Worth the Trouble

Worth the Trouble

Chapter Two: Dinner for Two

Part I: Shikamaru

The sun was low in the west when Shikamaru reached Trembling Leaf Road. It was a short way east to the inn in the little hamlet of Maple Bend. Three magnificent maples planted long ago by the road had grown so big that the road had to bend around them, causing the name of the little collection of buildings that clustered around the maples. Shikamaru stretched and yawned, waiting for Ibiki-Neji to catch up, so they could walk to the inn together. Yes, Ibiki-Neji was Shikamaru’s solution to his crush on the beautiful Hyuuga Neji.

From now on for Shikamaru, this mission was part of the jounin exam run by Moreno Ibiki, the sadistic head of ANBU. Ibiki was using a henge to play Neji, well aware of Shikamaru’s secret desires. ANBU’s masked nin were the ones that did Konoha’s black op missions, the assignations, the kidnappings, the interrogations, and the torture. Ibiki, perhaps Konoha’s most well-known victim of intensive, savage, and cruel torture, had learned from his experience. Even the great Kakashi feared him. It wasn’t so much any fear of physical pain, although Ibiki was an artist at applying that. No, it was his amazing ability to understand the minds, needs, desires, and motives of humans. He was the Master of Mindfucks. Going against Ibiki-Neji was like playing shogi with a genius. Shikamaru was going to enjoy this.

He felt Ibiki-Neji approaching in the treetops and rolled his shoulders lazily, turning his head from the evening clouds to look eastward down the road towards Maple Bend. And just by chance he saw in the long shadows of approaching evening, Ibiki-Neji leap gracefully down to the road. The shadow showed the long hair lifting from broad shoulders and back, the shirt of the gi flying up, and a stiffened cock bulging out the pants before covering elegant legs.

And like the way the low sun stretched out the shadows on the road, time stretched out for Shikamaru. The leap took less than a second, but it seemed to let Shikamaru think for several minutes. Oh that tantalizing glimpse of an aroused Neji, that was a surprise move on the metaphorical shogi board, a move worthy of the head of ANBU, a mindfuck tailored just for him! First blood had been taken, but there was a weakness to this strategy that Shikamaru could exploit.

He turned to Ibiki-Neji and looked him in the eyes and smiled his best smile. “Hi Neji,” he said letting his pleasure in the game sound in his voice, “Thanks for watching my ass for hours. Sorry for being such an asshole that you needed to keep an eye on this body of mine.”

Oh, Ibiki-Neji was good, very good. That look of surprise with just a bit of confusion quickly covered by a typical haughty Hyuuga expression was perfect. “Nara,” said Ibiki-Neji, nodding his head like he had this morning.

They began walking to the inn side-by-side with no more words. Shikamaru let the peace settle between them before saying, “Team Leader, is my ass safe tonight from your hands? Or will I be dropping my pants and laying over your knees for a spanking?”

The jerk of Ibiki-Neji’s head to stare into his, the faint bit of color, before that head snapped around to stare down the road again was sweet to see.

“The day isn’t over yet, Nara,” said Ibiki-Neji, his voice low with just a hint of a growl.

Shikamaru laughed, “An answer worthy of the star student of Iruka-sensei. Do you know how often he praised you to my class?”

“No,” said Ibiki-Neji in a voice that indicated he didn’t care. But Shikamaru knew he was waiting to hear the answer. So, of course, he said nothing, tipping his head back to look at the eastern sky growing a darker blue as the sun slipped even lower in the sky behind them.

In his mind, he fiercely recited, “Ibiki-Neji, Ibiki-Neji, Ibiki-Neji.” He couldn’t let himself think that the real Neji might have gotten aroused watching his ass. Clearly Ibiki-Neji had figured out his celibacy and his refusal to masturbate until it was too troublesome not to, had made him vulnerable to arousal. Yes, Ibiki-Neji had known—ah, the Byakugan had seen in 360 degrees, had known how vulnerable he was to Neji’s beauty, to words that could be taken two ways.

