The Way Things Are
folder
Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male › Shikamaru/Neji
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
32
Views:
3,461
Reviews:
777
Recommended:
2
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male › Shikamaru/Neji
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
32
Views:
3,461
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 25
Back to the main storyline, although I'm sure many of you enjoyed the small break off. XD At least, I hope so. ^_^;
REVIEW REPLIES
Dying Dreams: Yes, Sasuke is a clever little bastard. XD I'm glad you enjoyed it. ^_^ Thank you!
lonelydove: Oh good. ^_^ Thanks!
countdown: Shikamaru's a little bit of a control freak when it comes to situations that involve him. It's not that he didn't enjoy it. He just doesn't want Neji to be the one doing all of the work. ^_^
Ino-chan: I'm really glad that you think I keep getting better. :D Thank you! I think a lot of us would want a tied up Shikamaru. XD
KatFO: lol I'm very happy you enjoyed it. :D
solitare1: lol Maybe I'll do one. It would be humorous, wouldn't it? XD
Admiral ShadowWolf: *blush* I'm very glad you thought so. hee hee More might be on the way...At least in the form of oneshots. XD
MiZuNa: Yes, smut is always a good thing. lol I'm really glad you enjoyed the chapter!
Anna: I'm very glad that you agree. :D It's about time, isn't it? lol I hope you'll enjoy the update!
Syake: lol My stories heal the common cold!? I should market that! lol XD No, Sasuke isn't a drug dealer. He just snitched somethings from Orochimaru when he was with him. XD (Oneshot idea popping up! :D)
Lith: Yay a cookie! Omnomnom! lol I'm really glad that you think the chapter was well done. :D Thank you!
Tia: Shikamaru doesn't like situations to feel onesided, but at the same time, doesn't want to the other to do more work than himself. It's a control issue. Sad, isn't it? lol And it's not like Neji never participates. He just never got to be the one pulling strings. XD I'm glad you enjoy the chapter though. :D
Mina: Oh good! *huggles the plushies* Yay! lol
jess249: Payback indeed. XD He doesn't have a problem with it. He just likes to be in control. ^_^;
amith: lol Oh good. I'm glad you liked it. My B-day was very fun actually (despite the fact that I received no presents, which I'm used to actually...-_-). I got to play Super Smash Brothers Brawl. IT IS AMAZING! :D
AngelicChaos: Shikamaru's a bit of a control freak. :P That's all there is to say. XD I'm glad you liked the chapter though!
SG21: Oh yay! Where to first? Olive Garden? Brick Oven? Wingers? Typenyaki? Hmmm...choices choices. XD Thank you! I'm really glad you liked it. ^_^
XoXgaaraXoX: I'm glad you enjoyed it. :) Hope you'll like the new chapter. :D
qwerty: Well, I was only being honest. ^_^; lol Yes, the water saved Neji a horny Shikamaru. XD
Damp: lol Shikamaru enjoyed it so he's not going to shoot you. XD And Neji had a fun ride! XD
KikumaruSenpai: Thank you! :D I'm glad you enjoyed it. ^_^
Lady Laran: lol Maybe you'll find out later. XD lol I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Starry: Yes, he is in trouble. And they haven't said those three words to each other yet...lol
Drivven Labyrinth: lol I'm glad you liked it. :D Yay for your happy pervy side! :D lol
Zenith-Kaitou: Oh, thank you! I'm very happy you liked it!
Nickles: *blush* Really? ^_^ Yay! :D I'm very happy you enjoyed it! I love them too!
charmpit: Yay! I'm so happy you liked it! It's a good thing you remembered to breathe though. XD lol Yes, yes he should.
Serenity: lol Yes, Shikamaru definitely enjoyed it. XD lol And Sasuke will eventually get in trouble. XD
Im The Dobe: That's right. Bad *cough* Sasuke. :X lol Very happy you liked the chapter. ^_^ Yes, I do get quite a few reviews. ^_^; Yay! A brownie!
ydjessy: Thank you!
Annieme: *blush* Really? Thank you! ^_^ Makes me so happy to hear that! And that works. :D
WhenYouToldMeYouLovedMe: Oh good! I'm glad you liked it! Thank you!
ShikaChouFan4Life: *laughs at the mental image of a bunch of smilies* Goodness, I'm sorry. ^_^; Didn't mean to screw you up. XD lol Glad you enjoyed it though! lol
yaoilovergirl: Shikamaru loved it, he just doesn't like feeling out of control. He's a bit of a control freak. XD Ahahahaha, I won't be getting presents until this weekend so...I didn't get anything. ^_^; I hope you'll enjoy the update. :D
Lavinia: I'd say it's just a quirk. He always likes to feel in control. XD lol That and he likes to give more than he receives (a perfect man, ne?) I'm happy you enjoyed it though. :D
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Chapter 25
Neji listened with a bored expression as Naruto continued to argue with a delegate from the Lightning Country. Of course no one could see it or him for that matter. The man was being clearly unreasonable, demanding that the Fire Country aid them in a campaign against one of their neighboring countries to display their power. But Naruto was refusing to aid, saying that he would not partake in a battle that was started over an insult to one’s pride.
