Warning: Shounen ai
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto
Author's note: For my contribution to "First 10 get a drabble" on my Y!gallery account (there are still spots open if you're interested). This one is for MayaNara who asked for ShikaxNeji Romance.
Hero
"Shika?"
His name was being called in a familiar voice, yet the tone was slightly hushed.
With an upward quirk of his lips he hummed in reply.
His lover, owner of that sexy voice that could make the Nara-genius shiver in secret pleasure, chuckled. "I knew it." The long-haired Hyuuga spoke, cheerfully. "Feigning sleep, did Naruto truly bore you that much?"
Shikamaru huffed. "One can only take a certain amount of Naruto before developing a heard-ache." He explained.
Silence fell and it settled over them like a thick comforter in summer. Immediately Shikamaru knew what was on his lover's mind and he frowned. It had been the same for the past few days and he had hoped to have rid Neji of his guilt.
The barest hint of a sigh escaped him and he pushed himself up until he was sitting against the head-board of the bed. With a small smile etching his lips he extended his hand towards the direction of the doorway, inviting his boyfriend closer.
When he heard footsteps echo through the room his slightly pleading smile turned grateful.
He felt the mattress dip when Neji sat down and when the Hyuuga intertwined their fingers he sighed contently.
"This," the Nara started, gesturing to the bandage that was protecting his eyes from any form of light or possible strain, "is not your fault."
The grip Neji had on his hand tightened and the shinobi sighed. "I can't help but feel that it is. That powder was meant for me."
"Yes," Shikamaru admitted softly, "it was."
A shuddering breath was the only warning Shikamaru got before Neji, tone bordering on desperation, asked: "Then why did you jump in front of it? You shouldn't have acted that way. You weren't thinking!"
Shikamaru shook his head with a soft sigh. "I always think, Neji. Your eyes are more important than mine, they are saved and the mission was successful." He almost winced at how politically-right that answer was but if it took Neji's guilt away, so be it.
"Then you weren't thinking clearly." Neji huffed, his fingers still tightly curled around Shikamaru's.
"Yes I was." Shikamaru said, slightly frustrated at Neji's lack of understanding. The blindness was merely a temporary problem and even if it hadn't been, Neji's eyes were saved from disaster.
With his free hand he blindly reached for where he thought Neji's face was and when he felt soft hair he smiled. He let his fingers glide over porcelain skin until he reached Neji's cheek and cupped it in the palm of his hand.
"I was thinking clearly." He spoke, his tone almost stern in this try to convince his boyfriend. "I was thinking of you." He finished on a tone devoid of any sternness yet it was laden with affection.
"S-Shika..." Neji whispered, almost breathlessly. "But -"
"No Neji, don't." Shikamaru interrupted his lover, gently caressing the Hyuuga's cheek with his thumb.
He could hear Neji sigh and the Hyuuga started to protest again.
With a shake of his head Shikamaru stopped his lover. Yet instead of berating the Hyuuga he smiled affectionately at how much his lover cared about him, and whispered: "Just be grateful and kiss me."
"I am grateful," Neji whispered huskily.
Hot breath ghosted over Shikamaru's lips and a hand was gently laid against the nape of his neck, causing the Nara to shiver.
"My hero..."
And when lips descended upon his, Shikamaru could not help but shiver as he returned the kiss.
He had never been more happy to be someone's hero.
End
Let me know what you thought of it,
Love China Dolly