The sight of the magnificent towering maples lit by the red of the setting sun, however, soothed Shikamaru. Ah, moments like this, walking on a pleasant road, looking at beauty, with a good dinner and night in a soft bed ahead—moments like this were to be savored.

He glanced over at Neji, who tilted his head just a bit, and he could see Neji, Ibiki-Neji, was enjoying the beauty of the falling night just as much as he was. Ah, this was perfect. As they reached the Maple Bend Inn, the sky was indigo and violet, the sun down with a few clouds in the west still blazing red on the bottom. They both paused to take in the sight before entering and greeting the owner.

“Hyuuga-san, we can make that special hot chili you and the honorable green-clad shinobis enjoy so much,” said the owner at one point as they registered, making Shika smile.

“Oh, no, Suzuki-san, I am honored that you would remember my friends’ favorite meal, but please, do not trouble yourself, good sir. I am in the mood for some udon tonight.”

“As you wish, Hyuuga-san,” replied the innkeeper with a respectful nod, “although it is no trouble to make such a dish for one of Konoha’s greatest.”

Shikamaru’s stomach growled, making him feel decidedly lower class. Suzuki-san hadn’t remembered whom he was, nor had he ever been so obsequious any of the times Shika had been at the inn before.

“Shikamaru, do you care for hot chili?” Neji suddenly asked, turning those white eyes on him.

He’d called him Shikamaru. Oh, yes, of course Ibiki-Neji would throw that at him now, along with attentiveness, and a gentle reproof of the innkeeper’s neglect of him. “Ah, no, Neji, I’m in the mood for udon, too.” God, Neji was nice. He loved Ino and Chouji, but eating meals with them got tiresome. They yelled and bitched and stole each other’s food, and he had to strategize to make sure he got enough to eat since they had no qualms with taking his food right off his plate as well. Hmmm, how did Neji put up with Gai and Lee at meals? As they went upstairs, their eyes met again, and Shikamaru had the weird sense that they were thinking the same thing.

They had rooms next to each other to the right of the stairs.

“Five minutes?” asked Shikamaru.

“Ten,” said Neji, with the ghost of a smile, before disappearing into his room.

Ten—well, no doubt he was going to brush that hair of his. Ah, ten minutes was enough for a quick jerk-off, a piss, and a wash. Shikamaru shed his shoes, backpack, vest, pants, briefs, and turtleneck. Then he quickly pulled out the moisturizer he’d packed, falling back on the bed.

He closed his eyes and let the images of today fill his mind—that graceful shadow with that wondrous bulge. Neji splashing water on his face, the water dripping over the white skin, a single clear drop caught on a long black eyelash. That smile—those white teeth, the curve of the lips, his cheeks, oh, and best of all Neji’s hands on his arms. Neji’s fierceness, shaking him, his emotion spilling over him, that face over him, hands lifting his legs, pulling them up . . . black hair spilling down, ah, yes, a better fantasy, long black hair spilling over his chest, ah . . . the hair on his thighs, his balls, yes, his cock . . . Shikamaru’s one hand moved faster, the other reached down to roll his balls. Ah, yes, those white eyes looking at him, seeing him, wanting him . . .

Ah, god, so fucking good—his back arched, his toes curled into the bed, his balls emptied, and the pleasure washed through him like one wave, then another, and another—ahhhhhhh. He lay there feeling good from the roots of his hair to his toes, and everywhere between. The feeling and smell of his cum added to this moment of sunshine-sweet bliss.

But his stomach growled, and he could feel that need to piss that often came after orgasm. He sensed Neji’s chakra next door and wondered if he was spying with his Byakugan—and his face curved in a smile. He let his fingers trail through the sperm on his stomach and lazily brought them up to his mouth.

