The Way Things Are
folder
Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male › Shikamaru/Neji
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
32
Views:
3,445
Reviews:
777
Recommended:
2
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male › Shikamaru/Neji
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
32
Views:
3,445
Reviews:
777
Recommended:
2
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Naruto, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 11
Baaaaaack to Neji's point of view. No more double updates for me. Ugh...my hands are dead. Dead I tell you! At least, for a little while. XP Too much typing. lol
REVIEW REPLIES
Ino-chan: Yes, I'm terrible. I know. I know. But now you get to find out!!
pen_name: ^_^; Ahahahaha...indeed, so many updates. *cheers with you* XD
Anubis: I tend to do it a lot. lol And it is fair! My hands are dead! ....OK so it's not, but still...
AngelicChaos: Are you happy? By tying me to a chair to type, you killed my hands! It's all your fault! *sobs* lol j/k No, I don't take your reviews too seriously, unless I feel the criticism is constructive. ^_^
Dying Dreams: Oh, I don't know. My hiding spots are pretty good. *snickers* lol
Anemone: ^_^; You and everyone else.
ElfenDream: I would break your heart if he picks Hinata? Aw...don't worry I have tape! lol I'm so glad that you're liking it though. ^_^
Lady Laran: Oh no! Not feathers! *runs* Shino didn't have a chance to try for Hinata's hand because she and Shikamaru were supposedly reserved for each other when they were younger, but neither family really tried to get them to spend time together until both were 18. This is supposed to be taking place in the Spring, after Hinata's birthday in December. I'll see if I can add that little tidbit later in the story. ^_^
Serenity: I'm glad you can't hate me! lol Yay for life-saving stories! lol I hope this update is soon enough. ^_^
Syake: A giant hamster? Hmmm...not a bad idea. XD lol And I didn't stop writing, so I guess that means that neither is going to happen.
Moya: Ahahaha...I really love to leave you people hanging. It keeps bringing you back. XD lol All 9? Wow, go you. Yes, they are kind of short. If I really wanted to, I could make them MUCH longer...but updates would be less frequent, so...I'll sacrifice length. lol
Tyra: I'm glad that you liked reading from Shikamaru's POV. I think we've established that I'm cruel... lol
lonelydove: *gasp* You'll get to know if you read this chapter! XD
superwhore: Love your username by the way. XD Funny, black is one of my favorite colors...lol I hope you'll like this chapter. ^_^
Akaatje: Aw, thank you! :D
D.A. Maxwell: ^_^; Ahahahaha...Reading while at work? Shame on you. XD lol I don't mind though. hee hee Happy reading!
Im The Dobe: You went back and read it again? Aw, thank you! ^_^ Much loves!
SecretQuill: Yes, I am cruel. Thanks for the compliments though!
Zenith-Kaitou: lol Is that so? Well, we'll have to see. XD
luxeflex: Eheheheheheh, wasn't it? Oh good heavens no! I'm planning on writing up till after the marriage!
charmpit: Yes, he'd better because he's going to be crushing a lot more lives than just Neji's (his own included).
ydjessy: All genius' are dumb when it comes to the way of 'love'. lol I hope you'll enjoy the chapter.
qwerty: Oh, you don't have any idea just how depressed Neji is. Poor guy, I'm so mean to him. lol
jess249: Yes, they would kill him. As for Shikamaru...hmmm...guess you'll have to keep reading to find out, eh? lol
Drivven Labyrinth: *watches as her cliff hanger gets smash* I'm not next...right?
PossessedMuse: Ah, surprises are fun! Except when they're bad surprises. I hate those...Yes, his mother is kind of being annoying...I'm glad it sounded like him! (I don't mind reading other's stories and it really is very good!)