Furious, the man drew a weapon amidst his rage. It was less than a second later that Neji was standing in front of Naruto’s desk, hand on the handle of his sword. Shikamaru had grabbed the man’s hand, the other pressed firmly, but gently against the man’s back. The nin snarled, but Neji and Shikamaru remained firm in their position. They had no doubt that Naruto could have easily beaten this man into submission, but it was their job to protect him.
“I believe, sir,” Shikamaru stated quietly, “it would be in your best interest to release your weapon and leave the premises.”
“Damn ANBU,” the man hissed.
“My answer remains the same,” Naruto said quietly as Neji stepped to the side so the Hokage wouldn’t have to move from his seat. “I will not join you in a battle of pointless bloodshed.”
The angry nin dropped his weapon, in which the Nara released him immediately. Muttering curses and words of revenge, the man stormed out of the office, in which Naruto let out a heavy sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. Shikamaru picked the weapon from the floor before he disappeared to take the weapon to ANBU to hold as evidence. They truly left no detail alone. Neji turned towards his Hokage, waiting for the blonde to start ranting.
“Stupid, blood thirsty idiot,” Naruto hissed. “Coming in here and thinking that he could make me believe he was a Kumo nin.”
Neji was a slightly shocked that Naruto had noticed that as well, but was also pleasantly happy about it. “Do you think he thought he was successful in convincing you?”
Naruto smirked. “Probably. He’s a rebel though. I should have had the two of you detain him for interrogation purposes. Oh well. It won’t be long before this day is over and then I can go home. I’ll force Sasuke to take me hard tonight.”
Neji chuckled. “If that’s what cures your ailments, I’m sure that it’ll do some good.”
Naruto laughed. “And what, exactly, do you do to ‘cure your ailments’, Swan?”
“I’m afraid that is none of your business, sir,” Neji replied, sending the blond into another fit of laughter. It had taken a little bit of time for Naruto to get used to calling Neji and Shikamaru by their ANBU names, but it was well worth it. He had only slipped once when someone had been in the office, but fortunately it had been Sasuke in the room. Needless to say, the Uchiha had given his blonde haired lover a lecture over that.
Shikamaru returned shortly and the two were about to resume their positions when the door to the office was suddenly thrown open, revealing a messenger nin. He rushed over the desk with a scroll in hand. “A message, Hokage, from the Kazekage in Suna.”
“Gaara?” Naruto asked, reaching out and taking the scroll. He opened it immediately and started to read silently over the contents. He nodded to the messenger, who quickly left, feeling slightly nervous in front of two ANBU soldiers. The couple turned their attention to their Hokage, waiting for orders. They had gotten used to that by now.
Naruto sighed softly and placed the scroll down on his desk. “I need to speak to Hyuuga Neji at the moment.”
Slightly surprised, Neji removed his mask, making sure no one was around. He held it to his side and stood more fully in front of Naruto. “What does Suna want with me?”
“Apparently, they need your ability to help them with something,” Naruto stated. “All the information that I have is that they’re having a problem locating a group and they need your help. And just you. They don’t want any other help from Konoha. They don’t want to involve more people than they have to. I’ll have to respect Gaara’s wishes on that.”
“When would you like me to leave?” Neji asked.
“Tonight,” Naruto said, with a slight frown. “They’re asking for your assistance as soon as they can receive it. I’m sorry.”
Neji shook his head. “There’s nothing to be sorry for, Hokage. A mission is a mission and I’m a shinobi. I’ll take it without question. I will go home and start to prepare for my journey. Am I to go as an ANUB or as a Jounin?”
“Jounin,” Naruto asked, looking immensely relieved that Neji wasn’t upset.
Neji nodded and put his mask back on. He hadn’t failed to notice how Shikamaru seemed to be staring at him, but had chosen to ignore it. He knew the other was upset about his sudden call to duty, but also knew he wouldn’t act to interfere with it.
“Well, I’m going to call it a day,” Naruto grinned, jumping back to his normal attitude. “I’ll see you tomorrow Stag. Don’t worry about talking to your superiors. I’ll let them know to send a replacement for Swan. The two of you just go home.”
Nodding their thanks Neji and Shikamaru jumped home, landing in their bedroom. Neji wasted no time in getting ready for his mission. He quickly stripped himself of his ANBU clothing, folding them and setting them neatly into their closet before he started to get dressed in his normal attire. He hadn’t noticed that Shikamaru had left the room, and continued to put things into his small pack. Hefting the thing onto his bed, he turned to go grab something to eat from the kitchen only to find that Shikamaru already had.
