The Way Things Are
folder
Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male › Shikamaru/Neji
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
32
Views:
3,458
Reviews:
777
Recommended:
2
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male › Shikamaru/Neji
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
32
Views:
3,458
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 22
Hooray, I'm back! :D So, just as a warning, this week looks like it's going to be really busy so don't expect updates everyday. Doesn't mean it won't happen. I'm just saying don't expect it, although I'll try to keep up with it. :D
REVIEW REPLIES
Lady Laran: *blush* I'll take it that you liked it. *hands you a drool bucket*
charmpit: lol Yes, it was a long time coming, but it was worth it right? Hopefully they'll have some fun in later chapters. :D
MiZuNa: Oh dear. I can't get accused of homicide for this, can I? O_O
Dying Dreams: It is always the quiet ones. XD lol I'm really happy that you enjoyed it. *runs away from the spork*
Im The Dobe: I believe you spelled it right. lol Hmmm...I'll think about the Hinata/Shino part. It could lead to some interesting things. kukukukuku...It is true that there aren't many chapters left in this story, but that doesn't mean I can't write a side-sequel thing...XD
Zenith-Kaitou: Nope, no epilogue. :D There's still one more big thing that I'd like to do with the story. ^_^ Yay, right?
Drivven Labyrinth: Aw, thank you! *blush* I'm really glad that you liked it! Makes me very happy!
superwhore: I think sex can be cute...*looks side to side* ehem... lol Thank you very much!!
Ino-chan: Um...I hope you'll love it. XD lol Maybe you will, maybe you won't...We'll see I suppose. *blush* Thank you for the compliment! I appreciate it! :D
KatFO: Oh dear. I'll have to send you a get well card...with some Shikamaru/Neji stuff inside...*clears throat* :D
Admiral ShadowWolf: lol That one word says enough. :D I'm really happy that you enjoyed it! I hope you'll enjoy the morning after. ^_^
amith: I am not going to make this story Mpreg, as appealing as the idea is to some. As much fun as I could have with the idea, I like to leave characters from fandoms as they are. Doesn't mean I won't read stories that do have Mpreg, but I won't write any myself. I hope you're not too disappointed. And yes a mix between the two families would make a powerful kid.
Mina: Oh thanks!! lol I wish I owned Naruto too. kukukuku I'd be rich and see my characters sexing. Oh the fun of it all! lol XD j/k
Chibi-Berry: Yes he is a screamer. It's the quiet ones. XD I can guarantee that there will be more fluff.
qwerty: Very vocal. XD lol I'm glad you liked it!! Thanks!
AngelicChaos: It always is. XD Thank you for the compliments! I hope you'll enjoy this chapter!
Serenity: *blush* Oh well, thank yo- Oh goodness! I killed him/her (which one?)! O_O Oh, just fainted? Ah, OK. ^_^; lol
Anaheyla: Glad you liked it. :)
solitare1: Isn't it? Not that I would really know, but yeah...^_^; lol
XoXgaaraXoX: I'm sure they enjoyed it too. XD lol I hope you'll enjoy the update.
Joslin1: It's NOT the last chapter! There's still more to come! :D Oh you don't have to dedicate the story to me, although I'm honored that you'd offer to do so! ^_^ Thank you so much!
SuChAbAKa: I'm very glad that you thought so. XD lol I do hope she enjoyed it. :D ^_^; *blush* Are my sex scenes that entertaining?
pen_name: Glad to see that you're alive. :D Trouble up ahead? You might say that...ahem...I'm innocent I swear. ^_^;
Annieme: Thank you very much! I am glad you enjoyed it. And yes, he is very, VERY noisy...in the bed anyhow...kukukukukuku
Damp: *blush* Ahahahahahahaha, don't bow to me. ^_^; It wasn't that amazing, was it? I am glad that I made your day though. :D
Nickles: Aw, thank you! ^_^ I'm so happy you liked it! I have so many plushies now I don't now what to do with them! O_o Thanks anyhow. :D Enjoy the update!
SG21: w00t! An award! I feel special! I'm really glad you enjoyed the last chapter. ^_^; It makes me wonder if my scenes are really that entertaining...thank you nonetheless though! :D
Syake: I hope you were able to live long enough to get to this update. ^_^; lol I am glad that you liked the chapter though! I hope you'll enjoy this one too.
