Fateful Days

Chapter 8

Three Weeks Later

It had been three weeks since their return to Konoha. To damn, fucking weeks and Shika was still sitting next to an unmoving Neji in the hospital. The horrible wounds were all healed but the young Hyuuga had not moved an inch since his loss of consciousness. And Shika didn’t like that – not one bit. It almost seemed as if his beautiful lover didn’t want to wake up. Like that fairy-tale Shika’s mom had once read to him. What was it called? Ah, yes, ‘Sleeping Beauty’. When that odd little comparison popped into his head, Shikamaru was desperate enough to try the prince-approach and kiss his lover, hopefully waking him with the touch of his loving lips. Shaking his head at this stupid and totally off-topic thoughts, Shika took one of Neji’s slender hands into his own, needing to feel the warmth. Needing to assure himself that Neji hadn’t died. That he was still here, with him, breathing although looking as pale as the sheet that was draped over him.

A weary sigh escaped Shika’s lips and he closed his eyes, resting his forehead on the bed. He hadn’t eaten anything in the last couple of days and sleep eluded him. Whenever he closed his eyes and tried to get at least one hour of sleep, the nightmare would come, hunting him with pictures of Neji’s bleeding body, his faltering heartbeat and this beautiful little smile that always made his insides flutter with utter happiness.

Shikamaru tried not to think what he would do if he would never get to see that smile again, or never be able to hear that rich, smooth voice call his name again. He knew it was futile to think like that. He just had to wait and see and hope and believe. But knowing what had happened to his beloved all those years back and having witnessed what that psycho-bitch had done to him…Shika wasn’t so sure if Neji was strong enough to overcome this trauma and wake up again. Maybe he was truly lost to all of them, to him.

Shikamaru didn’t cry anymore. He was over that. But he felt as if he was slowly turning to stone. Every breath hurt, he felt a strange coldness that seemed to numb every cell in his body and his thoughts turned around in neverending circles, always going back to the point where they started – what would happen if Neji never woke up again.

Shikamaru didn’t feel the wetness falling from his closed eyes.

~*~

Despair.

Sadness.

Anger.

Pain.

Desperation.

Need.

Hopelessness.

Total and complete hopelessness.

Hyuuga Hiashi had never before felt so much like an intruder and out of place like now. He had visited his nephew as often as possible since he was brought back from that fateful mission and he would always find the young Nara sitting in the uncomfortable chair that stood right beside Neji’s bed. It seemed like the young man never left Neji’s side to go home to rest. For days on end he would sit there, unmoving, his eyes never leaving Neji’s still form. Hiashi often enough wondered about that but he decided he would wait for an answer until Neji was back to consciousness.

Yet today, when he stepped into the room he wished he had never set a foot in it. Because it was a huge difference to know about the pain a person is probably going through, and seeing it first hand. With tears streaking down his sunken, ashen face and his eyes empty Shikamaru Nara looked like he had just lost everything that he ever held dear. As if life, for him, was over.

Hiashi blinked then mentally smacked himself. Of course, you fool, how could you be so blind. He loves him. But if Neji doesn’t wake up soon it might break him. If it wasn’t already to late.

Hiashi stood in the middle of the room, watching the two young men and wished he could do something…anything for them. His nephew had to go through so much already in his young life that Hiashi wanted nothing more than for him to be happy. But with the current situation the chances of Neji returning on his own were slim to none.

Suddenly, while studying the still form of his dear nephew, an idea formed in his mind, taking on more and more shape the longer he thought about it. Straightening his shoulders he turned and left the hospital room. It was time he stopped being just a bystander. It was time he fullfilled his vow to his dead brother to always watch out and care for Neji. He had to act, now and fast.

Returning to the Hyuuga mansion his feet carried him to the room of his daughter. She had been frantic when Neji had been brought back, barely alive. And the worry grew constantly everytime she came back from a visit at the hospital. Now, it was in her hands wether Hiashi’s plan would come together or fall apart.

Knocking softly and waiting for an equally soft ‘come in’, Hiashi stepped into the room. Hinata looked up from putting a stitch in her jacket. A slight frown appeared when she saw who it was. Standing up immediately and bunching up the jacket she went over to her father.

“Father, is something wrong? Did something happen with Neji? Is he alright? Or is his condition getting worse?”

Fear had crept into her voice, lifting it an octave.

Hiashi gently placed his hands on her shoulder and smiled, albeit a little bit tired, down at her.

“Do not worry, Hinata. Nothing has changed. For worse or for better, Neji is still asleep. But I have come to you to discuss something that might change that. So please calm yourself. Why don’t we sit down and I’ll explain.”

Leading her to the low table in the middle of the room, he gently pushed her down until she was kneeling on one of the cushions provided for comfort. Her big, crystal clear eyes had lost that short burst of panic from before and were looking at him expectantly. Hiashi seldomly had been prouder of her.

“Okay, now tell me first, what do you know about Neji’s feelings regarding Shikamaru Nara. And no, I won’t be angry at him or anyone else. I just wish to know before I proceed with my explanation.”