“I don’t like this,” the Nara frowned, walking towards the other with his bag of food. There was enough there to last Neji all the way to Suna.
Neji grinned apologetically. “I know. You were planning to do something for my birthday this week.”
Shikamaru sighed and placed the little bag he had prepared on the bed next to Neji’s pack. He wrapped his arms around his spouse, holding him close. “No, I…have a bad feeling.”
Neji snorted. “Since when do you pay attention to those?”
“Since you’re involved,” Shikamaru said softly, nuzzling the side of Neji’s head. “Please promise me you’ll be careful.”
Neji buried his nose into the crook of Shikamaru’s neck. “I’ll be fine, Shikamaru, but if it makes you feel better, I promise to be careful.”
Shikamaru simply stood there for a moment before he turned to face Neji and placed a chaste kiss on the other’s lips. Neji made a happy sound and pressed back, his arms tightening around the Nara’s waist. Pulling back Shikamaru pressed his forehead against Neji’s and simply held him. “I’m going to do so many naughty things to you when you get back.”
Laughing, Neji closed his eyes. “I’ll be expecting it, since I’m ruining your plans for my birthday.”
“Oh yes,” Shikamaru grinned mischievously. “Many, many naughty things.”
“Maybe I’ll ask if I can stay in Suna for a little while,” Neji teased, “just to protect myself.”
“You can’t avoid me forever. I’ll come to Suna if I have to,” Shikamaru joked, leaning forward to place another kiss on Neji’s lips.
Neji sighed softly when the other pulled away. He hesitated in his response for a moment before he closed his eyes and whispered, “I love you.”
The Nara froze for a moment only to grab Neji’s head and pull him in for one more last kiss, thrusting his tongue passionately into Neji’s mouth. The Hyuuga moaned and eagerly put his own tongue into play, placing his arms on his husband’s shoulders. Shikamaru moved his own to slide down to Neji’s back and pulled him even closer, conveying how he felt through the kiss. Neji sighed contentedly and put the three words he had just uttered into their gesture.
Shikamaru pulled away and rested his head into Neji’s hair as he held him. “Come back to me.”
The words were so soft that Neji wasn’t sure he had heard them. He smiled as he turned his head into towards the other’s. “I will.” It was a stupid thing for a shinobi to say, but he was going to do everything in his power to come back. He had made a promise to himself now.
They simply stood there for a moment before Shikamaru finally let go of the other and placed the small bag of food into the Neji’s pack. They shared one more kiss before Neji made his way outside of their home, speeding through the Nara’s forest towards the border of Wind Country. He was silently thankful that the forest was the closest part of Konoha to Suna, knowing that he wouldn’t meet any interference for a good while. After all, the Nara forest was huge and heavily protected by its clan members.
He reached back into his pack and pulled out one of the items of food that Shikamaru had packed and grinned. A blood orange. Did the Nara never run out? He chuckled to himself as he raced through the trees, peeling the fruit and dropping the peelings on the forest floor below. He savored the tasty fruit as much as he could while keeping an eye on his surroundings. After all, it wouldn’t do him any good to get caught outside of the forest because he was too busy enjoying a piece of the orange.
The trip was overly boring and Neji found that he would only stop to rest when it was absolutely necessary. It took him only two and a half days to reach Suna, compared to the regular three. He sped across the sand, having gotten used to the feel of it underneath his feet fairly quick, and was soon at the entrance of the giant stone wall that guarded Suna. He was quickly admitted inside and was rushed towards the Kazekage building.
The messenger knocked on the door to the Kazekage’s office and Neji was immediately invited inside. The Hyuuga stood perfectly still after entering, slightly surprised to see more than just Gaara sitting at his desk. There were several other Suna ninjas standing by his desk, as well as two ANBU members. It would seem that this was a much bigger problem than Neji or Naruto had originally thought. It would explain why not many details were listed in the scroll.
“Hyuuga Neji,” Gaara grinned. “We’re glad you could make it. And so quickly too.”
“I left Konoha as soon as the Hokage had told me that you needed me, Kazekage,” Neji replied.
Gaara sighed. “Thank you for hurrying. Now that you’re present we can sta-“
The door slammed open, revealing a very bloody Temari, who was leaning weakly against her fan. Neji didn’t hesitate to rush to the woman’s side as she started to tremble. Gaara was over by her side the minute that Neji was carefully lying the wounded woman on the floor. Her blond hair was messed thoroughly and Neji was sure that the majority of the blood was coming for the large cut on the woman’s side.