Nickles: I'm killing you? I'm sorry. ^_^; And she is rather annoying. But you've got to have a gossip girl. XD
*******************************************************************************
Chapter 11
Neji miserably got out of his bed and headed for the bathroom. He hated looking at himself in the mirror, but couldn’t help it as he stared at the person in front of him. He hadn’t slept properly in the entire time Hinata had come back. He refused to see anyone and he was sure that they were worried sick by now. At least, those who cared. He was sure Lee was worried, but other than that, who really cared about him? The thought hurt and Neji knew that he needed to stop thinking so low, but he couldn’t help it.
He sighed as he stepped into the shower and slumped to the floor, just letting the water spray over him. He looked blankly at the wall next to him before a fresh set of tears started to fall. He hated the fact that he was acting like a teenage girl, but he couldn’t help it. The thought of Shikamaru marrying someone else, his own cousin on top of that, broke his heart. He couldn’t stand it, yet he knew that the pain wasn’t enough that it would kill him. If only it would. Then he wouldn’t have to go to their wedding.
After having soaked up enough water, he got out of the shower and let the water drip off of him as he stared at his reflection. There were dark rings under his eyes and he sighed as he dried off his body. It was pointless. There was really no reason for him to care anymore. After drying himself off, he walked back into his room and slipped on a pair of sweat pants, before he flopped back down on his bed. He stared at the comforter of his bed for a long time, his fingers stroking its surface.
Upon hearing a knocking at his door, Neji shut his eyes momentarily before he sat up in his bed and beckoned for the knocker to come in. His uncle entered the room, somewhat hesitantly, and made his way over to the bed. When the younger Hyuuga moved to the side, he sat down and looked at his nephew with concern. He had never seen the other look so miserable before. Hiashi frowned when the other looked away and he let out a soft sigh.
“Neji, are you alright?” Hiashi asked softly. “Nobody has been able to visit or even speak with you since Hinata came back and we’re all rather worried.”
No, I’m not, Neji thought bitterly. My heart is aching for something I can’t have. “I’ll be just fine, uncle,” he lied. “Just…give me a few days.” A few days and I’ll have sealed my emotions off forever.
“If you are sure,” Hiashi said, waiting for a reply. When he received none, he shook his head slightly before he got to his feet again. “There is someone here to see you.”
Neji frowned and closed his eyes. “I…I don’t feel like I can entertain a guest right now, uncle.”
“That’s harsh, Neji. I’m hurt.”
Neji’s eyes sprang open and he snapped his head to his door. He wanted to scream in joy and cry in misery at the same time. Shikamaru was leaning against the frame of his door. Forcing his eyes to look at his bed, he nodded his head, letting both Hiashi and Shikamaru know that he was welcome to visit. He wouldn’t ever get to spend time with the Nara alone like this ever again. He might as well as milk it for all that it was worth.
Shikamaru gave a grateful nod to the Hyuuga lord before Hiashi left, sliding the door behind him. Walking over to the bed, Shikamaru took the spot that had previously been occupied by Hiashi and looked at the Hyuuga next to him. Neji looked absolutely miserable. Didn’t anyone ever tell things to people anymore? It saved him the process of having to explain to someone that something had happened. But with the way Neji had been supposedly acting the past two days…well, he might as well as mend that.
“Where have you been lately?” Shikamaru asked nonchalantly. “Haven’t had anyone to play Shogi with.”
Neji’s chin shook for a moment before he gained control. “I…haven’t been feeling well.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Shikamaru stated, turning to look at Neji’s closet, although his eyes glanced at the Hyuuga from the corner of his eye. “Feeling any better?”
Neji’s eyes closed and he visibly slumped. “Not really.”
Shikamaru sighed. “Ah…well…are you going to be well enough to attend the party that’s being thrown tonight? For the engagement?”
Neji’s throat tightened as tears threatened to come pouring again. Damn it, not in front of Shikamaru! “I don’t think…I’ll go.”
“Huh,” Shikamaru huffed. “Well, I think you ought to.”
Neji frowned. “Why do you say that?”
Shikamaru turned back to look at the Hyuuga. “It would be kind of awkward to be at my own engagement party without my fiancée.”
“Hinata will be there,” Neji said, not quite sure why the Nara wanted to make him hurt so much.