Hinata swallowed. For a long time she had suspected that Neji harbored feelings for the younger shinobi. But it wasn’t until her cousin had to leave with the genius that she became aware of just how strong those feelings were. When she had asked him about it, on the morning of his leave, he had at first looked blankly at her before sighing and turning away. And if she hadn’t been listening as closely as she did she wouldn’t have heard the softly spoken ‘I think more than is good for either of us’. It had almost broken her heart to hear him say it in such a tone, devoid of any hope for a chance that his feelings might be returned.

Now, while sitting here with her father, it really did break her heart because now it may very well come to it. And the most tragic thing in this whole situation was that Shikamaru actually loved her cousin back. Now, if only Neji would wake up… .

Shaking her head, Hinata sighed. Dwelling in these things wouldn’t help anyone. She had to be strong. For herself, for her father, for Neji and most of all for Shikamaru.

“He loves him. And yet he doesn’t think that there is a chance for them to be together. But I know otherwise and it breaks my heart to see them like this. If there is even the slightest sliver of a chance that everything might go well, I’d take it in a heartbeat.”

Hiashi nodded his head in agreement. So his nephew really loved the tactical genius. And Hiashi would be damned if he would let their chance pass by without even the smallest tries of making it work.

“Good. You will need this resolve because I have a favor to ask of you. I know that you’re a friend of Naruto Uzumaki.”

He smiled at her confused look.

“And he is a friend of one particular nuke-nin who returned not long ago to Konoha. And it is exactely that ninja I’d like to meet and speak to. Would it be possible for you to go to Naruto and tell him that?”

Hinata looked dumbfounded. She would never have guessed that the plan of her father would include outward help, especially outward help from Naruto and Sasuke. A nobody – well not anymore since he was now officially the next Hokage to be – and an Uchiha. But, on the other hand, Neji WAS the prodigy of the Hyuuga’s and of course the son of his dead brother. It made sense, now that she thought about it.

“Hai, father. I will immediately search for Naruto or for Sasuke. And I will tell them about your wish to speak to them.”

At his questioning look, Hinata elaborated.

“I think it would be good to have them both here. And also when we are going through with your plan, whatever that may be. Naruto has done so much for Neji and Neji may need all the friends and all the support he can get. And if not for Neji then for Shikamaru.”

Hiashi nodded. Yes, Hinata was right.

“Very well. Now please leave immediately and Hinata… .”

She halted her movement. “Yes, father?”

“…hurry.”

And Hinata - shy, reserved, Hinata - ran through the corridors of the Hyuuga mansion, out of the gates and through the narrow streets of Konoha in the search for her one-time crush and his raven-haired lover, her long hair flying wildly behind her. And for the first time in two weeks hope was shining in her pale eyes.

~*~

Meanwhile, Shikaku had had about enough. His son may be a genius but right at the moment he acted like a stupid ox. Of course the elder Nara had realized his son’s feelings toward the Hyuuga boy as soon as he saw him looking at the pale form. But starving and sleep-deprivation surely weren’t the way to help his…lover? So he had taken on the task of fetching his son and – if need be – knock him unconscious to take him back home for a much needed break. He had to admit that he was worried. And the people who knew him would tell you that it needed a LOT to make him worry. But now he was. That, and his wife was constantly nagging and whining at him about Shikamaru.

When he stepped into the room where the Hyuuga lay deathly still in his bed and seeing his son in a condition not much better he had to shake himself of the shock going through him. Shikamaru was dieing. Shikaku knew that. He could see it clearly in the fading light of his son’s eyes. Walking over, fear gripping his heart in vice like grip, he slowly layed a hand on Shikamaru’s shoulder, feeling him stiffen under the unexpected touch. And yet, his son didn’t turn around, his eyes fixed steadily on Neji’s pale face as if willing him to wake up.

“Shikamaru?”

“… .”

“I know you don’t want to leave him but you have to eat and sleep. And I won’t take ‘no’ as an answer. We are worried abouit you. Your mother is almost frantic and your friends are, too. Come home with me now and rest at least for few hours. Afterwards you can come back here. ”

Shikaku watched his son. Hoping he wouldn’t have to take drastic measures.

Shika remained quiet. After a few minutes had ticked by he slowly turned his head in his fathers direction, staring at him blankly as if he didn’t recognize him at all. Then, just as slowly, he looked back at his lover.

“…de..d?”

Shikaku frowned. He hadn’t understood what Shikamaru said. The voice of his son almost nonexistend.

“What did you say?”

“…is he dead?”

Shikaku blinked, then looked down at his son’s fingers that were entwinded with the slender ones of the Hyuuga. Frowining again, he gently reached down and entangled them, feeling how icy Shikamaru’s fingers felt to his touch. He probably hadn’t left any feelings in his hand. And this, more than anything else, made it clear to Shikaku how close he had come to losing his son.

Still as gently as possible he lifted Shikamaru from the chair, noting how limp the once strong legs were.

