggressive like that. It’s nice.”
Something Yoshino said came back to him. Neji put on one of his ‘masks’ to save face, and leaned right back in to steal a kiss. He was well aware Shikaku was nearby, but forwent his modesty. “You do prefer to not be in charge sometimes.”
“It’s a drag.” Shikamaru blushed and looked up. “I uh… Do you want to just stay in and hang out in my room?”
“Is that a proposition?” Neji’s turn to blush now.
Shikamaru turned pink and nodded once. “I… suppose.”
Neji novels turned to a very specific kind of soft romance as of late. He felt perverse and weird for reading them, to the point that he requested Sai check them out for him some days. Sai never questioned a thing beyond what ‘love felt like.’ Neji didn’t quite have an answer.
Sai, I envy your ability to turn off your emotions some days. Neji took Shikamaru’s hand.
“We can just hang out Neji. Geez. Plus, my parents are home. And unless one of them leaves, the other won’t.” Shikamaru exhaled. “Some day, I’ll just get us an apartment. Okay? Then there’s no family drama to deal with. Just our place.”
“I think it’s a little early for that.” Neji murmured, pulling him toward the forest instead of home. “Plus, you miss the forest.”
Shikamaru looked around. “Yeah. I do.”
“I wish you would have told me sooner. We could have visited.”
Shikamaru grinned and shook his head. “No. Then my Dad would’ve had a terrain advantage. I’m still thinking of him as an enemy these days.” He stared into the dark forest canopy. “Well. An obstacle. I gotta clear him out of the way before I really can—” He blushed and laughed. “Well. You know.”
Neji rolled his eyes. “Get in my pants? I think that’s what Naruto was asking about the other day.”
“That knucklehead.” Shikamaru chuckled. “Still. It’s nice that he’s curious instead of avoiding the subject.”
“I call it a lack of personal respect of privacy.” Neji smiled anyway.
Shikamaru pulled him down a different forest path to the main ones, swatting away bugs. “C’mon, I’ll show you somewhere special. In case you need a private space while you’re here.”
The path wound in near circles, tall brushy grass keeping their line of sight broken. Only I could find this path easily, and even then, there are many fake paths.
“You’re looking for the forest in the trees, Neji.” Shikamaru scolded with a laugh. “We’re here.”
The brush patch seemed like nothing, but then Shikamaru sat down. Neji pulled his hair free of the bramble, and sat down as well. Underneath the brush was a cavern made of greenery and dappled light. Shikamaru let out a grunt, settling on his back right in the dirt. Neji smoothed his hair aside and lay down next to him.
Right where they were standing up, a hole through the canopy provided a portal the sky. He stared up at the odd kingdom of greenery in awe. “It is beautiful.” Neji murmured. “How did you find it?”
“Well, my mom and dad fight a lot. I didn’t understand it as a kid, so I ran out here one night. Tripped, fell, knocked my head over there.” Shikamaru pointed at a rock just to the side of the path. Neji could reach out and touch it. “When I came to, I just saw the clouds and the trees. Felt peaceful.”
Neji listened to the forest around them. Shikamaru shuffled closer so their shoulders touched. “It feels safe. Like—”
“A bird in the brambles.” Shikamaru sat up on one arm and frowned. “I just wanted you to know you can be free here, Neji. You’ve been so quiet or just hostile. I… Kind of miss when we lived at your place already.” Shikamaru hovered over him.
He wants to kiss me, but he’s unsure. Neji pushed himself up on one arm, and met him halfway. More like eighty percent, but I’ll take the consideration.
The kisses started gentle and loving but moved to something a little more passionate quickly. Neji didn’t realize how much they’d been avoiding contact, the very thing that brought them together, since they arrived at the Nara household.
The brambles became an issue of height after a time. Shikamaru sat over him purely because the other way around knocked his head into plants. Even now, Shikamaru was distracted by a thorn poking him in the scalp. Two decisive motions, and Neji cut just what was needed to give clearance.
“Guess you’re feeling better.” Shikamaru panted, jacket hanging off one shoulder.
“Shut up.” Neji replied sharply, dragging him by the collar of his shirt down to kiss at his neck. Up to his ear. “I absolutely hate this plan, because now we are unable to share kisses whenever we please. You best make up for it.” Neji demanded with a sneer.
Shikamaru swallowed hard.
Chapter 49: Blush
Summary:
Warnings for slightly steamy things.
Chapter Text
He’s gonna eat me alive.
And he was oddly alright with the way Neji could simply lock a leg over his back and roll him into the dirt. I think I just got why he likes to spar so much.
The reality of Neji’s ‘date’ ideas hit him hard and he blushed, squirming an arm free to grab a handful of hair. Neji panted once. Oh. Oh.
Shikamaru grinned a bit. “Like that?”
“Tease.” Neji accused, pinning his arm above his head. Shikamaru grunted and arched up, making a show of trying to take it back without any real effort. “You can do better than that, Shikamaru.”
“But this isn’t sparring. You’d like it to be.” Shikamaru poked the bear a little. Neji flushed bright red. He took his chance and lunged up to grab him, smashing Neji down onto his own chest. The fishnet shirt met with the exposed skin at the top of Neji’s kimono, ruffled and pulled open from wayward grabbing.
They both froze. Neither of us knows what to do after this. Neji glanced aside, thinking, but Shikamaru quickly outmaneuvered his thoughts and began to kiss down his jaw. Neji’s eyes fluttered shut. The more contact the better I suppose.
Shikamaru worked open Neji’s shirt some more and pulled the tie, nestling into his neck at the same time. “Not sure where to go from here.”
“Just be close to me.” Neji whispered.
Shikamaru thought through the positioning, then slipped his arms inside the kimono. Neji gasped, fingers tracing out over each of his vertebrae, old scars, anything Shikamaru could find. He’s shaking…
“Too much?”
“No. Yes… I… Feel vulnerable Shikamaru.”
He paused. “Then look around.” Shikamaru glanced around himself. “Make yourself feel safe. It’s just us here.”
“It’s not exactly, ah…” Neji sighed. “It’s just paranoia. That isn’t conducive to these activities, Shikamaru.”
Sounds embarrassed. So he talks quick and fancy. “Just look. Maybe I’m a little nervous too. Anyone from my clan could be nearby.” He grinned a little. “And trust me, Neji. I like your eyes either way. They’re uh, beautiful.”
Neji smiled a bit. The blunt honesty was nice. He took a look around, trying to focus while ignoring the light stroke of fingers along the veins. “That is distracting.”
“Consider it training. Not sexy, I know, but…”
The simple word made Neji fluster and jerk away. Shikamaru caught his cheek in hand and pulled him back. “I do not do anything ‘sexy.’”
Shikamaru knocked his forehead into Neji’s chest and groaned. “Liar.”
“Then spell it out.” Neji demanded sharply. “What is it that you—” He stared intensely at a tree. “We do have company.” He zeroed in and sat up, knocking Shikamaru off.
“Hey!” He pouted. “I was having fun.”
“We are being watch.”
“So let ‘em.” Shikamaru shrugged. Neji swatted at him. “Hey…”
“I want to go back now, Shikamaru. I am not pleased about being interrupted.” He lowered his voice. “I do not know that figure.”
Shikamaru stood up and dusted himself off, then helped Neji up. After a moment of scanning the trees, he sighed. “Come on out. We know you’re there.”
Neji watched the figure spook, and reluctantly look out from behind the tree. “There.”
“Well that’s no fair, Shikamaru. Havin’ a Hyūga around to keep watch.”
Shikamaru shook his head. “Don’t you have better things to do than watch someone have a roll in the bracken?”
The man crossed his arms and looked sullen. “Not like anyone does that with me.”
“Get your peepshow somewhere else.” Neji straightened his hair and began to stalk off. Shikamaru jogged after him.
His ears burned with shame. A level of decorum lost, for certain. Everyone will know of this. Why did I let my guard down? That was…
Neji stopped so fast, Shikamaru ran into his back and hugged onto him to steady them both. “What’s up? If that guy is following us, I’ll beat him up.”
“No. That… That was fun. But it is risky to do things like that.” He murmured. “We should find more… Private spaces.”
Shikamaru rested his forehead between Neji’s shoulders. He’s still all hot-blooded. “We should figure out what we’re doing too. I uh. Know you read the novels. But.”
“They are not accurate material, no. But then, I am not certain much has been written.”
They shared a sigh. Shikamaru moved to the side to walk hand in hand with Neji back to the house. Shikaku was out front sipping on a bottle, cheeks red with alcohol flush. Shikamaru stopped and stopped Neji, weighing the situation visibly on his face.
Chapter 50: Stressors
Notes:
Weirdly cut chapter, because there were two short parts.
Chapter Text
He’s drunk. Shikamaru had a realization smack him in the face. Was he drunk that night? I can’t remember. He came home, what did he look like?
“We should go.” Shikamaru muttered seriously.
But before he could drag Neji away, a familiar call stopped him dead. “Hey, Shikamaru! Seen your dad anywhere? I got a bone to pick with him.”
His dad was gone when he looked back. Neji was tense at his side, surveying the area. The man coming toward them grinned a little and put a hand on his hip. “Isn’t that cute. Look at you.” He whistled and looked Neji over. “Ino was right, you are pretty. How’d you end up with a deadbeat like Shikamaru?”
Shikamaru groaned. “He was here, but he left, Inoichi, sir.”
“He is not a deadbeat.” Neji tilted his head. “You are Ino’s father, yes?”
“Yeah. She actually sent me over to check on you two. Bad blood in the water and all.” He crossed his arms, serious suddenly. “Choza filled me in. We’re gonna try to settle this.”
“Has it occurred to you, that we came back here to settle it ourselves?” Neji lifted his chin. “You are treating us like children. Shikamaru has this under control. And for the times he may not, he does have a… A partner now. And friends.”
Inoichi raised his brow, watching Neji rest hands on either of Shikamaru’s shoulders protectively. Shikamaru looked up at him, his declared partner nodding firmly. “Right. Thanks for the offer, but I think this is something we need to iron out. If something goes wrong though…”
“You know where to go.” Inoichi smiled a bit. “Well. I’ll tell Ino you’re fine. You two had dinner at Choza’s place, should come by the flower shop sometime.” He winked at Shikamaru. “Bet he’d like a lily.”