Shikamaru paused before he sighed softly. “Neji, Hinata’s not my fiancée.”
Neji’s heart stopped. “What?”
“Hinata’s not my fiancée,” Shikamaru repeated.
“But…how?” Neji asked softly. Did he want to believe what he was hearing? Was he sleeping, dreaming even?
“Your uncle gave me a choice, seeing as he didn’t think it was fair that Hinata and I just be thrown together,” Shikamaru explained. “So, I had to choose between you and Hinata. Obviously, I didn’t pick Hinata.”
Neji couldn’t believe his ears. Shikamaru had been given a choice…and had picked him. He simply stared at the other for a moment, unsure of what to say or think. Before he could stop himself he grabbed the other’s shoulders and smashed his lips up against Shikamaru’s. The Nara’s eyes went wide with surprise, but he didn’t pull back or move away. Upon realizing what he was doing, Neji’s eyes snapped open and he pulled back, a blush covering his cheeks.
“Sh-Shikamaru, I-I’m sorry! I-I didn’t m-mean to-“
Shikamaru huffed and grabbed the Hyuuga’s head. “Neji, shut up.” With that said, he pressed forward and kissed the other firmly, not giving him any chance of escaping.
Neji was slightly surprised at the other’s forwardness, but quickly threw his concerns to the wind, his eyes fluttering closed as the other kissed him. Shikamaru was kissing him. It felt so good, and Neji couldn’t stop his fingers from tightening their hold on the Nara’s shoulders Oh, could this day get any better? He moaned softly when the Nara pulled him close and flush against his body. He couldn’t stop the tear of happiness that fell down his cheek.
Shikamaru caught it on his finger and pulled back slightly, letting his forehead rest against the Hyuuga’s. “No more tears, Neji.”
“I-I’m sorry,” Neji whispered. “I can’t believe how…adolescent I’m acting.”
“You can’t always help it,” Shikamaru said, pulling back and letting his arm wrap around the other’s shoulders. “Now, do you think you’ll be able to join me tonight?”
Neji let out a breathy laugh and nodded. “Yes…for all that you’ve done for me, yes.”
Shikamaru smirked and reached back into his jacket and pulled out a blood orange. “Consider this an engagement present as I didn’t know what else to get you.”
Neji snorted, but couldn’t stop smiling. “Typical, coming from you.”
Shikamaru grinned. “But you love them.”
“Hmm,” Neji hummed softly. “So I do.”
Neji couldn’t keep the smile on his face away. He was going to get to spend the rest of his life with the person he used to dislike so much. The person he had fallen in love with. The thought made his smile grow even more and he just stared at the orange in his hands, staring off into space. It wasn’t until Shikamaru waved a hand in front of his face that he snapped back to reality.
“You going to eat that or just hold it?” Shikamaru snickered. “Or have you forgotten how?”
Neji blushed. “Be quiet.”
Shikamaru smirked. “Why? I thought you liked listening to me.”
Neji blushed, making the Nara snicker again as he slowly removed his arm from the other’s shoulders. “By the way, you look really good in those sweats.”
“Stop it, Nara,” Neji mumbled, blushing even more. Strange how one thing could totally flip your day around. Shikamaru had done that twice now.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. “So you look good with a blush on your cheeks. Forgive me for indulging myself.”
Neji was sure that the blush was covering more than his cheeks now.
Shikamaru laughed before he dodged a pillow thrown his way. “Hey, hey! No need for violence. I’d rather not have a blistering pillow wound showing tonight.”
Neji growled, setting the orange on his bedside stand. “You’re enjoying this far too much.”
“So what if I am?” Shikamaru asked, leaning in close to the other again. Neji smirked and placed a peck to the Nara’s nose, who shook his head. “You missed.”
Neji smiled, leaned in, and pressed a chaste kiss to the other’s lips. “Better?”
