My Little Choji-kun

4. Mission troubles

The wind blew the leaves around the clearing and pushed the sides of the tents in and out like the breath of a sleeping giant. Shikamaru walked up with his arms full of wood and looked around the camp sight. It was a good place to camp, far from the road, and yet close to fresh water. He dropped his load off near the fire and looked at the dark haired Jounin resting there.
Sasuke stared back at him, and though neither spoke the message was clear.
“Ch, Sasuke. You never learn, do you?” he said as he passed the moody man by. “Lighten up, there’s no one here that wants to hurt you.” And the shadow ninja headed for his tent. “I’m going to sleep, you and Naruto have first watch wake me up when it’s my turn. Oh and Sasuke, just call for me, I’m a light sleeper and I’ll hear you.” And with that he climbed into his tent leaving Sasuke behind.
Choji was asleep and he snored lightly but since he was aimed away, Shikamaru wasn’t worried about it keeping him awake. It was a sound he was used to, and he could stand it another night.
The Akimichi survivor was holding up pretty well, and the Jounin was not overly concerned about him. It was a quiet trip so far and they would be home in three days.
Shikamaru knew exactly when the body across from him rolled his way and curled up along his side. He dropped an arm from its resting place above his head to wrap it around the other inhabitant of the tent.
Choji snuggled closer and his loose blond hair tickled Shikamaru’s nose where it rested, as his head was tucked under the brunet’s chin.
When his bedmate had finally settled, Shikamaru gently rubbed the exposed area of Choji’s arm to help ease him back to a deep sleep.
Choji mumbled contentedly until his voice was muffled by the insertion of a thumb into his eager mouth. Shikamaru chuckled as he looked down at the sight of his sleeping friend.
“Relax, Choji-kun. We are almost home.” He said and he closed his eyes and followed his own advice.

His dream consisted of sweet flavored kisses and the feel of silky tresses in his fingers. A soft voice called his name as he kissed a trail down a long pale neck.
“Shikamaru.” He heard and he pressed on to nip at the soft flesh at the dip of a collarbone, his hands working their magic over the rises and falls of the other’s ribs.
“Shi-ka-ma-ru.” He was begged and he would willingly comply.
“Shikamaru!!!” he sat bolt upright at the screeching of a voice outside of the tent.
“I’m up,” he called back.
“Geez, I thought you were a light sleeper. That’s what Sasuke said. Wait till I tell him, Hey, Bastard. That’s my side!”
Patting Choji on the leg, as he climbed to his knees, the Jounin worked the tent open as his friend rubbed sleepy eyes.
“Come on, Choji. We have watch.”
Choji threw his covers off and looked around.
“I’ll be right out.” He said, his voice lowered. Shikamaru turned and regarded his BBQ loving friend. His eyes surveyed the other and he nodded once.
“Okay, hurry up. I will be waiting.” and he left his friend to complete his necessary preparations. Choji pulled open his pack and dug down to the bottom, pulling out a plastic bag and a large swatch of cloth.


The afternoon sun warmed the gateway that signified the entrance to the Hidden Village of the Leaf as Neji stood watch with Lee. His hair was tied back but the wind had pulled a few strands loose and stretched them across his face. Lee was impatient and his constant reminders of this were beginning to irritate the Hyuuga.
“Hmmmph.” He had said for the twelfth time this hour and Neji stifled a cringe. “Umm, hmmm.” Lee finished off with as the spandex clad taijutsu expert shifted from one foot to another.
“Lee?” Neji said, his voice deceptively calm.
“Yeah, Neji-kun?” Lee answered hopeful for a distraction.
“If you make another sound, I will personally cut off all of your chakra and watch you die slowly.” He said, not even turning.
“Ah, I see.” Lee responded before silence reigned over the area once more.
Another hour passed and the sun shifted over the gateway so that both young men were now shaded.
Sakura walked up the street and stopped between them.
“Ah, Sakura. Your are early,” Lee said when he caught sight of the pink haired Medic Nin.
“I know. Tsunade-sama said that I could wait here with you two. Genma and Raido will be relieving you in another hour.” She said as she leaned against the post near Lee. “Has anyone come in today?”
“No. Nothing has happened all day.”
“Umm,” was all Sakura said as she closed her eyes and fanned herself.
The wind lifted a few leaves off the dirt road and swirled them around to let them float to the soil once more.
Neji thought he saw a movement beyond and activated his byakugan to increase his range. The sound of a name floated on the wind and finally reached their ears.
“Saaaakuraaa-chaaan,” was the faint sound as Neji caught sight of the familiar shock of blond on an orange clad figure that was hurrying down the road toward them. “Hey, Fuzzy eyebrows, Neji!” Naruto called as they all turned to watch the four young men trudge toward the village.
Sakura stood and slid a hand under Lee’s arm as they prepared to greet their returning friends. “Ah, Naruto. Only you could have that much energy after a long mission.” She called out to the blond.
“You are a breath of youth, Naruto-kun. I am inspired.” Lee said and Sakura gently punched his arm as she stared at him.
“Don’t encourage him.” She scolded. “Sasuke-kun, Choji, Shikamaru. It is good to see you. Tsunade-sama said that you might be home soon. She will be happy you are all back.”
Neji watched the group from a distance as they all shared greetings and bantered on with the unruly blond. He smiled lightly, just before he noticed a pair of black eyes looking his way.
Shikamaru nodded to the Hyuuga and Neji’s smiled shifted to a questioning look. The shadow Ninja raised a hand, displaying a series of symbols to indicate a meeting place and time. Neji nodded his agreement before a vibrant head of blond hair bounced before him blocking his view of the other Jounin.
“Ne, ne, Neji-kun. Do you want to come with us to Ichiraku’s?” Naruto asked, his emotions overtaking his usual reservations around the Hyuuga heir. The replacement ninja’s had arrived and the blond was gathering the rest to follow him in his favorite pastime.
“Um, I have some business to do, but I will be around later, Naruto-kun. If you want, I will talk to you about the mission then.”
“Um, okay. What do you think, Sasuke?” he asked, and the Uchiha merely narrowed his eyes and turned away. “That would be a yes. I have learned the differences, ya know? See you later, Neji-kun.”
“Yes, right Naruto.”
Choji was following Lee as Raido and Genma took over their station at the gateway. Naruto had grabbed Sasuke and Sakura and was way ahead of them. Shikamaru looked at the group and then nodded to the older Jounin as he headed toward the village and the Hokage tower. Neji followed and was soon walking beside him.
“Choji looks tired and he does seem to have lost more weight.” He observed, quietly. Shikamaru looked over then back at the group ahead of them. “Is that why he needs you?” the Hyuuga asked, as Shikamaru sighed.
“It isn’t the place to talk. Be patient, Neji. I will tell you what you need to hear.” The path reached the base of the Hokage tower and Shikamaru turned to the other. “I will give my report and then meet you. Wait for me?”
Neji nodded and turned away, as Shikamaru started up the steps.

:::A/N I know it's going slow. I always take a while to meat out the situation, but trust me it's coming.


vashta - Yes, it's a Shika/Neji, Choji is far too special to just make him part of the main pairing. I know this doesn't make sense, but he will be happier in the end. Such is life.
.