The Way Things Are
folder
Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male › Shikamaru/Neji
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
32
Views:
3,464
Reviews:
777
Recommended:
2
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male › Shikamaru/Neji
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
32
Views:
3,464
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 28
Ah, I had a great spring break. ^_^ It was most enjoyable. Thanks for being patient with me, especially as to where I was in the story. It must have been terrible waiting for updates. >_< I am sorry about that. I hope you'll like this one. :D
Before I go on to replying to your reviews, I'd like to do some shameless advertising. XD I recently created a forum/board thing for RPing and I'd really like to get as many members as possible. You all are very welcome to check it out and join. :D Please at least look at it. ^_^ Here is the link to it!
http://rpmadnessland.proboards80.com/index.cgi
REVIEW REPLIES
Ino-chan: I'm glad that you liked the chapter. :) Makes me happy to know that the emotions were portrayed like I wanted them to be. ^_^ Thank you!
Admiral ShadowWolf: ^_^ Thank you. I really am rather mean and harsh when it comes to playing things out. XD I believe you'll enjoy this chapter. :D
solitare1: Did I? I'm glad that I was able to do that. It makes me happy to know that I wasn't the only one.
Mina: ^_^ Thank you. I'm really glad that you did enjoy it. I hope you'll enjoy this update as well.
chevonne: Thank you very much! I'm glad you're enjoying it! If Shikamaru gets to punish them...well, I don't want to know. XD lol I hope you'll enjoy the new chapter!
Damp: One can only hope they get the punishment they deserve, eh? And...*shifty eyes* don't give me evil eyes....XD lol
Dying Dreams: That's the point, getting you to that point. XD hee hee Hopefully you were able to live till this update. haha Thanks for being patient. ;)
KatFO: Yes, poor Shikamaru. I don't know what I would do if I was in his place. I hope you'll like the new update. :D
Akaatje: Did I? I'm sorry. But then again, I guess that's a good thing too. Another vote for the "let Neji live" room. It may be a little late to vote though...
Im The Dobe: Almost cried? Damn...so close. XD lol j/k I'm glad that I portrayed how the Nara was feeling well enough. Thanks for the sincere review. ^_^
digiditz: I'm afraid I was unable to meet your demands. And yes, I am a terrible person. XD Hopefully you weren't crying too long. ^_^ Happy reading!
Christina: I always leave mean cliffhangers. XD lol *hands you a tissue* I hope the tears have stopped by this point.
amith: I had tissues by me too. XD lol Thank you and I hope you'll enjoy the new chapter.
mishoshi05: I'm glad you loved it! :D Yes, Neji was. He didn't want to break his promise to Shikamaru. Such a loving person, neh?
Twisted_Reaper: Well, I didn't update Sunday, but I hope that Monday wasn't too late. lol It's a fix now? XD Nice to know that. hee hee
jess249: Yes! We need more believing! :D ^_^ Keep waiting! It'll eventually happen. :P
WhenYouToldMeYouLovedMe: Oh dear. *hands you tissues* I am sorry. I hope you won't cry for too much longer. ^_^; Enjoy the update!
Annieme: haha, I enjoyed my last days of freedom. It was crazy fun. So you almost cried then? I'm glad to know that I wasn't the only one.
charmpit: Stunned by it? Wow...I feel pretty accomplished about that. You'll just have to continue reading to see if Neji makes it...
XoXgaaraXoX: Everyday? Goodness. You're checking as often as most people now. ^_^; I hope you'll enjoy the new update!
Zenith-Kaitou: Yes, it was short. >_< Sorry. I hope you'll like the new chapter!
Tia: Yes, it was rather heartbreaking...I still can't believe I wrote it. ^_^; Keep believing! :D
D.A. Maxwell: You angst-lover, you. XD lol I'm glad that you liked the part on believing. I really liked it as I was typing it. Hopefully Shikamaru won't be sad for too much longer.
Revine: lol I'm glad you're surviving. XD I'm sure your hopes are shared with many other people. Oh cookies! Yay! *munches on them*
SGOU: I'm really glad you enjoyed it, despite the tears you shared with Shikamaru. Thank you and i hope you'll enjoy the new update!
countdown: Sexy crying glory? That's a new one. XD haha And might I ask what adjective you were thinking of? hee hee Happy reading!
lonelydove: You're not alone. Apparently many people did. :)
Syake: Relating to Chouji huh? I've been in his place before too. There will be a lot of people upset if Neji dies...myself included. :P
yaoilovergirl: I am to blame? Oh dear. I hope I won't have to pay anything. :P And yes to the suspense. I mean, come on, did you really think I wouldn't put in suspense? lol
ShikaChouFan4Life: Did they? I'm really glad that I portrayed the emotions going on well enough! Thank you so much. ^_^ I really appreciate it!