“I should be asking you that,” Shikamaru said softly. “I really need to go and get ready for tonight, alright? Knowing my mother she’s already throwing a hissy fit that I’m not already there.” When Neji lowered his eyes and bit his bottom lip, Shikamaru smirked. “Hey, don’t worry alright? My dad likes you already. Mom will learn to accept it or be forced to. Dad got pretty mad with her the other day.”
“I don’t want to be the cause of a family conflict,” Neji said softly.
“You’re not, trust me,” Shikamaru stated, sighing softly. “No worries, OK?”
Neji nodded his head. “Get going. Wouldn’t want your mother to bitch you more than she needs to.”
Shikamaru snorted as he got to his feet. “Too late. Oh, and you might want to visit Lee soon. He’s really worried about you.”
Neji frowned. “I’m sure…I’ll go visit him as soon as I get ready.”
“Good idea,” Shikamaru smirked. “Wouldn’t want him ogling over my fiancée.”
Neji flushed and stood up, walking with the Nara towards his door. “He’s got someone to ogle over…”
“Right, right,” Shikamaru shrugged. “Better safe than sorry though.”
The two simply stared at each other for a moment before Neji hesitantly leaned forward again and kissed the Nara one more time. Shikamaru pressed back tenderly, one of his arms wrapping around Neji’s bare waist while the other slid up his back and cupped the back of his head. Neji’s eyes closed and he rested his hands on the other’s chest, fingers curling into the fabric of his clothes. This was something he was definitely going to enjoy doing more often.
“See you tonight,” Shikamaru whispered as he pulled back, watching with half-closed eyes as Neji’s white ones slowly opened.
Neji nodded and reluctantly pulled back, watching as the Nara walked out of his room. As soon as the door was closed, Neji felt like he was going to explode. He couldn’t believe how this was turning out. Wanted to scream and shout his excitement and happiness so the whole world could hear. The smile that made its way on to his face was huge, so much so that it would probably scare anyone who saw it. Hyuuga Neji was never this happy.
Getting ready for the day, feeling much more energized and ready to go, Neji met with his uncle, apologizing for his strange behavior before he made a beeline towards Lee’s house. He really needed to apologize to the taijutsu master, especially as Lee had come by to try and see him at least 5 times. He knocked softly on the other’s apartment door and schooled his features. He was more than happy, but he wouldn’t let Lee know until the last minute.
He wasn’t surprised to see Gaara at the other’s apartment, but the smile the Kazekage got on his face was unexpected. The redhead didn’t even let the other say hello before he dragged the Hyuuga into the place and shut the door before he walked off, motioning for Neji to stay right where he was. It was seconds later when Lee came skidding out of the kitchen, taking in the sight of the Hyuuga for a moment before he jumped forward and wrapped his arms around him.
“Neji! You’re alright!” Lee cried out, his strength practically crushing Neji’s chest.
“Yes, Lee,” Neji coughed. “I-I’m fine! W-would you put me down?”
“I’m sorry, Neji!” Lee said immediately, setting the other on his feet. “I was just so worried.”
Neji gave him a sad smile. “Yes, I know. Shikamaru told me. I’m very sorry, Lee.”
“You will tell me why you were so upset,” Lee ordered, placing his hands on the Hyuuga’s shoulders, “but right now you must tell me who Shikamaru chose!”
“Yes, I must say that I’m rather curious,” Gaara stated, smirking as he leaned against the wall.
Neji smiled. He couldn’t help it. “That’s why I’m here. I’m here to invite you to my engagement party tonight.”
Lee’s eyes widened and he literally whooped, jumping into the air. Neji wished he wasn’t so afraid to do that, but decided that he’d let Lee do it for him. He chuckled when Lee wrapped his arms around the redhead, spinning him around in circles. Gaara was hissing at the other to put him down, but a smile was on his face nonetheless. Neji knew he’d have a lot of explaining to do, but at the moment, he found he didn’t care. He was too happy for words.
