The Way Things Are

Yay! New chapter! :D lol Have you guys figured out what Shikamaru is doing yet? lol

REVIEW REPLIES

ydjessy: Oh he has a lot planned for our dear white-eyed nin. Sasuke and Naruto will get their chance soon. XD

Ino-chan: Because they're steps! 2 steps down, X many to go! lol No, I'm kidding. I really do know how many steps there are. hee hee I'm glad you like the way it's going. :D

MiZuNa: Bwahahaha! You can't escape me! lol j/k Thank you for all of your many compliments! I really appreciate them. ^_^ I'm also glad that you like the Shikamaru/Neji smexyness. XD Hope you'll like this update!

Dying Dreams: Yes, indeed. Poor Neji. *snort* Yay for more Shikamaru/Neji-ness! lol We need more!

Kat: No, no sex soon, but there will be some other...things coming up. XD And thank you!

solitare1: Thank you! ^_^

Drivven Labyrinth: I'm glad you like it! :D

luxeflex: Shikamaru's a devious little bugger. XD I'm sure you'll enjoy what he has planned for our 'poor' Hyuuga. XD And thanks!

lonelydove: You'll just have to keep reading to find out. ^_^

PossessedMuse: Let's just say that the steps are Shikamaru's own invention. XD lol That's why you wouldn't get it. lol Hope you enjoy!

charmpit: Yes, he does, but Neji's a fast learner, right? :D

qwerty: Thank you! Hope you'll enjoy the new chapter. ^_^

ElfenDream: I should...maybe I should commission it...except I don't have any money...*sigh*

Lady Laran: A double wedding would be fun, but kind of hard to pull off. Besides, I have other plans for Sasuke and Naruto. kukukuku

Serenity: Perverted? Shikamaru? Nah...XD And yes, poor Neji...

Im The Dobe: Oh he'll be a VERY protective seme. XD lol The SasuNaru will come soon enough. :D

Sasurto: Yay! Another Neji/Shika fan! :D lol and yes, Lee's the seme. :D

Syake: The smut will come when it comes. XD Anyhow, I'm sure Neji is nervous and that he's just hiding it. ^_^ We have a photographer! Oh noes! lol j/k

XoXgaaraXoX: I hope you'll like it!

AngelicChaos: Thank you! I hope you'll enjoy the next chapter!! :D

SG21: Thank you so much. :D I know I'll get one shots out...eventually. XD When I can stop writing in the main storyline anyhow. Enjoy!

yaoilovergirl: Aw, thanks! *blush* Especially for the last part. Gods, I feel so awesome. ^_^

D.A. Maxwell: Thank you! I thought that was a rather genius line myself. XD lol The first step was a french kiss, the next was PDA, maybe you'll get the next one? lol

ShikaChouFan4Life: lol *hands you a free pass to the dentist* Whoops, my bad. XD lol

digiditz: Thank you!

Zenith-Kaitou: Indeed. What is the Nara genius planning? lol

jess249: Yay! Thank you! And yes, poor Neji.

Chibi-Berry: Happy day. :D ^_^ Thank you!

Anemone: Oh yes, the smut will be loverly. XD Thank you so much!

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Chapter 15

Two weeks had passed since Neji’s first try with PDA, and the embarrassing event of catching Lee and Gaara, and he would have to admit that he was feeling rather used to it. He no longer tensed when Shikamaru would grab his hand or slip an arm around his waist. Kisses were rarer than they had been before, mostly because both boys felt that they wanted to keep them special, but Neji wouldn’t try to pull away when the Nara would plant one on his cheek or lips.

Lee had apologized to Neji quite profusely that day after having shown up at the training field late, face flushed and a Kazekage at his heels. Neji blushed and told Lee not to worry about it. Shikamaru had been biting his tongue to keep himself from laughing, although it didn’t work very well. The Hyuuga had hit him upside the head, blushing even darker, and both Lee and Gaara demanded to know what was going on. So Shikamaru told them.

Neji was sure his life had flashed before his eyes that day. Sand had come straight for him and it took quick movements from Lee to save the poor Hyuuga from the redhead’s immediate wrath. Shikamaru had been on the ground laughing the whole time. Needless to say that Neji was furious with the other and refused to speak with him the next day, no matter what Shikamaru did. Gaara had apologized, rather stiffly, for his bout of anger, to which Neji said it wasn’t his fault and that he had no reason to apologize. Lee had insisted upon it though, so Neji respectfully accepted the other’s apology before spilling one of his own, threatening Shikamaru with a look so deadly that the Nara remained completely silent.