The man leaped off, disappearing. Shikamaru let out a breath. “He’s wrong.” Neji commented.
“About?”
“Lilies. I hate them.” Neji tilted his head. “Carnations smell much better.”
---
Shikamaru needed a break.
Neji fully recovered in days, but the tensions in the home only grew as Neji became more vocal. Shikaku drank more, and the two spared with words many times. Neji felt Yoshino’s deadaim with a pan twice and eventually took to leaving whenever Shikaku addressed him.
Back to square one.
Only this time, the argument reached them in more personal ways, followed them into their room. Shikamaru called him stuck up, and Neji called him a cowardly brat, and he was still twisted up over it. Not cowardly. Lazy, sure, but just because I won’t argue with my dad anymore… I mean there’s no point, Neji. Why can’t you see that?
He heard someone call him, and smiled when he looked up and saw Ino and TenTen. The girls approached him with concern, and slid to a stop. “Shikamaru! What did you say to Neji?”
“Yeah! And what did Neji say to you?” TenTen demanded, smacking a nightstick against her palm. “We’ll get it out of you like we did Neji if we have to.”
Oh gods help me. “Uh, it’s more of what I didn’t say. He wanted me to get involved with his arguing, but my dad was intoxicated. Not worth it.”
Ino frowned. “Again?” TenTen looked between them, staying quiet. “He’s been drinking a lot.”
“Tell me about it. And Neji doesn’t seem to get, that you can’t reason with a drunk.”
TenTen wagged the stick in his face. “Well what did you say to him?”
“I told him he was stuck up. But I regret it now.” He muttered, rubbing his chin. “I have no idea where he went, and—Hey, you used that on Neji?”
“Nope.” Ino smirked. “We knew if we came to you, we could weasel it out of you. Now c’mon, you have to make it up to him.”
Ino snatched his hand, and TenTen threatened him with the baton when he tried to run. Trapped. “Why is it my job? He called me a coward!”
“Because it’s your dad. You should’ve talked to him about this before now!” Ino hauled him off by the collar toward the shopping district.
Chapter 51: Calm Before
Notes:
FORESHADOWING.
Chapter Text
Shikamaru tried on the umpteenth suit and paused in the mirror. “Wouldn’t it make more sense to put him in something more traditional?” TenTen finally spoke up.
“I guess.”
“Yes! Yes it would.” Shikamaru agreed in exasperation. “Neji wears formal kimono when he needs to, okay? If I’m trying to impress him, don’t you think I should be picking the things he likes?” Shikamaru hastily took off the suit and went to throw his fishnet back on. “People go telling me what my partner likes…”
He felt frustrated, and the little cheeky smile on Ino’s face lit his fuse again. “Don’t glare at me. I’m gonna give you some flowers for him.”
“He doesn’t really go for flowers. They’re ‘impractical.’” TenTen mimicked. “But something he can use or needs? I don’t know, why don’t we ask our local Neji Expert.”
Shikamaru was already out the door to the shop, storming off down the street. I know what to do. He doesn’t want fancy things. He wants an honest apology. Playing things up for a goal…
His brain provided Neji in a suit and he blushed. “No… He’d never—”
A kunai pinned his shoe to the dirt. He tripped and landed on his face, twisting to dislodge it. A message on the handle. He unrolled it and frowned. Training grounds. One hour. Shikamaru hesitated, and began to time manage as he walked. He needed to make himself more than just presentable for once.
Neji smoothed out the shirt and sighed. “This is uncomfortable.”
“But it isn’t about your comfort, Neji. You wish to apologize, so wear it.” Lee smiled at him while Choji set up the blanket. “Perhaps you upset him by being tense about the situation. That is his father. He knows him best.”
“Shikaku always drank a lot. Even more than my dad, sometimes, Neji.” Choji showed great restraint in not eating anything out of the basket. Neji prepared it, on Choji’s suggestion. Lee helped him dress.
A simple t-shirt and black pants borrowed from Lee. He felt exposed and uncouth. It will prove I am not trying to be stuck up. I hope I haven’t damaged things irreversibly.
Lee patted his back firmly. “You can do this, Neji. Just be open and honest about your feelings! We can all see you love Shikamaru.”
Choji broke into his own chips. “Yeah. I mean, Shikamaru can see that too. He talks about you nonstop. Mostly about how smart you are, and how much you take care of him.”
“Me? He’s waited on me hand and foot twice now. I… I can hardly return that affection!” Neji began pacing. Lee gave him some space. Choji frowned. “Holding his hand in public still makes my spine crawl. I always worry someone will say something. And the stares. I know he doesn’t care, doesn’t notice—”
“He notices Neji.” Choji murmured. He stopped eating. Neji focused on him. “He notices everything. But if he freaked out, so would you. So he just ignores it.” He munched on a chip. “You’re always tense. He tries to soothe you.”
Stuck up. The words rang in his head. They weren’t new, but they hurt this time. “Perhaps I am a little too serious about things.”
“And perhaps he can be a little lackidasical. But that’s just Shikamaru. He likes you just how you are, Neji.” Lee assured, then nudged Choji. “We will be going. You got this Neji!”
“Good luck!”
Neji watched them go, and sighed, pacing some more to wean off the tension.
Shikamaru walked out of the shop in the plain tan kimono, begging nobody other than TenTen and Ino to see him. They ranted and raved about how cute he looked, and he even let Ino fix his hair a little.
The training grounds were empty, and his two followers mysteriously disappeared. In the distance he saw someone wearing a t-shirt and slacks, and wandered over to ask if they’d seen Neji.
Only he stopped. That hair…
“Neji?”
Neji seemed equally surprised, looking Shikamaru over. The slight tint of red in his face proved the kimono to be a good idea. “Shikamaru. You… Look lovely.”
“Neji I’m—” Shikamaru stared at the blanket. “You made a picnic?”
“I thought it may be good for us to spend some time together away from the home.” Neji said softly. “Relax a little.”
Shikamaru sat down where Neji gestured, and relaxed back. The sky was starting to turn a peach-rose color. “I’m sorry.” Shikamaru started. “I got frustrated and I shouldn’t have said that.”
“I am also sorry. I misunderstood your avoidance of conflict. You were right: it is pointless to argue with someone who is like that.”
“Drunk. Dad’s a drunk.” He sighed deeply. “I’m not sure the night he hit me, that he wasn’t drinking then too. I guess I kinda know to just avoid him.” Shikamaru twiddled his thumbs. “Maybe we should get an apartment. I know it’s kind of soon—”
“I was going to suggest just that. I have some savings. I never really spent much on myself.”
“No haircuts. That’s for sure.”
Neji rolled his eyes. “Hilarious, Shikamaru. Like you’re one to talk.” He batted once at Shikamaru’s ponytail. Shikamaru dodged and laughed.
“Yeah, I got some savings too. We could split a down payment. Uh, Naruto owns his own place. He’d know how to get one.”
“I have as well, Shikamaru.” Neji blinked. “I refused to stay at the compound up until the last few years.”
“Oh.” He should’ve realized that. Of course Neji wouldn’t want to be around his family. “Well, do you think we could get an apartment there?”
“Perhaps. I was a quiet tenant that paid on time.” Neji adjusted the tshirt. “How do you wear these, Shikamaru? It is so tight.”
“Well this feels like I’m gonna drag it through anything in that basket.” He waved the sleeve. “But yours are white, and always clean. I have noodle sauce on half my shirts.”
“Not anymore. While you’ve been doing day missions, I have been working on that.” Neji went for the basket. “Honestly I packed light. Fruits, mostly. Rice balls. Ah, some sweet dumplings.”
“Sounds good.”
Neji passed him a rice ball, and the two began to eat. “The old apartment was a one bedroom. Would that be alright?”
Shikamaru leaned back and nodded. “Honestly, I find it hard to sleep without you around now, Neji. Missions are a drag.” Neji’s smile put a dagger in his sanity. He said nothing, but he knew Neji liked hearing that he was needed. Always need you, Neji. Never forget that.
They ate in silence, simply enjoying each others' company.
Chapter 52: Right Turn Wrong
Summary:
Get ready for a sharp turn. Warnings for medical stuff.
Chapter Text
Neji reached the hospital before Shikamaru was admitted to the operating theater. Sakura rushed past him, flanked by Ino and Shizune. Time felt as if it were standing still. He slid around the corner to the operating theater, just barely getting a peek at Shikamaru’s hair as he slid in. The doors shut, and the light flashed on.
Instincts to break in hit hard, and two strong sets of arms grabbed him. Lee and TenTen, battered but still on their feet. He strained against them. A hand set firmly on his head.
Shikaku stared at the door with him. “Best to let them take care of it, son.”
The nickname made Neji relax slowly with more familiar agitation. “Right. Yes.” He breathed out, letting TenTen drop him onto a bench. He began to worry his fingers together.
His team left for treatment. Neji sat there with Shikamaru’s father, trying to rein in his anxiety. He knew he was being watched, but the panic attack refused to stop this time. The anxiety of being left alone in the world again, with nobody specific to rely on, to go home to a cold bed in a strange house owned by the main family—
“Kid, you gotta breathe.”
Neji sucked in a harsh breath, and snapped his head up to stare at Shikaku. “He’s hurt. Badly.”
“How bad?” Shikaku looked pale.
“I…” He thought back to the fleeting glance. “Bad. Very bad.” Neji whispered. The panic rose sharply. “I do not know what to do.”
Shikaku shook his head. “Not much we can, Neji.” He leaned back and rubbed his face. “Wasn’t too long ago we sat here when you came back all bloody and full of holes. Choji was in here. You were just down the hall. He’d run back and forth checking on your progress.”
Neji reached under his hair, sliding free a lock a few inches shorter than the others. “Yes. I remember.” Neji closed his eyes. “He demanded to see me, then ran. And then I was unconscious.”
“He demanded to see you both. Now? I kinda wonder if he knew he liked you even back then.” Shikaku heaved a breath. “Neji. You know it isn’t that I don’t like you, right? You’re loyal and protective and strong. You have his back, like any… Any partner should.” He chuckled. “Even keep him in line. Reminds me a lot of how Yoshino was.”