D.A. Maxwell: There always has to be some form of preparation. Otherwise, I think it would hurt! O_O I'm thinking there might be more than 25 chapters...I suppose you'll just have to see where and when it ends!
extawe: *reads paper* Oh goodness...I think that's my fault...O_o Thank you very much! *blush* I'm glad you liked it!
yaoilovergirl: lol Oh, I hope that it wasn't awkward for you at the family meeting. ^_^; And smut in the morning is always a good thing. :D lol I'm glad you enjoyed it and I hope you'll like this chapter too.
ShikaChouFan4Life: *blush* Thank you! I'm really really happy you liked it!
LonelyDove: I'm really glad that you liked both the wedding and the wedding night! :D I'm really happy to hear that!
Lavinia: Ah, thank you! *blush* I really appreciate the compliments! :D They make me smile! ^_^ I hope you'll enjoy the morning after. :D
jess249: I like Neji as a vocal person too. ^_^ It just...completes him. XD lol I'm sure there are other people who are glad that this story isn't over. ^_^
yaoi_loving_kisser23: Thank you very very much! :D I'm really happy that you've enjoyed it so far! ^_^
coolmiko: Thank you and I hope you'll enjoy the update!
hatsumomo: ^_^; *blush* I'm glad that you enjoyed it! I know that the boys did. XD lol Happy reading!
Revine: Thank you so much for your review! I'm really glad that you liked the story that much! It makes me giddy inside! :D I really hope you'll continue to enjoy the story. ^_^ Hopefully future suspense won't be a problem. ^_^;
Lith: I'm glad you agree with my writing. XD And will we ever know what Shikamaru really knows? He is, after all, a genius. :D
Annie: Is it cold over there? *throws you a blanket* I hope that helps. ^_^ I'm really glad you enjoyed the chapter though! ^_^
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Chapter 22
Neji woke up the next morning to find that he was half lying on Shikamaru’s chest. He blinked his eyes slowly, the memories of the previous night running through his mind. He grinned gently before his fingers started to play lightly with the Nara’s chest, the digits tracing the contours of the muscles that stood out so well. He briefly wondered what time it was for a moment as his fingers continued their actions until he felt one of Shikamaru’s arms tighten around him.
“If you’re not careful, you could have actually woken me.”
Blushing lightly, the Hyuuga moved to look up at the Nara’s face. “I’m sorry. Did I wake you?”
Shikamaru merely grinned. “No. I was hoping that I wouldn’t wake you.” With that said, he pressed a light kiss to Neji’s forehead.
“You didn’t,” Neji murmured, eyes closing to the attentions. He shifted to push himself upwards when a searing pain shot up his backside. “D-Damn…”
“Does it hurt?” Shikamaru frowned, looking down at Neji with some apologetic concern.
“Y-Yes,” Neji answered, laying back down into the position he had been in earlier.
“I think I have an idea of something that might help,” Shikamaru stated, his fingers running lazily through the other’s hair. “You’re going to have to let me get up though.”
Neji groaned unhappily but moved off of the other. Shikamaru chuckled as he crawled out of the bed and made his way over to the closet. Opening it, Neji was slightly surprised to see that all of the Nara’s things were neatly stacked in piles, as were most of his own. Shikamaru searched for a moment before he pulled something out and headed towards their bathroom. Neji watched his nude lover disappear into their bathroom before he closed his eyes, gathering what he could that was left of Shikamaru’s warmth.
He dozed off slightly only to open his eyes when he hear the other coming back from the bathroom. He grinned as the Nara made his way to the side of the bed he was on and sat down on an unoccupied part of the bed. He leaned over, pressed a gentle kiss to the Hyuuga’s temple, and let his fingers run up the side of Neji’s arm. Neji hummed happily when Shikamaru’s fingers started to massage his back, loosening some of his tight muscles.
“I’m going to carry you into the bathroom, alright?” Shikamaru whispered, halting the actions of his hands.
Neji nodded his consent and he found the arms shifting to slide underneath his knees and shoulders. Wincing slightly, he rolled into the other’s arms, wrapping his own around his husband’s neck. He buried his face into the Nara’s shoulder as he smiled. He liked the way that sounded, to call Shikamaru his husband.
Shikamaru carried Neji into the bathroom and over to their tub. The older male eyed the steaming water cautiously before his partner slowly started to place him inside of it. He hissed at the initial heat as it hit his backside, but remained silent. It wasn’t until he was resting on the bottom of the tub that he felt a suddenly soothing feeling wash over him. He sighed happily and relaxed more in the water, closing his eyes.