*******************************************************************************
*grabs earplugs* You can start squeeing now. Aw, they finally kissed! And it's only 11 chapters into the story. XD lol Oh come on! You can't say that it wasn't worth it! I mean, they kissed 3 times in this chapter! 3! It makes up for it right? Right? *sigh*
Reviews will let me know just how much you loved it! ^_^
REVIEW REPLIES
Ino-chan: Yes, I'm terrible. I know. I know. But now you get to find out!!
pen_name: ^_^; Ahahahaha...indeed, so many updates. *cheers with you* XD
Anubis: I tend to do it a lot. lol And it is fair! My hands are dead! ....OK so it's not, but still...
AngelicChaos: Are you happy? By tying me to a chair to type, you killed my hands! It's all your fault! *sobs* lol j/k No, I don't take your reviews too seriously, unless I feel the criticism is constructive. ^_^
Dying Dreams: Oh, I don't know. My hiding spots are pretty good. *snickers* lol
Anemone: ^_^; You and everyone else.
ElfenDream: I would break your heart if he picks Hinata? Aw...don't worry I have tape! lol I'm so glad that you're liking it though. ^_^
Lady Laran: Oh no! Not feathers! *runs* Shino didn't have a chance to try for Hinata's hand because she and Shikamaru were supposedly reserved for each other when they were younger, but neither family really tried to get them to spend time together until both were 18. This is supposed to be taking place in the Spring, after Hinata's birthday in December. I'll see if I can add that little tidbit later in the story. ^_^
Serenity: I'm glad you can't hate me! lol Yay for life-saving stories! lol I hope this update is soon enough. ^_^
Syake: A giant hamster? Hmmm...not a bad idea. XD lol And I didn't stop writing, so I guess that means that neither is going to happen.
Moya: Ahahaha...I really love to leave you people hanging. It keeps bringing you back. XD lol All 9? Wow, go you. Yes, they are kind of short. If I really wanted to, I could make them MUCH longer...but updates would be less frequent, so...I'll sacrifice length. lol
Tyra: I'm glad that you liked reading from Shikamaru's POV. I think we've established that I'm cruel... lol
lonelydove: *gasp* You'll get to know if you read this chapter! XD
superwhore: Love your username by the way. XD Funny, black is one of my favorite colors...lol I hope you'll like this chapter. ^_^
Akaatje: Aw, thank you! :D
D.A. Maxwell: ^_^; Ahahahaha...Reading while at work? Shame on you. XD lol I don't mind though. hee hee Happy reading!
Im The Dobe: You went back and read it again? Aw, thank you! ^_^ Much loves!
SecretQuill: Yes, I am cruel. Thanks for the compliments though!
Zenith-Kaitou: lol Is that so? Well, we'll have to see. XD
luxeflex: Eheheheheheh, wasn't it? Oh good heavens no! I'm planning on writing up till after the marriage!
charmpit: Yes, he'd better because he's going to be crushing a lot more lives than just Neji's (his own included).
ydjessy: All genius' are dumb when it comes to the way of 'love'. lol I hope you'll enjoy the chapter.
qwerty: Oh, you don't have any idea just how depressed Neji is. Poor guy, I'm so mean to him. lol
jess249: Yes, they would kill him. As for Shikamaru...hmmm...guess you'll have to keep reading to find out, eh? lol
Drivven Labyrinth: *watches as her cliff hanger gets smash* I'm not next...right?
PossessedMuse: Ah, surprises are fun! Except when they're bad surprises. I hate those...Yes, his mother is kind of being annoying...I'm glad it sounded like him! (I don't mind reading other's stories and it really is very good!)
Nickles: I'm killing you? I'm sorry. ^_^; And she is rather annoying. But you've got to have a gossip girl. XD
*******************************************************************************
Chapter 11
Neji miserably got out of his bed and headed for the bathroom. He hated looking at himself in the mirror, but couldn’t help it as he stared at the person in front of him. He hadn’t slept properly in the entire time Hinata had come back. He refused to see anyone and he was sure that they were worried sick by now. At least, those who cared. He was sure Lee was worried, but other than that, who really cared about him? The thought hurt and Neji knew that he needed to stop thinking so low, but he couldn’t help it.