He sucked the cum off his fingers slowly, savoring the taste. He’d never seen another man’s cum, never tasted it, never sucked another man’s fingers, licked them, worshipped them, like he longed to worship a cock someday . . . and that someday was coming soon, he sensed. Yes, it was, he thought as he stretched out and rose from the bed languidly, letting his hips rock as moved to the bathroom. He felt sensual, sexy, and desirable. After all, Hyuuga Neji had found him so, so he must be. Ah, dinner was going to be good!

It felt good to empty his bladder, to listen to the tinkle of the golden stream, and to watch the swirling water go down as he flushed. The water filling the sink seemed beautiful, and it felt so good as he washed his hands, then his chest, stomach, hips, and groin. He cleaned his cock, his balls, his face, and teeth. The towel felt as good as the water and his hands had. One last wash of his hands and a quick securing of the bathroom, and he was back by the bed.

As he quickly redressed, his skin seemed sensitized, and his nipples pebbled against his shirt. The feel of the fabric over his arms, chest, abs, and navel brought pleasure as well. He adjusted himself carefully, enjoying the silk of his briefs, then the feel of his pants. His weapons pouch was a welcome weight on his thigh, and he was ready for dinner. As he was leaving his vest and pack behind, he set the usual traps on the windows before reaching the hall. Neji exited his room at the same time, and Shika’s body tightened a little as he saw that Neji’s hair was uncovered and as glorious as ever. They set traps on their doors without words at the same time.

Dinner with Ibiki-Neji, oh yes, he was looking forward to this. Shikamaru looked at Neji and deliberately, slowly licked his lips, saying, “I’m hungry, Neji.”

Neji’s face remained aloof and calm, and he simply said, “Let’s go.”

Shikamaru moved ahead, walking down the stairs, sauntering, letting his hips sway. He felt like a content cat. Throughout the meal, the feeling stayed. They ate the udon together in silence, drinking, needing no words. Watching Ibiki-Neji suck the long noodles into his mouth, watching him swallow, oh, this was lovely. Shikamaru moved slowly, his eyes constantly on Neji, drinking him in, even as he savored the meal with all of his senses. He loved the smell of the broth, the herbs, and the fragrant tea. He enjoyed the sounds made by their mouths and teeth and tongues slurping, sipping, chewing, and swallowing. The little clinks of the teacups, the spoons dipping into the broth, or their chopsticks snatching up a piece of this or that were so good to hear. Ahh, and the taste was exquisite!

He let his mouth feel the texture of the food, swish the tea, savor the flavors. The warmth of the food, a sip of cold water, the mix of temperature, texture, and taste juxtaposed perfectly. His fingers caressed the teacup, its ripples smooth and warm beneath them. The chopsticks were cheap and rough; the china spoon cool and hard. The wood of the table, the linen of the napkin, the soft feel of his own skin when he rested his cheek in his palm: all these touches brought him a peaceful pleasure.

But it was his eyes that fed the most richly during the meal. Ah, god, the man that could eat each meal with Neji was a lucky, lucky man. His manners were more than perfect; they were elegant and graceful. It was like a performance by an artist although it was a humble, simple meal—and before he breathed his last, he hoped to see Neji perform the tea ritual.

Neji’s cheeks pinked a little as he ate, something beautiful to see. Was it from the warmth of the food? Or something else? They didn’t talk at all, but who needed words? This was the way to spend an evening.

An hour later, the table was clear save for their tea and water. The night was a deep blue outside, lit by the few lights of Maple Bend.

“I’m going to go to the shop,” said Shikamaru slowly and softly.

A single black eyebrow arched beautifully, and Neji said, “What could Shikamaru, the strategist, have forgotten?”

Shikamaru smiled at this move of Ibiki-Neji’s.

“Something personal,” he replied, “so I’d rather go alone. I’m happy to get you anything you need.”

Neji took a sip of tea before saying, “I have all I need. But what could you need, Shikamaru?”

