Break to Breathe

 

BREAK TO BREATHE

by Okami Rayne

Chapter Sixteen

Ten hours…

Shikamaru sighed.

It seemed like they'd been walking longer. Well, at least he and Hinata had been walking. Naruto and Lee had flipped between sprinting and jogging, bouncing and bounding. Lee had even resorted to walking on his hands after losing out on some stupid bet to Naruto, fully intent on modelling his jumpsuit-wearing sensei by going the final miles on his palms.

Shikamaru glanced over his shoulder at the green-clad ninja.

Lee looked ridiculous; like some odd contortionist attempting to mimic a scorpion as he walked along on his hands, knees bent to balance out his weight. Naruto was staring in fascination, torn between admiration and amusement at the insane display.

Neji's words came back to Shikamaru in a brief skitter across his mind.

"I can't keep up with the idiocy of it."

Yeah, which is why you assigned them both to me, you sneaky bastard…

He was drawn from his internal seethe by Hinata's soft voice at his shoulder.

"Shouldn't you…um, say something, Shikamaru-kun?" Hinata said, observing the handstand-walking with concern.

"Probably." Shikamaru shrugged, continuing on at a leisurely pace.

He'd calculated distance and time already; also accounting for delays. They'd make good time, provided Lee could keep up, but judging by the ridiculous willpower the bushy-browed ninja possessed, that didn't seem to be a problem. In fact, it didn't even qualify as a problem compared to the massive, troublesome mess Shikamaru's head was in.

Dammit.

Re-working a strategy in this mind state was problematic. Re-working two strategies and weaving them together seamlessly was almost impossible. Not only because he was still too pissed off to think straight, but also because he actually needed to discuss the first game-plan with Neji. Another inevitable confrontation; one that he guessed might possibly lead to one of them dead by the other's hands, if he couldn't curb his anger by then.

Troublesome…

His attention was briefly sidetracked by Naruto's squawk of surprise as Lee expertly manoeuvred himself up the pebble-strewn incline.

"Man, bushy-brow, doesn't that kill your hands?" Naruto grimaced, walking alongside the upturned ninja.

Lee shook his head, almost costing him his balance. "If I cannot go the next mile on my hands, then I will go the next two on my knees alone!"

"Wouldn't that be easier?" Naruto grinned.

Lee looked mortified, turning his red-face up towards Naruto. "You are right. Then it will be the next four miles on—"

"Your ass, if you don't settle down," Shikamaru muttered, glancing over his shoulder at the two of them. "And that won't be easier by a long shot."

"Whoa, is that even possible?" Naruto paused to glance down at his posterior, jutting his butt out while attempting to configure a method.

"Idiot." Shikamaru sighed.

Hinata blushed beside him, averting her lavender eyes from Naruto. She looped her hair back behind her ear in that nervous way that made Shikamaru consider accidently nudging her into the loudmouth Uzumaki, just to shake things up a bit. A good thing he couldn't be bothered.

"Hey, Shikamaru! How far to go?" Naruto called from behind.

Too far, probably…

Shikamaru tugged out a map from his flak jacket, unfurling the scrolled paper to glance over the plan without pausing. He estimated a half hour or so, given no complications.

"Not far. We'll converge with Neji's team soon."

He heard Naruto kick up dust behind them with a sigh.

"Why do they get to go on ahead anyway?" Naruto grumbled.

"I told you before. They're recon and we're backup." Shikamaru slipped the map away with a sigh. "Which means no crazy, troublesome crap, got it?"

"Yeah, yeah."

Shikamaru placed little confidence in that response, knowing full well that keeping a leash on Naruto was like trying to pin down a damn cyclone. Uzumaki was a whirlwind, even when he occasionally slowed down, he never stopped spinning. Shikamaru just wanted to coast along at an easy, predictable pace.

No hassle, no trouble.

Dammit, Hyūga…

Trust Neji to have ensured Naruto was on the backup team; a smart move on the Hyūga's part. He'd slid the loud, unpredictable and uncontrollable piece neatly over to Shikamaru's side while apprehending the vital player Shikamaru had needed.