Joslin: That's a very nice fact to know. I'll have to go back and change that. ^_^ Thanks for telling me!
qwerty: It is sad, isn't it? You'll have to read to see if he lives or not! O_O And thanks! :D I did enjoy it. ^_^
Kagecat: Thank you. :D I'm glad you like it. I hope this update is soon enough for you. ^_^
Erica: Crying with Shikamaru seems to be something I really did well in that chapter. A lot of people are telling me that they cried with him. I'm really glad that you liked the "believe" speech too. It was one of my favorite parts to write. :D I'm like you. I like a little angst, but too much kills me. I hope you'll enjoy the update and thank you! :D
luxeflex: Did I? I'm sorry. *hands you tissues* Hope you'll like the new chapter. ^_^
tori: Yes, better late then never and thank you for taking the time to do so. :D So this and the wedding chapter are your favorite, eh? I'm glad you enjoyed it. ^_^ I try to be as grammatically correct as possible. I'm kind of a stickler(sp?) about that. :P Thank you again for the compliments! :D
hatsumomo: I wish I could keep writing it for forever, but I don't think that'll ever happen. ^_^; Anyhow, you and a lot of other people want him to live. Let's hope he does so!
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Chapter 28
Three days. It had been three days since Shikamaru had brought Neji, all bloody and dying, to the hospital. Three days since he had cried like he never had before. Three days since his mother had told him that he needed to give all of his faith and strength to the one he loved. Three days since he had received an official apology from the Kazekage of Suna. Three days since he had promised himself to tell Neji how he truly felt.
Three days since he had slept.
His family and friends could get him to eat and take necessary bathroom breaks, but they couldn’t make him sleep. He continued to sit in the waiting room, staring at the door that he had last seen Neji disappear through. He closed his eyes momentarily and sighed. Believing…he had been doing that for three days straight. Call him spoiled, but it never took that long for things to happen the way he predicted. He shook his head. No selfish thoughts.
He looked to the side of him and stared for a moment at the youngest of Neji’s cousins, who had curled up against his side. It had taken a long time for her to convince her father to let her stay with him. Hiashi had reluctantly agreed when the other medic nin assured him that she would be kept safe and happy. The others had left sporadically, eventually leaving him here by himself. Hanabi and her uncle had come back only momentarily on the second night.
The doors to the waiting room opened up and Shikamaru watched from the corner of his eyes as a group of people entered the room. Lee and Gaara came in first, holding hands, only to be followed by Kankuro and Temari, who were shaking their heads at the pair. Chouji came in next, rubbing his weary eyes. It was fairly early in the morning after all. He was sure that the sun would just be coming up over the horizon. Hanabi woke up to all the noise and rubbed her eyes before she spotted Chouji.
“Good morning, Chouji,” she said brightly as she walked over to him. “Are you feeling better this morning?”
Chouji chuckled. “I am feeling much better. I hope that Shikamaru wasn’t an uncomfortable pillow.”
Hanabi giggled, unaware of the fact that the Nara had rolled his eyes. “No, he was very comfy. But…he didn’t sleep again.”
Chouji sighed, eyes flicking up towards his best friend. “He will sleep when he feels ready to.”
Several hours later, Hiashi, Hinata, and Shino returned as well, Neji’s uncle immediately asking his youngest daughter if she had behaved. Yet Shikamaru ignored everything else. He stared at the door. Three days. Closing his eyes slowly, he tried to chase away the cold touch that was threatening to suffocate his heart. He wanted to say how troublesome all of this was. Wanted to be able to just shrug it off and move on. But he just couldn’t.
Tenten and Gai arrived moments later, the girl still pale and the green clad shinobi trying to keep a bright smile on his face. After the first few hours of silence, he had started to try and cheer those around him. He had been unsuccessful for the first day, but Lee quickly started to follow his mentor’s example. It wasn’t long before everyone had a sad, yet understanding smile on their face. That is, everyone but Shikamaru.
Two more hours passed and it was well into the afternoon at this point. Shikamaru was so tempted to just fall asleep, but he forced his eyes to stay open. He had asked Neji to do so and the white-eyed nin had been in more physical pain that he was, so why couldn’t he do that same? On top of that, Shikamaru wouldn’t stop believing in his spouse for a second. Anytime a doubt would start to crawl in, he would forcibly shake his head to chase the thought away.