Neji frowned. “I am nothing like her. She is far more tenacious.”
“No, see, I’ve been watching. Shikamaru didn’t fall too far from the old apple tree. I’m not an idiot.” He stared seriously at Neji. “They call you a genius. You challenge him. And you care. Maybe I am an idiot, for caring more about uh. What you are, rather than who you are.” He folded his hands, gritted his teeth, and squeezed his eyes shut. “And I’m telling you that because I want to make sure you hear it while—”
“Stop.” Neji stood up and closed the distance, grabbing the man’s collar. “The moment you lose hope, is the moment he loses support. He is your son. My partner. He needs us to trust him to recover. To fight through this..”
Shikaku braced a hand over Neji’s, and squeezed it tight. He smiled a little. “You know, I think the family is lucky to have you around, Neji. Thanks. I needed to hear that.” They both settled into silence, just staring at the door.
They sat there on the same bench and quietly discussed things. About Shikamaru, about Neji’s family. About the aggression he had for the father of the man he loved.
“Think your father would be proud, you know. The way you protected him from me. I was kind of glad too. I have no idea what got into me.”
Neji chewed on the responses he had to give, then selected honesty. “Alcohol, would be my guess.”
Shikaku folded his hands, wringing them. “Yeah. Mine too.” He rubbed his hands through his own hair. “I need to stop.”
“Put something there to replace it.”
“Well, what do you do when shit gets tough? You’ve… Been through a lot, kid.” Shikaku frowned. “How?”
Neji slowly shifted to the side of the bench, and crossed his legs. He gestured for the man to do the same. “Clear your head. Pick one problem, and tackle it until completion. Then let your mind rest.”
Neji closed his eyes, breathed in, and let his fear go. He heard Shikaku try it. In, and out. Breathe. He will be fine. All will be okay. There is nothing you can do, so all you can do, is wait for him.
He repeated his mantra to himself, and quietly heard Shikaku muttering something similar.
Neji woke up to a jacket under his head. Shikaku slept rather comfortably sacked out against the wall, snoring away. Neji chose not to think about who brought him Shikamaru’s dirty old jacket, narrowing his eyes. It smelled of Shikamaru. It smelled safe and normal.
He watched a flash of shiny black hair and two buns disappear behind the corner. Thank you, he thought.
“You could just look in there, you know.”
“Yes.”
“But you don’t.”
“No. I… I’m not sound enough to see him cut open and bleeding.”
“He’s seen you like that.”
“That was planned. This? Shikamaru never plans to take this much damage.”
“Unless its to protect people he loves.”
They sighed together softly. “Maybe he needs to think about himself a little more sometimes.” Neji whispered.
Shikaku took a sip out of a flask. He passed it over to Neji. He took one sip himself, and handed it back. To his surprise, it was only juice. Neji kind of wished it was liquor, this one time.
Chapter 53: Bonding Over Him
Chapter Text
The lit sign clicked off, and Neji’s eyes snapped open. He sat up and shook Shikaku by the collar. “Shikaku, wake up.”
The man snapped awake and sat up, rubbing an eye. “Time?”
“I believe so.”
Murmuring went on behind the door. Sakura opened it first, and Neji jumped up with wide eyes. She puffed tiredly and smiled. “He’s stable.”
Shikaku rose too. “Can we—”
“If you wait a moment, you both can walk him to recovery. His injuries were extensive. In the end if he didn’t have his shadows, he would’ve bleed out. He used them like bandages as long as he could before Tenten and Lee could wrap him up.” She looked between the pair and nodded. “I’ve got to go clean myself up. But wait here for Ino.”
Ino appeared twenty minutes later, pushing Shikamaru on a gurney. He was wrapped like a mummy and still asleep, but the blonde smiled and let them take a side each. “How is he?”
“He’s got a lot of recovery ahead of him, but we can discuss that later. For now, he needs rest and quiet.” Ino stressed that, and the two shared a glance. They could do that. After all, they both only wanted Shikamaru to recover swiftly.
Neji gently woke Shikaku with a bowl of rice, perched in the windowsill of the room. He’d left only a few moments to find a quick meal at a local shop.
Shikaku stared at it, then smiled. “Seems like you don’t take me as a threat anymore.”
Neji shook his head once. “But know, I will always be wary.”
“I think I can live with that.” Shikaku ate quietly, watching Neji take Shikamaru’s hand on one side, and hold his book open with the other. “Did you eat? You’re losing weight.”
“Stress. I will recover when all is well.” Neji replied simply.
Shikaku paused, chewing a chopstick. “I caused that too, huh?”
“Yes.”
He grunted, going back to his meal. Neji went back to his book. Silence reigned for some time.
“You know, I… I don’t want to sound like I’m trying to excuse myself, but I had a reason. To react like that. It took me forever to figure it out, because I was drunk that night.” Shikaku waited until Neji met his eyes. “I didn’t want Shikamaru to be alone. You know people can be cruel.”
“All too well.” Neji stated coldly. He was about to tear into the man, but then he talked over him.
“But then I realized he has you now.” Shikaku blurted out, wagging his chopsticks at Neji. “And you know what, that’s good. That’s great.” He shrugged and blushed a bit. “That’s all.”
Neji closed his book quietly. “We will help him recover together. I have been studying on chakra point acupuncture.” He held up the cover. “Between that, and Nara Clan medicine, he has the best chance at a short recovery.”
“I like that. What else you got?” He leaned in, and the two began to plot out Shikamaru’s recovery.
Chapter 54: Too Bright
Notes:
Been sickly lately and out of spoons so I apologize for the slower updates! I have not dropped this.
Chapter Text
The light was far too bright. Shikamaru grimaced, but something cool and wet shaded his eyes. He closed them, and groaned softly.
“He is awake, Shikaku.”
“Huh? Oh!”
Warm hands rested on his shoulders. Two were rough, calloused, while the others were slender and smooth. That’s it. I died, and this is heaven.
“Shikamaru?”
“Water.” He moaned softly.
“Got it.” Neji’s hands left. He heard the pouring sound of a glass. The strong hands gently rested him up on a pillow, and a cold cup was put to his lips. He swallowed once, dry throat sated the second time, and the third was just to relish the taste of water.
Not dead then. He grasped out, searching for Neji weakly. The soft hands returned. “Am I blind?”
“Not at all. You are on a mediciation that causes eye sensitivity. And I happen to know a thing or two about that.” Neji squeezed his hand gently. “But you suffered massive internal damages to many muscle groups. Your chakra network was nearly shut down.”
“Don’t.” Shikaku muttered. “Not yet.”
“No, I want to know. How bad?”
Neji took a breath. “You have been out for a week. And two full days’ worth of hours were spent putting you back together. I fear you will need more surgery. But then, you are alive…” Soft little hitches in his words made him wonder if Neji was crying. He followed his arm up to his shoulder, to find his face.
Damp touched his fingers. He drew a finger to his mouth to lick his finger and wipe the tears away, but they didn’t stop. “Damn it Shikamaru, you worried me near to death.”
Shikaku patted his shoulder. “I don’t think he’s slept more than a few hours this week. Neither have I. We’ve… Been waiting for you to come back to us.” He squeezed his shoulder. “Welcome back, son.”
Shikamaru gently lay back with help, keeping Neji’s hand close. “TenTen? And Lee?”
“Banged up, but already discharged. They come by to see you. Ino and Choji come by daily. She left you flowers, Shikamaru. The little red ones.”
“Mh.” Shikamaru could picture them. “I feel like a drag, making you worry so much.”
“I just can’t figure out how your plan went so sideways.” Shikaku sighed. “That’s unlike you.”
“Well that’s just it, Dad. I didn’t really have one. I knew the opponent could block chakra networks, and I needed my two strongest fighters to get in without getting hit. They broke my shadow possession too easily.” Shikamaru sighed. “So it was logical that I became the bait. I didn’t expect them to play with me so much.”
He felt a lancing pain in his head, and gasped. “Shit.” Neji whispered. “I’ll go get Sakura.”
The world felt like it was suddenly drowning. Shikamaru heard his dad barking at him, trying to keep him conscious. Let me rest a little more, dad. Keep an eye on Neji for me.
Chapter 55: Sweet Nothings
Chapter Text
Next he woke, he heard the medics speaking over him to Neji. Sakura, Ino, even Tsunade was there.
“…treatments would have to be very frequent. And I’m not sure we can afford to have two of our best off the roster right now.”
“All due respect, Lady Hokage, but if you take me off of the roster for his treatment, there is a chance you will lose one of us for good.”
That sounds like a drag. Shikamaru lay still, avoiding alerting them that he was awake. He needed to know what his chances were.
The Hokage tapped her nail on her arm. “Fine. You’re right. But I do not want him in a stressful environment. Meaning not at your home, and not at his right now.”
“Shikaku and I have come to an understanding.”
“Regardless, I think right now he needs to be kept separate from family drama. If you weren’t here, I’d keep him in the hospital, but if you can find a place that is quiet and suitable to his needs, I’ll release him into your care. Provided Sakura and Ino are given a key for emergencies.”
“I will have to clear it with him, but I agree wholeheartedly.”
Sakura piped up. “Let’s give him time to rest. Another day or two at least, to think it over.”
They said farewells, and shut the door. Neji touched Shikamaru’s forehead and sighed. “I love you. I will make this better. I promise.” Neji whispered, then leaned forward to rest his forehead on Shikamaru’s shoulder.
He held still, trying not to tear up at the soft promise and give himself away.
Chapter 56: Homecoming King
Summary:
Never underestimate a determined Neji.
Chapter Text
Neji looked around the apartment, going over it with a fine-toothed comb. Shikaku checked water pressure and Hiashi stood there looking imposing. The poor woman showing the room looked terrified.
“They are just concerned.” Neji murmured to her.
“Sir?”
“It is to be our first apartment. This is what… I suppose, what fathers do.” Neji sighed when the pair began to bicker about the balcony. It was a one bathroom studio with a small kitchen, a full bathroom, and even a nook for one large desk. Or two small ones. The little balcony was a bonus.
More importantly, it overlooked a small patch of forest, and was high and quiet out of the village noise. Neji gently handed the women back his signed document for rent, and nodded. “We’ll take it.”
