Naruto and all of its characters were created and are owned by Masashi Kishimoto. No copyright infringement intended.
Rated T for language and later sexual themes. ShikaNejiShika
Uncage Me
Chapter One
Damn. Why does she have to be so troublesome?
Ino was hauling Shikamaru out to barbeque with her and Chōji again.
"Shikamaru!" the blonde exclaimed as her grip tightened on his wrist, "Get a move on! Why do you hate spending time with us so much? You're such a lazy bum."
Said boy ignored the last statement, giving a failed attempt at freeing his wrist. "… This is the second time we've gone to eat dinner at Yakiniku's... This week."
"Chōji just got back from his mission. I want to treat him," she whined.
"Good, because I'm sure as hell not treating him."
Ino let out an exasperated sigh, rolling her eyes.
There's no way I'd pay for that much food.
When they'd arrived at the restaurant, Ino released Shikamaru's abused wrist and strolled in with a beaming smile.
Women are so moody.
Shikamaru directed a slightly confused glare at her and ambled in behind, but a smirk soon found its way onto the corner of his mouth when he saw Chōji stuffing his own mouth. On his left was Sakura, who was scolding the Akimichi with accusatory chopsticks about how fast he was eating his pork. Seated across the table was Neji quietly sipping his tea, looking on with disinterest.
A squealing Ino ran over to Sakura, hugged her, then sat down on her open side, so Shikamaru settled to Neji's right sending a sympathetic nod his way.
Glad we're not next to either of those crazy women. I'll keep you company.
Neji nodded back.
Over the year, Neji and the shadow-nin had grown closer. After Chōji and Ino, Neji was probably his closest friend. They were very alike in the fact that they could sit, play shōgi, and enjoy each other's company without words. The two shinobi were both geniuses and excellent strategists, albeit Shikamaru always won in a match. Neji did put up a good fight each time, though.
"What's up, Hyūga?"
"Hn."
There were things about the ninja he didn't like though, such as the occasional short remarks, like Sasuke used to use. But it could be excused for today. Shikamaru knew just how much of a drag dealing with Ino and Sakura could be.
"I can see you're about as enthusiastic as I am. How did the mission go?"
"It was a success. There were no complications. It was supposed to be a B-rank, but turned out to be a mere C-rank. I could have possibly handled it alone," Neji explained.
"What was the pay?"
"About 60,000 ryou. It was to be expected."
"You know," Chōji added with his mouth full, "They still coulda' paid us more. It was easy, but it was a B-rank at first. Plus, how am I gonna pay for my meals if I don't get paid what I was counting on?"
Sometimes, the Hokage would keep the extra money that should not have been offered for the easier mission to use for village improvements and such.
The blonde giggled, leaning back to reach over and pat her plump friend on the back. "Don't worry; I'll pay tonight."
"Thanks Ino!" both Chōji and Sakura said. The pinkette had somehow taken that as her green light to go, too. And she could put it away. Together, the two began feasting on the popular negi tanshio.
"Ah man!" Ino complained bringing her head down to her arms crossed on the table. Shikamaru and Neji shared a glance, Shikamaru shrugged, and they began to eat, too. "Thank you for the food."
Stuff's as good as ever. I remember why it's so popular now.
Out of his periphery, the lazy ninja caught a glimpse of Neji scrunching up his nose and fully looked over in silent query. "It is a bit salty. The house cooks could do better."
"Eh, I think it's pretty good. But I could probably cook to your tastes; It's acceptable to Chōji… Then again, he eats just about anything."
"It's true, but I really do like your cooking, Shikamaru. Especially your udon. Gah, that stuff's amazing."
Neji half-smiled. "Perhaps I should take up on your offer, then."
I was half-joking, Neji, but it's whatever. I did say I would.
"If it's no trouble, how about tomorrow evening?"
"Sounds good to me. Chōji, Ino, Sakura? Do any of you all wanna come?" Shikamaru offered.
Sakura frowned. "I'd love to Shikamaru, but I'll be working at the hospital."
"Me too. They're running short on medics tomorrow, so we're filling in," continued Ino.
"I'm sorry. I have to say no, too. Maybe another time." It was rather unusual that Chōji would decline a home-cooked meal, but he probably had a previous commitment.
"Looks like it's just you and me. Oh, and my parents will be around, so hope you don't mind," Shikamaru realized. "My mom can be pretty troublesome."
The other genius shook his head. "No, I don't mind at all. It would be a pleasure to eat with your parents."
The remaining part of dinner was filled with the simple melody of easy conversation, clicking of chopsticks, and munching.
Shikamaru stopped eating for a moment and grinned when a figurative light bulb illuminated above his head. It had been a while since his mind had been challenged to a formidable opponent besides his father. He became tired of losing after a while.
"Hey Neji. You almost done? How about a game of shōgi? It's never too late for you to try and beat me." The challenger smirked as Neji slowly lifted his eyes from his bowl.
"You are on, Shikamaru. I will not lose to you again." His competitive side reared. "If I do not win... No, I will play until I win."
"Careful, Hyūga. You almost sounded like Lee for a sec'."
A light brushing of pink appeared on his cheeks as Neji downcast his embarrassed eyes. "Shut up."
Every damn time a friend mentions him. Control yourself, Hyūga.
He replaced his mask and raised his chin, face like an empty plate so no one could see through any cracks. Hyūgas did not show embarrassment, for they were a proud breed.
Shikamaru noticed the reaction. It wasn't often that Neji became flustered, much less blushed. The Hyūga was more open with him now, but not to the extent that Chōji and Ino were.
"Wait, where are you two going all of a sudden?" Sakura paused eating for a moment.
Ino interjected when she looked up, too. "Oh, they're probably going to play shōgi, or go, or some other old-man game."
"Shōgi, thank you very much, Ino." The shadow-nin had to defend his and Asuma's game. "Where do you wanna go, Neji, my house or the compound?"
"My place is closer. We can go there. When we enter though, you have to be quiet. I would not want to wake anyone."
It is only about an hour past dark, but the household retires for early morning meditation and training.
Neji would be a bit tired in the morning, but a game or two of shōgi was worth it. Plus, it was Thursday. Sundays and Fridays were his days off of training, so he tried to relax, like a tight rope going slack. On these days, Neji would meditate in the morning and read or run errands in the afternoon, then spar once or twice with Hinata or Hanabi. After that, he would take a tranquil, aromatic soak in the oforo. The steaming water did wonders to alleviate his tense muscles.
Neji was awakened from his musing by his friend saying, "That's fine. Do you want to leave now?"
"If you are ready. I'm finished eating."
"Cool. Hey, guys we're leaving. Ino, you got the bill?" Shikamaru stood with Neji scooting out close behind.
Ino raised and waved her white flag. "...Yeah, fine." She could pay for their meals, since they actually controlled themselves. Unlike some people.
"Goodbye," the Hyūga bowed and began to walk away.
Shikamaru gave a backward wave as he, too began his exit. "See ya."
"Gah, those guys are always up to something, huh?" Ino inquired, agitated. She knew that Neji and Shikamaru had been spending a lot of time together in the past few years. Not too much, but more than she was comfortable with. Shikamaru belonged to Chōji and herself. He was their best friend and she knew it. So, why did her heart pinch when they left together? She wasn't jealous. She didn't envy them, did she?
Chōji said as he watched them leave, "Nah, it's fine. Let them have their intelligent fun."
A/N: Did you like it? This is my first story on fanfiction, so any feedback will be helpful. I'm open to suggestions. More writing to come soon! Thank you so much for reading! Also, would you like it if I replaced simple sayings to Japanese? Something like, "See ya," to "Ja ne."