“Find a medic nin, immediately,” Gaara commanded, one of the two ANBU vanishing as soon as the order was issued. Neji, on the other hand, had set his pack to the floor and fished out a small jar that Shikamaru had given him a long time before. He took some of the greenish-white cream and spread it onto the wound as soon as he had wiped away some of the fresh blood. Temari hissed but made no other complaint as the stuff cleaned the wound and started to heal it. Putting the cream aside, he pulled out a some of his white rags from his small medical kit and held them over the wound.
“The cream has the same effect that a medic nin’s medical jutsu would have,” Neji explained to Gaara’s questioning look. “It doesn’t heal the skin as effectively or as quickly, but the scar should not be large.”
“No doubt that is something your spouse’s lab made,” Gaara stated, relief shining in his eyes.
Neji nodded. “It’s a slow process in making it so they can’t distribute it easily. Only those in the family receive it.”
Gaara grinned and turned to his sister. “Temari, are you hurting elsewhere?”
The blond kunoichi shook her head slowly. “Gods, Gaara, it’s a good think that you’ve got the Hyuuga here.”
“Why do you say that?” Gaara asked, his brow scrunching together.
“They-They use some sort of chakra shield,” Temari explained, the words not completely clear in Neji’s mind. “If you run into it, it unleashes some sort of attack! I…I couldn’t save any of my squad…Oh gods, I’m so sorry…”
Gaara affectionately ran his hand across his sister’s face. Neji couldn’t help but smile at the action. Lee had definitely brought out some good things in the Kazekage. “We’ll find a way to stop them, Temari. You don’t have to worry about anything.”
“But-“
Gaara shook his head. “Relax. You’ve done enough by making it back and giving us some information.”
Medic nins came rushing into the room, and started to do an extensive run over the kunoichi’s body. They placed her on cot and rushed her out of the room, leaving the Kazekage, his fellow sand nin, and Neji to dwell in the silence for a moment. Gaara sighed and turned back to his ANBU, asking one of them to retrieve Kankuro. Neji wasn’t sure when the first one had returned, but there were the same two ANBU as before.
Kankuro arrived shortly and grinned when he saw Neji. “Well if it isn’t the Hyuuga. Pretty crappy circumstances to see you in, but nice to see you nonetheless.”
Neji smirked. “The same could be said towards you, Kankuro.”
“Now that you’re here,” Gaara interjected, “I’ll get started on explaining the situation, as I’m sure Neji is slightly confused.”
Neji listened attentively as Gaara explained that surrounding villages in the Wind Country were suffering attacks from bandits. But the bandits were former ninjas it would seem and no one had been able to identify just from where that they came. On top of this, any squad that Gaara had sent out to deal with these bandits would be found days later, completely torn apart. The redhead then explained to the other sand nin why Neji was asked to come assist them. With his Byakugan, he could observe and point out any chakra.
“To put it simply,” Gaara said, “we’re going to find this group, disable this…chakra field of theirs and then either kill or capture them. I will be coming to assist on this mission and Temari and an adviser will be left to take care of my duties as Kazekage.”
“Temari’s back?” Kankuro asked.
“I’ll discuss that in a moment, Kankuro,” Gaara nodded. “You all have the rest of the day and evening to spend doing what you wish. We leave in the morning. Dismissed.”
The other sand shinobi nodded and made their way out of the office, the two ANBU members disappearing as well. Gaara sighed. “Temari barely made it back, Kankuro. She’s in the hospital.”
If the puppet-master’s face hadn’t been painted over, Neji was sure he would have seen it pale. “H-Hospital?”
“I’m sure she’ll be fine by morning,” Gaara smiled, “especially with the help that Neji gave her. She’ll be more than willing to take my duties. You know how she likes to play around with the delegates from other countries. On top of that, I wouldn’t let her go out again…she’s the only survivor that we’ve had yet…”
“She won’t be the last,” Neji said. “We’ll find a way to beat this.”
Kankuro snorted. “You’re rather optimistic.”
“I told Shikamaru that I would be careful,” Neji stated, “and that I would come back. I don’t intend on failing on both.”
Gaara let out a soft sigh. “Thank you Neji. We truly appreciate your help in this.”
“I will do everything I can to aid you,” Neji stated. “After all, a threat to you is a possible threat to Konoha. We are allies. I would hate to see that bond broken.”
“I’m sure we all would,” Gaara nodded. “I’ll have Kankuro lead you to a room to rest in for the night. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Neji nodded and Kankuro lead him out of the office and through the building. It wasn’t long before Neji was situated in a room, Kankuro having left to discuss something with Gaara after he visited Temari. Neji looked out the window and sighed. Time had flown by a lot faster than he would have expected. It was already night. Breathing in deeply, Neji lied down in the bed in the room and tried to imagine that Shikamaru was there with him, to keep him warm. A bed just wasn’t the same without the younger male.
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Oh, what's going to happen!? O_O Who knows!