Sakura.

The Nara grit his teeth, his mind playing over the ruined plan. He'd had everything in place, everyone in place. Sakura, Hinata, himself and Neji; that had been the plan and he knew he could have worked it. There had been no real choice but to work it.

That was the deal, after all.

Despite Tsunade playing into Neji's damn strategy. As much as Shikamaru tried to convince himself that she'd had her hands tied in the matter, it didn't do anything to alleviate the frustration in his system. It pushed into his steps and he only noticed he'd accelerated their leisurely pace when someone touched his elbow.

"Hmn?" Shikamaru turned his head, glancing across at a pair of soft lavender eyes. "You okay?"

"I was, um, going to ask you that, Shikamaru-kun," Hinata said.

Crap.

"Yeah, I'm just calculating." Shikamaru quirked his lip and let his feet fall into a steadier step, walking on at a less agitated pace.

"Shikamaru-kun?"

"Yeah?"

"I…" Hinata hesitated, her eyes darting over her shoulder briefly.

Shikamaru frowned, following her gaze towards Naruto and Lee before looking back to her. She cast him a conflicted look, almost apologetic. Oddly enough, this presented an opportunity he knew he'd have to take sooner or later.

No time like the crappy present.

"Naruto, Lee." Shikamaru stopped walking. "Hinata's picking up some activity ahead."

He ignored Hinata's wide-eyed blink, trusting that she'd hide her surprise better than her blushes. The other two had stopped chatting; Lee comically frozen in a handstand while Naruto seemed to be fighting back his eagerness at the prospect of something exciting.

"I need you guys to check it out," Shikamaru said, turning around in a lazy pivot.

Naruto's eyes lit-up, anticipation pulling his previously downturned mouth into a grin.

"You got it!" Uzumaki gave the famous thumbs up as Lee flipped onto his feet again.

"Leave it to us, Shikamaru-kun," the green-clad ninja saluted.

"Just keep to the trees and report back what you find," Shikamaru said. "Don't go far. Hinata and I will take the ground."

"On it!" Naruto brushed his thumb under his chin with another wild grin.

Shikamaru smiled a little, watching Naruto spring up to the autumn-stained canopies, Lee hot on his heels and gaining speed. Given their enthusiasm, the Nara knew it wouldn't take them long, which meant he had just about enough time to pose that troublesome question.

"So," he turned to Hinata. "What's wrong?"

Hinata lowered her eyes from the trees. "You never told me…what you decided."

"What I decided..." Shikamaru echoed, not posing it as a question though he could tell from the concern in her voice that she was going to elaborate.

He already knew her answer.

"Neji," Hinata said.

Shikamaru snorted, cocking a hip as he rubbed at the knot in his brow. "Your cousin is more of a troublesome pain in the ass than I anticipated."

Hinata lifted her lashes, pinning him with that soft, sad look.

Ah shit…Why does she always do that thing with her eyes…

Try as he might, he couldn't get angry about it; because Hinata's gaze carried an apology she shouldn't have been offering, considering her motives. She cared, despite all the danger it invited. She placed her heart in her actions so unguardedly. She'd also placed her hope in him. And as much as it troubled Shikamaru, he couldn't take offense at it. He'd have felt guilty if hadn't still wanted to strangle Neji.

The Nara sighed softly. "I never told you, because at the time the less you knew the better. In fact, that kinda still applies."

Hinata frowned, her timid nature not allowing for a scowl; though the gentle tremble in her voice smoothed out into that same rare but confident tone she'd taken with him before.

"I'm not defenceless." She squared her shoulders. "I want to help."

Shikamaru nodded. "I know that. But I cut a deal…and it's not the kind of bargain you want Neji to know you were willingly a part of, okay?"

Hinata tilted her head, but Shikamaru didn't give anything away to her perceptive eyes. He knew she was searching his face, so he kept it blank and tired, punching the rest of his thoughts and troubles into a corner of his mind that he'd deal with later.

"Willingly a part of?" Hinata took a step forward, the softness in her face hardening a little. "But I am. I want to help, Shikamaru-kun."