“I’ll have it cleaned and ready in two days.” She smiled hesitantly. “Will that be alright?”
Two days. Shikamaru will be released by then. “I will handle the cleaning. Do you know of any furniture shops nearby?”
Sai helped. Neji didn’t expect it, but when he put out the word for cleaning and furnishing details, most were on assignment. Even Neji was pulling short morning scout missions near hotspots, and even gate duty to free up others. Sai was under observation, but Neji did not distrust the man.
“It is interesting. How fast the bond between you both changed.”
Sai was busy putting his talent to use, and painting something under a cloth. He made Neji promise not to peek.
“I suppose. I think to some extent, I always noticed Shikamaru. What do your books say on that?”
“That noticing and trusting people can grow from friendship to more.” Sai peeked out with that creepy little smile. But it was genuine this time. He pulled the sheet down, and presented his final work on the simple wall mirror. A beautiful forest backdrop painted over the glass to give it depth.
Neji stared at it, and nodded. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” Sai chirped cheerily. “What must be cleaned first?”
Neji handed him a broom. “Sweep everything out to the porch. I am going to handle the mopping after the bathroom.” He put on gloves. “Then, I have to move furnishings.”
“Oh. The ‘marital bed.’ How interesting.”
Neji turned red, and ignored how much that seemed to amused Sai.
Shikamaru allowed Choji and Neji to carry him up to the apartment. Ino ran ahead to get the door, giggling about something. It all had him on edge. Even Sai was there behind them, smiling at him time to time.
Neji was even happy. Neji rarely showed he was happy.
“What’s up?” He muttered to Choji.
“Hm? Oh. Nothing more than we’re happy you’re home.”
Home.
Apparently Hiashi and Shikaku both helped them with the first month’s rent and furnishings. Neji was allowed to take what he had from the old house, and some of what Shikamaru had at home came too.
That’s going to clash. Neji’s going to hate it.
As he reached the top, Neji took him over his shoulder, and opened the door.
To say that everyone was there was a lie. Shino was missing, as was Kiba and Akamaru. Sakura was back at the hospital working on patients.
Everyone else stood there with smiles and good words, letting Neji haul him to the bed. TenTen helped tuck him into it, and he just stared in shock.
“We all wanted to see ya, Shikamaru.” Naruto hefted a basket. “I got you guys some cup ramen. For emergencies, or if you’re just looking for easy food, ya know.”
Hinata smiled a little and held out a small, neatly wrapped box to Neji. “Um. For the porch. It’s from Shino. It keeps insects away without harming them.”
A candle. “Thank you.” Neji bowed to her, and she returned it.
They’re so awkward.
The others brought a mixture of little trinkets to liven the place up, food, and Ino gave him a whiteboard with his medicine schedule. Only, on the end, was something marked as acupuncture.
“Oh no, no needles. Had enough of that.” Shikamaru fussed. “C’mon, give me a break!”
“Um.” Hinata fidgeted. “It’ll be chakra point therapy, Shikamaru. No needles. Neji has been working with me on it.”
Neji sat next to him on the edge of the bed. “It will speed up your recovery, but we must be diligent with the treatments or they will not work. Hinata is our back up were they require me for something.”
Shikamaru stared at him, then shifted with a pained grunt. Neji helped sit him up, only to be surprised with a kiss. He didn’t care that everyone was watching, or that Hinata nearly passed out. Sai made a comment. He couldn’t hear it, but Ino knocked him in the head for it.
“You’re the best, Neji. I guess we’ll just have to eat on a tight budget while we’re both down.”
Lee gave a thumbs up. “Do not worry Shikamaru! There are plenty of short small missions that can be worked on around the village.”
“And if nothing else, you can come work part time in the flower shop, Neji. It isn’t the worst job.” Ino offered.
Neji nodded approvingly. “Keep us informed as needed. I will still be working on reports from home for a small amount of income.”
“We’ll make sure you’re fed.” Choji grinned. “Can’t have my best friends go hungry now.”
Shikamaru grinned gratefully. “Thank you, guys. Really. I know this is a drag, but I’ll do my part to get better soon.” He studied the medicine regiment. It was locked into his head now. “Right. So uh, cup ramen huh? I’m starving.”
Naruto’s eyes lit up.
Chapter 57: He is Sore but I am Safe
Chapter Text
Neji refused to let Shikamaru just eat cup ramen, and made him rice instead. Their friends trickled out one by one. The last to leave was Choji, who spent the time feeding Shikamaru while Neji took care of putting gifts away.
He came back to Shikamaru propped up, reading one of Neji’s novels. Neji covered his eyes when he saw the title. “Shikamaru.”
“Y’know, I don’t get why you like this stuff. It’s unrealistic.”
“Perhaps I like the idealistic nature of romance.”
Shikamaru snorted a laugh. “Yeah right.” He snapped it shut, waggling the book. “You like it for the dirty parts.”
“That is your doing!” Neji snapped, flustering red and turning his back on the man. “Hmph. Kill me for deciding to read a little on nontraditional relationships.”
“That’s not a no.” Shikamaru teased, then gestured him closer. “Neji.” Shikamaru set the book down and sighed. “Come here.”
“No.”
“Then I’ll get up.”
Neji glanced back with worry. He’s goading me. “You cannot.”
“Try me.”
The Hyūga sighed and stalked over, arms crossed, looming over him. Shikamaru gestured him to lean in, so he did. This forced him to sit on the bed.
“Close your eyes.”
Neji raised a brow, then obeyed. A soft, warm kiss touched his cheek. “Hey. Thanks for doing all of this. I know it must be stressful for you, taking care of the apartment hunt on your own, organizing furniture.”
Neji leaned forward tiredly. “I had assistance.”
“I can see it in your face. Come here and sleep a little. I’ll wake you if I need anything, okay?” Shikamaru managed to let Neji curl up behind him, so that he could use him as a kind of security blanket. “I know it’s a new place, but trust me, I’m too sore to sleep right now. You’re safe.”
“I want to get security bars for the sliding door and windows.” Neji murmured, relaxing back under Shikamaru. A hand found a lock of hair to play with; his ultimate weakness and Shikamaru knew it. Darkness felt natural for once. He rested.
Chapter 58: Sensei
Notes:
Hello Everyone! It's been a minute. My bird has passed away so I became very depressed. I apologize for the radio silence for a time. This fanfic is still going but I can no longer guarantee regular updates. I'll try to post off what I have written for now, but after that it's up in the air. Thanks for those still checking in and reading!
Chapter Text
Shikamaru crutched his way over to the door, hearing the knock for the second time. He opened his door in just sweatpants and bandages, raising both brows.
“Asuma.”
Asuma smiled and put out his cigarette, then frowned a little. “Look a little worse for wear, Shikamaru. I was deployed so long, apparently some new things happened. Heard about it from Ino.”
“Stopping by for flowers for Kurenai-sensei?” He watched his teacher turn pink at the good-natured ribbing. “Well I can’t really say that’s a drag anymore.” Shikamaru shuffled aside, letting Asuma in. On the table sat a lovely white and purple bouquet, courtesy of Neji. The card still sat atop the table.
His sensei went over to read it, and whistled. “You got it bad too huh?”
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. “Yeah well, it was a surprise to everyone.”
“Yeah. Always figured you liked that sand shinobi.” Asuma sighed, and smiled delicately. “I heard. What happened. With Shikaku.”
Shikamaru limped over to sit in a chair. “Yeah.” He stared at the flowers with a distant smirk. “I thought Neji was gonna take him down for a minute. I don’t know if I could’ve stopped him either.”
Asuma sat down when Shikamaru gestured. He looked around the apartment. “How many days since you moved in?”
“Neji got the place the Friday I was released, so… Uh.” He squinted over at the calendar. It was neatly marked in blue pen for Neji’s things, and messy scribbles of black for his own. “A week and a half.” He declared, leaning back with a huff. “Neji’s out helping train some of the rookies in hand to hand.”
“Perfect time to stop by then.” Asuma fished out a small bottle from his pocket, and set it down. “Know it’s a bit early for it, but I didn’t know what exactly to get you as both a housewarming, get well, and congratulatory gift. I picked it up from that nice little shop.”
“Sensei, you didn’t need to—”
“I needed to make sure you knew I’m alright with this.” Asuma frowned seriously. “And you tell me if any of the Jonin mess with Neji. He’s the type to take blows quietly until he drops.”
“Tell me about it.” Shikamaru admired the sake bottle. It was beautiful black and white swirls, the bottle more a keepsake than the sake inside. Neji would probably turn it into a vase or something. “It’s nice. Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.”
“I have to. Neji stayed up two nights late writing thank you cards. Or, I wrote the cards. He’s not great with his words.” Shikamaru chuckled and blushed. “But uh, we get by okay.”
Asuma laughed deeply. “Well. I’ll have to take you and our team out sometime soon for barbeque, since I missed all the celebrating. Does he get along with Choji okay?”
Shikamaru perked up. “Yeah! Actually, they figured out they could shred a target between their jutsu. Uh, I started teaming up with Lee and TenTen a bit. If I can hold someone, they can strike fast enough to finish it.” He scratched his head sheepishly. “Uh. We work well together too.”
“So it’s not getting in the way of your missions?”
“I used him as bait in a plan, Asuma. I hated the outcome but if I did it any differently, we’d both be in trouble, and then I’d lo-lose—” He swallowed hard, squeezing his eyes shut. “Yeah.”
“Lose him.” Asuma finished quietly. “You gotta be prepared for that, Shikamaru.”
“I know. He talked about it once.” Shikamaru glanced at the door. Hate thinking about this. “What we’d do. I told him to just… Be happy. With or without me, Asuma, that’s what I want. He wants me to be happy too.”
“Then that’s love.” Asuma grunted, standing up and nodding affirmatively. “All I wanted to make sure of.”
“Huh?” Shikamaru stared and pouted. “Really, Sensei?”
His teacher laughed and winked. “Hey, someone has to keep an eye on you. I guess I can turn that over to Neji.”
Shikamaru rolled his eyes again, getting up to see him out. As he touched the door, he stopped, and let it open on its own. Neji stood on the other side, carrying a basket of fruit and a bag of rice. Neji blinked in surprise.