So...for those of you who read this, I want to hear your ideas on this subject. I'm trying to think of a way for Shikamaru to get back at Sasuke and Naruto wants to help (yes, it will be a oneshot). Give me ideas for cruel and mean things! lol
Review please! :D
REVIEW REPLIES
Dying Dreams: Yes, Sasuke is a clever little bastard. XD I'm glad you enjoyed it. ^_^ Thank you!
lonelydove: Oh good. ^_^ Thanks!
countdown: Shikamaru's a little bit of a control freak when it comes to situations that involve him. It's not that he didn't enjoy it. He just doesn't want Neji to be the one doing all of the work. ^_^
Ino-chan: I'm really glad that you think I keep getting better. :D Thank you! I think a lot of us would want a tied up Shikamaru. XD
KatFO: lol I'm very happy you enjoyed it. :D
solitare1: lol Maybe I'll do one. It would be humorous, wouldn't it? XD
Admiral ShadowWolf: *blush* I'm very glad you thought so. hee hee More might be on the way...At least in the form of oneshots. XD
MiZuNa: Yes, smut is always a good thing. lol I'm really glad you enjoyed the chapter!
Anna: I'm very glad that you agree. :D It's about time, isn't it? lol I hope you'll enjoy the update!
Syake: lol My stories heal the common cold!? I should market that! lol XD No, Sasuke isn't a drug dealer. He just snitched somethings from Orochimaru when he was with him. XD (Oneshot idea popping up! :D)
Lith: Yay a cookie! Omnomnom! lol I'm really glad that you think the chapter was well done. :D Thank you!
Tia: Shikamaru doesn't like situations to feel onesided, but at the same time, doesn't want to the other to do more work than himself. It's a control issue. Sad, isn't it? lol And it's not like Neji never participates. He just never got to be the one pulling strings. XD I'm glad you enjoy the chapter though. :D
Mina: Oh good! *huggles the plushies* Yay! lol
jess249: Payback indeed. XD He doesn't have a problem with it. He just likes to be in control. ^_^;
amith: lol Oh good. I'm glad you liked it. My B-day was very fun actually (despite the fact that I received no presents, which I'm used to actually...-_-). I got to play Super Smash Brothers Brawl. IT IS AMAZING! :D
AngelicChaos: Shikamaru's a bit of a control freak. :P That's all there is to say. XD I'm glad you liked the chapter though!
SG21: Oh yay! Where to first? Olive Garden? Brick Oven? Wingers? Typenyaki? Hmmm...choices choices. XD Thank you! I'm really glad you liked it. ^_^
XoXgaaraXoX: I'm glad you enjoyed it. :) Hope you'll like the new chapter. :D
qwerty: Well, I was only being honest. ^_^; lol Yes, the water saved Neji a horny Shikamaru. XD
Damp: lol Shikamaru enjoyed it so he's not going to shoot you. XD And Neji had a fun ride! XD
KikumaruSenpai: Thank you! :D I'm glad you enjoyed it. ^_^
Lady Laran: lol Maybe you'll find out later. XD lol I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Starry: Yes, he is in trouble. And they haven't said those three words to each other yet...lol
Drivven Labyrinth: lol I'm glad you liked it. :D Yay for your happy pervy side! :D lol
Zenith-Kaitou: Oh, thank you! I'm very happy you liked it!
Nickles: *blush* Really? ^_^ Yay! :D I'm very happy you enjoyed it! I love them too!
charmpit: Yay! I'm so happy you liked it! It's a good thing you remembered to breathe though. XD lol Yes, yes he should.
Serenity: lol Yes, Shikamaru definitely enjoyed it. XD lol And Sasuke will eventually get in trouble. XD
Im The Dobe: That's right. Bad *cough* Sasuke. :X lol Very happy you liked the chapter. ^_^ Yes, I do get quite a few reviews. ^_^; Yay! A brownie!
ydjessy: Thank you!
Annieme: *blush* Really? Thank you! ^_^ Makes me so happy to hear that! And that works. :D
WhenYouToldMeYouLovedMe: Oh good! I'm glad you liked it! Thank you!
ShikaChouFan4Life: *laughs at the mental image of a bunch of smilies* Goodness, I'm sorry. ^_^; Didn't mean to screw you up. XD lol Glad you enjoyed it though! lol
yaoilovergirl: Shikamaru loved it, he just doesn't like feeling out of control. He's a bit of a control freak. XD Ahahahaha, I won't be getting presents until this weekend so...I didn't get anything. ^_^; I hope you'll enjoy the update. :D
Lavinia: I'd say it's just a quirk. He always likes to feel in control. XD lol That and he likes to give more than he receives (a perfect man, ne?) I'm happy you enjoyed it though. :D
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Chapter 25
Neji listened with a bored expression as Naruto continued to argue with a delegate from the Lightning Country. Of course no one could see it or him for that matter. The man was being clearly unreasonable, demanding that the Fire Country aid them in a campaign against one of their neighboring countries to display their power. But Naruto was refusing to aid, saying that he would not partake in a battle that was started over an insult to one’s pride.