Shikamaru took a step back, shaking his head. "I know. I planned on taking you up on that, but indirectly."

"Then at least tell me…about this agreement," Hinata's pale fingers curled into small fists. "I don't need to be protected."

Shikamaru almost smiled at those words.

Here comes the Hyūga pride.

"I know you want to help, but it has to be in a roundabout way. Which means you can't know as much as I know." Shikamaru dropped his gaze to her shoulder. "That's how it's got to be."

"But why?" Hinata's voice shook with frustration on the last word.

Shikamaru parted his lips to respond – but didn't. Because suddenly the realisation of just why pierced him like a stab in the gut. To make it worse, the discomfort twisted deeper with the knowledge that suddenly, this understanding bothered him. It hadn't at the time he'd made the deal.

Get a grip.

It hadn't mattered then, it shouldn't matter now.

Impartial judgement…that's what I need here…

Shikamaru offered no response to the hurt in Hinata's eyes or the crumple of concern on her face. Instead he turned on his heel and began walking again. He needed to keep moving forward. Standing still would only get him to start picking apart his own plans…and worse…it would cause him to question his motives.

Up until this moment he hadn't even thought to do that.

There's no way I can start now.

"Shikamaru-kun!" Hinata caught up to him, grabbing his elbow lightly. "Please…don't just shut me out…"

Shikamaru shook his head. "Hinata…"

"You don't trust me?"

Just stop.

Shikamaru sighed, his jaw twitching. "That's not it."

Hinata kept pushing. "Then…then tell me why you won't tell me."

"The less you know the better." He lengthened his strides, but she kept up.

"Why?" she insisted, her fingers reaching for his arm again. "Tell me why y—"

"Dammit!" Shikamaru snapped, twisting around sharply enough that Hinata flinched back a step. "Fine, I'll tell you why."

"Shik—" Hinata cut off as he drew close.

His words ground out fierce and low. "If Neji thought for one moment that you had a direct hand in what I'd planned then you can take the progress you've made with him over the last three years and flush it down the goddamn drain!"

Shikamaru held her gaze, his eyes uncharacteristically fierce.

Hinata stared back at him, her lips parted but no sound coming out.

He curbed his angry tone as he shook his head, his voice dropping to a murmur.

"'Cause there's no way in hell he'd ever trust you again – that's why."

The minute the words were out, Shikamaru felt that sharp knife-like twinge twist deeper. He immediately ignored it, setting his focus on the look of shock and uncertainty on Hinata's face. But too soon her expression gave way to something softer.

"Shikamaru…"

"It's not worth that risk, Hinata," he reasoned. "You've come way too far with Neji after all that trouble with your clan. We've got crap options in how to deal with this…but that's just how it is. You don't deserve to lose his trust over it."

"Neither do you," Hinata said, the lilac hue of her eyes shimmering with sadness, a knowing kind of sadness.

Shit.

Shikamaru had to take another step away from her, needing distance from what those eyes threatened to provoke. He couldn't afford to think like that. He scanned the area around them, shaking his head as he rubbed at the tension in his nape before dropping his hand.

"Look, I'm just doing what I have to do, okay? I made a deal." Shikamaru shrugged, not meeting her gaze. "That's all that matters. It's not personal for me like it is for you. It doesn't affect me either way."

He sensed that Hinata was shaking her head, catching her movements out the corner of his eye as she took a step closer.

"Shikamaru-kun…"

Shikamaru smoothly stepped away from her, making it look like he was lapsing back into a stroll, letting his words roll over his shoulder.

"I'll need to rework my strategy, but I also need to know that you won't question it. Just trust me and do what I say when the time comes to deal with Neji. Can you do that?"

"Yes." No hesitation – and thankfully, no questions.

Shikamaru kept walking, not looking back or across when Hinata caught up with him, quietly falling into step. They moved on in silence, their shadows melting away as the forest grew dimmer around them, early evening swallowing up the light. Good. Shikamaru had no problem with the dark; it would help disguise the twist of confusion fighting for control of his face.