This particular day found the engaged couple inside of a parlor inside of the Hyuuga compound. Hinata was sitting by the windows of the room, speaking silently with her soon to be fiancé. Shino had immediately apologized to Shikamaru after he had been informed, to which the Nara had merely shrugged and said not to worry about it. Hanabi was sitting in one of the far corners, listening as her father gave her quiet advice about a recent mission she had been apart of, something that had dealt with a cat wearing a bow.

Neji, however, was in a fierce battle with the Nara. His eyes were looking for any opening that could possibly be to his advantage and not his opponent’s. Shikamaru was a formidable force, that was for certain, and Neji would not make the mistake of underestimating the lazy nin ever again. Last time he had done that, the other had beaten him with only 15 moves. The Hyuuga had been overly embarrassed and refused to be made a fool like that in a game of Shogi ever again.

“You’re really concentrating on this game,” Shikamaru stated, as Neji made a move.

“I will beat you someday, Nara Shikamaru,” Neji replied, scanning the board before he let go of his piece.

Shikamaru smirked. “Are you going to try and aim for that today?” With an almost lazy move, he moved one of his own pieces and captured one of Neji’s pieces.

Neji cursed inside of his head. “If possible, yes. Although, I’m not trying my hardest with this game.”

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. “Oh really?”

Neji merely hummed as he moved a piece, pausing before he removed his fingers from it. “Yes, really.”

Shikamaru sighed and took his turn. “Check. Tell you what, after this game, we play another one.”

Neji frowned. Why hadn’t he seen that? He quickly countered the other’s move and protected his king, not wanting to lose this game just yet. “I thought you were growing tired of playing against me.”

The corners of Shikamaru’s mouth curved slightly upwards. “Well, if you’re not trying your hardest, I want to see your best. Should we make the next game interesting?”

Neji slowly raised his eyes to the Nara, smirking. “How so?”

“I know you’ve been trying to figure out what I’ve been doing these past two weeks,” Shikamaru answered, not having to explain what he meant. He knew that the Hyuuga would understand. “If you win the next game, I’ll tell you what I’ve been up to.” He calmly placed made a new move. “Check.”

No longer paying attention to the game, Neji looked up at the Nara, a skeptical look in his eye. Quickly looking down at the board he saved his king yet again, knowing he was going to lose. “And if you win?”

The Nara looked up slowly from the board, the glint that Neji had seen so many times before and couldn’t name resting in his eyes. “Then I get to claim a prize of my choice. Anything that I want.”

Frowning, Neji sat up straight. “That’s rather unfair, don’t you think?”

Shikamaru chuckled and moved the final piece in this game. “Checkmate. Fine then. If you win, you not only get to know my plans, but you’ll get anything you want. Fair?”

“Unfair, but it sounds intriguing for both sides.”

Neji turned to look over at his uncle, who had migrated across the room. “Forgive me for eavesdropping, Neji, but it was hard to resist.”

“It’s fine, uncle,” Neji respond, smiling gently. “I wasn’t offended.”

“Besides,” Shikamaru said, stretching his back, “you weren’t the only one doing it.” He looked back towards Hinata and Shino and smirked.

Hinata had the decency to let a blush cover her features, while Shino merely smirked. “No, he wasn’t. You’re conversation caught both of our attentions.”

“A rather epic game it would be, wouldn’t it?” Hiashi smiled. “I’ve never seen you play this hard against me Neji and yet you claim to not be doing your best? It piques one’s curiosity.”

“Forgive me,” Neji smirked, “but I’ve been told to never show what you’re completely capable of unless absolutely necessary, uncle.”

“So what do you say?” Shikamaru grinned. “Willing to take me up on my deal?”

Neji stared at the Nara for a good few seconds before he nodded. “Very well. I’ll accept.”

“You won’t mind if we watch, would you?” Hiashi asked with a small grin on his face.

“Not at all,” Shikamaru smirked as he started to set the pieces again. “It would actually make this more interesting.”