Furious, the man drew a weapon amidst his rage. It was less than a second later that Neji was standing in front of Naruto’s desk, hand on the handle of his sword. Shikamaru had grabbed the man’s hand, the other pressed firmly, but gently against the man’s back. The nin snarled, but Neji and Shikamaru remained firm in their position. They had no doubt that Naruto could have easily beaten this man into submission, but it was their job to protect him.
“I believe, sir,” Shikamaru stated quietly, “it would be in your best interest to release your weapon and leave the premises.”
“Damn ANBU,” the man hissed.
“My answer remains the same,” Naruto said quietly as Neji stepped to the side so the Hokage wouldn’t have to move from his seat. “I will not join you in a battle of pointless bloodshed.”
The angry nin dropped his weapon, in which the Nara released him immediately. Muttering curses and words of revenge, the man stormed out of the office, in which Naruto let out a heavy sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. Shikamaru picked the weapon from the floor before he disappeared to take the weapon to ANBU to hold as evidence. They truly left no detail alone. Neji turned towards his Hokage, waiting for the blonde to start ranting.
“Stupid, blood thirsty idiot,” Naruto hissed. “Coming in here and thinking that he could make me believe he was a Kumo nin.”
Neji was a slightly shocked that Naruto had noticed that as well, but was also pleasantly happy about it. “Do you think he thought he was successful in convincing you?”
Naruto smirked. “Probably. He’s a rebel though. I should have had the two of you detain him for interrogation purposes. Oh well. It won’t be long before this day is over and then I can go home. I’ll force Sasuke to take me hard tonight.”
Neji chuckled. “If that’s what cures your ailments, I’m sure that it’ll do some good.”
Naruto laughed. “And what, exactly, do you do to ‘cure your ailments’, Swan?”
“I’m afraid that is none of your business, sir,” Neji replied, sending the blond into another fit of laughter. It had taken a little bit of time for Naruto to get used to calling Neji and Shikamaru by their ANBU names, but it was well worth it. He had only slipped once when someone had been in the office, but fortunately it had been Sasuke in the room. Needless to say, the Uchiha had given his blonde haired lover a lecture over that.
Shikamaru returned shortly and the two were about to resume their positions when the door to the office was suddenly thrown open, revealing a messenger nin. He rushed over the desk with a scroll in hand. “A message, Hokage, from the Kazekage in Suna.”
“Gaara?” Naruto asked, reaching out and taking the scroll. He opened it immediately and started to read silently over the contents. He nodded to the messenger, who quickly left, feeling slightly nervous in front of two ANBU soldiers. The couple turned their attention to their Hokage, waiting for orders. They had gotten used to that by now.
Naruto sighed softly and placed the scroll down on his desk. “I need to speak to Hyuuga Neji at the moment.”
Slightly surprised, Neji removed his mask, making sure no one was around. He held it to his side and stood more fully in front of Naruto. “What does Suna want with me?”
“Apparently, they need your ability to help them with something,” Naruto stated. “All the information that I have is that they’re having a problem locating a group and they need your help. And just you. They don’t want any other help from Konoha. They don’t want to involve more people than they have to. I’ll have to respect Gaara’s wishes on that.”
“When would you like me to leave?” Neji asked.
“Tonight,” Naruto said, with a slight frown. “They’re asking for your assistance as soon as they can receive it. I’m sorry.”
Neji shook his head. “There’s nothing to be sorry for, Hokage. A mission is a mission and I’m a shinobi. I’ll take it without question. I will go home and start to prepare for my journey. Am I to go as an ANUB or as a Jounin?”
“Jounin,” Naruto asked, looking immensely relieved that Neji wasn’t upset.
Neji nodded and put his mask back on. He hadn’t failed to notice how Shikamaru seemed to be staring at him, but had chosen to ignore it. He knew the other was upset about his sudden call to duty, but also knew he wouldn’t act to interfere with it.
“Well, I’m going to call it a day,” Naruto grinned, jumping back to his normal attitude. “I’ll see you tomorrow Stag. Don’t worry about talking to your superiors. I’ll let them know to send a replacement for Swan. The two of you just go home.”
Nodding their thanks Neji and Shikamaru jumped home, landing in their bedroom. Neji wasted no time in getting ready for his mission. He quickly stripped himself of his ANBU clothing, folding them and setting them neatly into their closet before he started to get dressed in his normal attire. He hadn’t noticed that Shikamaru had left the room, and continued to put things into his small pack. Hefting the thing onto his bed, he turned to go grab something to eat from the kitchen only to find that Shikamaru already had.
