My Little Choji-kun

3. Destiny takes a hit


Choji stepped into his room. His packing was finished and left in the living room; he was tired and just needed to sleep. The day had been stressful, what with the meeting in the Hokage’s office and then planning the mission with Shikamaru. Then, he been found on the way to the store by his distant cousin and questioned about how he was doing.
Now he was tense and needed to relax. It was going to be one of those nights. He wished the mission had started so that he could focus, but today it was just going to have to be.
Choji gathered his necessary items and laid them out on his chair. He stripped out of his clothes and turned to the mirror. Yes, his friends were right. They had been telling him that he wasn’t eating enough, and here was proof. He had lost most of his roundness. He doubted his body could even perform his special attack at this point. Oh, well. He sighed and began to do the hand motions that were the beginning of his special jutsu.


Neji’s apartment was in the part of town that bordered the walls. He had three rooms and not much furniture, yet. But everything he had was new.
A long couch and a short table, two shelves filled with scrolls, and a stiff looking chair filled his front room. In fact, everything looked stiff to Shikamaru. He was led through the door and told to make himself comfortable and he didn’t see the possibility.
“Hmmm” he said mostly to himself.
He climbed up on the couch, leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees as he looked at his host.
“Did you want a drink? Some tea perhaps?” Neji asked standing near the door that must lead to the kitchen.
Shikamaru nodded and waited while Neji made the drinks. When the Hyuuga returned he handed the cup to his guest and placed the tray on the side of the overburdened table.
“Why haven’t you opened them yet?” Shikamaru asked of the longhaired man as he sat in the chair opposite him.
“I am superstitious. I will open them tomorrow.” He said, ignoring the gifts. “Do you want something to eat?” he asked, to change the subject. His guest shook his head.
“Neji, what do you want?” he was asked instead.
“Me?” the question almost brought him out of his seat. He looked away hoping that, though he was the one possessing the Byakugan, Shikamaru couldn’t see his thoughts or emotions on his face. “I wanted to show you that I too am moving on and taking charge of my life. I do not rely on my family any longer.”
“There is nothing wrong with living with your family. Until you begin your own family it is a good place for a ninja to live. This is a nice apartment, but it seems kind of lonely.” Shikamaru said, looking around once more before sipping his tea.
“You don’t live with Your family.” It was more of a statement but there was a question behind it.
“Ah, but that is different. I have begun my family.” He said simply.
“So, you and Choji are . . . ?” Neji began but let the question fall away.
“No. But he needs me. What do you need, Neji-kun?” Shikamaru stood and lifted Neji out of the chair; the teacups fell to the floor. “Why do you invite me to this place of loneliness? What do you need, what do you want?” he asked breathily.
“You.” Was the only answer Neji could offer to him.
Shikamaru smiled as he pulled Neji close and pressed his body close, thankful for the growth spurt that had finally hit him and closed the gap in height between him and the Hyuuga prodigy.
It was Neji that finally initiated the kiss, tilting his head to the side and lifting his chin until his lips met the others. It was a soft kiss, not filled with the passion either was capable of, but it did send a message. When Shikamaru answered it by sliding a hand into Neji’s hair and pulling him closer, the Hyuuga could do nothing but gasp out and with his lips open he was fair game for the tongue that invaded his mouth and gently probed about.
It was Shikamaru that pulled away, to Neji’s disappointment. He looked into pale eyes that rarely showed emotion, but were currently filled with lust. How could he do this?
“I have to go.” He said, and as Neji sighed in self-loathing he added, “I will be back in a few weeks. We should talk.” Neji nodded, and dropped his hands from Shikamaru’s back as his feet began to step away from the other man.
It was wrong to let it end this way tonight, and Shikamaru pulled him back. “I didn’t mean that to be a bad thing. I just can’t leave Choji to do all the packing just so that I can play with you.” And his hand slid down to pinch the firm globe of Neji’s ass cheek.
Neji jumped and squawked; a sound Shikamaru found very appealing. He smiled at this and Neji blushed brightly. Another thing that Shikamaru found appealing.
“You’re too cute. When you aren’t being all spooky and aloof.” He said.
“Am I too troublesome?” Neji asked pushing Shikamaru away.
“Now, have I said that lately? I got a major chewing out from the Godaime about the overuse of that word.” Then he sighed. “And I liked it, so much.” The chuckle that came from the pale throat was well worth the effort to bring it forth and Shikamaru pulled him into one more, quick kiss. “I will be back and we will talk. For now, let us say that we are going to see what comes of this troublesome situation, eh?”
Neji nodded and Shikamaru released him to head for the door.
“If I am gone when you get back, on a mission perhaps, then . . . ” Neji began.
“I will wait until you return. I am promised some time off when we complete this assignment. We will have time.” And he was out the door. Neji leaned against it and rolled onto his back.
His vision landed on the pile of gifts and then rose to the clock. It was midnight. He crossed to them and dropped to his knees. Lifting one from the side he looked at the card. It was from Shikamaru and Choji, and was wrapped in bright blue paper. Neji slid his finger into the paper and pulled it away.
It was his birthday, his emancipation day. And he had made a beginning.
He had challenged his destiny.


:::A/N - one review, and it's just the kind of medicine for an ill writer:

ChealseaRorec - Not exactly just a Shika/Choji but we'll see. As for cute, oooh yes, that we will definitely see.

Again, this is going in some untouchable area's with a magical twist. And I hope it is well received.