He sighed as he stepped into the shower and slumped to the floor, just letting the water spray over him. He looked blankly at the wall next to him before a fresh set of tears started to fall. He hated the fact that he was acting like a teenage girl, but he couldn’t help it. The thought of Shikamaru marrying someone else, his own cousin on top of that, broke his heart. He couldn’t stand it, yet he knew that the pain wasn’t enough that it would kill him. If only it would. Then he wouldn’t have to go to their wedding.
After having soaked up enough water, he got out of the shower and let the water drip off of him as he stared at his reflection. There were dark rings under his eyes and he sighed as he dried off his body. It was pointless. There was really no reason for him to care anymore. After drying himself off, he walked back into his room and slipped on a pair of sweat pants, before he flopped back down on his bed. He stared at the comforter of his bed for a long time, his fingers stroking its surface.
Upon hearing a knocking at his door, Neji shut his eyes momentarily before he sat up in his bed and beckoned for the knocker to come in. His uncle entered the room, somewhat hesitantly, and made his way over to the bed. When the younger Hyuuga moved to the side, he sat down and looked at his nephew with concern. He had never seen the other look so miserable before. Hiashi frowned when the other looked away and he let out a soft sigh.
“Neji, are you alright?” Hiashi asked softly. “Nobody has been able to visit or even speak with you since Hinata came back and we’re all rather worried.”
No, I’m not, Neji thought bitterly. My heart is aching for something I can’t have. “I’ll be just fine, uncle,” he lied. “Just…give me a few days.” A few days and I’ll have sealed my emotions off forever.
“If you are sure,” Hiashi said, waiting for a reply. When he received none, he shook his head slightly before he got to his feet again. “There is someone here to see you.”
Neji frowned and closed his eyes. “I…I don’t feel like I can entertain a guest right now, uncle.”
“That’s harsh, Neji. I’m hurt.”
Neji’s eyes sprang open and he snapped his head to his door. He wanted to scream in joy and cry in misery at the same time. Shikamaru was leaning against the frame of his door. Forcing his eyes to look at his bed, he nodded his head, letting both Hiashi and Shikamaru know that he was welcome to visit. He wouldn’t ever get to spend time with the Nara alone like this ever again. He might as well as milk it for all that it was worth.
Shikamaru gave a grateful nod to the Hyuuga lord before Hiashi left, sliding the door behind him. Walking over to the bed, Shikamaru took the spot that had previously been occupied by Hiashi and looked at the Hyuuga next to him. Neji looked absolutely miserable. Didn’t anyone ever tell things to people anymore? It saved him the process of having to explain to someone that something had happened. But with the way Neji had been supposedly acting the past two days…well, he might as well as mend that.
“Where have you been lately?” Shikamaru asked nonchalantly. “Haven’t had anyone to play Shogi with.”
Neji’s chin shook for a moment before he gained control. “I…haven’t been feeling well.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Shikamaru stated, turning to look at Neji’s closet, although his eyes glanced at the Hyuuga from the corner of his eye. “Feeling any better?”
Neji’s eyes closed and he visibly slumped. “Not really.”
Shikamaru sighed. “Ah…well…are you going to be well enough to attend the party that’s being thrown tonight? For the engagement?”
Neji’s throat tightened as tears threatened to come pouring again. Damn it, not in front of Shikamaru! “I don’t think…I’ll go.”
“Huh,” Shikamaru huffed. “Well, I think you ought to.”
Neji frowned. “Why do you say that?”
Shikamaru turned back to look at the Hyuuga. “It would be kind of awkward to be at my own engagement party without my fiancée.”
“Hinata will be there,” Neji said, not quite sure why the Nara wanted to make him hurt so much.
Shikamaru paused before he sighed softly. “Neji, Hinata’s not my fiancée.”
Neji’s heart stopped. “What?”