“Asuma-Sensei.”
“Neji! Good to see you. Just came by to see the place.”
“Ah.” He glanced at Shikamaru, who smiled and nodded encouragingly. “Would you like tea?”
Asuma hesitated, the nodded. “Yeah. That actually sounds great.”
Chapter 59: What is love?
Chapter Text
Asuma told him a bit about what was going on outside the village. Neji listened with rapt attention, but he soon could tell Shikamaru was fading. He nodded off when not directly spoken to, and Neji decided to put a hold on the conversation in favor of seeing the wounded man back to bed.
“Excuse me, Asuma-sensei.” He stood and gently rested a hand on Shikamaru’s shoulder. “Shikamaru. Come, you need to lay down.”
“Mh? Ah. Sorry, Sensei.” He smiled and yawned big. “They said it’d be a side effect of the treatment.”
Neji helped him up, replacing his crutch all the way over to their bed. Neji pulled the privacy screen, and dressed him down to his undershorts. He put him in the bed and helped him with the blankets.
Asuma was standing when he returned. “You really care about him a lot.”
Neji worked his jaw a moment. “Yes.” He answered honestly. This was Shikamaru’s sensei after all. “I… Find we share a profoundly deep connection.”
“That’s called love, Neji.” Asuma chuckled, letting the younger man walk him to the door. “But I’ll tell you what I told him: if any of the others mess with you, know you have me in your corner. Alright?”
Neji lifted his chin, and then glared coldly out at the night sky on the other side of the doorway. “If anyone tries to harm him, Asuma, I will go after them with incredible force.”
“Well within your rights. Just, don’t take it too far, okay?” Asuma clapped a hand on his shoulder and beamed. “And you should come out to eat with the team sometime! Okay?”
“Alright.” Neji agreed half-heartedly.
“I’ll hold you to it.”
Neji shut the door, returning to Shikamaru slowly. He rested down on the bed, and gently untied his hair. It lay messily on the pillow, about shoulder length if he were sitting up. Combing fingers through it made Shikamaru smile in his sleep and turn toward him.
Nobody will hurt you while I am here. I may be a caged bird, but I still have my talons. Neji stood only to disrobe, and climbed into bed to wrap himself around Shikamaru. He’ll need his medicine first thing tomorrow.
Chapter 60: Domestic Bliss
Summary:
Ironic, isn't it?
Notes:
I'm back to book writing. No editor and I'm not really good yet but more importantly: writing again!
Chapter Text
The domestic bliss that Neji feared would soften him evoked the exact opposite. He perched over TenTen’s unconscious body now, staring down his opponent with ferocity unseen in his life. All he could think of was protecting her, in that moment, trusting Lee to finish the mission objective.
They’d been assigned to escort a weapon scroll to a designated shrine, where the local monks would defend it from there. Halfway into the mission, Neji was blinded by a very deliberate chakra pulse. Like a flare made for byakugan wielders. He fell back while TenTen and Lee held them, but in the end, they passed the scroll to Lee and relied on his speed to get the scroll to safety.
Blinded and TenTen unconscious, they were captured. They sedated him for transport, but now he was up and fiercely lashing out at those around him.
“Bastard should be out of chakra by now.”
“He’s not using that special Taijutsu. He’s just hitting us.”
Neji reset his stance. Over and over, he’d do this until he’d drop dead. His body ached and burned. He heard nothing over the beat of his own heart and the footsteps of enemies. He snarled and struck out again, throwing the man off guard and catching him in a vital point at his neck. A collarbone snapped under his force, and an artery ruptured.
“Shit! This is too much. I’m not getting near him.”
Hold my ground, let them come to me. Defense is sometimes the best offense.
Shikamaru’s words echoed in his head, lessons from many games played during his recovery. Shikamaru, still back at the village, teaching academy students and pretending he hated watching them at target practice.
Shikamaru, who relied on him now. And Neji, on Shikamaru.
“Well?” He spat. “Who wants to try next?”
The shinobi attacking them were mostly close-combat. His rotation countered weapons, as they found, and gave him something to lob back. Conservation of chakra was the game, and Neji was an endless river of it right then.
TenTen stirred at his feet, nearly knocking her head into his thigh as he stood over her. “Neji? She pushed herself up to her feet and swayed.
“Lee is taking care of it. We must go.”
“You’re not going anywhere!” A hand reached for TenTen.
The hand nearly came off. Neji reacted so quickly that his blade and TenTen’s scissored the man’s arm, bisecting his forearm to the bone. Blood soaked his kimono. Distantly he heard Shikamaru complaining as he scrubbed it out.
He smiled. Then glanced at TenTen. “Ready.”
“Plan alpha.”
They leaped two directions, Neji the clear target which let TenTen circle back. She used heavy weapons this time, sweeping legs and knocking heads until there was a path. Neji shot for it, snagging her arm to sling her ahead.
They cleared their prison, and leaped out into the grassy plains.
No cover. Nowhere to hide. Neji glanced at TenTen, who smirked at him in affirmation. Bait and switch it is.
He slid to a stop. “Go, I’ll hold them!”
“Right!” TenTen feigned a stumble, playing damsel in distress so well. She disappeared at the treeline.
Neji was surrounded, and closed his eyes. He could see his clan crest, with all of those in range. The two small ones first, then the big one. Then whoever is left.
The first hit was more than enough to send the message home: Neji was not in a mood to take prisoners. Run, or be beaten senseless.
Chapter 61: And Then, Three.
Notes:
I LIVE.
Still grieving my bird. Thank you for being patient with me. Good news: new birds due to hatch valentine's day. (Since I have no other naming scheme this time, there will be Naruto-themed birds. Post down below what characters are your favorites!)
Chapter Text
Shikamaru sat at the desk reading papers in the academy. He heard a soft knock at the door. A young boy walked in. He instantly recognized his eyes as Hyūga, and sat up. “Yeah? Uh. I mean, how can I help you?”
“Shikamaru Nara, right?” The boy looked so much like a young Neji it wasn’t even funny. But he smiled so purely. He walked over to the desk. Shikamaru pulled a chair over with his good leg, and the boy sat down politely with folded hands.
He can’t be older than five, and his manners are better than mine. Shikamaru laced his fingers and rested his nose atop his hands. The boy nodded and began explaining himself.
“I’m sorry to bother you, but my playmates are busy with chores, and my mother told me that if I wanted to train so badly, I should come here.” He beamed. “And so I asked for a teacher with any experience with Hyūga Clan’s Gentle Fist.”
Shikamaru’s brows were up at his hairline. “Uh. Who did you ask?”
“Iruka-sensei.” He chirped. “He says that you are the only one that may be able to help me here today.”
“Look, kid, my experience is getting my rear handed to me by Neji in the training arena. I’m not a taijutsu expert…” The boy’s face looked crestfallen, but understanding. Shikamaru heaved a breath, and pulled himself up on his crutch. “But. I can at least take a look at your stance, okay? I’m only here to advise. Then, maybe, we’ll work on some other basics.”
“Thank you, sir!”
“…Shikamaru’s fine.” He smirked a little.
“Shikamaru… Sensei?” The boy grinned, jogging ahead to get the door for Shikamaru.
He rolled his eyes. “What a drag… C’mon. The west field should be open.”
The boy’s name was Naoki Hyūga, and he was one of the branch members of the clan. ‘Nobody special,’ the boy had said.
Shikamaru begged to differ.
He helped fix his stance to how Neji usually stood. “Don’t lean into your hand too much. Set your weight lower, keep your gravity down or someone can just—” He swept a crutch out. Naoki tried to strike at it, but Shikamaru caught a leg and pulled him up-ended over his own chest.
The kid, to his surprise, just giggled and rolled into a stand, dusting his training outfit off. “You really must spend a lot of time with Neji, to notice so much.” He remarked, then frowned. “Oh. Right.” He beamed. “You’re his betrothed right?”
Shikamaru turned six shades of red, and just stared. “Uh. I don’t think we’re uh, ready for that.”
The boy frowned. “Oh. Sorry, that’s the rumor around the house. Neji has a partner. I’m happy the main branch allowed it.”
That left a sour taste in his mouth, but Shikamaru shook it off. “Yeah well, we could talk about Neji and myself or we can work a little on chakra control.” He sidled over to a tree, and began climbing, crutch and all. Naoki stared with wide eyes, watching him climb to the top.
He took a running start, and tried to climb himself. Shikamaru closed his eyes, letting the kid try and try to reach a branch with direction here and there.
Around noon, Shikamaru called it. “Time for lunch.”
“Oh.” Naoki accepted that with only a little hesitation. “But after that?”
“If you try to climb so soon, you’ll puke. So uh…” Shikamaru felt a little bad leaving the kid just around waiting for a sensei. He wasn’t enrolled, so the classes were off limits for the moment. “I guess we can play a game.”
“A game?” Naoki followed him to a shady spot under a tree. Shikamaru had leftovers and fruit, and a note reminding him to take his medicine.
Naoki sat politely next to him while he ate. “Yeah. Shogi. You’ll like it, I think. Or not, not for everyone.” Shikamaru passed over a rice ball. “Here. Need to eat.”
The boy took it with a grateful nod, and they ate quietly together. Shikamaru stared up at the clouds, idly thinking about what Neji must be doing. It was an A-ranked mission. Good pay, enough to cover rent for a little while.
“Shikamaru-sensei, do you come here often to teach? You seem a little young for it, if you don’t mind me saying.” Naoki’s white-lavender eyes glowed with approval. “But you’ve been great at it.”
He blushed and looked away. “A lot more lately. Injuries keeping me out of the field, or I’d be. Uh. Deployed. With Neji right now.”
The child laughed and nodded. “I hope to one day serve on the police force. Otousan is very ill, so I need to stay close to home to protect him. But I can do that, and keep Otousan safe.” Naoki assured Shikamaru. Then his face took on some sadness. “Mother forgets about him sometimes.”
Don’t tell me that, kid. I’ll feel bad for you. Shikamaru dusted his hands of rice, and sat up. Now I wanna help you more. And that’s a lot of work… “So you take care of him, huh?”