Hell…just let me sleep this off…

He allowed himself to indulge that thought before a beacon flashed ahead in the form of a familiar grin and yellow hair.

"Coast's clear!" Naruto yelled, cupping a hand to his mouth so his voice carried. It was completely unnecessary.

Shikamaru didn't have the energy to even respond. Then, without warning, Lee took a swan-dive from the canopies, touching down in a neat roll that pushed him back into his handstand, poised for his ridiculous walk.

"No enemies in sight!" Lee confirmed, managing an impressive one-armed handstand to salute with his free palm.

"Good to know." Shikamaru shook his head, strolling on past and grabbing the opportunity for humour. "If you injure yourself, Naruto is carrying you."

"Yeah right!" Naruto scowled, folding his arms behind his head with a snort before narrowing his eyes. "I'll bet I get your expired ramen coupons too, huh? You know that was real cheap, Shikamaru!"

"I know." Shikamaru rolled his shoulder, shrugging his ninja bag into the crook of his arm before crouching down, sifting through the contents with one hand while tugging the map free from his flak jacket with the other.

"Hinata?" he called, turning his head when the kunoichi stepped over. "Think you can get a range on the others? They should be at the assembly point by now."

The Hyūga nodded, activating her Byakugan as Shikamaru pulled out a water canteen, taking a sip while Naruto grumbled something about ramen and Lee flipped back onto his feet. The Nara splashed his face with some of the water in a vain attempt to wash away the tiredness creeping in around his eyes.

Damn. I need to sleep…

He could barely contain his relief when Hinata turned to him with a faint smile.

"They're setting up camp. Akamaru and Kiba are already coming this way."

Shikamaru twisted the cap onto his water canteen, slipping it back into his pack before shouldering the bag as he stood. "Okay, let's meet them half-way. Take the lead."

Slotting the map away, Shikamaru followed after Hinata, briefly checking that Naruto and Lee were filing along behind him before flicking his gaze back to the kunoichi. Hinata wove her way gracefully, leading them away from the path they'd been following and into the denser mesh of the forest. Sure enough, there came a rustle of white between the trees further along the trail; a bounding Akamaru.

"Akamaru." Hinata held out her hand as the dog went straight to her, nuzzling her palm and wagging his tail in a gentle swish.

Shikamaru arched a brow at the affectionate canine before Akamaru turned toward him, butted his flak jacket with a wet nose and nipped his thumb sharply.

"Hey!" Shikamaru scowled, wondering why he was always on the receiving end of a pig's glare and a dog's bite. "Seriously, what the hell was that for?"

"He's just messin' with you," Kiba laughed, dropping down from the trees in an animal-like crouch before grinning. "Unless you've been sneakin' a smoke again."

"Gonna spot check me, Inuzuka?" Shikamaru deadpanned, rolling his eyes before flexing his nipped thumb.

Kiba laughed, watching with pride as Akamaru greeted Naruto and Lee with more enthusiasm, his great white tail smacking both of them as he sniffed at their palms. Then Kiba flicked his animal-like eyes to Hinata and made a quick, barely noticeable sweep of his gaze, assessing her for injury. Shikamaru didn't miss it; he made a mental note to keep in mind Shino and Kiba's protectiveness of the Hyūga.

"You guys made good time." Kiba jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "Neji's got us setting up camp. Hope you brought an appetite."

As if on cue, Naruto's stomach orchestrated a rather colourful rumble. Shikamaru smiled, glancing over his shoulder.

"How fast can you run, Naruto?" The Nara smirked.

"Huh?" Naruto blinked. "Why?"

"Just wondering if it's as fast as Chōji eats."

Naruto's eyes widened, almost watered, before he bolted like a shot, a flash of orange shouting something unintelligible that dragged out like a howl as he catapulted along the tree boughs.

For a moment no one spoke.

"That is admirable speed," Lee eventually breathed out.

"Way to his heart is through his stomach, huh?" Kiba grinned savagely, nudging Hinata with his elbow. "Remember that, huh?"

"Kiba!" Hinata blushed furiously, hiding her face behind her hair as Kiba laughed.