Without warning, the door that the Nara’s eyes were glued to was pushed open, revealing a tired and haggard looking Ino. Chouji was over by his wife in an instant, combing back her unorganized hair and pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. Shikamaru slowly got to his feet, as all eyes turned towards him. Ino looked over at him for a second before she averted her eyes and continued to fill out the file on the clipboard in her hands. Shikamaru’s heart clenched at that.
He slowly made his way over to his blonde teammate until he was standing by her side. “Ino?” He cursed the fact that he couldn’t say more than her name. Couldn’t ask the question that was dying to be answered.
“Shikamaru,” Ino sighed, “I’m…sorry.”
The Nara’s heart went cold. No…no, it can’t be…please…he can’t be dead!
“You won’t be able to have sex for a little while.”
Shikamaru blinked as a small playful smirk made its way onto Ino’s face. When his mind clicked at just what the girl was implying, he couldn’t stop the happy tears from coming to the corner of his eyes. His mouth started to twitch in the form of a smile. “You stupid bitch,” he muttered playfully, his body trembling with relief.
“Rather rude, don’t you think?” Ino continued to tease, her smirk changing to a smile. “Calling me a bitch after I helped save your spouse’s life. How ungrateful.”
Cheers immediately started to ring out through the room and Shikamaru couldn’t keep his act up. He grabbed onto the blonde and started to cry onto her shoulder. “Thank you. Gods, thank you…”
Ino awkwardly wrapped her arms around her teammate, not able to do anything other than smile as she watched the celebrations going on throughout the room. Gaara had a toothy smile on his face and Kankuro looked extremely relieved. Lee and Gai were hugging and crying manly tears while Tenten was spinning excitedly around Suna’s blonde fan-wielder. Hiashi had his eyes closed and a gentle smile on his face while Hanabi was bouncing up and down in front of Shino and Hinata, both of who were smiling.
“Would you like to see him?” Ino asked softly.
Shikamaru pulled away, wiping his tears. “But…isn’t that-“
“Tsunade was the one to suggest it,” Ino interrupted. “Seeing as she’s the master healer, I think she would know if it was OK for you to see him or not. So do you?”
Shikamaru paused only for a moment before he nodded his head.
Ino smiled. “Stay here, Chou. I’ll be back soon. Keep the other’s calm would you?”
“Just go,” Chouji grinned, pushing his wife towards the door.
Ino playfully stuck out her tongue and led Shikamaru past the door. The noise from the waiting room disappeared as they walked further down the white hallways. They turned a corner and Shikamaru was slightly surprised to find Tsunade, Shizune, and Sakura standing outside of a door. Ino bid him farewell and walked away, presumably towards Chouji. Shikamaru made his way to the three, his eyes showing his thanks as he neared them.
“You here to see that white-eyed brat resting in the room?” Tsunade asked, smirking.
“I think you know the answer to that,” Shikamaru grinned.
“Yeah, yeah,” the blonde sighed. “Just get in there.”
“He is resting at the moment,” Sakura added, “so he probably won’t notice you coming into the room.”
“And no need to thank us,” Shizune interjected. “We already know.”
Shikamaru smiled at them and nodded his head before he grabbed the handle to the door and walked in, slightly saddened by what he saw. Neji was lying prone on a bed, with various wires connected to his skin. An air mask was over his mouth, eyes closed. He looked paler, were it possible, as if he were as white as snow. The Nara slowly made his way over to the bed and carefully grabbed a chair to sit down in. He merely stared at the other for a moment, listening to the hums, beeps, and other strange noises of the machinery.
After a few minutes, he shakily lifted his hand and placed it on Neji’s, eyes looking to the large scar resting in the center of his lover’s chest. Again, the smallest possible scar had been made, but it was my no means little. He was tempted to trace over it, but decided against it, afraid that he might somehow open the wound with his touch. He felt the long, elegant fingers underneath his twitch and he raised his eyes to watch as Neji’s fluttered open.
“Hey, white-eyes,” he whispered, a small smile spreading across his face.
Neji was barely able to return the gesture, but it was there nonetheless. His hand slowly turned, fingers weakly wrapping with Shikamaru’s. The Nara merely let his smile grow larger as tears started to make their way to his eyes again. Neji’s eyes immediately grew sympathetic as if he were saying he was sorry. Shikamaru was going to have none of that. He shook his head and wiped the tears away with his free hand, before he regained his composure.
He pulled his chair closer and placed a soft kiss on Neji’s shoulder. “Don’t ever do something like this every again.”
Neji’s fingers squeezed his own momentarily in an apology. His white eyes lidded slightly as well.
“It’s not your fault,” Shikamaru whispered, resting his head gently on the pillow. “It’s never been your fault.” He grinned when he caught the arguing look in his lover’s eyes. “Yes, I know, you plan on arguing that point with me later.”