“Feel better?” Shikamaru asked, rubbing the back of his fingers on Neji’s cheek.
“Much, thank you,” Neji replied, pressing lightly against the touch. “You should join me.”
Shikamaru snickered. “Don’t mind if I do.” He stood up momentarily before he slid into the water, wrapping his arms around the other, pulling him close. “You’ll be able to walk around soon. I put a powder in the water that will help your muscles heal faster.”
“A Nara creation, no doubt,” Neji smirked, resting his cheek on Shikamaru’s shoulder.
Shikamaru nodded his head. “From the lab. Dad told me about it earlier and handed it to me. After all, I’m not the first Nara with a male lover.”
Neji grinned. “I suppose that’s a good thing. I’m certainly one of the few Hyuugas allowed to do such a thing.”
“You’re joking.”
Neji shook his head. “You have to remember that my clan likes to keep a tight grip and control every aspect of its members’ lives. I…I’m lucky.”
Shikamaru merely smiled and rested his forehead against the others before he leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on Neji’s lips. He brought his hand up out of the water and grabbed the older male’s cheek, the excess water sliding down his neck in rivulets. Neji moaned happily and turned to face the other more fully, noticing in the back of his mind that he was no longer hurting. It would appear that the powder did have an almost immediate effect.
“Neji,” Shikamaru whispered, pushing the Hyuuga back slightly. “You need to take a break.”
Neji bit the inside of his bottom lip. Shikamaru was right. He doubted that the powder, although miraculous, could heal so much insistent action. Nodding slowly he started to pull away only to be brought back to the Nara’s chest to be swallowed in a hungry kiss. As brief as it was, it left Neji in shock.
“Don’t look so surprised,” Shikamaru smirked. “Just because I said you need to take a break doesn’t mean I do.”
Neji’s eyes narrowed. “Jerk.”
Shikamaru chuckled. “Is that going to be my new pet name?”
“No,” Neji grinned. “Maybe I’ll call you Shika for that.”
Shikamaru’s smirked fell. “Absolutely not.”
Neji’s grin turned into a vicious smirk. “Oh? Why not, Shika?”
“Because I will find a name that makes you blush every single time I say it,” Shikamaru threatened, “and use it as often as I please. You know I will too.”
Neji paused before a frown settled on his face. “Is it really that bad of a name?”
Shikamaru flushed slightly. “It…sounds like a girl’s name.”
Neji simply stared at the other before the corners of his lips started to twitch upwards. He couldn’t hold back the first snort of laughter and he was soon snickering behind the palm of his hand. Shikamaru glared at him and he was soon all out laughing. Shikamaru sighed and slunk down into the water till only his head was resting above it while Neji continued to try and regain control. He finally calmed down some, still not sure why the other’s embarrassment was so funny to him.
“You done yet?” Shikamaru sighed, looking over at the other lazily.
“Yes, I think so,” Neji snickered. “Seriously, you think it sounds like a girl’s name? And why would it matter if I call you that? After all, you’d be the only one hearing it.”
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. “You wouldn’t use it against me?”
“Only if I’m really angry, Shika,” Neji grinned, somewhat crawling through the water towards his lover.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes before he looped an arm around Neji’s waist, pulling the other close to him. “I’ll think of something for you eventually, but I suppose you can use that for now.”
Neji grinned before he let his head fall on the other’s shoulder. “Well, as long as I have your permission.”
“Seeing as you’re feeling better,” Shikamaru grinned, “shall we go take a look at our new home?”
Neji sighed. “I suppose it would be a good idea to get used to the house.”
Shikamaru chuckled. “Just a little.”
With some reluctance, the two got out and headed to their bedroom. Neji quickly went through his things to find suitable clothing for the day, leaving the room before Shikamaru had even started to get dressed, snickering at the other’s annoyed, soft squawk. He opened the several doors over the upper floor, only to find empty rooms and closets. He promptly made his way down the stairs into the living room, an impressed expression on his face. Hinata’s team had done a good job.
He didn’t have much time to contemplate before a pair of arms wrapped around him. He merely grinned and leaned back, blinking slowly at the kiss that was placed on his neck. “Decided to finally come join me?”
“It’s not my fault you decided to dress like lightning,” Shikamaru mumbled, forcing a chuckled from the other.
“No, you just take your time,” Neji teased.