Shikamaru smiled, but saved her further embarrassment. "Did Neji say how long he wanted to break for, Kiba?"

The Inuzuka shook his head. "He said to ask you."

"Real thoughtful," Shikamaru muttered.

Kiba cocked his head in tandem with Akamaru. "What's that?"

"Nothing. Let's go."

---

Eat. Sleep. Strategise.

This was the plan. Shikamaru kept his eyes on Akamaru as the dog padded ahead of the group, leading them to the assembly point. They'd selected a small clearing on the map, well located and close enough to a water source without being an obvious spot to set up camp. Shikamaru hoped Naruto knew which way he was going when he'd sprung off.

"We're here," Kiba called over his shoulder.

Shikamaru glanced up, noting the firelight flickering through the dense foliage ahead.

If Neji thought it was safe enough to light a fire, then we should be clear for the night. Two lookouts at a time should do it…just in case.

The arriving team stepped into the clearing and Shikamaru did a quick sweep. Four tents had been pitched, the canvas flaps swaying in the evening breeze. Sure enough, a small fire crackled in the centre of the camp, a halo of light pulsing out to illuminate the figures sat around it.

Eat. Sleep.

"Oh come on!" a coarse voice barked.

Shikamaru arched a brow. Naruto sat, gesticulating wildly, his chopsticks clacking and smacking against Chōji's in a miniature sword fight as they battled for a strip of rationed meat. Sakura was patiently laying out the pieces to roast on a makeshift rack she'd put together.

"Quit it!" she shouted, aiming a swipe at Naruto that missed, but cost him the fight - and the food.

"Dammit!" Naruto scowled.

Shikamaru shook his head, gravitating towards the warmth of the fire as Hinata and Lee rounded the other side. He did a quick headcount. Everyone present, except Neji.

Figures.

Chōji continued to laugh at Naruto, before looking up as the Nara approached. Shikamaru met his friend's gaze and smiled, nodding as he sat down across from the Akimichi.

"You okay?" Chōji asked.

"I need to sleep." Shikamaru shrugged his pack from his shoulder. "Where's Neji?"

"He's just making sure we're clear," Sakura said, leaning over to hand Shikamaru a portion of food. "We should be there by tomorrow evening, right?"

"That's the plan. We'll need two people on lookout. We'll swap shifts accordingly." Shikamaru paused to chew before flicking his gaze around the circle. "Who wants first watch?"

Naruto blinked owlishly, then slanted in an attempt to hide himself behind Hinata's back. The kunoichi froze with her food halfway to her mouth, eyes wide as a blush crested up her throat to her face. Kiba puffed out his cheeks in an attempt not to laugh, smacking a fist to his lips.

"Hinata and Naruto," he coughed into his hand.

"Kiba!" Naruto and Hinata yelped at the same time, for entirely different reasons.

"Seeing as you spoke up first, maybe you should take first watch," Shikamaru drawled, smirking at the Inuzuka's groan.

"What do you think, Akamaru?" Kiba ruffled the dog's fur affectionately before shrugging. "Yeah okay, whatever."

"Alright, Kiba and Lee take first watch."

Lee gave the thumbs up. "Right!"

"Naruto and Chōji second and Sakura and Hinata third." Shikamaru held up a palm to cut Naruto off as the Uzumaki eyed him suspiciously. "Neji and I need to confirm the game plan, which means I'm gonna get less sleep than you, okay? We'll probably head out before dawn."

At the approving nods, Shikamaru returned his attention to his food, content to just listen to the banter shooting around the circle without getting caught in the crossfire. The friendly buzz eased some of his tension, so he sat quietly, watching the flames as the others talked. It wasn't long before the food was finished and the chopstick battle for the last morsel finally over. Confirming the watch rota, Kiba and Lee began to make their way to their separate posts.

Shikamaru stayed by the fire as the girls headed to one of the tents. Naruto had already dozed off on the spot while Chōji polished off his victory strip of meat. For a moment, it was pleasantly quiet. Shikamaru continued to watch the dance of the flames as the fire split and popped the kindling. He barely noticed that Chōji had moved until his friend sat down next to him.