“No, he is not dead. He won’t die that easily, kid. He is a Hyuuga. He just has a lot to work through at the moment. Let him recover some of his strength back and then he will wake up. But if you’re not coming with me right now, there won’t be anyone for him to wake up to. He is strong. And you have to be strong too, if you want to love him.”

Turning his head to his father again, the smallest flicker of hope began to show in the shadowed depths of Shikamaru’s eyes.

“Do you really believe that he will wake up again?”

Shikaku’s heart almost broke when he heard the tiny, unsure voice of his son. Pleading with him for assurance.

The elder Nara cursed. He shouldn’t have to go through this. Not now, when he was still so young. But it had always been like this. It’s like an unspoken rule: if a Nara falls for someone, he or she falls only once, hard. And Shikamaru was no exception to that rule.

“Yes, son. I do believe that. And you know what? I bet my whole arsenal of special healing ointments that this guy won’t be to happy if he wakes up and hears about you almost dying at his side while he recovered. Not after he fought so hard to come back to you.”

Shikamaru took one long look at Neji before he bent down and kissed his lover on the pale, soft lips.

“Don’t you dare die while I’m gone. I promise I won’t take long. I’ll be right back so keep fighting, koi.”

After whispering those words he let himself be led away by his father.

~*~

At the same time at Ichiraku, a depressed blond Hokage-to-be looked down into the rapidly cooling broth in front of him. He stirred the noodles still left within the large bowl, watching them swirling around. His lover looked worriedly at his companion.

“Naruto, what’s up? You haven’t even eaten two bowls and you are already full?”

The Kyuubi-container looked up at the last remaining Uchiha, a deep sadness dulling his usually stunning bright blue eyes to a misty grey-blue.

“Ne, Sasuke…what would you do if I were to die on a mission?”

Black eyes narrowed. He didn’t even want to think about it. But Naruto seemed to wait for an answer. His expression for once serious.

“I don’t really know because I won’t allow myself to think about it but I’d probably just sit at your grave until I die, too. I can’t imagine my life without you.”

If it weren’t for Sasuke’s matter-of-fact tone, that statement would probably be the cheesiest line Naruto had ever heard. But now, while looking into the twin pools of black, he took every word said and locked it deep into his heart. He vowed he would do his damnest to always come back to Sasuke because he couldn’t live with the thought of the beautiful Uchiha throwing his life away for someone like him. Of course he didn’t tell his lover that because he knew that Sasuke didn’t approve of this kind of self-depreciating thoughts.

“Sou ka,” was all he said, feeling Sasuke’s heavy gaze on him.

The young Uchiha continued to look at the blond, trying to find out what this brought on so suddenly, until he remembered Sakura saying something about the Hyuuga being in the hospital because of some serious injuries.

“Did you ask this because of Neji?”

Naruto nodded slowly.

“Yeah. He almost died, you know? And now, even though Tsunade-baachan fully healed his wounds, he still hasn’t woken up. And it’s taking a toll on Shikamaru.”

Sasuke’s eyebrows rose one millimeter. Shikamaru? What did the Nara have to do with this?

Naruto caught the slightly puzzled look (although nobody else would have been able to tell the difference) and started to explain.

“Well, it’s like this, Shikamaru has loved Neji since…I don’t know…forever. Maybe it already started at the chuunin exams all those years back. Maybe it started sometime after. And now, with Neji in this condition… .”

He couldn’t finish his sentence because in that moment a dark haired whirlwind flew into Ichiraku, sending a few flyers scattering. Naruto goggled at a panting, flushed and wild-eyed Hinata.

“Hinata! What happened?”

The poor girl couldn’t speak, trying desperately to get her breating back under control. Realizing this, Sasuke held out his glass of water to the girl, while Naruto staretd to get anxious. Had something happened with Neji? Did he have a relapse? Or did Shikamaru finally break down?

With a thankful nod he took the offered glass and downed it in one go. Inhaling deeply, she looked at Naruto and Sasuke.

“My father wishes to see you. He may have found a way to wake up Neji-niisan.”

Naruto’s eyes grew wide and Sasuke almost dropped the waterglass he had taken back from the Hyuuga-heiress. For a few, stunned minutes everyone was still before they flew into motion.

~*~

Only a few minutes later, having poofed over to the Hyuuga mansion, Naruto and Sasuke sat in front of the Hiashi Hyuuga.

Bowing his head slightly at the two powerful shinobis, the head of the Hyuuga-house cleared his throat.

“I want to thank you for coming here on such a short notice. I’m sure you know why I have ask you to come. Now, as I was visiting him today, a thought occurred to me that one of you may be able to help Neji in this dire situation. I’m speaking about you, Sasuke Uchiha. I’ve heard about your ability to enter someones mind when using your Sharingan. Is that correct?”

Sasuke quietly nodded, waiting for the question the man in front of him would surely ask next. On the outward he seemed calm and composed, though on the inside his mind was racing. Would he be able to do that? With Neji? It was no problem with Naruto and Itachi but he already had very strong bonds with them before he did that. And what if he could? What should he do when he found Neji in the deeper recesses of his own mind? How could he be able to make him come back, to return to a reality that was horrible enough to send him into this state in the first place? Could he do that? Would he? Should he?