Shikamaru let his tongue briefly flick over his bottom lip. He stared at Ibiki-Neji with his best I’m-a-sexy-bastard look.

The silence was no longer peaceful between them, and Shikamaru watched the pulse in Neji’s neck, waiting.

But Ibiki-Neji would not give in so easily, and before his opponent simply stood and went, Shikamaru said softly, “Can’t Iruka’s star pupil figure it out?”

The answer was quick and a worthy move in the game: a scornful, “Porn? Condoms?”

“Oh, it’s not for my cock, but for my ass,” responded Shikamaru. Oh, that was a blush! Beautiful! Ah, he’d always wanted to see a full blush on the cheeks of Hyuuga Neji! The scornful look and petulant toss of the head were adorable. “But condoms, hmmm, maybe I should follow your advice,” he added silkily.

The sniff and chill disapproval were so, so Hyuuga!

“I feel lucky tonight,” said Shikamaru, making Neji’s face turn to his. “When I come back, I’ll meet you in your room. You’re going to play with me, and you’re going to be fucked.”

Shikamaru rose up and jumped out the window at their table. Neji’s mouth had fallen open in shock, and his eyes had burned with angry pride. Shikamaru moved quickly towards the one general store in Maple Bend. When Hyuuga eyes flashed like that, a wise man fled.

Part II: Neji

They were nearing Trembling Leaf Road before sunset. They’d moved faster than normal and could push on and camp in the fields between here and the tiny town of Four Hills, but he wasn’t in the mood to camp. No, he needed a wall between him and Nara tonight—it would be too much to have to listen to him jerking off. Neji refused to admit he might have to do so himself.

It wouldn’t comprise the mission to stay on the planned schedule. The ninjas of Hidden Mountain had blocked the roads to the temple, spread the word of the danger, and even purchased some cows for the demon-possessed snow leopards to steal from the monks: a good temporary solution. They needed the demons banished, however, before the day of the temple’s holiest festival, two months away. There was no reason to rush ahead a few miles more.

Ah, Nara was waiting for him on the road, the fading sunlight highlighting his brown hair and that little tiny bit of skin showing over the high neck of his dark blue shirt. The shirt was still not tucked in, and his own cock stirred thinking of how the ninja below was his for the taking if he wanted. He could grasp that ponytail in his hand, jerking the head to the side, pull down that turtleneck, and mark that pink-tan skin, turning it red, then black and blue. And Nara would quiver in his arms, tremble, that cock of his straining his pants, even dripping with desire for Neji. And he could leave him like that to suffer.

Leaping down to the road next to Shikamaru, Neji was again pleased his white and black uniform let him hide any erection. He didn’t have to pull his shirt out and look like a slob like Nara. Not that he—whoa, this was different.

Shikamaru was looking him in the eye and smiling. “Hi Neji, thanks for watching my ass for hours.” Confusion battled briefly with irritation in Neji as Shikamaru added, “Sorry for being such an asshole that you needed to keep an eye on this body of mine.”

So Nara thought he could seduce a Hyuuga, did he? “Nara,” said Neji, coldly and indifferently. His erection subsided. He wouldn’t be won over with a smile and some flirting.

But it was too nice of an evening to be annoyed, Neji decided as they walked peacefully towards the inn. He loved the softer light as sunset neared, and the leaves of the road did, in fact, tremble with a soft rustling that was musical. A few birds could be heard, and in a distant field visible between gaps in the trees, he could see the farm workers heading home to their families. The sound of the wind in the leaves was lovely. This was one of his favorite times to meditate, to linger before the annoyance of eating dinner in the Hyuuga compound or with Gai and Lee. Dinner alone was good, but lonely. If he was going to cook, it was better to have someone to share it with.

Shikamaru’s voice softly filled the quiet peace of the moment, “Team Leader, is my ass safe tonight from your hands? Or will I be dropping my pants and laying over your knees for a spanking?”