"Ino wasn't happy about the team swap," the Akimichi said after a moment of silence.

Shikamaru blinked slowly, his chin propped in his palm. "I'll bet. Sakura one-upping her again, hmn?"

"Yeah," Chōji chuckled, shaking his head "She's too feisty about it. Hey, did Asuma-sensei tell you about the Nijū Shōtai?"

Shikamaru slid his gaze across without turning his head. "You and Ino got roped into it too, hmn?"

"Well, Asuma-sensei recommended us. He was going to do the same for you…" Chōji pursed his lips, frowning a little. "But you'd already signed up."

Shit…

Shikamaru straightened up a little, sensing the shift in Chōji's tone. "I know I didn't tell you. I'd been meaning to…I've just been busy lately."

"Ino was angry you didn't say anything." Chōji shook his head. "But I'm not."

Shikamaru blinked, looking across questioningly. He hadn't expected that.

Chōji simply smiled, shaking his head. "I know you've got your reasons, Shikamaru."

Shikamaru turned his head away and closed his eyes, an immense wave of relief washing away the tightness in his face. He'd never been more grateful for the fact that Chōji knew him so well. He wasn't sure he could take another session of tip-toeing around someone; especially his closest friend.

You're a good guy, Chōji.

"Yeah, something like that." Shikamaru smiled, clapping his friend on the shoulder before pushing to his feet. "Get some rest, yeah?"

Chōji nodded. "You too."

"Bet on it." Shikamaru bit back a yawn, stepping over a dozing Naruto before nudging the Uzumaki with his heel. "Hey, don't fall asleep by the fire."

"Eh?" Naruto mumbled sleepily.

"I said your hair's on fire."

"WHAT!" Naruto bolted upright, ruffling his fingers through his yellow spikes manically.

Chōji laughed, helping the Uzumaki to his feet as Shikamaru made his way towards one of the tents.

Finally. Sleep.

A hand smacked onto his shoulder.

Oh give me a break…

"Shikamaru, got a minute?" Naruto stepped back, his usually sunny features a little overcast. "I kinda wanted to talk to you."

And I kinda wanted to sleep.

"Man you pick your moments." Shikamaru sighed loudly, reaching up to rub at his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Okay, what's up?"

He heard Naruto shuffle awkwardly for a moment. "I never really thanked you, you know."

What?

Shikamaru dropped his hand, frowning. "What?"

Naruto offered a faint smile, his blue eyes settling from their energetic sparkle to a calmer gaze. Shikamaru couldn't help but be a little nervous about that.

"Thanked me for what?" he prompted, his mind searching for what Naruto could be referring to.

"Well…your support I guess," Naruto's brow furrowed and a seldom seen seriousness etched into his normally laughing face. "With Sasuke."

Ah.

Shikamaru shook his head. "No need to thank me for that."

"No." Naruto's fingers tightened into loose fists. "I do…I don't really have a lot of direct support…apart from Sakura. And it's not easy getting those looks from Kakashi-sensei and Jiraiya-sama…"

Shikamaru nodded gravely. If Naruto's expression and voice hadn't been enough to translate his sincerity, the use of Jiraiya's name instead of the usual 'Pervy Sage' was enough to convince anyone he was serious. Not that it was necessary. Shikamaru could tell just from looking at him.

"You've always had my back, Shikamaru…you and the others. No matter what the cost. You guys have risked your lives." Naruto smiled weakly. "I know you don't even like Sasuke."

"You're right, I don't," Shikamaru said flatly. "Never did."

"Yeah, but you're always helping me out." Naruto glanced down at his fists, drawing a shaky breath. "Do you think I'm kiddin' myself?"

Shikamaru's eyes widened before his features smoothed out again, keeping his expression blank as he considered his next words.

"I think you're doing what you have to do, Naruto."

"Yeah? Well I can't give up." Naruto swallowed, shaking his head. "If I do, then it's like…spittin' in the face of those who helped me when I was a kid. When I could have slipped into the same place that Sasuke's in…I can't just…leave him there."