While Sasuke was lost in his own thoughts, Hiashi continued to explain.

“I know this is not something you have ever done and I can only guess at the risk you have to take but I … I … beg you. I beg you, Sasuke Uchiha, help us. Help him!”

Sasukes eyes widened when he heard the desperation in Hiashi’s voice and when the head of the great Hyuuga clan bowed down in front of him, his proud head touching the floor, the shock couldn’t have been greater.

Shaking himself out of his stupor , he gently reached out and layed a hand on the older man’s shoulder.

“Please, Hyuuga-san, raise your head. No begging is required. Not from you or anyone else. I will do what I can to help Neji. I’ve come to greatly respect your nephew and I, too, want to see him well and alive again.”

Hiashi did as he was told and looked at the Uchiha with relief in his pale eyes.

“I greatly thank you.”

Nodding, Sasuke stood up, bowed and left the room.

Naruto looked after him, concern evident in his features. Then, turning his gaze back to the Hyuuga in front of him, he too bowed his head and went after his lover.

Outside of the Hyuuga mansion Naruto caught up with the ravenhaired man, catching a pale hand in his own tanned one, giving it a little squeeze.

They made their way to the hospital in silence. Both thinking about what Sasuke was about to do.

~*~

Shikamaru sat at the kitchen table, while his mother, when not fussing over him, was throwing him concerned and pitying glances. It made him want to scream. That was exactly the reason why he didn’t want to go home.

Rationally he knew he had been on the verge of breaking down and he had to admit that if he had been in his mother’s shoes he would have done the same thing.

“Haha*, quit it. I’m okay, alright! Stop with the fidgeting. It gets on my nerve. And yes, I will be going back as soon as possible so don’t even start it.”

His mother shot him a hurt look but he just huffed and shrugged it off. Right at the moment he couldn’t care less about her feelings. Her tiptoeing around him was unnerving.

“I’m going upstairs.”

Once there he dicided to take a quick shower. He had been rather lax on his personal hygiene these past few – days? Weeks?

Standing under the spray a few mintes later, he let the warm water sooth the aching muscles in his back and neck. Closing his eyes his thoughts raced back to the day when Neji stood in the shower of their hotel room, putting on that incredible show for him. How free and sensual he had been that day and how they had fallen asleep in each others arms that night. He remembered the smell of Neji’s shampoo and the quiet sounds of his breathing. He thought of his vow to never let anyone or anything hurt this beautiful man in his arms. And how he had failed in protecting what was most important to him.

Hot tears pricked at his eyelids, trying to escape. But Shikamaru wouldn’t let them because that would resemble defeat. That would mean he had lost all hope and that was, at the moment, the only thing he had left. Hope.

After his shower, Shika quickly dried himself off and changed into a new set of clothes in his room before he layed down on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He knew his parents were ‘watching’ him, keeping their senses tuned to his chakra to see if he was trying to escape through his window or something like that. Snorting he decided to stay for an hour or so and then he would leave.

What he hadn’t planned on was the sudden fatigue that swept through his entire body. He was asleep in minutes – or rather, he was uncounscious, his body and mind collapsing after the stress he had been through. Even a stray nightmare or two couldn’t wake him.

When, a few hours later, Shikaku looked into the room of his son, he saw Shikamaru sprawled across his bed. And just the soft rise and fall of his chest indicated that he was still alive. Shikaku sighed in relief and closed the door again before he went into the bedroom where Yoshino already waited for him, a worried look on her face. He smiled slightly and nodded. She understood him without words and the lines around her mouth and eyes smoothed out, the worry disappearing for at least a short time. This night they wouldn’t have to worry if they would find their son dead the next day, his still body sitting in a chair next to his most precious person. This night they could find a little peace.

~*~

At the same time two shadows stood next to the hospital bed in which the pale skinned Hyuuga layed. They lookd down at their friend, concern and high concentration edged on to their faces.

“ Are you ready? Do you think you can do it? You’ve never done something like this before, have you?” Luminous blue eyes peeked up through unruly blond bangs. Almost-black eyes studied the longhaired male.

“Hn… .”

A sigh mirrored the exasperation Naruto felt. He didn’t like it when all he could do was standing around, watching and not being able to do anything. It was frustrating. Especially when it came to one of his friends. A few months before Neji went on this damned mission he and the proud Hyuuga had talked about what they wanted for their future. That day, Neji had thanked him for always being there for him. Even for defeating him at the chuunin exams all this time ago. Neji had said that if it weren’t for him, he wouldn’t be where he was now. He would instead be a bitter man, hell bent on getting revenge. Naruto had been taken aback. He never would have guessed that he had played such an important role in the life of his friend. Now that he knew it was ten times harder seeing him like this. He just hoped Sasuke would be able to help Neji. That his lover could be the one to make the miracle happen. He watched as pale, slender fingers traced equally pale, closed eyelids.

Sasuke took a deep breath and nodded.

