Warning: Yaoi (next chapters, duh)
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, unfortunately...
A/N: Please review... On with the fic :)
Shikamaru POV
He heard the door close and he collapsed on his bed. When he asked Neji if he was able to walk he was sure that the answer would be yes. Well, the answer had been yes. It was the wrong answer, though. Who knows what he'd done to Neji... Oh, yeah... I have to go to the training grounds 'cause many teams train together today... What time is it anyway? He looked at the clock on his nightstand. 8:30 am. Man, this sucks...Well, can't get out of it, can I? I'd better get dressed... he thought as he ran a hand through his hair. Wait a sec... Loose hair? Where's my... nevermind... He wore his casual outfit including the jacket with the Nara crest underneath the Chunin jacket. He tied his hair in the usual ponytail which, for some reason, he lacked that morning and , when he was done, he took a quick look at his reflection in the mirror. His dark brown eyes were staring back at him, accusing him, his own reflection was blaming him. Well, I've never listened to myself before, why should I now? He thought as he exited the room.
Once he slid the door shut behind him, he went downstairs in the kitchen.
-Morning... He told his parents, the oh-so-familiar greeting. His mind was racing elsewhere, though. Had Neji seen his parents when he left? Had they seen him? Well, if they had they would be scolding Shikamaru right now for being such an "irresponsible slacker that only knows how to sleep and be lazy", their words, not his. Shikamaru opened the door and the morning breeze whipped his face.
It was a bit chilly that day but little did Shikamaru care. He was quite the chionophile, after all.
Had you ever... you know... before?
Well, that explains...
Guess whose fault that is!
These phrases Neji had uttered kept echoing in Shikamaru's mind as he yonderly walked down the gloomy streets of Konohagakure with one destination, the training premises. A debate was taking place in his mind, which mind should be called "Without Coffee I Mulfanction A Lot".
I bet he hates you now!
Don't be silly! It was not just your fault!
How could this possibly be Neji's fault, dumbass?
He should not have gotten drunk! It was partly his fault, too, he cannot hate you!
Put yourself in his place... Wouldn't you hate you?
OAKY, GUYS SHUT UP! IF HE HATES ME THERE'S NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT! Great, now I'm talking to myself... I'm crazy...
He just then noticed that he had already reached his destination. Many people were there, many people who the Nara did not care about at the moment. The only one who caught his attention was no other than the brunette. Neji looked like a different person. He, obviously, wore different clothes. Hell, Shikamaru could bet Neji had burnt the clothes. But apart from the clothes, Neji looked different. His hair was tied in a high ponytail which, unlike Shikamaru's, could reach his lower back. The most shocking difference was his attitude, or more precisely, his lack of one. His usual arrogant smirk was missing, as well as the look screaming "I'm better than all of you.".
The whole image was, how to put this? More timid and less revealing. The Hyuga returned his gaze before shooting him a look as if he was asking what the hell Shikamaru was doing. However, the shadow-nin refused to stop staring, drawing a bit of attention on himself and a very embarrassed Neji who quickly broke eye contact and started circling the ground nervously with his foot. Still not getting his eyes off Neji, Shikamaru walked to his team. When he was mid-way there, most teachers started calling for their teams, same goes for Team Guy. Shikamaru could see that Neji immediately tensed and blushed. Who?! The always controlled and composed Neji Hyuga! This was going to be difficult...
While he was thinking about Team Guy and what Neji would do, he didn't hear his own sensei and team calling his name.
-Shikamaru! Get your lazy ass over here! Yeah, definitely Ino.
He joined his teammates and started the least troublesome task he could think of, apart from watching the clouds, eating and napping, of course : training. The same routine repeating itself, giving Shikamaru plenty of opportunities to think about something else. This 'something else' was usually guessing what his mother would make for lunch based on odds and statistics but not this time. This time his thoughts were with the coffee-haired ninja talking to his sensei only feet away from him. Although they were somewhat close, he could not hear the conversation, not much to his liking.
Neji POV
Sneaking in his house without the Hyugas noticing him must have been the hardest thing he'd ever done his entire life. He had to keep his chakra levels on an impossibly low number for his family not to sense him, which resulted in him being vulnerable against any possible attack. And the fact that he had to jump in his room via window when his ass hurt like hell didn't help at all. Once he got in he immediately took off all articles of clothing, he'd burn them later, and jumped in the tub, turning on the hot water. He washed thouroughly and he paid great attention to his hair. Then, he wrapped a towel around his waist and walked back in the room.
He paused in front of his closet trying to decide what to wear. He felt like he couldn't wear one of his casual white outfits, he felt exposed. Instead, he wore something shyer and, of course, less white, he didn't want to draw attention to himself. He wondered what to do with his hair. He could leave it down, as always, but for some reason, he thought it didn't match his O.T.D. In the end, he opted for a high ponytail. Had he not been wearing a shirt with long neck a high ponytail would be out of the list. The reason? Hikeys... When he considered himself ready and presentable, he looked at the mirror.
Perfect, as always. An arrogant, selfish voice in his head said, not that Neji complained. He was, after all, perfect.