“Actually, I was so busy looking at you that I couldn’t focus,” Shikamaru smirked, giving the other a little squeeze before he pulled his arms away and grabbed Neji’s hand instead.
“Ah ha ha,” Neji said, rolling his eyes and blushing as well.
“Well, the living room looks decent,” Shikamaru stated. “I’m surprised we didn’t end up with furry couches.”
“You have to give Kiba more credit than that, Shika,” Neji grinned. “They also had Hinata with them and she knows where my interests lay.”
“Is that why the coffee table is glass instead of wood?” Shikamaru asked.
Neji shrugged. “Probably.”
“It’s going to be a pain to keep clean,” Shikamaru sighed.
Neji rolled his eyes again. “Let’s move on before you find something wrong with the couches.” Not giving the other time to respond, Neji pulled the other out of the living room and down a short expanse of the hallway before they entered the dining room.
“Wow, that’s a pretty big table,” Shikamaru said, staring at the dark wood sitting in the middle of the room. Big it was, as it had 10 chairs surrounding it.
“I suppose they wanted us to be prepared in case we would be entertaining a group,” Neji said slowly.
Shikamaru snorted. “We’re not planning any parties anytime soon.”
“Oh, why not?” Neji smirked, looking over at the other slyly. “Have the past few days tuckered you out?”
“No,” Shikamaru stated matter-of-factly. “We won’t be having any parties because I want to spend time with you and you alone.”
Neji blushed slightly. “I wish you would stop saying things like that.”
“Why?” Shikamaru grinned. “Do they embarrass you?”
“Well…no, but…”
Shikamaru snickered before he gave a gentle tug to the other’s arm. “Come on. There are two more rooms to check out down here.”
The dining room led them to the kitchen, but Shikamaru pulled Neji straight through it, not allowing the Hyuuga to look at it properly. The last room they opened was completely empty, but large enough to easily fit 10 people inside of it. Neji walked into the empty space, not liking how it contrasted to the rest of the house feeling full. Yes there were empty rooms upstairs, but they weren’t as large as this room. He turned around in the space, eyes locking with the large window before he turned to Shikamaru, who was leaning against the door frame.
“What should we do with this room?” Neji asked, looking back to the window.
Shikamaru shrugged. “Not sure. I don’t have anything in particular that I can think of.”
Neji pondered for a moment before he turned back to the Nara. “Would you…be averse to turning it into a study of sorts?”
“Like an office type study or a library type study?” Shikamaru asked.
“Either or,” Neji said, blushing slightly, although he didn’t quite know why. Maybe it was because he was slightly worried that the other would find the idea stupid.
Shikamaru looked at the room for a moment before he looked back at Neji. “It’s going to take a lot of books to fill the room. I like the idea though.”
Neji let out a relieved breath. “A study it will be then.”
Shikamaru smirked, obviously catching onto the silent child-like glee written over Neji’s face. “Let’s going back to the kitchen. I’ll make you and I breakfast. Is there anything you’d like?”
Neji shook his head. “I’ll eat whatever you cook as long as it’s not burnt.”
Shikamaru laughed as he wrapped his arm around Neji’s waist. “I don’t think I’ll burn anything.”
“Let’s hope,” Neji smiled. He paused for a moment as they walked back into the kitchen before a confused expression covered his face. “How…do you think they did the wiring?”
“Tenzou probably left holes in the wood work as soon as he built the house,” Shikamaru stated. “They probably wired the lights and everything else in after that.”
“That’s a lot of work to do in a matter of hours,” Neji sighed, sitting down on a chair that was by the counter top as the Nara washed his hands.
Shikamaru nodded. “Despite the effort, they did a good job. I’m sure the piping for water took more time than that.”
Neji groaned and set his forehead on the counter, frowning at the Nara’s chuckle. “How can you just…accept this?”
“Because it’s something that they wanted to give because they care about us,” Shikamaru said, leaning on the counter to look at the older male. “I know it seems…unfair, Neji, but they wanted to do this for us. The least we can do is accept it.”
Neji sighed and looked up at the other before he placed a small kiss on the other’s lips. “You’re right. I’ll try to not let it bug me.”
“Glad to hear it,” Shikamaru stated, walking over to the fridge and laughing as he looked on the inside.
“What’s so funny?” Neji asked, as the Nara closed the fridge.
“We’re going to have to go shopping,” Shikamaru snickered. “Apparently buying food wasn’t something they planned on doing.”