“Hinata’s not my fiancée,” Shikamaru repeated.
“But…how?” Neji asked softly. Did he want to believe what he was hearing? Was he sleeping, dreaming even?
“Your uncle gave me a choice, seeing as he didn’t think it was fair that Hinata and I just be thrown together,” Shikamaru explained. “So, I had to choose between you and Hinata. Obviously, I didn’t pick Hinata.”
Neji couldn’t believe his ears. Shikamaru had been given a choice…and had picked him. He simply stared at the other for a moment, unsure of what to say or think. Before he could stop himself he grabbed the other’s shoulders and smashed his lips up against Shikamaru’s. The Nara’s eyes went wide with surprise, but he didn’t pull back or move away. Upon realizing what he was doing, Neji’s eyes snapped open and he pulled back, a blush covering his cheeks.
“Sh-Shikamaru, I-I’m sorry! I-I didn’t m-mean to-“
Shikamaru huffed and grabbed the Hyuuga’s head. “Neji, shut up.” With that said, he pressed forward and kissed the other firmly, not giving him any chance of escaping.
Neji was slightly surprised at the other’s forwardness, but quickly threw his concerns to the wind, his eyes fluttering closed as the other kissed him. Shikamaru was kissing him. It felt so good, and Neji couldn’t stop his fingers from tightening their hold on the Nara’s shoulders Oh, could this day get any better? He moaned softly when the Nara pulled him close and flush against his body. He couldn’t stop the tear of happiness that fell down his cheek.
Shikamaru caught it on his finger and pulled back slightly, letting his forehead rest against the Hyuuga’s. “No more tears, Neji.”
“I-I’m sorry,” Neji whispered. “I can’t believe how…adolescent I’m acting.”
“You can’t always help it,” Shikamaru said, pulling back and letting his arm wrap around the other’s shoulders. “Now, do you think you’ll be able to join me tonight?”
Neji let out a breathy laugh and nodded. “Yes…for all that you’ve done for me, yes.”
Shikamaru smirked and reached back into his jacket and pulled out a blood orange. “Consider this an engagement present as I didn’t know what else to get you.”
Neji snorted, but couldn’t stop smiling. “Typical, coming from you.”
Shikamaru grinned. “But you love them.”
“Hmm,” Neji hummed softly. “So I do.”
Neji couldn’t keep the smile on his face away. He was going to get to spend the rest of his life with the person he used to dislike so much. The person he had fallen in love with. The thought made his smile grow even more and he just stared at the orange in his hands, staring off into space. It wasn’t until Shikamaru waved a hand in front of his face that he snapped back to reality.
“You going to eat that or just hold it?” Shikamaru snickered. “Or have you forgotten how?”
Neji blushed. “Be quiet.”
Shikamaru smirked. “Why? I thought you liked listening to me.”
Neji blushed, making the Nara snicker again as he slowly removed his arm from the other’s shoulders. “By the way, you look really good in those sweats.”
“Stop it, Nara,” Neji mumbled, blushing even more. Strange how one thing could totally flip your day around. Shikamaru had done that twice now.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. “So you look good with a blush on your cheeks. Forgive me for indulging myself.”
Neji was sure that the blush was covering more than his cheeks now.
Shikamaru laughed before he dodged a pillow thrown his way. “Hey, hey! No need for violence. I’d rather not have a blistering pillow wound showing tonight.”
Neji growled, setting the orange on his bedside stand. “You’re enjoying this far too much.”
“So what if I am?” Shikamaru asked, leaning in close to the other again. Neji smirked and placed a peck to the Nara’s nose, who shook his head. “You missed.”
Neji smiled, leaned in, and pressed a chaste kiss to the other’s lips. “Better?”
“I should be asking you that,” Shikamaru said softly. “I really need to go and get ready for tonight, alright? Knowing my mother she’s already throwing a hissy fit that I’m not already there.” When Neji lowered his eyes and bit his bottom lip, Shikamaru smirked. “Hey, don’t worry alright? My dad likes you already. Mom will learn to accept it or be forced to. Dad got pretty mad with her the other day.”