Neji’s eyes blinked lazily, an affirmative of the last statement. Shikamaru stared at him for a moment before he lifted his hand to the other’s cheek. Stroking it gently, his eyes began to droop. He blinked his eyes a couple of times to keep himself awake, his mind telling him that there was something he had to do. But after the trauma that Neji had gone through, would he be ready for more? Or would it only serve to hurt him?
He waited silently for a few minutes, watching as Neji’s eyes and head slowly turned to face him, despite how much of an effort Shikamaru was sure went into the simple act. “Neji…Please forgive me for not saying this before.”
Neji’s eyes struggled to form a confused look, his body not fully recovered from his ordeal. His fingers curled tighter with Shikamaru’s, encouraging him to go on. His white eyes stared into the brown ones lying right next to him. He watched the other patiently, waiting for a reply. After all, he really didn’t have any other option then to lie on the bed he was in. He was surprised that they had let Shikamaru into his room at all.
Shikamaru took in a deep breath before he closed his eyes, placing a ghost-like kiss on Neji’s cheek. “I love you, Hyuuga Neji.”
Neji’s eyes widened as much as they could, blinking in slight shock for a moment before the small smile on his face started to grow. It got as big as he could possibly make it and tears started to form in his milky eyes. They rolled down the side of his face, his fingers trying to help convey how happy he was at the simple, yet meaningful phrase. Shikamaru grinned back, his free hand brushing away the tears. He knew the other was happy, but having a soaked pillow was never any fun.
“I mean it too,” Shikamaru smiled, pushing back some of Neji’s hair.
Neji let out a light breath, which Shikamaru interpreted as a scoffing laugh. He chuckled himself and let his head fall more deeply into the pillow, eyes locked with Neji’s. Even though he was half-lying down, his sudden exhaustion was getting the better of him. His fingers continued to absentmindedly stroke the Hyuuga’s cheek, where the mask wasn’t at, as his eyes began to droop. Neji’s own seemed to follow his actions, fingers falling relaxed underneath the Nara’s.
“I don’t think I’m allowed to sleep here,” Shikamaru said softly, leaning forward once more to place a kiss on Neji’s forehead, “but I think a light nap won’t go against regulations.”
Neji smiled once more before his eyes closed and he fell back into a deep sleep, his fingers relaxed, but still intertwined with Shikamaru’s. The Nara merely grinned at this before he let his own eyes fall shut and he relaxed as best he could, his hand still clasped with Neji’s and the other resting on Neji’s cheek. Both were completely at peace and Shikamaru was soon fast asleep next to Neji, the Hyuuga sleeping deeply next to him.
Sakura and Ino slowly opened the door, fully prepared to tell Shikamaru that it was time for him to go when they caught a look at the two. Smiling softly, the pink-haired kunoichi gently pulled Ino out of the room.
“Sakura,” Ino said with a bit of warning in her tone, “you know it’s against regulations for him to-“
“Ino,” Sakura interrupted quietly, “I think we can break the rule just this once. Didn’t you see them? And how happy they looked?”
Ino frowned. “Well, yes, but we can’t just leave-“
“Yes, we can,” Sakura interjected again. “They’re our friends and we can just let them be for a little while. Shikamaru isn’t in the best of health either, seeing as from what I heard from the others was that he hasn’t slept in 3 days.”
“True…” Ino said slowly. “I suppose it couldn’t hurt.”
Sakura smiled. “Exactly. He’s not hurting Neji in anyway. On top of that, Neji’s very stable at the moment. We’ll know if there’s a change in his health.”
“Shouldn’t we ask Tsunade first though?” Ino asked.
“Ask me what?”
Both women froze momentarily before they turned to look at their medical mentor. They share a glance between each other before Sakura spoke. “We’re going to just let Shikamaru rest with Neji. Ino thinks that we should ask you if it’s alright?”
Tsunade raised a brow. “Even though you both know it’s against regulations?”
Both girls nodded slowly.
Tsunade smirked. “I agree with you. I would be doing the same thing. Now the two of you get home. I’m sure your spouses would like to spend the night with you.”
Sakura sighed in relief. “Thank you. I’m sure Sai has missed me.”
“Don’t forget Chouji,” Ino stated. “He’s had more stress on him that Sai.”
Tsunade sighed. “Just go.”
Both kunoichi’s smiled and giggled before they made the seals and disappeared from her view. Now that that was taken care of, Tsunade turned to exit the hospital. She had to go see a certain blonde and speak with him about the 5 newest patients, and prisoners, under her care. After all, Naruto and those who had gone with him had been rather brutal in their fight.