Shikamaru watched him quietly for a moment. "I know."

And he did know. Somewhat wishing he didn't. Because as he watched Naruto wrestle with that conflict, he suddenly saw the clear parallel between what Naruto was saying and what Hinata had said to him days before about Neji.

"He needs someone…to stop him from…slipping back…"

Suddenly he knew what to say to Naruto, because he was saying it to himself at the same time.

"You're doing what any friend would do, Naruto." The Nara traced his gaze across to the campfire. "You're doing what you believe is right and that's reason enough…no matter what."

Naruto didn't respond immediately, he seemed to be pulling some kind of strength from the words before finally nodding.

"Thanks, Shikamaru." Naruto smiled, his expression brightening again. "You're right."

Yeah?

Shikamaru glanced back and just about managed to return the smile.

…I sure as hell hope so.

---

The cold woke him.

A chilly breeze that rustled the canvas flap as it was drawn back and left to flutter shut again. Shikamaru tried to ignore it, but the scent of wood-smoke from the smothered campfire stirred him further, destroying any attempt to let his mind lull back into a dreamless sleep. His dark eyes flicked open half-way, adjusting to the gloom enough to vaguely discern a figure in darkness before he closed them again, shaking his head.

"Not happening." He rolled onto his side with a groan.

"Get up."

"Get lost."

"Nara."

"If I don't catch a nap, I'm gonna develop narcolepsy on this mission."

"You mean you don't suffer from it already?" Neji uttered dryly.

Shikamaru snorted, not moving. "Funny."

"We need to discuss our strategy for when we enter Hanegakure."

"Oh, so now you wanna collaborate?" Shikamaru ground out, gripping the sheets to tug them up over his head. "Wake me in an hour, 'cause I'm not moving."

Shikamaru was moving before he knew what hit him.

A split second later he realised it was ice cold water.

"What the fuck?" he yelped, twisting around to squint and glare unsuccessfully in the darkness, his eyes seeking movement.

"Whatever works," Neji said, and Shikamaru heard the thud of his water canteen as the Hyūga dropped it back onto the ground. "Now get up."

Shikamaru gauged the direction of Neji's voice and reacted on tired anger. He swung his leg out, knowing the Hyūga had no hope of leaping high enough without smacking into the roof of the low tent. The hit brushed the Jōnin but didn't connect. However, it was enough to give Shikamaru an indication of where Neji would be forced to retreat, so the Nara took a literal swing in the dark.

His fist smacked into the cage of Neji's palm.

Got you.

"Not even close," Neji's breath touched his cheek.

"Close enough," Shikamaru returned, hooking his leg around Neji's knee and tugging sharply.

He smirked at the sound of Neji's sharp inhale, then twisted as they toppled, coming up on top as Neji went down beneath him. In the darkness it was impossible to gauge the look on the Hyūga's face, but Shikamaru could just about picture it. Lip curled back in a snarl and opal eyes flashing.

"Know the layout before you act, Hyūga."

Shikamaru didn't even have time to gloat before a sharp, ear-ringing crack struck his brow, slamming pain across his skull. He didn't realise he was on his back until Neji's voice sounded from above him.

"Know your opponent's disposition before you piss him off, Nara."

Shikamaru couldn't even respond. White spots were bursting before his eyes, a high-pitched ring trilling in his head and he knew he was probably seeing double. A good thing it was dark. Seeing two Hyūga's would have had him seeing red.

He raised the heel of his hand to his temple, clenching his eyes shut with a pained groan.

He felt Neji tense above him.

"Nara?"

Shikamaru ignored the impatient snap of his name in favour of sliding his fingertips to his throbbing forehead, gingerly tapping the area. His fingers came away wet and sticky with blood.

Fuck.

"Shikamaru?" Neji's tone had changed completely.

The shadow-nin tried to blink the dancing spots away. He felt Neji's fingers touching his elbow and following his arm down along to his wrist, tugging his hand away from his head. He'd have frowned if it didn't hurt like hell.