Neji raised an eyebrow as he set up his own pieces. “I suppose that true. Maybe they could distract you for me.”

The Nara chuckled. “Is that what you’re hoping and planning for?”

The Hyuuga snorted. “Not in the least. I’m just saying it could happen. I don’t need a distraction from an outside source to provide a real challenge for you.”

Shikamaru’s smirk grew. “I hope you’re right. Other than my dad, it’s been a while since I’ve had a decent challenge.”

Neji frowned. “And here I thought I was already giving you a challenge.”

“Didn’t you just tell your uncle that you should never show what you’re completely capable of?” Shikamaru asked, raising an eyebrow.

Neji chuckled and shook his head. “Start the game, Shikamaru.”

The Nara did as he was told and it wasn’t long before the game had attracted the attention of everyone in the room. Unlike their other games where Shikamaru would simply move a piece, he was actually studying the board this time, even if it was for a couple of seconds, before he made a move. Neji had decided before the game that he wasn’t actually going to play his hardest, but make it look like he was. Hopefully the Nara would fall for it.

Each turn was taken with deep consideration nonetheless. If he could beat the Nara, not only would he get to find out what that brain of his was up to, he’d also get anything he wanted. What would he want that the Nara could give? He wasn’t lacking in any physical attention. That was for sure. As he carefully studied the board, an answer came to his mind. If he won this game, he would ask the Nara how he really felt about him. It was one thing to be stuck in a situation such as theirs, but did the Nara feel the same way as he did? It would be nice to hear a vocal confirmation.

“You’re really giving it your all,” Shikamaru said thoughtfully, grabbing the bottom of his chin.

“Isn’t that what you wanted me to do?” Neji asked, moving a piece on the board.

Shikamaru smirked and nodded. “So I did. I didn’t expect you to really do so.”

Neji smirked. Fooled you. “Hn.”

“You’re definitely giving me a challenge,” Shikamaru stated, slowly lifting a piece and setting it down. “I actually have to think about my moves.”

Hiashi frowned. “That was quite rude.”

“Not at all,” Neji stated, staring at the board. “Shikamaru’s brain thinks on its own all the time, as I’ve noticed with most of our games. To hear him say that he actually has to put effort into those thoughts is a compliment, not an insult.”

“I’m glad you caught that,” Shikamaru grinned. “Most would have been insulted.”

“Neji’s not called a genius for no reason,” Hanabi grinned, watching the game with more interest than any of the other observers.

Neji gave his cousin a small smile. “Thank you, Hanabi.”

“U-Um, I a-am curious,” Hinata said quietly. “Wh-what is it that y-you want most, Shikamaru?”

Shikamaru merely blinked as Neji made a move. “I’m afraid I can only reveal that to Neji.” He bit the inside of his lip. If he wasn’t careful, the game would become a draw.

Shino raised a brow. “Is it really something that secretive?”

“If Neji wants to tell you about it later, or if I lose, you’ll know then,” Shikamaru answered, letting out a soft sigh. He took one more look at the board before he closed his eyes and put his fingers together in the way that let everyone around him know he was deep in thought.

Neji smiled to himself. It was a major compliment to see that. Whether it was for show or not, it meant a lot to the Hyuuga. He relaxed slightly in his posture, simply staring at the Nara with an interested gaze. Hanabi shifted in her seat, trying to decide what move would be best for Shikamaru and how Neji could counter it. She looked back and forth between the fiancés and smiled. They worked well together, the two of them. From the look Hinata gave her, she agreed.

With a smirk, Shikamaru opened his eyes and lowered his hands. He slowly moved a piece, one that Neji couldn’t believe he had moved. His brain started to race. Why had he moved that one? It left him wide open. Neji’s eyes narrowed as he tried to deduce what Shikamaru was planning. Nothing was coming to mind and it was frustrating Neji. Did Shikamaru want to lose? Is that what he was doing? Frowning, the Hyuuga slowly moved his own piece, moving in a way that Shikamaru obviously wanted him to.

As the game progressed, Neji immediately regretted doing such a thing. He had miscalculated on one thing and now he was losing. His mind was racing to come up with any way to turn the game around or force the other to a draw, but nothing was coming to his mind. His frown increased more and more as the idea of losing came more fully to mind. Shaking his head, he did what he could, but it wasn’t long before the match was completely and utterly won by the Nara.