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Everyone celebrate! Neji lived! And Shikamaru finally said those three special words. ^_^ I seriously tried to think of a decent way to let Neji die, but I couldn't. I just couldn't kill him. :P All of you be happy about that.
Once again, I'm advertising for my site again. ^_^; Please check it out if you like to RP!
http://rpmadnessland.proboards80.com/index.cgi
Before I go on to replying to your reviews, I'd like to do some shameless advertising. XD I recently created a forum/board thing for RPing and I'd really like to get as many members as possible. You all are very welcome to check it out and join. :D Please at least look at it. ^_^ Here is the link to it!
http://rpmadnessland.proboards80.com/index.cgi
REVIEW REPLIES
Ino-chan: I'm glad that you liked the chapter. :) Makes me happy to know that the emotions were portrayed like I wanted them to be. ^_^ Thank you!
Admiral ShadowWolf: ^_^ Thank you. I really am rather mean and harsh when it comes to playing things out. XD I believe you'll enjoy this chapter. :D
solitare1: Did I? I'm glad that I was able to do that. It makes me happy to know that I wasn't the only one.
Mina: ^_^ Thank you. I'm really glad that you did enjoy it. I hope you'll enjoy this update as well.
chevonne: Thank you very much! I'm glad you're enjoying it! If Shikamaru gets to punish them...well, I don't want to know. XD lol I hope you'll enjoy the new chapter!
Damp: One can only hope they get the punishment they deserve, eh? And...*shifty eyes* don't give me evil eyes....XD lol
Dying Dreams: That's the point, getting you to that point. XD hee hee Hopefully you were able to live till this update. haha Thanks for being patient. ;)
KatFO: Yes, poor Shikamaru. I don't know what I would do if I was in his place. I hope you'll like the new update. :D
Akaatje: Did I? I'm sorry. But then again, I guess that's a good thing too. Another vote for the "let Neji live" room. It may be a little late to vote though...
Im The Dobe: Almost cried? Damn...so close. XD lol j/k I'm glad that I portrayed how the Nara was feeling well enough. Thanks for the sincere review. ^_^
digiditz: I'm afraid I was unable to meet your demands. And yes, I am a terrible person. XD Hopefully you weren't crying too long. ^_^ Happy reading!
Christina: I always leave mean cliffhangers. XD lol *hands you a tissue* I hope the tears have stopped by this point.
amith: I had tissues by me too. XD lol Thank you and I hope you'll enjoy the new chapter.
mishoshi05: I'm glad you loved it! :D Yes, Neji was. He didn't want to break his promise to Shikamaru. Such a loving person, neh?
Twisted_Reaper: Well, I didn't update Sunday, but I hope that Monday wasn't too late. lol It's a fix now? XD Nice to know that. hee hee
jess249: Yes! We need more believing! :D ^_^ Keep waiting! It'll eventually happen. :P
WhenYouToldMeYouLovedMe: Oh dear. *hands you tissues* I am sorry. I hope you won't cry for too much longer. ^_^; Enjoy the update!
Annieme: haha, I enjoyed my last days of freedom. It was crazy fun. So you almost cried then? I'm glad to know that I wasn't the only one.
charmpit: Stunned by it? Wow...I feel pretty accomplished about that. You'll just have to continue reading to see if Neji makes it...
XoXgaaraXoX: Everyday? Goodness. You're checking as often as most people now. ^_^; I hope you'll enjoy the new update!
Zenith-Kaitou: Yes, it was short. >_< Sorry. I hope you'll like the new chapter!
Tia: Yes, it was rather heartbreaking...I still can't believe I wrote it. ^_^; Keep believing! :D
D.A. Maxwell: You angst-lover, you. XD lol I'm glad that you liked the part on believing. I really liked it as I was typing it. Hopefully Shikamaru won't be sad for too much longer.
Revine: lol I'm glad you're surviving. XD I'm sure your hopes are shared with many other people. Oh cookies! Yay! *munches on them*
SGOU: I'm really glad you enjoyed it, despite the tears you shared with Shikamaru. Thank you and i hope you'll enjoy the new update!
countdown: Sexy crying glory? That's a new one. XD haha And might I ask what adjective you were thinking of? hee hee Happy reading!
lonelydove: You're not alone. Apparently many people did. :)
Syake: Relating to Chouji huh? I've been in his place before too. There will be a lot of people upset if Neji dies...myself included. :P
yaoilovergirl: I am to blame? Oh dear. I hope I won't have to pay anything. :P And yes to the suspense. I mean, come on, did you really think I wouldn't put in suspense? lol
ShikaChouFan4Life: Did they? I'm really glad that I portrayed the emotions going on well enough! Thank you so much. ^_^ I really appreciate it!