Neji was still sitting rigid atop him. "Say something, damn you."

"Fuck you," Shikamaru managed, tugging his hand back towards his brow to feel for the gash.

Neji reached it first, his touch drawing a sharp wince from Shikamaru.

"You're bleeding…"

"No shit."

"Stay still." Neji cupped the back of his head gently, slanting to fumble for something in the dark.

Shikamaru attempted to get his elbow beneath him, but the dizzy throb in his head had him reconsidering the wisdom in moving. He felt Neji's fingers flex at the back of his head.

"I told you to stay still."

Shikamaru parted his lips to offer a sarcastic response. Then the flare of dim light caused him to cut off and snap his eyes shut against the faint illumination, which seemed much brighter than it probably should have been. A shuffle of movement told him Neji was configuring something; he didn't bother to open his eyes to see. He caught the dim shift in light behind his closed eyelids.

"Nice shot…" he muttered dryly.

"Shut up," Neji snapped, but his touch was gentle as he examined the gash. "This is why you should wear your headband where it's meant to be worn."

Shikamaru cracked his eyes open, disbelief robbing him of his anger. "Tell me I'm hallucinating…'cause there's no way in hell you just made this my fault."

"Just be quiet." Neji frowned, his face finally clearer to Shikamaru in the dim illumination from the tiny chakra orb set to the side of the tent.

Thankfully, he wasn't seeing double. That's not to say things weren't a little fuzzy, but even that wasn't enough to disguise the crease of concern on Neji's face, cast in sharp relief against the gentle pulse from the orb. Shikamaru watched him quietly through half-lidded eyes, scowling when the Hyūga touched something cool and damp to his forehead.

"Stop frowning," Neji admonished. "You're making it worse."

"Little late to be concerned, don't you think?"

Neji levelled him with a hard, stony look. Shikamaru stared back dazedly through his lashes. He didn't expect Neji to be the first to look away.

"It wasn't my intention to hurt you."

For some absurd reason, which he blamed solely on concussion, Shikamaru chuckled hoarsely. "You mean you have a different intention when you head-butt someone?"

Neji sighed, turning away to rummage through the tan and black bag he was usually never without. "Can you sit up?"

"You're on top of me."

Neji scooted back a little. "Sit up slowly."

Shikamaru dragged his elbows beneath him at last, levering himself up slowly. The tent did an interesting spin and dip, causing him to close his eyes against a touch of nausea.

Ugh…he's fucking done it this time…

A cool touch swept across the gash on his forehead, prompting him to slip his eyes open. Neji's face was very close to his, the Hyūga's fingertips smoothing salve onto the cut. Logically, he should have been processing homicidal rage in that moment, or at least plotting how to get a decent hit in with Neji this close to him…but instead, he found himself watching Neji...his blood humming at the proximity.

Dammit.

Neji was focused on the wound, his pale eyes following the movement of his fingers as he applied the ointment. "It should heal up by morning. Hinata's salve is very effective. Are you feeling nauseous?"

"More like…murderous …" Shikamaru closed his eyes, too tired to offer anything more sarcastic.

"I'm serious, are you feeling sick?"

Shikamaru tried not to frown as he reached up to grip Neji's wrist, tugging the Hyūga's hand away. "Just go. I need to sleep."

Neji shook his head. "You can't sleep."

"Oh don't even try it." Shikamaru made to lay down slowly.

Neji grabbed his arms gently. "I'm serious."

"So am I. There's no way in hell I can think strategically like this…there's no way I can think, period."

"No, that's not what I meant. You might have concussion."

Shikamaru felt his eye twitch before he cracked it open. "What?"

"You can't sleep if you have concussion," Neji enunciated, as if talking to a dim-witted child.

Shikamaru stared blankly. He imagined if he was more of a dramatic personality he might have catapulted into an apoplectic fit.

Eat. Sleep. Strategise.

That had been the plan.

A simple, flawless, uncomplicated, fool-proof plan…totally turned on its head.

Shikamaru continued to stare at Neji.

Then, to the Hyūga's wide-eyed surprise, he started to laugh.

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