Oh the brat! Neji’s head snapped around to glare at Shikamaru, but the look on his face made him hesitate. He turned back to look ahead to the tiny post office and the Maple Bend Inn, considering his response.

“The day isn’t over yet, Nara,” he finally said, letting a little hint of danger color his voice.

The sound of Shikamaru’s laughter was surprisingly appealing, as was the sight of his amusement in the glow of the setting sun. “An answer worthy of the star student of Iruka-sensei. Do you know how often he praised you to my class?”

He was Iruka-sensei’s star student? But yes, Naruto had been dead last in scores, and hadn’t the genius Shikamaru failed all the written exams? He hadn’t paid much attention to the class below him before becoming friends with Naruto, but that had been common gossip in the Academy. It was good to walk in the fresh air of a sunset, thinking of his successes in childhood.

Shikamaru’s brown eyes looked at him, waiting for an answer, and he said simply, “No,” in a cool tone.

Neji waited for Shikamaru to continue his flattery or flirting, but the shadow nin said nothing. He wore his forehead protector on his arm, Neji noticed, which showed off his clean, high forehead and that interesting hairline. Wasn’t that V of hair called a widow’s peak? Yes, but he wasn’t going bald, really. It was kind of sexy, that bare brow. How he’d longed for an unmarked brow in those days of his youth! He’d hated his forehead with the green cross on it, the mark of his shame and of the cage of torture that let the main branch of his family control him. But tonight he wouldn’t think of that, for the sound of the leaves in the wind, the sights of the red light of the sunset on the trees and the deepening blue in the eastern sky: all of it was too beautiful to ignore.

But Shikamaru’s teasing words were hard to forget. Would Neji smack his bare bottom? Good fucking god! The image of the curves of Shikamaru’s ass over his lap popped back in his head, and Neji ruthlessly suppressed it. And then the sunset set fire to the towering maples—magnificent! There was a maple in the Hyuuga compound, but it wasn’t as old and mighty, not nearly as stunning, as the smallest of three giant trees before them.

After a moment, Neji glanced over at Shikamaru, curious, and he couldn’t help feel a little rush of pleasure that the shadow nin was no longer acting as if he couldn’t stand Neji. This was nice, very nice. And it was flattering to think the Nara had a crush on him, childish, but he was younger and inexperienced, not to mention in the closet. A waste, really, as there weren’t enough gay men in Konoha. He’d dated a slew of them—too many really—ah, but now wasn’t the time to think of that. As they entered the inn, Neji prepared himself to put up with the innkeeper’s ass-kissing.

As usual, Suzuki flattered him and bowed enough to be decidedly annoying. He offered to make a flaming hot chili for him, making Neji mentally shudder at the thought of eating that infernal culinary monstrosity that Gai and Lee loved. He courteously turned the offer down, mentioning a preference for udon instead.

A quiet rumble of hunger from Shikamaru made him feel a little embarrassed and annoyed at having forgotten to inquire if Nara shared Gai and Lee’s taste. Dammit, if the innkeeper was rude enough to forget Shika, he should have reminded the old man to respect his teammate’s needs at once. “Shikamaru, do you care for hot chili?” he asked, deliberately using the more intimate name, a classic way to remind the innkeeper of his station and proper etiquette. It was a bit of an apology as well to Shikamaru.

“Ah, no, Neji, I’m in the mood for udon, too,” he replied, and Neji relaxed, thinking how pleasant this mission might turn out to be. The poor chuunin just needed a good wank, and it could all be normal, civilized, professional, and proper.

At the doors to their rooms, Shikamaru asked, “Five minutes?”

Ah, so food first, wanking later, was his agenda, thought Neji. Still, in case he changed his mind and to give himself time to detangle his hair, he said, “Ten.” Lee wouldn’t have asked, Neji thought, as he kicked off his sandals and went into the small bathroom to relieve himself and wash up. His mind continued to reflect on the difference between Shikamaru and Lee. In two minutes, Lee would be in Neji’s room, hurrying him. Lucky Ten-Ten was always spared the pre-dinner visit. But, Lee was a good teammate, no matter how annoying he could be.