Joslin: That's a very nice fact to know. I'll have to go back and change that. ^_^ Thanks for telling me!
qwerty: It is sad, isn't it? You'll have to read to see if he lives or not! O_O And thanks! :D I did enjoy it. ^_^
Kagecat: Thank you. :D I'm glad you like it. I hope this update is soon enough for you. ^_^
Erica: Crying with Shikamaru seems to be something I really did well in that chapter. A lot of people are telling me that they cried with him. I'm really glad that you liked the "believe" speech too. It was one of my favorite parts to write. :D I'm like you. I like a little angst, but too much kills me. I hope you'll enjoy the update and thank you! :D
luxeflex: Did I? I'm sorry. *hands you tissues* Hope you'll like the new chapter. ^_^
tori: Yes, better late then never and thank you for taking the time to do so. :D So this and the wedding chapter are your favorite, eh? I'm glad you enjoyed it. ^_^ I try to be as grammatically correct as possible. I'm kind of a stickler(sp?) about that. :P Thank you again for the compliments! :D
hatsumomo: I wish I could keep writing it for forever, but I don't think that'll ever happen. ^_^; Anyhow, you and a lot of other people want him to live. Let's hope he does so!
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Chapter 28
Three days. It had been three days since Shikamaru had brought Neji, all bloody and dying, to the hospital. Three days since he had cried like he never had before. Three days since his mother had told him that he needed to give all of his faith and strength to the one he loved. Three days since he had received an official apology from the Kazekage of Suna. Three days since he had promised himself to tell Neji how he truly felt.
Three days since he had slept.
His family and friends could get him to eat and take necessary bathroom breaks, but they couldn’t make him sleep. He continued to sit in the waiting room, staring at the door that he had last seen Neji disappear through. He closed his eyes momentarily and sighed. Believing…he had been doing that for three days straight. Call him spoiled, but it never took that long for things to happen the way he predicted. He shook his head. No selfish thoughts.
He looked to the side of him and stared for a moment at the youngest of Neji’s cousins, who had curled up against his side. It had taken a long time for her to convince her father to let her stay with him. Hiashi had reluctantly agreed when the other medic nin assured him that she would be kept safe and happy. The others had left sporadically, eventually leaving him here by himself. Hanabi and her uncle had come back only momentarily on the second night.
The doors to the waiting room opened up and Shikamaru watched from the corner of his eyes as a group of people entered the room. Lee and Gaara came in first, holding hands, only to be followed by Kankuro and Temari, who were shaking their heads at the pair. Chouji came in next, rubbing his weary eyes. It was fairly early in the morning after all. He was sure that the sun would just be coming up over the horizon. Hanabi woke up to all the noise and rubbed her eyes before she spotted Chouji.
“Good morning, Chouji,” she said brightly as she walked over to him. “Are you feeling better this morning?”
Chouji chuckled. “I am feeling much better. I hope that Shikamaru wasn’t an uncomfortable pillow.”
Hanabi giggled, unaware of the fact that the Nara had rolled his eyes. “No, he was very comfy. But…he didn’t sleep again.”
Chouji sighed, eyes flicking up towards his best friend. “He will sleep when he feels ready to.”
Several hours later, Hiashi, Hinata, and Shino returned as well, Neji’s uncle immediately asking his youngest daughter if she had behaved. Yet Shikamaru ignored everything else. He stared at the door. Three days. Closing his eyes slowly, he tried to chase away the cold touch that was threatening to suffocate his heart. He wanted to say how troublesome all of this was. Wanted to be able to just shrug it off and move on. But he just couldn’t.
Tenten and Gai arrived moments later, the girl still pale and the green clad shinobi trying to keep a bright smile on his face. After the first few hours of silence, he had started to try and cheer those around him. He had been unsuccessful for the first day, but Lee quickly started to follow his mentor’s example. It wasn’t long before everyone had a sad, yet understanding smile on their face. That is, everyone but Shikamaru.
Two more hours passed and it was well into the afternoon at this point. Shikamaru was so tempted to just fall asleep, but he forced his eyes to stay open. He had asked Neji to do so and the white-eyed nin had been in more physical pain that he was, so why couldn’t he do that same? On top of that, Shikamaru wouldn’t stop believing in his spouse for a second. Anytime a doubt would start to crawl in, he would forcibly shake his head to chase the thought away.
Without warning, the door that the Nara’s eyes were glued to was pushed open, revealing a tired and haggard looking Ino. Chouji was over by his wife in an instant, combing back her unorganized hair and pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. Shikamaru slowly got to his feet, as all eyes turned towards him. Ino looked over at him for a second before she averted her eyes and continued to fill out the file on the clipboard in her hands. Shikamaru’s heart clenched at that.