Neji couldn’t help but laugh as well.
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Kind of an awkward ending, I know, but it's the best I could come up with at the moment. :X I'm sorry! I hope to update soon!
Shikamaru and Neji loved to get reviews. :D
REVIEW REPLIES
Lady Laran: *blush* I'll take it that you liked it. *hands you a drool bucket*
charmpit: lol Yes, it was a long time coming, but it was worth it right? Hopefully they'll have some fun in later chapters. :D
MiZuNa: Oh dear. I can't get accused of homicide for this, can I? O_O
Dying Dreams: It is always the quiet ones. XD lol I'm really happy that you enjoyed it. *runs away from the spork*
Im The Dobe: I believe you spelled it right. lol Hmmm...I'll think about the Hinata/Shino part. It could lead to some interesting things. kukukukuku...It is true that there aren't many chapters left in this story, but that doesn't mean I can't write a side-sequel thing...XD
Zenith-Kaitou: Nope, no epilogue. :D There's still one more big thing that I'd like to do with the story. ^_^ Yay, right?
Drivven Labyrinth: Aw, thank you! *blush* I'm really glad that you liked it! Makes me very happy!
superwhore: I think sex can be cute...*looks side to side* ehem... lol Thank you very much!!
Ino-chan: Um...I hope you'll love it. XD lol Maybe you will, maybe you won't...We'll see I suppose. *blush* Thank you for the compliment! I appreciate it! :D
KatFO: Oh dear. I'll have to send you a get well card...with some Shikamaru/Neji stuff inside...*clears throat* :D
Admiral ShadowWolf: lol That one word says enough. :D I'm really happy that you enjoyed it! I hope you'll enjoy the morning after. ^_^
amith: I am not going to make this story Mpreg, as appealing as the idea is to some. As much fun as I could have with the idea, I like to leave characters from fandoms as they are. Doesn't mean I won't read stories that do have Mpreg, but I won't write any myself. I hope you're not too disappointed. And yes a mix between the two families would make a powerful kid.
Mina: Oh thanks!! lol I wish I owned Naruto too. kukukuku I'd be rich and see my characters sexing. Oh the fun of it all! lol XD j/k
Chibi-Berry: Yes he is a screamer. It's the quiet ones. XD I can guarantee that there will be more fluff.
qwerty: Very vocal. XD lol I'm glad you liked it!! Thanks!
AngelicChaos: It always is. XD Thank you for the compliments! I hope you'll enjoy this chapter!
Serenity: *blush* Oh well, thank yo- Oh goodness! I killed him/her (which one?)! O_O Oh, just fainted? Ah, OK. ^_^; lol
Anaheyla: Glad you liked it. :)
solitare1: Isn't it? Not that I would really know, but yeah...^_^; lol
XoXgaaraXoX: I'm sure they enjoyed it too. XD lol I hope you'll enjoy the update.
Joslin1: It's NOT the last chapter! There's still more to come! :D Oh you don't have to dedicate the story to me, although I'm honored that you'd offer to do so! ^_^ Thank you so much!
SuChAbAKa: I'm very glad that you thought so. XD lol I do hope she enjoyed it. :D ^_^; *blush* Are my sex scenes that entertaining?
pen_name: Glad to see that you're alive. :D Trouble up ahead? You might say that...ahem...I'm innocent I swear. ^_^;
Annieme: Thank you very much! I am glad you enjoyed it. And yes, he is very, VERY noisy...in the bed anyhow...kukukukukuku
Damp: *blush* Ahahahahahahaha, don't bow to me. ^_^; It wasn't that amazing, was it? I am glad that I made your day though. :D
Nickles: Aw, thank you! ^_^ I'm so happy you liked it! I have so many plushies now I don't now what to do with them! O_o Thanks anyhow. :D Enjoy the update!
SG21: w00t! An award! I feel special! I'm really glad you enjoyed the last chapter. ^_^; It makes me wonder if my scenes are really that entertaining...thank you nonetheless though! :D
Syake: I hope you were able to live long enough to get to this update. ^_^; lol I am glad that you liked the chapter though! I hope you'll enjoy this one too.
D.A. Maxwell: There always has to be some form of preparation. Otherwise, I think it would hurt! O_O I'm thinking there might be more than 25 chapters...I suppose you'll just have to see where and when it ends!
extawe: *reads paper* Oh goodness...I think that's my fault...O_o Thank you very much! *blush* I'm glad you liked it!
yaoilovergirl: lol Oh, I hope that it wasn't awkward for you at the family meeting. ^_^; And smut in the morning is always a good thing. :D lol I'm glad you enjoyed it and I hope you'll like this chapter too.