“Okay, Naruto. I’m starting now. Please keep watch. If something unusual should happen I want you to get the Hokage as soon as possible.”

“And by unusual you mean what exactely?”

“If, for example, we start to bleed or stop breathing. But our breathing may start to get labored. Sweating and shaking is also possible. That would be okay. Just…keep an eye on us and let your instics guide your decision. I’m counting on you. See ya in a few.”

“Aa. Be careful. I’d rather deal with a suicidal Nara then live a life without you.”

“Understood.”

And then Sasuke went quiet. His eyes changed from black to the sharingan-red. The three black dots swirling rapidly.

And then the waiting started.

~*~

Sasuke sank.

And sank.

And sank.

Around him was darkness. He didn’t know where up or down, left or right was. He just had the feeling of sinking. As if he was drowing but without the pressure of water around him. He just let it happen. He knew that it would end soon. That the bottom was near. And he was right. After a short while his feet touched ground. He waited and when he saw his surroundings becoming clearer and the darkness receeded he found himself standing in a long hallway. And since this was Neji’s mind he guessed this was a part of the Hyuuga mansion. Looking around once more, Sasuke started to go in the direction where some kind of light seemed to be.

After passing several empty rooms he found himself standing in front of a closed door. A strange sound filled the air. It sounded almost like the chirping of many birds. Cautiously the ravenhaired man pushed the door open, revealing another room. But this time it wasn’t empty. There were dozens of cages, filled with excotic looking birds.

Blinking, Sasuke slowly made his way through the room, looking at the birds while they watched him. The trilling sound still there but softer somehow, as if they were waiting for something. Something he would or should do. It was a little bit unnerving but Sasuke had seen stranger things and therefore ignored it for the time being. Suddenly his dark eyes caught yet another cage, this was shimmering like mother-of-pearl. It reminded him a little bit of Neji’s eyes and he went over to he cage to examine it a bit more closely. When he had a full view of it though, he breath caught in his throat. There, naked as the day he was born, curled into a tight ball, lay Neji. His long silky hair cascading around his pale body and his eyes halfway open. Sasuke had to admit that right at the moment he couldn’t remember ever seeing something as beautiful as his fellow shinobi. Shaking his head, he went closer to the caged man, watching him closely for any signs of distress but there were none. Neji seemed almost peaceful. But in a strangely dead way. It send shivers down Sasuke’s spine. Lowering himself so he knelt next to the cage, the last Uchiha quietly called out to the near comatose man, hoping for any kind of reaction. The smallest lifting of long, dark lashes indicated that Neji was aware of his presence. Sasuke nodded mentally. Good, he isn’t totally gone yet.

“Neji, do you remember me? Do you know who I am?” Still softly spoken.

“…uke?” He almost hadn’t heard the other, the voice was so low. Barely a whisper. Only the movement of soft-looking lips made him understand the syllables of his name.

“Hai, Sasuke. I am here to bring you back.”

The Hyuuga blinked. Once, twice, before closing his eyes again.

“…can’t. …fraid.” Again, Sasuke had to strain his ears to catch the sound.

“You’re afraid? Of what? Tell me, maybe I can help.”

“…can’t she’s crazy. …kill you.” Fear began to creep into the silvery eyes. Sasuke nodded. He had guessed something like that. The trauma sat deep within Neji, making him afraid and let him seek shelter in this room. And the cage was not a symbol for feeling imprisoned but it gave him a sense of safety. Now, with that knowledge came the tricky part. How to get him to leave the cage and return back to consciousness.

“Neji, look at me. Please.” Had anyone else heard him, they probably would have looked twice to see if it was really him that had spoken in such a gentle tone.

Slowly, hesitantly Neji raised silvery eyes up to his own black one.

“Neji, do you trust me?”

A tiny nod was his answer.

“Good. Then belive me when I tell you that she is gone. She is not here anymore. She can’t do anything to you.”

“No, it can’t be. She was there. She hurt us. She tried to kill us.”

“Yes, she was there. And yes, she did hurt you. But now she is gone. And you are back in Konoha. You are safe and we are waiting for you to wake up.”

A scowl appeared on Neji forehead and a disbelieving look came to his eyes.

“How? And why?”

Sasuke took a deep breath. He had to stay calm and carefully think through what he planned on saying. It all depended on him. Talk about pressure.

“Neji, do you remember anything from the moment on that she kidnapped you?”

Okay, this is it. Either Neji would break completely when he remembered the rape or he would work through it and come out in one piece, body and soul.

Another, this time deeper scowl took up residence on the pale face. Sasuke saw how Neji shifted through his memories, trying to come up with the right ones. Finally shocked white eyes flew up to his face and an unspoken question lurked there.

“Shika…maru. What happened to him? Is he…?” There was a hint of frenzy in his voice. Yet it seemed to stem from his worry for Shikamaru, not because of his memories.