He slowly made his way over to his blonde teammate until he was standing by her side. “Ino?” He cursed the fact that he couldn’t say more than her name. Couldn’t ask the question that was dying to be answered.
“Shikamaru,” Ino sighed, “I’m…sorry.”
The Nara’s heart went cold. No…no, it can’t be…please…he can’t be dead!
“You won’t be able to have sex for a little while.”
Shikamaru blinked as a small playful smirk made its way onto Ino’s face. When his mind clicked at just what the girl was implying, he couldn’t stop the happy tears from coming to the corner of his eyes. His mouth started to twitch in the form of a smile. “You stupid bitch,” he muttered playfully, his body trembling with relief.
“Rather rude, don’t you think?” Ino continued to tease, her smirk changing to a smile. “Calling me a bitch after I helped save your spouse’s life. How ungrateful.”
Cheers immediately started to ring out through the room and Shikamaru couldn’t keep his act up. He grabbed onto the blonde and started to cry onto her shoulder. “Thank you. Gods, thank you…”
Ino awkwardly wrapped her arms around her teammate, not able to do anything other than smile as she watched the celebrations going on throughout the room. Gaara had a toothy smile on his face and Kankuro looked extremely relieved. Lee and Gai were hugging and crying manly tears while Tenten was spinning excitedly around Suna’s blonde fan-wielder. Hiashi had his eyes closed and a gentle smile on his face while Hanabi was bouncing up and down in front of Shino and Hinata, both of who were smiling.
“Would you like to see him?” Ino asked softly.
Shikamaru pulled away, wiping his tears. “But…isn’t that-“
“Tsunade was the one to suggest it,” Ino interrupted. “Seeing as she’s the master healer, I think she would know if it was OK for you to see him or not. So do you?”
Shikamaru paused only for a moment before he nodded his head.
Ino smiled. “Stay here, Chou. I’ll be back soon. Keep the other’s calm would you?”
“Just go,” Chouji grinned, pushing his wife towards the door.
Ino playfully stuck out her tongue and led Shikamaru past the door. The noise from the waiting room disappeared as they walked further down the white hallways. They turned a corner and Shikamaru was slightly surprised to find Tsunade, Shizune, and Sakura standing outside of a door. Ino bid him farewell and walked away, presumably towards Chouji. Shikamaru made his way to the three, his eyes showing his thanks as he neared them.
“You here to see that white-eyed brat resting in the room?” Tsunade asked, smirking.
“I think you know the answer to that,” Shikamaru grinned.
“Yeah, yeah,” the blonde sighed. “Just get in there.”
“He is resting at the moment,” Sakura added, “so he probably won’t notice you coming into the room.”
“And no need to thank us,” Shizune interjected. “We already know.”
Shikamaru smiled at them and nodded his head before he grabbed the handle to the door and walked in, slightly saddened by what he saw. Neji was lying prone on a bed, with various wires connected to his skin. An air mask was over his mouth, eyes closed. He looked paler, were it possible, as if he were as white as snow. The Nara slowly made his way over to the bed and carefully grabbed a chair to sit down in. He merely stared at the other for a moment, listening to the hums, beeps, and other strange noises of the machinery.
After a few minutes, he shakily lifted his hand and placed it on Neji’s, eyes looking to the large scar resting in the center of his lover’s chest. Again, the smallest possible scar had been made, but it was my no means little. He was tempted to trace over it, but decided against it, afraid that he might somehow open the wound with his touch. He felt the long, elegant fingers underneath his twitch and he raised his eyes to watch as Neji’s fluttered open.
“Hey, white-eyes,” he whispered, a small smile spreading across his face.
Neji was barely able to return the gesture, but it was there nonetheless. His hand slowly turned, fingers weakly wrapping with Shikamaru’s. The Nara merely let his smile grow larger as tears started to make their way to his eyes again. Neji’s eyes immediately grew sympathetic as if he were saying he was sorry. Shikamaru was going to have none of that. He shook his head and wiped the tears away with his free hand, before he regained his composure.
He pulled his chair closer and placed a soft kiss on Neji’s shoulder. “Don’t ever do something like this every again.”
Neji’s fingers squeezed his own momentarily in an apology. His white eyes lidded slightly as well.
“It’s not your fault,” Shikamaru whispered, resting his head gently on the pillow. “It’s never been your fault.” He grinned when he caught the arguing look in his lover’s eyes. “Yes, I know, you plan on arguing that point with me later.”