ShikaChouFan4Life: *blush* Thank you! I'm really really happy you liked it!
LonelyDove: I'm really glad that you liked both the wedding and the wedding night! :D I'm really happy to hear that!
Lavinia: Ah, thank you! *blush* I really appreciate the compliments! :D They make me smile! ^_^ I hope you'll enjoy the morning after. :D
jess249: I like Neji as a vocal person too. ^_^ It just...completes him. XD lol I'm sure there are other people who are glad that this story isn't over. ^_^
yaoi_loving_kisser23: Thank you very very much! :D I'm really happy that you've enjoyed it so far! ^_^
coolmiko: Thank you and I hope you'll enjoy the update!
hatsumomo: ^_^; *blush* I'm glad that you enjoyed it! I know that the boys did. XD lol Happy reading!
Revine: Thank you so much for your review! I'm really glad that you liked the story that much! It makes me giddy inside! :D I really hope you'll continue to enjoy the story. ^_^ Hopefully future suspense won't be a problem. ^_^;
Lith: I'm glad you agree with my writing. XD And will we ever know what Shikamaru really knows? He is, after all, a genius. :D
Annie: Is it cold over there? *throws you a blanket* I hope that helps. ^_^ I'm really glad you enjoyed the chapter though! ^_^
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Chapter 22
Neji woke up the next morning to find that he was half lying on Shikamaru’s chest. He blinked his eyes slowly, the memories of the previous night running through his mind. He grinned gently before his fingers started to play lightly with the Nara’s chest, the digits tracing the contours of the muscles that stood out so well. He briefly wondered what time it was for a moment as his fingers continued their actions until he felt one of Shikamaru’s arms tighten around him.
“If you’re not careful, you could have actually woken me.”
Blushing lightly, the Hyuuga moved to look up at the Nara’s face. “I’m sorry. Did I wake you?”
Shikamaru merely grinned. “No. I was hoping that I wouldn’t wake you.” With that said, he pressed a light kiss to Neji’s forehead.
“You didn’t,” Neji murmured, eyes closing to the attentions. He shifted to push himself upwards when a searing pain shot up his backside. “D-Damn…”
“Does it hurt?” Shikamaru frowned, looking down at Neji with some apologetic concern.
“Y-Yes,” Neji answered, laying back down into the position he had been in earlier.
“I think I have an idea of something that might help,” Shikamaru stated, his fingers running lazily through the other’s hair. “You’re going to have to let me get up though.”
Neji groaned unhappily but moved off of the other. Shikamaru chuckled as he crawled out of the bed and made his way over to the closet. Opening it, Neji was slightly surprised to see that all of the Nara’s things were neatly stacked in piles, as were most of his own. Shikamaru searched for a moment before he pulled something out and headed towards their bathroom. Neji watched his nude lover disappear into their bathroom before he closed his eyes, gathering what he could that was left of Shikamaru’s warmth.
He dozed off slightly only to open his eyes when he hear the other coming back from the bathroom. He grinned as the Nara made his way to the side of the bed he was on and sat down on an unoccupied part of the bed. He leaned over, pressed a gentle kiss to the Hyuuga’s temple, and let his fingers run up the side of Neji’s arm. Neji hummed happily when Shikamaru’s fingers started to massage his back, loosening some of his tight muscles.
“I’m going to carry you into the bathroom, alright?” Shikamaru whispered, halting the actions of his hands.
Neji nodded his consent and he found the arms shifting to slide underneath his knees and shoulders. Wincing slightly, he rolled into the other’s arms, wrapping his own around his husband’s neck. He buried his face into the Nara’s shoulder as he smiled. He liked the way that sounded, to call Shikamaru his husband.
Shikamaru carried Neji into the bathroom and over to their tub. The older male eyed the steaming water cautiously before his partner slowly started to place him inside of it. He hissed at the initial heat as it hit his backside, but remained silent. It wasn’t until he was resting on the bottom of the tub that he felt a suddenly soothing feeling wash over him. He sighed happily and relaxed more in the water, closing his eyes.
“Feel better?” Shikamaru asked, rubbing the back of his fingers on Neji’s cheek.
“Much, thank you,” Neji replied, pressing lightly against the touch. “You should join me.”