“I don’t like this,” the Nara frowned, walking towards the other with his bag of food. There was enough there to last Neji all the way to Suna.
Neji grinned apologetically. “I know. You were planning to do something for my birthday this week.”
Shikamaru sighed and placed the little bag he had prepared on the bed next to Neji’s pack. He wrapped his arms around his spouse, holding him close. “No, I…have a bad feeling.”
Neji snorted. “Since when do you pay attention to those?”
“Since you’re involved,” Shikamaru said softly, nuzzling the side of Neji’s head. “Please promise me you’ll be careful.”
Neji buried his nose into the crook of Shikamaru’s neck. “I’ll be fine, Shikamaru, but if it makes you feel better, I promise to be careful.”
Shikamaru simply stood there for a moment before he turned to face Neji and placed a chaste kiss on the other’s lips. Neji made a happy sound and pressed back, his arms tightening around the Nara’s waist. Pulling back Shikamaru pressed his forehead against Neji’s and simply held him. “I’m going to do so many naughty things to you when you get back.”
Laughing, Neji closed his eyes. “I’ll be expecting it, since I’m ruining your plans for my birthday.”
“Oh yes,” Shikamaru grinned mischievously. “Many, many naughty things.”
“Maybe I’ll ask if I can stay in Suna for a little while,” Neji teased, “just to protect myself.”
“You can’t avoid me forever. I’ll come to Suna if I have to,” Shikamaru joked, leaning forward to place another kiss on Neji’s lips.
Neji sighed softly when the other pulled away. He hesitated in his response for a moment before he closed his eyes and whispered, “I love you.”
The Nara froze for a moment only to grab Neji’s head and pull him in for one more last kiss, thrusting his tongue passionately into Neji’s mouth. The Hyuuga moaned and eagerly put his own tongue into play, placing his arms on his husband’s shoulders. Shikamaru moved his own to slide down to Neji’s back and pulled him even closer, conveying how he felt through the kiss. Neji sighed contentedly and put the three words he had just uttered into their gesture.
Shikamaru pulled away and rested his head into Neji’s hair as he held him. “Come back to me.”
The words were so soft that Neji wasn’t sure he had heard them. He smiled as he turned his head into towards the other’s. “I will.” It was a stupid thing for a shinobi to say, but he was going to do everything in his power to come back. He had made a promise to himself now.
They simply stood there for a moment before Shikamaru finally let go of the other and placed the small bag of food into the Neji’s pack. They shared one more kiss before Neji made his way outside of their home, speeding through the Nara’s forest towards the border of Wind Country. He was silently thankful that the forest was the closest part of Konoha to Suna, knowing that he wouldn’t meet any interference for a good while. After all, the Nara forest was huge and heavily protected by its clan members.
He reached back into his pack and pulled out one of the items of food that Shikamaru had packed and grinned. A blood orange. Did the Nara never run out? He chuckled to himself as he raced through the trees, peeling the fruit and dropping the peelings on the forest floor below. He savored the tasty fruit as much as he could while keeping an eye on his surroundings. After all, it wouldn’t do him any good to get caught outside of the forest because he was too busy enjoying a piece of the orange.
The trip was overly boring and Neji found that he would only stop to rest when it was absolutely necessary. It took him only two and a half days to reach Suna, compared to the regular three. He sped across the sand, having gotten used to the feel of it underneath his feet fairly quick, and was soon at the entrance of the giant stone wall that guarded Suna. He was quickly admitted inside and was rushed towards the Kazekage building.
The messenger knocked on the door to the Kazekage’s office and Neji was immediately invited inside. The Hyuuga stood perfectly still after entering, slightly surprised to see more than just Gaara sitting at his desk. There were several other Suna ninjas standing by his desk, as well as two ANBU members. It would seem that this was a much bigger problem than Neji or Naruto had originally thought. It would explain why not many details were listed in the scroll.
“Hyuuga Neji,” Gaara grinned. “We’re glad you could make it. And so quickly too.”
“I left Konoha as soon as the Hokage had told me that you needed me, Kazekage,” Neji replied.
Gaara sighed. “Thank you for hurrying. Now that you’re present we can sta-“
The door slammed open, revealing a very bloody Temari, who was leaning weakly against her fan. Neji didn’t hesitate to rush to the woman’s side as she started to tremble. Gaara was over by her side the minute that Neji was carefully lying the wounded woman on the floor. Her blond hair was messed thoroughly and Neji was sure that the majority of the blood was coming for the large cut on the woman’s side.
“Find a medic nin, immediately,” Gaara commanded, one of the two ANBU vanishing as soon as the order was issued. Neji, on the other hand, had set his pack to the floor and fished out a small jar that Shikamaru had given him a long time before. He took some of the greenish-white cream and spread it onto the wound as soon as he had wiped away some of the fresh blood. Temari hissed but made no other complaint as the stuff cleaned the wound and started to heal it. Putting the cream aside, he pulled out a some of his white rags from his small medical kit and held them over the wound.