“I don’t want to be the cause of a family conflict,” Neji said softly.
“You’re not, trust me,” Shikamaru stated, sighing softly. “No worries, OK?”
Neji nodded his head. “Get going. Wouldn’t want your mother to bitch you more than she needs to.”
Shikamaru snorted as he got to his feet. “Too late. Oh, and you might want to visit Lee soon. He’s really worried about you.”
Neji frowned. “I’m sure…I’ll go visit him as soon as I get ready.”
“Good idea,” Shikamaru smirked. “Wouldn’t want him ogling over my fiancée.”
Neji flushed and stood up, walking with the Nara towards his door. “He’s got someone to ogle over…”
“Right, right,” Shikamaru shrugged. “Better safe than sorry though.”
The two simply stared at each other for a moment before Neji hesitantly leaned forward again and kissed the Nara one more time. Shikamaru pressed back tenderly, one of his arms wrapping around Neji’s bare waist while the other slid up his back and cupped the back of his head. Neji’s eyes closed and he rested his hands on the other’s chest, fingers curling into the fabric of his clothes. This was something he was definitely going to enjoy doing more often.
“See you tonight,” Shikamaru whispered as he pulled back, watching with half-closed eyes as Neji’s white ones slowly opened.
Neji nodded and reluctantly pulled back, watching as the Nara walked out of his room. As soon as the door was closed, Neji felt like he was going to explode. He couldn’t believe how this was turning out. Wanted to scream and shout his excitement and happiness so the whole world could hear. The smile that made its way on to his face was huge, so much so that it would probably scare anyone who saw it. Hyuuga Neji was never this happy.
Getting ready for the day, feeling much more energized and ready to go, Neji met with his uncle, apologizing for his strange behavior before he made a beeline towards Lee’s house. He really needed to apologize to the taijutsu master, especially as Lee had come by to try and see him at least 5 times. He knocked softly on the other’s apartment door and schooled his features. He was more than happy, but he wouldn’t let Lee know until the last minute.
He wasn’t surprised to see Gaara at the other’s apartment, but the smile the Kazekage got on his face was unexpected. The redhead didn’t even let the other say hello before he dragged the Hyuuga into the place and shut the door before he walked off, motioning for Neji to stay right where he was. It was seconds later when Lee came skidding out of the kitchen, taking in the sight of the Hyuuga for a moment before he jumped forward and wrapped his arms around him.
“Neji! You’re alright!” Lee cried out, his strength practically crushing Neji’s chest.
“Yes, Lee,” Neji coughed. “I-I’m fine! W-would you put me down?”
“I’m sorry, Neji!” Lee said immediately, setting the other on his feet. “I was just so worried.”
Neji gave him a sad smile. “Yes, I know. Shikamaru told me. I’m very sorry, Lee.”
“You will tell me why you were so upset,” Lee ordered, placing his hands on the Hyuuga’s shoulders, “but right now you must tell me who Shikamaru chose!”
“Yes, I must say that I’m rather curious,” Gaara stated, smirking as he leaned against the wall.
Neji smiled. He couldn’t help it. “That’s why I’m here. I’m here to invite you to my engagement party tonight.”
Lee’s eyes widened and he literally whooped, jumping into the air. Neji wished he wasn’t so afraid to do that, but decided that he’d let Lee do it for him. He chuckled when Lee wrapped his arms around the redhead, spinning him around in circles. Gaara was hissing at the other to put him down, but a smile was on his face nonetheless. Neji knew he’d have a lot of explaining to do, but at the moment, he found he didn’t care. He was too happy for words.
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*grabs earplugs* You can start squeeing now. Aw, they finally kissed! And it's only 11 chapters into the story. XD lol Oh come on! You can't say that it wasn't worth it! I mean, they kissed 3 times in this chapter! 3! It makes up for it right? Right? *sigh*
Reviews will let me know just how much you loved it! ^_^