Shikamaru snickered. “Don’t mind if I do.” He stood up momentarily before he slid into the water, wrapping his arms around the other, pulling him close. “You’ll be able to walk around soon. I put a powder in the water that will help your muscles heal faster.”
“A Nara creation, no doubt,” Neji smirked, resting his cheek on Shikamaru’s shoulder.
Shikamaru nodded his head. “From the lab. Dad told me about it earlier and handed it to me. After all, I’m not the first Nara with a male lover.”
Neji grinned. “I suppose that’s a good thing. I’m certainly one of the few Hyuugas allowed to do such a thing.”
“You’re joking.”
Neji shook his head. “You have to remember that my clan likes to keep a tight grip and control every aspect of its members’ lives. I…I’m lucky.”
Shikamaru merely smiled and rested his forehead against the others before he leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on Neji’s lips. He brought his hand up out of the water and grabbed the older male’s cheek, the excess water sliding down his neck in rivulets. Neji moaned happily and turned to face the other more fully, noticing in the back of his mind that he was no longer hurting. It would appear that the powder did have an almost immediate effect.
“Neji,” Shikamaru whispered, pushing the Hyuuga back slightly. “You need to take a break.”
Neji bit the inside of his bottom lip. Shikamaru was right. He doubted that the powder, although miraculous, could heal so much insistent action. Nodding slowly he started to pull away only to be brought back to the Nara’s chest to be swallowed in a hungry kiss. As brief as it was, it left Neji in shock.
“Don’t look so surprised,” Shikamaru smirked. “Just because I said you need to take a break doesn’t mean I do.”
Neji’s eyes narrowed. “Jerk.”
Shikamaru chuckled. “Is that going to be my new pet name?”
“No,” Neji grinned. “Maybe I’ll call you Shika for that.”
Shikamaru’s smirked fell. “Absolutely not.”
Neji’s grin turned into a vicious smirk. “Oh? Why not, Shika?”
“Because I will find a name that makes you blush every single time I say it,” Shikamaru threatened, “and use it as often as I please. You know I will too.”
Neji paused before a frown settled on his face. “Is it really that bad of a name?”
Shikamaru flushed slightly. “It…sounds like a girl’s name.”
Neji simply stared at the other before the corners of his lips started to twitch upwards. He couldn’t hold back the first snort of laughter and he was soon snickering behind the palm of his hand. Shikamaru glared at him and he was soon all out laughing. Shikamaru sighed and slunk down into the water till only his head was resting above it while Neji continued to try and regain control. He finally calmed down some, still not sure why the other’s embarrassment was so funny to him.
“You done yet?” Shikamaru sighed, looking over at the other lazily.
“Yes, I think so,” Neji snickered. “Seriously, you think it sounds like a girl’s name? And why would it matter if I call you that? After all, you’d be the only one hearing it.”
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. “You wouldn’t use it against me?”
“Only if I’m really angry, Shika,” Neji grinned, somewhat crawling through the water towards his lover.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes before he looped an arm around Neji’s waist, pulling the other close to him. “I’ll think of something for you eventually, but I suppose you can use that for now.”
Neji grinned before he let his head fall on the other’s shoulder. “Well, as long as I have your permission.”
“Seeing as you’re feeling better,” Shikamaru grinned, “shall we go take a look at our new home?”
Neji sighed. “I suppose it would be a good idea to get used to the house.”
Shikamaru chuckled. “Just a little.”
With some reluctance, the two got out and headed to their bedroom. Neji quickly went through his things to find suitable clothing for the day, leaving the room before Shikamaru had even started to get dressed, snickering at the other’s annoyed, soft squawk. He opened the several doors over the upper floor, only to find empty rooms and closets. He promptly made his way down the stairs into the living room, an impressed expression on his face. Hinata’s team had done a good job.
He didn’t have much time to contemplate before a pair of arms wrapped around him. He merely grinned and leaned back, blinking slowly at the kiss that was placed on his neck. “Decided to finally come join me?”
“It’s not my fault you decided to dress like lightning,” Shikamaru mumbled, forcing a chuckled from the other.
“No, you just take your time,” Neji teased.
“Actually, I was so busy looking at you that I couldn’t focus,” Shikamaru smirked, giving the other a little squeeze before he pulled his arms away and grabbed Neji’s hand instead.
“Ah ha ha,” Neji said, rolling his eyes and blushing as well.