“Yes.” He replied quietly. “I bring him his meals and medicine. But he never gets better, just not worse.” Naoki copied Shikamaru’s dusting of hands, then took out a kerchief to politely clean his own face and hands. “I wonder if there’s something else to take. But Mother doesn’t let the doctors try. Too expensive.” He smiled a little. “But that’s okay. Once I’m in the police force, I’ll have enough money. To help.”
Shikamaru took a breath. “Right. Hm. Uh, if that’s an issue, maybe I can talk to Ino. You like flowers?” Naoki’s eyes widened and he nodded eagerly. “She’s my teammate. Family owns a flower shop. She’s always looking for help. Can you tie bows?”
Naoki stood up decisively, and whipped out a ribbon. It was a tasteful black that matched his outfit, and he folded his ponytail over the side of his shoulder. With swift motions, he tied the bow onto the end of his hair, then turned to present his work.
“Like this?”
“Yeah.” Shikamaru smiled. “Like bows?”
“Don’t tell me they’re for girls.” He looked over his shoulder with a familiar haughty annoyance. “I like pretty things.”
“I wouldn’t. You like what you like.” Shikamaru hefted himself up the tree trunk. “I like Shogi. Want to play?”
Naoki grinned, and hopped along to follow Shikamaru to the rec hall.
They trained a little more later. Naoki was a little young to learn the technique, but was getting the hang of it thanks to his innate skill as a Hyūga. But it was getting late. He checked the time, and sighed.
Naoki looked at the sky. “I should go home.”
“I’ll walk you back.” Shikamaru offered. “I need to pick something up from Hiashi anyway.”
Naoki’s eyes went wide. “Lord Hiashi?” He looked at the state of his attire and blushed. “Maybe we should go separately…”
“Nah, don’t worry. It’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure?” The boy sounded his age now. “I don’t wanna get in trouble.”
Shikamaru shrugged. Hiashi usually let him get away with it, and it was after training. “He likes to see young people doing their best. You did your best right?”
“Yes.” Naoki’s confidence returned, and he hopped along around Shikamaru's legs, playfully mimicking his crutching walk all the way to the gate.
Chapter 62: Cultural Normative, Clan Normative
Chapter Text
The walk was slow going, but Naoki was more than patient with his limp. Reaching the Hyūga compound, Hiashi was sitting on the porch enjoying the evening. Shikamaru raised a hand in lackadaisical greeting, while Naoki bowed formally.
Hiashi raised his brow. “Shikamaru, you have a tagalong.”
“Yeah. Uh, kid wanted to do some training, and I was at the academy. This is—”
“Naoki. I can see you’ve been hard at work.” Hiashi stood and bowed in return. “Shikamaru, how did he do?”
“Well, he’s fantastic on chakra control for his age. Real go-getter and gets right back up when he falls. I helped a little with stance, but we focused more on tree climbing.” Shikamaru smiled at the kid, who nervously grinned back. “Real potential here.”
Hiashi nodded once. “Glad to hear Neji’s lessons have helped other places than your own Taijutsu. But you are not here to show off your student.”
“No. Neji left me a note that you had more eye drops?”
Hiashi grunted and stood, holding up a finger for them to wait. Shikamaru pocketed his hands and hung around.
A weight hit him square in the side, startling Naoki, who pushed against him to hold him up. “Hanabi!” Shikamaru staggered.
The girl laughed and poked his side. “You’re here!”
“Uh, yeah! I am.” Shikamaru laughed a little. He felt his other leg being tugged on, and rested a hand over Naoki’s hair. “This is Naoki, Hanabi. He and I were doing some training.”
Hanabi peeked around his leg and grinned a little. “Hello.”
“L-Lady Hanabi.” The kid blushed.
She blushed too and waved. Shikamaru chuckled softly. Little crush going on here. Oop, bossman is back. He straightened up his face to lazy indifference.
Hiashi handed off the drops and a small bundle of almond crisps. He eyed the children, then smiled hiddenly at Shikamaru. “Well. I best walk Naoki home. Can’t have kids wandering the village this late alone.”
“Three houses down on the right.” Hiashi instructed, then lifted his chin. “I make it my business to know. I trust the boy to you, then, Shikamaru.”
“Right. Have a good night, sir.” Shikamaru wave and turned away. Naoki bowed, sneaking a smile to Hanabi.
The home was barely lit, but when Naoki went just inside the fence it snapped open. He spooked, and stumbled back against Shikamaru’s legs again. The woman at the door stared at him skeptically, Shikamaru lazily blinking and trying to ignore the fact that she was glaring daggers into his new student.
“You are late.”
“Sorry, Mother. I was training.”
His mother stared at Shikamaru. “So you actually went and found yourself a teacher? Mh. Not of our clan.”
“Shikamaru Nara.” He offered a little wave, and shrugged. “Kid has a lot of potential.”
“That remains to be seen. Go in and wash up for dinner.” She ordered.
Naoki turned and bowed, then nervously skittered into the home. The woman crossed her arms. Shikamaru recognized the distant scent of cigarettes. Didn’t know Hyūga allowed smoking, he thought, wondering if Hiashi even knew. I guess he can’t control everything.
She cleared her throat, and he raised a brow. “Oh. Uh, sorry about getting him back so late. Have a limp from a recent mission injury.”
“Well at the very least, he is good at caring for the ill and infirm.” She relented with a sigh. “Maybe he’ll make a life as a doctor.”
“We did work on chakra control. He’s pretty good at it.”
“Mh.” She huffed. “Thank you.”
But the thanks were short and annoyed. Shikamaru just bowed and turned away to limp himself home. He passed Hiashi at his gate, and the man turned to walk with him.
Hiashi remained at his side quietly all the way to the end of the road. “Yes?”
“That boy…”
Shikamaru stopped. “It’s not my business, Hiashi, but something’s up.”
“If he tells you anything, please do let me know. I have been trying to find a way in, but they are reclusive.”
Shikamaru turned around to face him with a confused stare. “No offense, but your entire clan is kinda like that.” He left Hiashi with that to think on, and hobbled back on his way toward home. Neji is the most social I’ve met, and he can usually barely get more than a sentence out at a time.
Neji.
Shikamaru hoped he was home now. He really needed to talk with him about the kid.
Chapter 63: Lessons Passed On
Notes:
Just in time for valentine's day! Something sweet.. And maybe something spicy!
Chapter Text
Neji stared up at the stars. I was supposed to be home already.
“Neji?” Lee sat up and rubbed an eye.
“Nobody is here.” Neji scanned the treeline to be certain.
Lee hesitated, then looked at TenTen. “That is not it. I have a matter of importance to speak on.” Lee sat up, and Neji turned to face him. He waited patiently for Lee to find his words. “Sakura. I have been thinking about her.” Lee looked up with a serious stare. “When did you know for certain that you loved Shikamaru? What does that feel like?”
Neji leaned back a bit. He’s serious. Neji let out a breath. “I did not realize it quickly. I do not… Handle… Emotions very well. In fact, I asked to borrow some of Sai’s books. But they proved useless in practical application.”
Lee smiled a bit. “Have you told him?”
“I have.” Neji murmured, glancing at the stars again. “I suppose what keyed me in best, was that every mission we spent apart, every night in the village, I sought him out with my eyes. Never to spy, but just to make sure he was safe.”
His friend shifted to lay back in the grass. “Sometimes, I wait to make sure Sakura makes it through her shift at the hospital okay. It must be so hard.”
Neji lay back as well. “Yes. I cannot imagine that.” Neji closed his eyes. “Lee, I have found that pushing it away hurt worse than the fear of rejection. If you truly love her, you must understand her love for others.”
“Sasuke.” Lee muttered.
“No. Well, not only him.” Neji explained. “Shikamaru’s father hurt him, as you are aware. I feel still this violent urge to strike him. But he loves his father.”
“I see.” He fidgeted a little. “Thank you, Neji. I believe I understand.” Lee smiled, and lay back down. Neji kept his watch until TenTen took over, though sleeping in the cold grass was a far cry from a warm bed with Shikamaru at his side…
He chose to pretend Shikamaru was out late with Choji, and that lulled him to sleep.
Chapter 64: Warmest Welcome
Summary:
Warnings for nudity and graphic sexual content. Sliiight D/s if you squint.
Notes:
Who remembers when this was called a Lemon? Or... Was it something else? Those were the days. (Not. Prefer actual tags!)
Speaking of tags! If there is a tag you think should be added, please let me know!
Chapter Text
Shikamaru opened the door for Neji and embraced the exhausted man close. He closed his eyes, simply inhaling the distant scent of his shampoo over the damp grass and dust. His clothing was still stained red in spots, but he couldn’t care less.
You’re late, he wanted to say. I missed you, and you’re late.
But Neji swept him up to the tips of his toes and hauled him off to their bathroom. He leaned in to kiss Shikamaru’s cheek, then his jaw, and suddenly he realized what was happening.
Neji missed him a lot. Enough to make a very strong show about it. He smirked at him, and Neji returned the smile. Wordlessly, he fumbled for the shower water and ran it hot like his partner preferred. A little too warm, if Shikamaru said anything, but right then, the water felt cold no matter what.
He stripped off Neji’s stained kimono top, and Neji spun him to the sink. He leaned right into Shikamaru’s lap, drawing cold sink water to soak the stain. All the while, peppering kisses everywhere. Except his lips. Shikamaru stole one deeper kiss, and slid a hand down Neji’s bruised chest. There were a few scratches, nothing terrible considering the rank of the mission.
He traced old scars, avoiding one in particular, and closed his eyes. Like this, he almost felt like he knew what Neji saw with those brilliant eyes. His breath shuttered when Neji’s kisses worked down to his collar. He’s in a good mood. Mission must’ve gone well. Or he really missed me.
The inclination was toward the latter, considering Neji was pushing at Shikamaru’s shirt. He’s serious about this… Shikamaru hesitantly allowed the removal of his shirt before Neji got impatient. An impatient Neji may be liable to rip off what he found in the way.
He dropped his pants and stood there with a hand on a hip, expecting the same out of Shikamaru. The way he flipped his hair so that the tie slipped free went straight south. He hastily shrugged out of his sweatpants and after a moment’s consideration, his briefs. That got Neji’s focus and the Hyūga turned that pale rose color before hesitating and discarding his boxers.