After Neji finished in the bathroom, he took his brush and sat on the bed staring at the wall between his room and Shikamaru’s. Hmmm, it was a little annoying that the bathrooms weren’t between the two rooms he and Shika occupied, but instead between the rooms around theirs. Ah, well, at least they had two rooms with baths available. It was odd for a small hamlet like Maple Bend to have so many rooms with private baths, but there was enough traffic on the road to justify it. It was a good investment too, as the appeal of the extra privacy made many travelers stop here instead of pushing on to Four Hills or Little Falls or Ricetown.

Relaxing as he smoothed out a few tangles, Neji wondered what Shikamaru was doing in his room. Was he desperate enough to jerk off before dinner? Neji gave in to the desire to activate his Byakugan. Oh, god, he was, he was a few meters away, stroking himself. And then the glowing chakra points shifted. Shikamaru’s body was arching and shuddering; he was coming. Was he thinking of Neji? The brush fell from the Hyuuga’s hand, and his cock was engorged before it hit the bed. He should stop using his blood limit, stop spying on a private moment—dear fucking god, Shikamaru was sucking his fingers, sucking fingers that had stroked his body, no doubt a body splattered with his sperm. That was fucking hot!

Neji fell back on the bed, deactivating his Byakugan, and stared at the plain white ceiling. He could feel the blood pulsing in his penis, pounding in his chest. Memories of the day flashed in his mind, particularly that look of loving adoration on Shikamaru’s face when Neji had held his arms and shook him. God, on the other side of that wall, white sperm was covering Shika’s pinky-tan skin, oh, he could picture that, imagine his own white hands moving over that skin as well. . .

Dear fucking god, this was temptation! There was a man, a ninja in the room there behind that bland beige wall, a man who lusted for him all day, a man who wanted him, had probably wanted him for two damn years!

Yes, but it was a man too fucking lazy to do a damn thing about his desire except hide his boners. What the fuck kind of lover would he make? A lazy lump that did nothing—but would he made noises? Fuck! Neji took a few deep breaths, calming himself. He let himself imagine the leaf of Konoha and made his muscles relax. He lay there until his mind was as smooth as a lake with no ripples.

But instead of letting himself slide into meditation, he sat up, finished smoothing his hair, set guards on the room and his gear, and went out into the hall. It was exactly ten minutes from when he’d entered, and Shikamaru exited his own room at the same time. Good, thought Neji, as they locked their rooms and sealed them.

It was fortunate he was still in such a calm, peaceful state because Nara seemed determine to provoke him. He watched him, detached and cool, as Shikamaru, unbelievably, acted like a horny slut. He fluttered his lashes, licked his lips, and told him, “I’m hungry, Neji.”

But Neji had been provoked by many Hyuugas, some of them who were just looking for an excuse to demand he experience the pain of the curse seal. Poor closeted Shikamaru was merely letting his hair down with a man he knew was gay. Neji had once done this on a mission with Genma when he was fourteen, provoking the poor man needlessly. He could let Nara get it out of his system, so he simply said, “Let’s go.”

The dinner was as a good as he had expected, and peaceful as they didn’t talk. It wasn’t awkward, despite the lack of conversation. Neji was glad that the pre-dinner masturbation seemed to have made Shikamaru normal, civil, even pleasant. Really, had the last two years of avoidance, silence, and seeing only the back of Nara’s head been necessary? Well, he must be like a teen sexually, thought Neji as they ate. Shikamaru, as far as Neji knew, had only dated a few women, and evidently found that hard going. Hmmm, with his mother, coming out would be hard, humiliating, and very public. And Ino—Shika and she were close, and he could imagine the hell that woman would put him through if she found out he were gay. Ino liked to dance at a few gay clubs; Neji had seen her many times. Good lord, imagine if she had Shika to dress up, drag there, fix up, spy on, and in general meddle with—oh, poor Shikamaru! He was wise to stay in the closet.