If Sasuke hadn’t been who he was he would have whooped with joy. Neji’s memories reached all the way back to the moment when Shikamaru arrived to save him. That meant that he probably remembered everything else, too. And since he hadn’t broken down into a whimpering, crying mess, it could only mean that the shinobi in fornt of him was strong enough to face what had happened and was willing to come back if he was told that Shikamaru was fine…well, as fine as could be at the moment.

“He is okay. He wasn’t hurt that badly. But he is ill with worry for you. And if you don’t come back with me he will probably die within the next two weeks. As I said before. There is nothing to be afraid of. We are all waiting you. Naruto, Hinata, your uncle, your teammates, all of the Rookie Nine and of course Shikamaru. So please open this cage and come with me. I promise I didn’t lie to you.”

Neji still seemed to be hesitant at first but when Sasuke told him about Shikamaru dieing his face contorted in agony. Then his eyes seemed to harden with resolve and when Sasuke finished speaking he reached out his hand. Sasuke immediately took it in his own and just like that the cage vanished. What happened next would be, for Sasuke, one of the most amazing things in his life to remember.

All cages in the room vanished like one. And then, first a little hesitantly, one bird, then another, flapped their wings. The chirping started again, sounding puzzled. And suddenly there was a blue one, with red and green wings, who gave a loud, joyous sounding trill and the birds, hundreds of them took to the air, filling the room with colors and their happy twittering. But as soon as the birds found the door they were off in that direction, searching and finding their way to freedom.

Sasuke stood and stared. Neji, who stood beside him watched the whole debacle with something akin to amusement. He ssemed to have calmed down and the fear was no longer evident. At least not the fear for his safety. Now it was only the fear for Shikamaru's wellbeing.

“Well, what are we waiting for. I have someone who is waiting for me and I suspect Naruto is already climbing up the walls. Waiting never was his forte.” Neji was smirking at him and Sasuke found he mirrored the expression.

“Alright. Let’s go.”

And together they walked back along the corridor to the place where Sasuke first arrived. But now there was another door, a door that obviously led outside. Pushing it open the two shinobis found themselves swept up into a swriling current of nothingness and then…

…Sasuke was back in his body. The first thing he felt was the slight ache in his head and the burning sensation in his eyes that told him that his Sharingan had been overused. Swaying a little bit he took a look around the room, noticing that it was dark. Suddenly a blur to his right caught his eye and he found himself with an arm full of a blond dobe. Losing his balance both of them toppled over, landing on the hard floor with an audible ‘oomph’.

Sasuke slowly tried to get his breath back in to his abused lungs while fending off a certain wannabe-Hokage.

“Oi, Naruto. Let me go, damnit. I can’t breath. Usurutonkatchi.”

Naruto looked at him, his amazing blue eyes full of love and relief. Then he leaned down and kissed his lover. And Sasuke new the kiss to be one that said ‘I love you, I’m glad your back, don’t ever do something like that again’ and oh so many things more. And Sasuke just kissed him back until the slight clearing of a throat brought them both back to the here and now.

Naruto’s head whipped around so fast Sasuke could have sworn he heard a cracking sound.

“Neji!”

And there he was, sitting in the bed, looking down at them with pale eyes, shining with amusement.

“Hai, Naruto. I’m back. I’m sorry it took so long and that you had to go to such drastic measures to get me back. But I’m fine now.”

Naruto, fast as lightning, was up from the floor and standing next to the Hyuuga, taking his pale hands in his own tanned ones. For a few seconds nothing happened and then…

“NEJI NO BAKA!!!!! Do you even have the slightest idea how worried we all were? Shikamaru has been sitting next to you the whole two weeks. Barely eating and drinking. Today his dad had to force him to go home just so he wouldn’t collpase! We… .”

Before Naruto could speak – or rather scream – any further at Neji, Sasuke had put a hand over his mouth, silencing him.

“Shut up, dobe. He knows. I’ve told him. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to go home. I’m quiet worn out.”

Naruto, seeing the deep shadows beneath his lovers eyes, nodded.

“Hai, let’s go. I’m sorry Neji, it’s just…we were all… .”

“It’s okay, Naruto. I understand. And I promise I’ll make it up to you somehow. Now go. I’m alright.”

And with another nod, Naruto and Sasuke left the young Hyuuga to his devices.

~*~

Neji, who was still feeling a little bit groggy, looked around the room. An old, worn blanket hung over the back of a chair, indicating that someone had been sleeping in it.

Shikamaru.

As soon as he thought the name of his beloved, a fierce yearning overtook Neji, leaving his body trembling and his heart racing. His whole being wanted to do nothing more than to hold Shikamaru in his arms again. And be held by him. Now. And consequences be damned.

Carefully Neji stood up. Setting his feet on the cold ground and slowly putting his weight on the legs that were rather stiff due to the long time he was bedridden. After a few minutes he took a few steps forward, pleased when the stiffness vanished with each step. Going over to the only wardrobe in the room he found a set of clothes stored there.

After putting them on, Neji slowly made his way over to the door. Listening for any movement outside and detecting none, he opened the door and slipped out of the room.