“Well, the living room looks decent,” Shikamaru stated. “I’m surprised we didn’t end up with furry couches.”
“You have to give Kiba more credit than that, Shika,” Neji grinned. “They also had Hinata with them and she knows where my interests lay.”
“Is that why the coffee table is glass instead of wood?” Shikamaru asked.
Neji shrugged. “Probably.”
“It’s going to be a pain to keep clean,” Shikamaru sighed.
Neji rolled his eyes again. “Let’s move on before you find something wrong with the couches.” Not giving the other time to respond, Neji pulled the other out of the living room and down a short expanse of the hallway before they entered the dining room.
“Wow, that’s a pretty big table,” Shikamaru said, staring at the dark wood sitting in the middle of the room. Big it was, as it had 10 chairs surrounding it.
“I suppose they wanted us to be prepared in case we would be entertaining a group,” Neji said slowly.
Shikamaru snorted. “We’re not planning any parties anytime soon.”
“Oh, why not?” Neji smirked, looking over at the other slyly. “Have the past few days tuckered you out?”
“No,” Shikamaru stated matter-of-factly. “We won’t be having any parties because I want to spend time with you and you alone.”
Neji blushed slightly. “I wish you would stop saying things like that.”
“Why?” Shikamaru grinned. “Do they embarrass you?”
“Well…no, but…”
Shikamaru snickered before he gave a gentle tug to the other’s arm. “Come on. There are two more rooms to check out down here.”
The dining room led them to the kitchen, but Shikamaru pulled Neji straight through it, not allowing the Hyuuga to look at it properly. The last room they opened was completely empty, but large enough to easily fit 10 people inside of it. Neji walked into the empty space, not liking how it contrasted to the rest of the house feeling full. Yes there were empty rooms upstairs, but they weren’t as large as this room. He turned around in the space, eyes locking with the large window before he turned to Shikamaru, who was leaning against the door frame.
“What should we do with this room?” Neji asked, looking back to the window.
Shikamaru shrugged. “Not sure. I don’t have anything in particular that I can think of.”
Neji pondered for a moment before he turned back to the Nara. “Would you…be averse to turning it into a study of sorts?”
“Like an office type study or a library type study?” Shikamaru asked.
“Either or,” Neji said, blushing slightly, although he didn’t quite know why. Maybe it was because he was slightly worried that the other would find the idea stupid.
Shikamaru looked at the room for a moment before he looked back at Neji. “It’s going to take a lot of books to fill the room. I like the idea though.”
Neji let out a relieved breath. “A study it will be then.”
Shikamaru smirked, obviously catching onto the silent child-like glee written over Neji’s face. “Let’s going back to the kitchen. I’ll make you and I breakfast. Is there anything you’d like?”
Neji shook his head. “I’ll eat whatever you cook as long as it’s not burnt.”
Shikamaru laughed as he wrapped his arm around Neji’s waist. “I don’t think I’ll burn anything.”
“Let’s hope,” Neji smiled. He paused for a moment as they walked back into the kitchen before a confused expression covered his face. “How…do you think they did the wiring?”
“Tenzou probably left holes in the wood work as soon as he built the house,” Shikamaru stated. “They probably wired the lights and everything else in after that.”
“That’s a lot of work to do in a matter of hours,” Neji sighed, sitting down on a chair that was by the counter top as the Nara washed his hands.
Shikamaru nodded. “Despite the effort, they did a good job. I’m sure the piping for water took more time than that.”
Neji groaned and set his forehead on the counter, frowning at the Nara’s chuckle. “How can you just…accept this?”
“Because it’s something that they wanted to give because they care about us,” Shikamaru said, leaning on the counter to look at the older male. “I know it seems…unfair, Neji, but they wanted to do this for us. The least we can do is accept it.”
Neji sighed and looked up at the other before he placed a small kiss on the other’s lips. “You’re right. I’ll try to not let it bug me.”
“Glad to hear it,” Shikamaru stated, walking over to the fridge and laughing as he looked on the inside.
“What’s so funny?” Neji asked, as the Nara closed the fridge.
“We’re going to have to go shopping,” Shikamaru snickered. “Apparently buying food wasn’t something they planned on doing.”
Neji couldn’t help but laugh as well.
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Kind of an awkward ending, I know, but it's the best I could come up with at the moment. :X I'm sorry! I hope to update soon!
Shikamaru and Neji loved to get reviews. :D