Perhaps Nara had experimented discretely on missions, Neji mused. The shadow nin knew of Neji’s sexual preferences of course; Neji didn’t flaunt it, nor did he hide it. Why should he hide his sexual orientation? He was a Hyuuga, and anyone, male or female, should be honored if he chose them. Hmmm, little Shika—well, he was almost Neji’s height and weight, not really little at all. Subtle Shika, he was playing a game, with that flirting on the road—pull down his pants and spank him, indeed! He’d done enough spanking before dinner anyway!

The udon was quite good, and they were the only guests in the dining room save for an older couple in the corner. It was very pleasant to sit here and eat, and the tea was much better than what these little inns normally had. He had several very fine teas in his pack that he might share with Shika in the future. It wouldn’t do to drink it all before they reach the snows of Mountain Country.

But for now, Neji was content to sip this second-rate brew and let his stomach settle. The waitress cleared the table and brought a fresh pot of tea, encouraging them to linger.

They had sat there in peaceful silence for a while before Shikamaru said in a lazy voice, “I’m going to go to the shop.”

Oh? Hmm, that was odd. Neji, feeling mellow, asked slyly, “What could Shikamaru, the strategist, have forgotten?”

Ah, this was Shikamaru the flirt again, he thought as the shadow nin said in low, sexy voice, “Something personal.” After a flutter of his eyelashes that Neji admired, he added, “So I’d rather go alone. I’m happy to get you anything you need.”

How cute the Nara was, flirting with him! Neji took a sip of tea before letting himself indulge the brunette with a little flirting back, “I have all I need. But what could you need, Shikamaru?”

Oh, this had some potential! Shikamaru could be one sexy bastard when he wanted, evidently. Maybe he should play along . . . but he wouldn’t do the Nara’s work for him. If he wanted Neji, he would have to work for him.

“Can’t Iruka’s star pupil figure it out?” purred Shikamaru, looking anything but innocent.

Ok, he would rise to that bait, Neji decided. If there was anything a Hyuuga knew how to do, it was condescend. He let his voice cuttingly say, “Porn? Condoms?” That should shut up--

“Oh, it’s not for my cock, but my ass,” said Shikamaru his voice full of innuendo.

And that image of a naked ass over his lap flashed into Neji’s mind and staggered him for a second before pride came to his rescue, letting him turn his head away as if disgusted by such vulgarity.

“But condoms, hmmm, maybe I should follow your advice,” added Shikamaru.

Damnit, did he have to sound like he was some phone-sex worker? Did he think Hyuuga Neji could be had so simply?

“I feel lucky tonight,” said Shikamaru, indicated to Neji’s surprise, he did think that. “When I come back, I’ll meet you in your room. You’re going to play with me, and you’re going to be fucked.”

WHAT?!! How dare he! Who the fuck did he think he was! Yeah, you better run now, little fuckhead, thought Neji, as Shikamaru rose up and jumped out the window at their table. His nostrils were flared, his jaw set angrily. He had to consciously keep himself from making a fist or even slamming his palm down on the table. But he was a Hyuuga and wouldn’t do something so, so—uncivilized like make such a ridiculous, insulting, infuriating claim as that little asshole just had. And to jump out the window—a silly, showy exit! He would teach that Nara a lesson. Damn, he did deserve a spanking!

Fuck! Was that what this was about? Goad Neji into violence and turn that violence into sex? Sex where he, Neji, bottomed? Not fucking likely! Oh, like anyone was trying to get in Nara’s pants anyway! The cheek! But he’d sure got Neji’s attention with his boners, smiles, flirting, and brazen-ass claim that the two of them were going to fuck tonight! And that’s just what he wants. So, he thinks he can seduce me with this—pathetic!