Neji’s eyes blinked lazily, an affirmative of the last statement. Shikamaru stared at him for a moment before he lifted his hand to the other’s cheek. Stroking it gently, his eyes began to droop. He blinked his eyes a couple of times to keep himself awake, his mind telling him that there was something he had to do. But after the trauma that Neji had gone through, would he be ready for more? Or would it only serve to hurt him?
He waited silently for a few minutes, watching as Neji’s eyes and head slowly turned to face him, despite how much of an effort Shikamaru was sure went into the simple act. “Neji…Please forgive me for not saying this before.”
Neji’s eyes struggled to form a confused look, his body not fully recovered from his ordeal. His fingers curled tighter with Shikamaru’s, encouraging him to go on. His white eyes stared into the brown ones lying right next to him. He watched the other patiently, waiting for a reply. After all, he really didn’t have any other option then to lie on the bed he was in. He was surprised that they had let Shikamaru into his room at all.
Shikamaru took in a deep breath before he closed his eyes, placing a ghost-like kiss on Neji’s cheek. “I love you, Hyuuga Neji.”
Neji’s eyes widened as much as they could, blinking in slight shock for a moment before the small smile on his face started to grow. It got as big as he could possibly make it and tears started to form in his milky eyes. They rolled down the side of his face, his fingers trying to help convey how happy he was at the simple, yet meaningful phrase. Shikamaru grinned back, his free hand brushing away the tears. He knew the other was happy, but having a soaked pillow was never any fun.
“I mean it too,” Shikamaru smiled, pushing back some of Neji’s hair.
Neji let out a light breath, which Shikamaru interpreted as a scoffing laugh. He chuckled himself and let his head fall more deeply into the pillow, eyes locked with Neji’s. Even though he was half-lying down, his sudden exhaustion was getting the better of him. His fingers continued to absentmindedly stroke the Hyuuga’s cheek, where the mask wasn’t at, as his eyes began to droop. Neji’s own seemed to follow his actions, fingers falling relaxed underneath the Nara’s.
“I don’t think I’m allowed to sleep here,” Shikamaru said softly, leaning forward once more to place a kiss on Neji’s forehead, “but I think a light nap won’t go against regulations.”
Neji smiled once more before his eyes closed and he fell back into a deep sleep, his fingers relaxed, but still intertwined with Shikamaru’s. The Nara merely grinned at this before he let his own eyes fall shut and he relaxed as best he could, his hand still clasped with Neji’s and the other resting on Neji’s cheek. Both were completely at peace and Shikamaru was soon fast asleep next to Neji, the Hyuuga sleeping deeply next to him.
Sakura and Ino slowly opened the door, fully prepared to tell Shikamaru that it was time for him to go when they caught a look at the two. Smiling softly, the pink-haired kunoichi gently pulled Ino out of the room.
“Sakura,” Ino said with a bit of warning in her tone, “you know it’s against regulations for him to-“
“Ino,” Sakura interrupted quietly, “I think we can break the rule just this once. Didn’t you see them? And how happy they looked?”
Ino frowned. “Well, yes, but we can’t just leave-“
“Yes, we can,” Sakura interjected again. “They’re our friends and we can just let them be for a little while. Shikamaru isn’t in the best of health either, seeing as from what I heard from the others was that he hasn’t slept in 3 days.”
“True…” Ino said slowly. “I suppose it couldn’t hurt.”
Sakura smiled. “Exactly. He’s not hurting Neji in anyway. On top of that, Neji’s very stable at the moment. We’ll know if there’s a change in his health.”
“Shouldn’t we ask Tsunade first though?” Ino asked.
“Ask me what?”
Both women froze momentarily before they turned to look at their medical mentor. They share a glance between each other before Sakura spoke. “We’re going to just let Shikamaru rest with Neji. Ino thinks that we should ask you if it’s alright?”
Tsunade raised a brow. “Even though you both know it’s against regulations?”
Both girls nodded slowly.
Tsunade smirked. “I agree with you. I would be doing the same thing. Now the two of you get home. I’m sure your spouses would like to spend the night with you.”
Sakura sighed in relief. “Thank you. I’m sure Sai has missed me.”
“Don’t forget Chouji,” Ino stated. “He’s had more stress on him that Sai.”
Tsunade sighed. “Just go.”
Both kunoichi’s smiled and giggled before they made the seals and disappeared from her view. Now that that was taken care of, Tsunade turned to exit the hospital. She had to go see a certain blonde and speak with him about the 5 newest patients, and prisoners, under her care. After all, Naruto and those who had gone with him had been rather brutal in their fight.
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Everyone celebrate! Neji lived! And Shikamaru finally said those three special words. ^_^ I seriously tried to think of a decent way to let Neji die, but I couldn't. I just couldn't kill him. :P All of you be happy about that.
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