Shikamaru didn’t know what to expect. Everything really was quick glances, except at the bathhouse, and even then…
He swallowed hard, and reoriented his world a little. Neji was pretty everywhere. Or I’m a little gayer than I thought, Shikamaru realized. Then again it’s only ever been him. Shikamaru reverently reached out to touch Neji’s chest, closing his eyes to just feel and be felt. Neji gently pulled at his bandages, checking wounds as he went along.
“Healing nicely.” He murmured, gently pulling Shikamaru to stand close against him. “Is this too much?”
Gods, its not enough. “No. Yeah. Uh, just surprised.” Shikamaru stuttered, teetering along in a strange dance toward their shower. The warm spray quickly matted Neji’s hair to his back. Shikamaru reached out instinctively to sweep it to his shoulder, then pulled his own hairtie.
Shoulder length hair slipped under the spray, sticking to his neck. He grumbled a little when Neji curled fingers into it, but his noise was cut off when those fingers gripped a little. He hitched his breath, a combination of instinctive desire to flee combined with arousal. Neji smiled and pushed him closer for another heated kiss.
Hands ran along wet skin. Shikamaru couldn’t tell who was who by this point, and he didn’t really care. Neji fumbled for his soap, a bar instead of liquid, and pushed it at Shikamaru. Shikamaru began to wash him up until the entire bathroom smelled just like Neji. Only Neji.
Neji hissed when soap touched abrasions and scratches, but he tightened his grip on hair when Shikamaru lightened up. “It’s fine.”
He raised a brow. “Touch is supposed to be good, Neji.”
“It’s you. It… It always is.” Neji murmured.
The last time I cleaned him like this, it was when he was sick. Shikamaru hesitated when he got to Neji’s hips, but a light nod urged him on. He soaped up his hands instead, put the bar back in the holder, and lathered them up.
Hopefully he doesn’t hate this. Research aside, Shikamaru knew how to handle his own equipment. Neji was…
Neji was taller. So naturally he was longer. At least that made sense at the time. Shikamaru got two strokes in before letting go and soaping up the dark curls at the base.
“Trim up hm?” Shikamaru noticed.
Neji nodded. “Pulls less in combat, when you’re laying prone.”
“Well you’re more active.” He mumbled, wondering if he too should groom a little down there. Neji sighed when he moved on, but began to back Shikamaru to the wall. His hand went behind his head for the soap. “Uh.”
Neji just smirked, smoothing the lather over one hand. Not once did he let go of Shikamaru’s hair. The slight tugging kept reminding him that Neji very much wanted command. He happily gave in to being washed, even if it was more clinical than his own. But Neji returned his little favor downstairs.
Only he didn’t stop. The smirk on his face when Shikamaru’s quiet breaths came in pants spoke volumes. Bastard, you’re doing this on purpose! He accused with only a stare and a pout. It only fueled the fire.
Shikamaru bucked into Neji’s hand and gritted his teeth. Neji leaned his chin on his shoulder and whispered to him. “What do you need?”
“More, uh, grip.” Shikamaru managed. The grip tightened up and he wheezed. “Damn perfect hands.”
“I’m sorry what was that?” Neji chuckled.
“Perfect… Everything.” Shikamaru never knew such bliss.
Chapter 65: Finale (Explicit content warning)
Summary:
Again, warnings for smut. I decided to clip this bit as its a little more intensive, so some people may wanna leave it out. For those that do, plot points will be made later on in the story, so there is no critical detail to be missed.
Chapter Text
Neji worked his hand base to tip. In truth, he rarely even did this for himself, but something about the way Shikamaru waited for him, looked upset he was late but happy he was home…
He couldn’t resist. The little piece of him that liked pushing the smaller ninja around playfully took over and now, now he was working poor Shikamaru over with every trick he learned. I wonder the last time he did this, without sneaking off to the bathroom? Neji’s guilt welled up a little. Shikamaru was a much more sexual person than Neji, but then, he never really minded when Neji pushed him for a kiss. In fact, he liked it.
Neji found a sweetspot just under the head and the sweet moan he wrenched out of Shikamaru set fire to his veins. Adrenaline from the mission, elation to be home, and now turning his pliant partner into mush?
“Perfect homecoming, Shikamaru.” He praised.
“Not… N-Not as perfect as you.”
The heat turned from fire to a warm glow. Neji smiled genuinely. “Tease.” He whispered, smothering any smart replies with a gentle kiss. Shikamaru replied by licking at his lips. Making out never appealed, but Shikamaru asked so nicely.
The kiss only broke with a short gasp. “Neji—”
“Mh.” Shikamaru was polite enough to warn him, but Neji knew what was coming. The little twitches in his muscles, the way he braced his hands on the wall…
He felt something warmer than the water hit him in the chest and belly, saw it over his hand. Neji closed his eyes and tried not to grimace a little. Sticky, warm, and weird. Even his own finish produced the same reaction. Shikamaru nudged his forehead against Neji though and huffed.
He had to stop him from reaching out for his groin. “We best clean up.” Neji murmured, stealing one more kiss along his jaw.
Shikamaru looked worried and confused. “Neji, you didn’t—”
“I know. We’ll talk about that after we’re clean. Again.” Shikamaru hesitated, but Neji just curled fingers through his hair and smiled. “If I wanted something like that Shikamaru, I would’ve been more insistent.” But Playful Neji was fading back to the serious one, though the other lingered when he watched Shikamaru clean up his own stomach.
Chapter 66: Explanations
Chapter Text
They managed to actually get clean, though Shikamaru had to wrestle Neji back into the shower to rinse his hair properly. He sat now with Neji’s brush in his teeth, stroking out wet locks with his comb.
“G’t t’ c’mb f’rst.” He dropped the brush in his bare lap. They’d managed clean underwear, but nothing more. “Or you’ll get nasty ends.”
“Mh.” Neji hummed, eyes closed, relishing the attention.
Shikamaru decided now was a good time to ask again. “You uh. Didn’t get anything in return.”
Neji tilted his head a little. “Didn’t I?” He looked back, the comb sliding free of hair. Shikamaru frowned and sat up to listen. “Shikamaru, I knew what I wanted.”
“Okay, and that was?”
Neji turned pink, then red, and turned away again. His fists rested over his thighs. “It is hard to explain.”
“Try me.” He started combing again, trying to work relaxation into the tough topic. Speaking about physical things rarely resulted in much headway. Neji was a man of action, and Shikamaru wanted to return what he could. “C’mon.”
Neji chewed his lip once, then sighed. “Sometimes when I see you, Shikamaru, I want to do things more intimate.” He started clinically. When silence filled space between them, Neji continued. His fingers kneaded his thigh now, tapping along uncomfortably. “But I have no desire for them to really be returned. Touch is nice, Shikamaru. I like skin to skin, but I am aware you want… A little more.”
Shikamaru paused. “Neji, I’m happy. Like, don’t get me wrong, that was fantastic.” He grinned. “I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.” The red persisted out to Neji’s ears. “But that makes me want to return the favor. Intimacy and all that.”
“Your pleasure is my own, Shikamaru. That… Control. You let me have control of the situation, and that feels wonderful. Even more when you yourself enjoy it.” Neji finally turned around, and took Shikamaru’s hand. Shikamaru smiled and flipped it, taking Neji’s hand for a kiss. Neji laughed softly. “You are going to ruin me.”
“From what I hear.” He let go and flopped back on the bed. Neji neatly curled his legs to the side and shuffled up against his flank. “You’ve been doing even better on missions lately.”
“I suppose.” Neji sighed. “More… Fierce. Knowing that you are waiting for me here.”
Shikamaru knew that feeling. He knew it personally. “Yeah, well, same goes.” He rested a hand on Neji’s leg. “If you really prefer to just uh, get me off and leave it at that, that’s fine. I just want you to know you can ask for stuff like that too.”
Neji nodded, shuffling to lay down and nestle right into his chest. Shikamaru pulled the covers over them. “This is what I want more than anything, Shikamaru.” He murmured. “That still hasn’t changed.”
Shikamaru hugged him tight, and started to run his fingers down his bare back. He kept it up, until Neji was dozing with a smile.
Chapter 67: Ducklings
Notes:
I have exactly 1 excuse for not posting: stress depression \o/
I don't know how regular it'll be again but here's something.
Chapter Text
His first mission back was a C-rank. The fact that they sent both himself and Neji proved that Tsunade was just trying to give them time together and get things done. But a trio of genin tagged along behind Neji like ducklings, asking him questions about his missions as of late.
Looks like he’s in a good mood or he wouldn’t even humor them, Shikamaru smirked, then wandered over to nudge the genin closest to Neji. “If you all keep pestering him, he’ll knock you three around.”
The two guys backed off a bit, but Neji’s new tagalong, a young girl, kept at his side. Polite and quiet, Shikamaru left her be. “How come Otagi gets to stay?” The taller of the two boys, Niwa, complained. His fraternal twin Iwaki folded his arms and huffed agreement.
“Because. She actually listens.” Neji snapped, hair snapping behind him as he jerked his head. “That I was stuck with the likes of you three is nothing short of annoyance to start with.”
The boys sunk their heads, but Shikamaru decided to take pity. Neji’s tongue was as sharp as his kunai sometimes. He planted a hand on both heads of bronze hair. They looked up at him with curiosity. “The best way to get Neji to tell you anything is to be quiet. But right now, we should be looking.”
The mission was simple: head to the Land of Grass, and find rare plants. Neji was specifically chosen as some of the plants were invisible to the common eye. Shikamaru was chosen to get back in the flow of things, and find plants that were well hidden among the forest. The genin were there to help carry things, their first C-rank and their sensei was away.
Shikamaru watched Neji leap up into a tree. His follower jumped after him perched like a cat at his side. She stared ahead and pointed. “There, Neji. That cliff face will protect us from wind.”
“Yes. Very good, Otagi.” Neji looked down. “Shikamaru, take the boys and go set up camp. I will begin looking.”
“Don’t leave her behind okay? You’re a lot faster than these guys.” Neji nodded, and jumped to the next branch. Otagi followed along, pouncing more like a cat than a ninja. Shikamaru took off for the campsite, and the brothers followed him.