Neji relaxed and calmly raised his teacup and took a sip. His hand didn’t shake. Of course, why would it? How could the crude talk and silly behavior of Nara Shikamaru affect him? But still, Neji was affected. Blasted brilliant strategist! How would he get back at Nara for this? Well, not by spanking him, since that seemed to be what he wanted. But it would be sweet, seeing his naked ass over his lap, feeling that needy cock of his against his leg. And his asshole—would it be hairy or not? Pink? Brown? Reddish? Rose? Shikamaru’s ass was curved nicely, a bubble butt in fact, not that he used such terms in conversation. It would feel good under his palm. Would those cheeks be a pale sickly white? Would they have scars on them? Hopefully they had no pimples—really, more gay men needed to be aware of the importance of taking care of the skin on their butts.

Hmmm, he wasn’t going to give Nara the satisfaction of letting him show off that sweetly curved butt of his, but he could mentally strip him. Besides, stripping the pants off a lover-to-be rarely revealed anything as good as he imagined. There was usually something—a blemish, a birthmark, the skin too pale, the hole too loose, the butt more flabby than expected. And worst of all, one might find the marks of someone else’s lips, someone else’s fingers on the very ass being offered to him. Well, that wasn’t likely with Shikamaru. Neji wouldn’t be surprised, in fact, if the shadow nin was a virgin, a little cherry boy. But some little virgins liked to play back there. Hmmm, Shikamaru was lazy. If he was mine, he’d have to work, thought Neji. Yes, he’d make Shika fuck himself with a toy.

The laughter of the older couple in the corner, made Neji sit up straight. Fuck! This was unacceptable. He would not let himself start fantasizing about Nara! Flirting and games could compromise a mission. You could let yourself go with a fuck buddy, but it was bad form for the mission leader to do so. Well, for missions of three or more, but cripes, he was just dwelling on this too much. He’d not had sex for two weeks, so maybe he should take a clue from Nara and take care of his business—alone. He looked over at the older couple, nodding to them as they passed by on their way out. The waitress came over and, sadly and predictably, indicated she was interested in a little dalliance.

He gently turned her down, settled their bill, and headed up to his room. He thought about soaking in the tub in his bathroom, but being nude and wet if Nara tried to charm his way into his room would certainly send the wrong message. He went to the window, opening it to let in the sound of the crickets along with the evening breeze. And coming up the path to the inn was Shikamaru with a bag in his hand. Their eyes met, and Shikamaru smiled that damn sexy smile of his. Neji’s hand fisted and released, but he didn’t move from the window. Still, he focused on Shikamaru’s chakra signature, sensing it moving closer, even as he stayed at the window breathing calmly and deeply.

When the shadow nin went into his own room, not Neji’s, he remained at the window, telling himself he was relieved. Whether Nara would settle in his room for the night or come to Neji’s shouldn’t matter. He’d not even need to open the door, just call through that he didn’t want to be disturbed. Or did he? It might be amusing to open the door and see what Nara would say. After five minutes, Neji felt himself relaxing more; most likely Nara had realized he’d shot himself in the foot with that last comment at dinner. He let himself enjoy the sounds of the night: the wind in the leaves and the soft chirps of the crickets. A bat’s high pitched chitter was heard for a moment, stopped, and then came again. After a while, he thought he heard the sound of distant voices, but it was too far away to be sure. After fifteen minutes at the window enjoying the cool air on his face, Neji went into the bathroom.

He was washing his hands when Shikamaru knocked on the door. Neji’s heart beat a little faster as he looked in the mirror and dried his hands. He checked his teeth, smoothed down his gi, and walked over to the door. Maybe it would turn out to be a mistake to open the door to his room. Neji hesitated, then decided the amusement of seeing what Shikamaru would do next was worth risking any trouble.