It was dark outside and a cool breeze fanned across his face, drying the light sheen of sweat that had gathered on his face. It was still difficult to make his body move the way he wanted it. It took a lot more effort then he wished it did. But he was alive and breathing and soon he would be able to see Shikamaru again. He couldn’t wait. But the road was long and after half of the way he had to sit down because his trembling legs didn’t want to cooperate any longer. Taking deep breaths, Neji layed his head on his drawn knees, closing his eyes and willing the spinning to stop.

It may have been an hour or a minute, his sense for time rather off, but at one point his legs had stopped trembling and his breathing had returned to normal. Getting back to his feet, Neji kept walking on, his thoughts focused on Shikamaru.

After two more forced stops, Neji finally saw the edge of the Nara forest looming ahead of him. From here on it would only be a few more minutes before he was at his destination.

Gritting his teeth, Neji forced his body to obey him and walked the last few meters to the house that lay nestled in the shadows of the forrest.

Hearing voices he recognized as Shikamaru’s parents coming from the upper left window, he slowly made his way to the back of the house, knowing that the Nara’s left the backdoor open in case of an emergency with the deer that were in the paddock behind the house. Opening the door, making as little noise as possible in his state, he fumbled his way through the kitchen.

Suddenly the light went on and he came face to face with Shikaku who looked like he had seen a ghost. Neji guessed he shouldn’t be surprised, considering the state he had been in the last few weeks.

Mustering a slight smile he greeted the older Nara.

“Hello, Nara-san. I hope didn’t wake you up. I’m here to see Shikamaru.”

Shikaku blinked a few times before a broad smile seemed to split his face in two. Then he went over to the young Hyuuga and embraced him in a short, yet tight hug, stealing Neji’s breath. Something stirred in the back of Neji’s mind but it was almost gone as soon as it came.

“He’s waiting for you. Welcome home,” he whispered next to Neji’s ear, making sudden, unwanted tears well up in his eyes.

“Arigato, Nara-san.” He had to force the words around the lump in his throat.

Then Shikaku helped him up the stairs to the upperfloor. At Shikamaru’s door he left him to continue on to his and his wifes’ bedroom.

Taking a deep breath, Neji opened the door and slipped quietly into the room. Immediately his eyes searched for the person he so longed to see again. There, streched out on the bed, the familiar ponytail sticking up behind him, Shikamaru was lieing , sleeping peacefully.

The tenderness he felt in that moment would forever be imprinted in his memory.

Walking over to the bed, Neji shed his clothes and carefully crawled under the covers. Shikamaru didn’t even stirr and that, more than anything else, told Neji just how exhausted his lover must have been. Tiredly he closed his eyes, trying to stay awake for as long as possible and listen to Shikamaru’s heart beating in an even rhythm. But the sound soon pulled him into a deep slumber.

~*~

When the next morning came and the sun peeked into the room with the two young shinobis it was Neji who woke first. A smile streched his lips almost impossible wide. Lifting a hand, he traced the pouting lips of Shikamaru, feeling how chapped they were. Probably because he had been gnawing on them too much, he thought. That baka. Continueing his soft exploration, his fingers trailed slowly across high cheekbones and the small, straight nose, over the slender eyebrows, down to the strong jawline and further to the pointed chin. Not wanting to wait another moment, Neji slowly leaned towards Shikamaru, caressing the lips with his own before trailing more tiny kisses along the same path his fingers have taken a few seconds ago. He was just starting to continue his way down a slender neck when he was forcefully jerked back by his hair and pressed into the mattress by a fully awake Shikamaru.

A surprised gasp left him while he stared up into the dark brown eyes. Eyes that bored into his own before going soft and taking on a confused, then disbelieving look.

“Ne…ji?” Nothing but a mere whisper but Neji could hear the astonishment clearly – and the fear. The fear of – what?

“Yes, it’s me. I’m awake. Sasuke brought me back.”

When nothing but silence came from the Nara, Neji began to fidged slightly.

“Shikamaru…I…I’m sorry. I never wanted you to worry so much about me. I didn’t realize what… .” Before Neji could speak any further, chapped lips were pressed to his in a torrent kiss, totally blowing his mind.

Need, worry, relief, love, want, happiness, loneliness, forgiveness…all packed in one soul stealing kiss.So many feelings. Too many. Neji’s head spun and he couldn’t breath,couldn’t move. Shikamaru was lieing on him, pressing him down, pressing the air from his lungs. And suddenly it was too much. Panic overtook him and he fought.

Shikamaru didn’t know what hit him when he found himself flying through the air, landing on the floor, a few feet from the bed. He looked up again, totally dumbfounded, only to find Neji sitting on his bed, breathing harshly, eyes wide and his whole body trembling.

Slowly Shikamaru stood back up, not completely understanding what was going on. But just as he wanted to ask Neji what was wrong, the door to his room flew open to reveal his father standing there, searching for the origin of the crash he had heard. When he saw Neji, everything clicked. Slowly, as if nearing a frightened deer, he walked over to the bed, speaking in low, soothing voice.