“The cream has the same effect that a medic nin’s medical jutsu would have,” Neji explained to Gaara’s questioning look. “It doesn’t heal the skin as effectively or as quickly, but the scar should not be large.”
“No doubt that is something your spouse’s lab made,” Gaara stated, relief shining in his eyes.
Neji nodded. “It’s a slow process in making it so they can’t distribute it easily. Only those in the family receive it.”
Gaara grinned and turned to his sister. “Temari, are you hurting elsewhere?”
The blond kunoichi shook her head slowly. “Gods, Gaara, it’s a good think that you’ve got the Hyuuga here.”
“Why do you say that?” Gaara asked, his brow scrunching together.
“They-They use some sort of chakra shield,” Temari explained, the words not completely clear in Neji’s mind. “If you run into it, it unleashes some sort of attack! I…I couldn’t save any of my squad…Oh gods, I’m so sorry…”
Gaara affectionately ran his hand across his sister’s face. Neji couldn’t help but smile at the action. Lee had definitely brought out some good things in the Kazekage. “We’ll find a way to stop them, Temari. You don’t have to worry about anything.”
“But-“
Gaara shook his head. “Relax. You’ve done enough by making it back and giving us some information.”
Medic nins came rushing into the room, and started to do an extensive run over the kunoichi’s body. They placed her on cot and rushed her out of the room, leaving the Kazekage, his fellow sand nin, and Neji to dwell in the silence for a moment. Gaara sighed and turned back to his ANBU, asking one of them to retrieve Kankuro. Neji wasn’t sure when the first one had returned, but there were the same two ANBU as before.
Kankuro arrived shortly and grinned when he saw Neji. “Well if it isn’t the Hyuuga. Pretty crappy circumstances to see you in, but nice to see you nonetheless.”
Neji smirked. “The same could be said towards you, Kankuro.”
“Now that you’re here,” Gaara interjected, “I’ll get started on explaining the situation, as I’m sure Neji is slightly confused.”
Neji listened attentively as Gaara explained that surrounding villages in the Wind Country were suffering attacks from bandits. But the bandits were former ninjas it would seem and no one had been able to identify just from where that they came. On top of this, any squad that Gaara had sent out to deal with these bandits would be found days later, completely torn apart. The redhead then explained to the other sand nin why Neji was asked to come assist them. With his Byakugan, he could observe and point out any chakra.
“To put it simply,” Gaara said, “we’re going to find this group, disable this…chakra field of theirs and then either kill or capture them. I will be coming to assist on this mission and Temari and an adviser will be left to take care of my duties as Kazekage.”
“Temari’s back?” Kankuro asked.
“I’ll discuss that in a moment, Kankuro,” Gaara nodded. “You all have the rest of the day and evening to spend doing what you wish. We leave in the morning. Dismissed.”
The other sand shinobi nodded and made their way out of the office, the two ANBU members disappearing as well. Gaara sighed. “Temari barely made it back, Kankuro. She’s in the hospital.”
If the puppet-master’s face hadn’t been painted over, Neji was sure he would have seen it pale. “H-Hospital?”
“I’m sure she’ll be fine by morning,” Gaara smiled, “especially with the help that Neji gave her. She’ll be more than willing to take my duties. You know how she likes to play around with the delegates from other countries. On top of that, I wouldn’t let her go out again…she’s the only survivor that we’ve had yet…”
“She won’t be the last,” Neji said. “We’ll find a way to beat this.”
Kankuro snorted. “You’re rather optimistic.”
“I told Shikamaru that I would be careful,” Neji stated, “and that I would come back. I don’t intend on failing on both.”
Gaara let out a soft sigh. “Thank you Neji. We truly appreciate your help in this.”
“I will do everything I can to aid you,” Neji stated. “After all, a threat to you is a possible threat to Konoha. We are allies. I would hate to see that bond broken.”
“I’m sure we all would,” Gaara nodded. “I’ll have Kankuro lead you to a room to rest in for the night. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Neji nodded and Kankuro lead him out of the office and through the building. It wasn’t long before Neji was situated in a room, Kankuro having left to discuss something with Gaara after he visited Temari. Neji looked out the window and sighed. Time had flown by a lot faster than he would have expected. It was already night. Breathing in deeply, Neji lied down in the bed in the room and tried to imagine that Shikamaru was there with him, to keep him warm. A bed just wasn’t the same without the younger male.
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Oh, what's going to happen!? O_O Who knows!
So...for those of you who read this, I want to hear your ideas on this subject. I'm trying to think of a way for Shikamaru to get back at Sasuke and Naruto wants to help (yes, it will be a oneshot). Give me ideas for cruel and mean things! lol
Review please! :D