“That was a good game,” Hiashi stated, patting Neji on the shoulder. “Do not take the loss too seriously. You played very well.”

“Better than that,” Shikamaru stated, sitting up straight. “I’ve never really taken that much time to think things out with my dad. I usually just let him win in those instances because I don’t really care about winning or losing.”

Hinata smiled gently at her cousin. “You r-really did play very well, Neji.”

Hanabi nodded her head agreement. “I want you to teach me how to play, Neji.”

Neji let out a breathy laugh. “I will some day, Hanabi. In the mean time, you should learn the basics from your father. I tend to elaborate too much on the basics.”

Hiashi smiled. “I’d be very glad to teach you right now if you’d like.”

“Yes please!” Hanabi smiled.

Shikamaru stood to his feet. “I think I’ll be claiming my prize, Neji.”

The said man sighed heavily before he too stood to his feet. “Very well. What is it that you want?”

Shikamaru smirked. “Follow me.”

Neji bowed respectively to those left in the room before he followed the Nara out of the large room. Shikamaru grinned and grabbed Neji’s hand, leading the somewhat confused jounin down the hallways of the Hyuuga compound. Still confused when they came up to his room, Neji simply followed the other inside and stepped more fully into the room as Shikamaru closed the door behind him, the glint in his eyes again.

“You didn’t try your hardest,” Shikamaru stated, grabbing the Hyuuga’s hand and pulling him onto the bed.

Neji’s mind panicked for a moment before he shoved the irrational thought away. “Oh? What makes you say that?”

“There were quite a few times where you could have had me,” Shikamaru explained. “You weren’t giving it your all. I was helping you save face in the room.”

“Hn.” Neji frowned. He berated himself for thinking that he could have possibly beaten the other in wits and knowledge.

“As such, I think I’ll claim what I want second most from you,” Shikamaru grinned, pulling the Hyuuga closer to him, “as claiming what I want most wouldn’t be fair.”

Neji fully intended on protesting, but the thought died when Shikamaru’s lips pressed against his own. He smiled into the chaste kiss, eyes closing as the Nara’s taste filled his mouth and flowed through him. He let the other pull and push him to his bed, effectively placing him underneath the younger male. One of the Nara’s arms was wrapped around the dip in Neji’s back while the other was placed, almost possessively, on Neji’s neck.

The Hyuuga moaned softly as the kiss continued, his hands sliding to grip Shikamaru’s biceps, fingers putting slight pressure on the muscles he found there. The Nara pulled away momentarily, gasping quickly for air before he went back to kissing the white-eyed nin below him, pushing Neji’s head a little further into the bed under the pressure. Yet Neji couldn’t find a second to care. He was completely enveloped with the way this man was kissing him.

Neji wasn’t completely prepared for the tongue that swiped across his bottom lip and gasped in surprise. Shikamaru smirked as his tongue slid inside of the other’s mouth, groaning quietly. Neji welcomed the muscle into his mouth, sucking on it before he let his own slide against the Nara’s, moaning happily when Shikamaru returned the sucking gesture. He was so absorbed into the kisses that he didn’t realize that the hand on his neck was moving.

He shivered as the fingers slowly caressed his skin, the digits sliding smoothly over and down as they started to pull the fabric of his shirt away from his shoulder. The back of his mind was screaming at him, telling him to get off of the bed because this was not supposed to happen until later. Yet he couldn’t find himself thinking clearly enough to care. Shikamaru was intoxicating and the Hyuuga was completely and totally addicted.

When the other pulled away from his lips and started to kiss his cheeks and jaw line, Neji didn’t think much of it. But the Nara started kissing down his neck and Neji couldn’t help but squirm under the touch. He gasped sharply when Shikamaru’s tongue flicked out to trace under Neji’s chin before it slithered over his Adam’s apple, disappearing back into the other’s mouth only so Shikamaru could kiss the little bump before he went lower.

“Shika-ah! What a-are you doing?” Neji panted as his fingers slid up the other’s arms.

“It’s called necking Neji,” Shikamaru breathed, pressing another light kiss to the other’s neck. “And that can lead to many other things.”

Neji froze.
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Oh, what's going to happen? Aren't I cruel? XD

Please, sirs (and ladies), I want some more (reviews that is!)