“Neji, it’s okay. It’s just me, Shikaku. It’s alright, calm down. No one will harm you. Shikamaru is here. See? Now, calm down. Yeah, that’s it. Breath. Slow and deep. Just keep breathing. It’s okay. You’re safe. No one is going to hurt you.There, that’s better.”

Shikaku was by now kneeling down in front of Neji, watching him closely, monitoring his breathing and his still fluctuating chakra.

That was when it hit Shikamaru and he wanted to hit himself. How could he have been so stupid. Yeah, Neji was back and yeah, he was happy about that. But he had completely forgotten what Neji had been through before he had lost consciousness. Of course he would get scared if he sudenly just kissed him like that. He had lost control, badly, and now he had to fix it again. His father had seen it, had seen the signs and reacted accordingly. He had to do the same.

He walked back to the bed, squatting down next to his father and looking up at Neji.

“Neji, listen. I’m sorry. I totally overreacted and scared you. That won’t happen again. I promise. Please calm down.”

Shikaku waited a moment but when he saw the tension leave Neji’s shoulders he stood up and quietly left the room. What had to be discussed now was something personal between his son and his lover.

Shikamaru said no more but he kept his eyes locked on the pale ones in front of him.

Slowly Neji’s look cleared and he took in a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. He knew what had happened. Panic, triggered by the memory of the rape. Tears filled his eyes.

Damnit, what am I? Some nervous wreck, breaking down as soon as Shikamaru kisses me? Get a grip. You’re a Hyuuga.

That little kick to his own – mental – behind did the trick. Straightening his shoulders, Neji shook his head at Shikamaru’s words.

“Iie, Shikamaru. It’s not your fault. You reacted like everyone else in your position would have. It’s me who is the problem. I know that.” He lifted a hand when he saw that Shika wanted to interrupt him.

“Please let me finish first.” When Shikamaru had quieted down again, he continued.

“I know what you want to say and I appreciate it. But we both know, rationally, that what happened a moment ago will probably happen again. We’ve been trained, like all the others, for this kind of situation. We all know the risks. And I did, especially for this mission, an extra mental training because it might have happened that we had to console a victim. Therefore I know what I should and will do next. I’m going to speak to the Hokage. I will not, I repeat, NOT let this interfere with us. I love you, Shikamaru Nara and I won’t let it keep me from you. But please, please understand that I need time. Be patient with me. I promise you won’t regret it.”

Shikamaru listened quietly to what Neji said to him. And in the end he had nothing to say. He was so damn proud of his Hyuuga. Slowly he let his eyes travel along the body of his beloved, noting how thin he had become, seeing the shadows under the silvery eyes and when he met those eyes he saw the steely determination in them. Neji wanted this work, wanted them to still be together, even after what he had been through. And he had said he loved him. Shikamaru didn’t know what he may have done in a previous life to be gifted with this beautiful, strong, amazing man but whatever it was he was grateful that he did it. Because nothing could have stopped him now from loving this man.

“I’ll be as patient as I need to be. And do you know why? Because I love you so damn much, that’s why. We will make it through this somehow, together.”

And then Neji smiled.

And Shikamaru’s heart leaped in his chest. God, I love that smile, he thought in a daze.

Slowly, tentatively he leaned forward until their faces were only inches apart. Then he stopped to ask.

“May I kiss you?”

Neji paused and thought about it for a moment. Feeling no fear or rising panic he nodded.

“Yes.”

And then Shikamaru bridged the last inches seperating them. He kept the kiss light, no pressure. Just a simple, tender meeting of lips. A sigh escaped him, puffing against Neji’s lips.

Even if this is all we will ever get to do in the future, it will be worth it, were his last thoughts before he leaned back.

The love he saw shining in Neji’s eyes told him that he felt the same way.

It will be a long, rocky path but they would walk it together because they found the one thing shinobis cherished above all –

Love.


~Owari~

*Haha - Japanese term for mother. Yes, I know that there is also kaasan. But for members of your own family you use other words. Haha for mother or chichi for father, for example
TBC in ‘Fateful Nights
Okay…*wipes sweat from her forehead* that was it.
TADAAAAA!! My very first, totally complete fanfic in history… XD
Now I’m tired, my hand aches and my head feels like it’s filled with cotton. I have finished the story in one go from page nine on. That are eight pages in one go. Doesn’t sound that much but for me it felt like a hundred pages XP
Anyway, I wanted to thank all of you who read my story and left me these awesome reviews. Since adultfanfiction wouldn’t let me post my responses to your reviews at the moment, I wanted to thank you at least this way. The responses to the reviews will be up as soon as the problem with the upload is fixed!

This story is very special to me . It’s like my baby. I helped, bringing it into the world and watched it grow until now. Even if someday I won’t read mangas and fanfiction or see animes anymore, I will always keep this story as a reminder of a very fun time in my life. Thank you all and I hope to see you again in ‘Fateful Nights’. It’ll be a while before I’ll start on it and I first plan on finishing the second part of ‘A little Bit of Peace and Quiet’. I’ve already twelve pages finished so keep looking for it ^_^

Love and hugs,
yaoilovergirl