Both siblings eagerly set up the firepit, chatting conventionally about a new movie. Shikamaru listened to figure out if it was Neji’s cup of tea, but figured action wasn’t his favorite.
“…real battle, right, Shikamaru?”
“Yeah, we’ll be okay right?”
Shikamaru glanced up from his work digging a safe storage for the plants. “Huh? You guys will be fine.” He smirked. “Neji’s eyes will see anything long before it gets here. He’s probably watching us right now.”
He stood up and admired the tent. “Good work. By the way, I grew up in a forest. If you listen a little more instead of talk, you can hear the animals, and they’ll tell you a lot about what’s happening.” Shikamaru closed his eyes. A bird called for its mate. A cricket chirped in the shade. Very distantly, a fox caught a hare. It screamed, then died.
The boys listened with him, and excitedly whispered about what they heard. When Shikamaru opened an eye, he was met with reverent stares. Oh great. They think I’m cool now. What a drag…
Neji paused to carefully scrape the flowering moss off into a wax bag. Plastic would suffocate it, but the waterproofed canvas gave it enough breathing room. Otagi smiled and gently touched the little flowers.
“I wonder what it is used for.”
Neji didn’t reply, and moved along the branch to find more. Otagi walked with him, dropping to a lower limb. The girl was nice company. Quiet, with relevant questions. And she didn’t ask him seven times ‘what’s over there?’
Something grabbed his leg and he froze, looking down at her hand. She said nothing, and pointed just before his foot. A small curled, blue lizard. He delicately stepped over it. I should watch my feet.
“Thank you.”
“Mhm! I like reptiles.” She stated, then blushed and looked away. “Flowers. Right.”
Neji raised a brow. She thinks I’ll get angry if she talks about herself. “Do you have any as pets?” He inquired, dropping down to the forest floor with her when she pointed out more moss. There is a river nearby. Neji scanned the nearby woods for the water source, then spied a turtle. He took his cutting of moss, then began to walk that direction. I’ll show it to her.
Otagi trailed along, picking some rare yellow blooms. They only came this time of year, and only once in five. A squad passing through had spied them, and their medical ninja sent word back with one of Sai’s birds. In two days, they’d all be seeds.
“Yes sir. I have a cat, and a snake named Udon.” She giggled quietly. “Because he’s thick and long. Like the noodle.” She jumped up on a stone near the river, surveying for fish. “Oh, we can catch some of these for dinner. It’ll make our food rations last longer.”
Shikamaru will approve of that. Despite being the ‘senior’ Jonin, Shikamaru was placed in charge. Neji began to take his shoes off, and rolled up his pant legs. Wading out into the water, he went perfectly still. He heard Otagi gasp when he struck down at the water, snatching a fish and stunning it with one decisive blow.
She clapped for him quietly, then began to take her shoes off. Soon, Neji had a partner downstream, scaring the fish right into his grasp. After he’d caught enough for one per person, he stood, and gestured for her to come closer. He took his stance slowly and deliberately. The girl hesitated a moment in understanding, before taking her own stance and setting her jaw determinedly.
“The fish is slightly more forward than it’s appearance.” Neji coached. “The shadow of its head is where it’s midsection will be, at this time of day. Strike just there, rather than at the fish itself. And be still. Do not hesitate. Hesitation is… Deadly for a ninja.”
He pushed down the flashback to the spider in the forest. Any hesitation, and he’d be dead right then. Otagi watched as a fish swam into her reach, and lunged. She missed the first time, and gasped, splashing them both in cold water. Neji deadpanned with a soaked face, and shook off the droplets. The girl smiled sheepishly. “Again.”
Chapter 68: Bird calls
Chapter Text
Shikamaru whistled his check in call, that of the House Swift. A return call of a Black Kite, one long and one short call. Neji was returning.
The boys had the fire going steadily, pausing to listen to his call. “What bird was that?”
“House Swift. It’s uh, more or less my ‘name’ for Neji in the field, long distance.”
“Oh. Neat.” Niwa nudged Iwaki. “We should do that. You can mimic catbirds really well, so I just have to pick one.”
“But you’re not like a catbird at all.” He frowned, nodding anyway. “I’ll pick a better bird for you.” Iwaki came to stand with Shikamaru, surveying while Niwa tended the fire more. “Why did you pick that for Neji?”
Because it’s a pretty, fast bird. “It fits him.”
“Mh. And the Black Kite, right? That’s his name for you.” Shikamaru nodded. “Because of your hair?”
Shikamaru grinned. “Yeah, that’s right. About the same color.”
“Well that won’t work for us, ‘cause we have the same hair. We have to pick one for Otagi too.” He called over his shoulder, then froze. “Shikamaru, sir…”
Shikamaru glanced back, and froze. A woman stood just against the rock face, her eyes equally wide with surprise. She’s a Jonin. She could sneak around me so easily.
“Hey.” Shikamaru stated lamely. “What’s up.”
The woman blinked at the informal words, and relaxed. “You’re not here to attack us then.” She breathed out and smiled. “Sorry to sneak around on you like that, but I had to confirm these were genin.” She held up both hands when Shikamaru approached, sheltering Niwa behind him. “I’m Asukai. I came here to pick herbal plants for my village.”
“Yep, us too.” Shikamaru kept an eye on her. A dark haired woman with light green eyes. She’s pretty. “We’re not cutting everything though, and I have papers for passage.”
The woman laughed. “No, I trust you Leaf Shinobi. A long time ago, your comrades saved me from a trap set on the boarder of the Land of Earth. I was just a genin then myself.” She winked at the brothers, who turned pink. “But if you’re gathering here, I don’t see why we can’t help each other. You have a team, and I am on my own. I know the land better.”
Shikamaru tilted his head back and forth. “I’ll have to discuss it with my team. No offense, but its rare to see help handed out in the Shinobi world.”
The kunochi bowed her head and pointed behind her. “I’m camped out near the ridge about two kilometers that way. I would avoid the area at night. I know how to hide from them, but there are vicious animals in this forest.”
“That’s the scratching.” Niwa murmured. “I hear it underground.”
“Yes, large mole-like creatures the size of bears. If you can hunt one they’re good to eat, and the plates make fine armor. But they’re impervious to most weapons.” She frowned. “I wanted to hunt one, but I’m a weapon user by trade.” She pulled out a chain, just to show it, and put it back equally slowly.
Shikamaru sensed no animosity from the ninja. She turned to go, but paused. Neji slipped out from behind her, Otagi there at his side holding a wire thread of fish. Neji studied her, then looked back toward her supposed camp. “She’s truthful.” He helped his follower heft up the line of fish. “We have plenty. Stay.”
An outbreak of a chakra-borne virus hit her village. Asukai explained very carefully how to treat it, going so far as to paint it with a bitten finger on a slab of bark. Otagi sat at her side, grateful for another woman to hang out with for once. Neji carefully memorized the formula.
Shikamaru memorized it next, then gave it to Niwa. “Keep this safe.” He ordered the boy.
“Yes sir!” He put it carefully in between his clothes in the pack.
Asukai glanced at Neji and Shikamaru, then smiled. “So. How long?”
“How long?” Neji questioned, turning the fish so that they cooked evenly.
“You two. How long?” She winked at them.
Neji froze, hand hovering just before another stick. He was judging the words, and how he should respond.
Shikamaru just sat back and yawned. “Couple of months.”
“Wonderful.” She laughed and nudged Otagi. “You saw it too, right?”
The girl giggled. “It was the bird call. Neji smiled when he explained.”
Niwa and Iwaki stared at Shikamaru, standing either side of him with dumbfounded expressions. “We missed it entirely.”
“Women have a second sense like that.” Shikamaru shrugged. “But why else would the Hokage send a Jonin out to pick plants?”
Niwa pouted. “But he’s kind of a jerk—”
Neji turned to stare sharply at him. “And you are a bit of a brat.”
“Let me guess.” Asukai beamed at Neji. “Only him?”
Neji stood abruptly, and jumped right off the cliffside. Otagi ran to follow him, but Shikamaru stopped her. “He gets like that. Too many people, just let him go.” Shikamaru smiled at the forest. “He’ll be fine.”
“Well.” Asukai took her fish, and waved. “I appreciate the meal, but I best get back to my camp before the creatures appear.”
“Holler if you get pinned down.” Shikamaru ordered, gesturing for the genin to get their meal as well. He went to take Neji’s off the fire, Asukai disappearing over the cliff.
“Think we can trust her?”
“Not at all.” Shikamaru shrugged. “But she isn’t hostile. Just not an ally. People can be neutral. She wants to make sure we’re not going to hurt her land, and that’s fine.” He bit into his fish.
Otagi nibbled on hers, then glanced at Neji’s. “Will he come back soon? The animals…”
“He’s fine. He gets embarrassed when people bring us up.” Shikamaru paused. “Not a lot of people know yet. Mostly just our friends, and our families.” He glanced at the two brothers, who sat up straighter. “I’d prefer to keep it that way a while more.”
Iwaki narrowed his eyes. “Why? Because others will make fun of it?” He gritted his teeth. “People always do that. It’s dumb.”
“Iwaki.” Niwa muttered warningly. Shikamaru raised a brow. Niwa hesitated, then sighed. “Our dad was uh, like you two. But he left. Because Jonin can be mean too. He moved away and we don’t see him all that often. Mom never hated him for it but that didn’t matter, others did.”
Shikamaru closed his eyes. “Yeah. My dad and I got into a fight over it.” He picked a bone out of the meat of the fish and flicked it aside off the cliff. “But I think its better now. All I know is that Neji will kick anyone’s ass that tries anything. He’s a young Jonin and takes nobody’s punches.”
Niwa and Iwaki relaxed. They were worried about us. “Well, sir, if any genin pick on you, let us know. Okay? We’ll get’m.” Niwa promised.
“Yeah, me too! Nobody messes with Neji.” Otagi cleaned up her mouth with the back of her sleeve, and took a post on the tone. “I’ll watch for him.”
“No, you three will get some rest. We’ll be up in the middle of the night for night blooms.”
“What about the animals?” Niwa questioned. “She didn’t seem to be lying about that.”
“No, but we’ll make due. Or you three will be on watch, and we’ll go get them.” Of course, my shadows don’t work so great in the dark. Shikamaru sighed, and waited for Neji to return.