He exited his bedroom by the window once more, as if it was the most normal thing to do. Neji was walking towards the training grounds not thinking about anything in particular when a question in his mind made everything else of less significance. What am I going to tell Guy? Should I tell him the truth? He just couldn't find an excuse. So much for being a genius. A selcouth feeling possessed him when he saw the training premises, maybe it was that he spent most of his day, everyday, there. Neji spotted his comrades, Lee and Tenten, talking near a bench. When they saw him they waved at him, as if he'd wave back in a place with as many people as this, I think not. He didn't want to make a fool of himself in front of everyone. He tried to maintain the arrogant attitude he usually had but failed miserably. The chocolate-haired Hyuga walked to his team and tried not to look too ashamed and embarrassed. Needless to say, he failed again.
-What's with your hair? Tenten asked when she finally paid attention to his appearance.
-Nothing, I just wanted a change... Please drop it! Please drop it! Please drop it!
-But Neji-kun, you never change anything! Lee was stupid enough not to let it pass. I'm going to kill you when I can! Neji thought straightening his face.
-Neither do you. That's why you always lose, and I get the feeling next time won't be any different either. The Hyuga said with an almost cruel voice.
Great time to be an asshole, Neji, just great.
-But Neji-kun, I am enjoying my youth and I promise you that today...
It was all "blah, blah, blah" to Neji. Shikamaru had just arrived and that idiot didn't seem to be planning on stopping staring at Neji. At first, he returned the look but then he was starting to get irritated and embarrassed that many people were looking at them so he broke eye contact and started making nervous moves with his feet, his gaze fixated on the ground.
-Neji, did something happen? Tenten asked out of worry and concern for her friend.
-No! Absolutely nothing! Where did you get that idea from? I just had to ask... As if it isn't obvious...
- That was quite a long stare, even for you.
-I don't know what you're talking about.
There it was. The phrase one uses to hide something while they know very well what the other is talking about and can be translated as : You're right but there's more to it. It was the first time Neji used it. The kunoichi was ready to answer but Guy-sensei's rather loud voice was heard calling them. Neji started panicking. What am I going to do?
-Uhm... Guy... can I... talk to you... f-for a moment? Neji said still oblivious as to what to say.
-Sure, Neji, what is it?
-I...uhm... I c-can't t-t-train t-today... Neji said, stuttering worse than Hinata.
-And why is that? W-what d-d-do I s-say to h-him? Damnit! I'm even stuttering in my mind!
-I-I... look... I kind of c-can't make... any s-sudden m-moves... a-at all...
-I think I can guess why. Guy said looking straight in the lavender orbs that were Neji's eyes, as if seeing right through him. This kind of creeped Neji out.
-I'd rather doubt that, Guy. No offense.
-None taken. However, you're wrong. Your voice says it all. And even if it didn't, you never wear long necks and your face, sorry, doesn't lie.
-What is that supposed to mean?! Neji snapped at him. Guy leaned forward and whispered in Neji's ear:
-You're blushing like there's no tomorrow.
Neji turned an even darker shade of red, if possible, and backed away.
-Guy, I implore you, don't tell my uncle anything, p-please. The words 'implore' and 'please' were the most difficult for Neji to say for he was not used to begging.
-Don't worry about it, it's not my job to tell him. Just sit on a bench until the training is finished.
-As if I can... Neji muttered after making sure nobody could hear him.
As he could not sit, and he could thank the Nara for that, he picked a tree and leaned back into the shadows. Fortunately, from where he was he had a good view of Squad 10 training. He would figure out why that was fortunate later, though.
What the hell am I going to tell Hiashi-sama? The truth? Impossible. A lie? No lie is believable enough. So what am I gonna do?
Many people would wonder why not just say nothing and keep it a secret. Well, those people had probably never met Hiashi Hyuga. He would find out no matter what. And the only thing that was of question was how badly Neji would be beaten up. If he told his uncle the truth, he would be bombed with tons of questions and would probably get beaten up. On the other hand, if he told a lie and his uncle learnt the truth, the beating would come first and, then, even more questions. Well, there's nothing I can do about it now.
What irritated Neji even more was that he could not remember a single thing from the previous night. But... what if Shikamaru remembered something and wasn't telling him? If that's the case, Neji would kill him. Neji was no illusionist, he could understand that this situation was partly his fault but he couldn't help it, he was mad at Shikamaru.
It's not your fault.
I'm sorry for everything!
It's not like that.
These sentences kept dancing in Neji's head. He tried very hard to remember something, anything, from the night before but he punched the tree in frustration when he found out he couldn't. He opened his eyes though his didn't recall closing them. All the teams were on the ground, panting slightly. Was I really thinking for so long? He thought to himself as his eyes locked on Shikamaru's team. The rather fat boy called Choji was eating potato chips and the blonde kunoichi, Ino, was telling him off for it. The Nara, however, was walking towards the Hyuga. What does he want? Can't you just go and leave me alone, Nara?
-Hey... Despite the fact that Shikamaru was trying to act cool, it was clear that he was uncomfortable. If you're uncomfortable, Nara, what are you doing here? Neji thought.
-Hey... Neji replied not knowing what to say.
-Are you okay? Shikamaru asked nervously rubbing the back of his head and not looking at Neji.
-Do I look okay? Neji snapped at him with an anger in his voice he didn't think he could muster.
-Sorry, stupid question. No, you don't look okay. As a matter of fact, you look terrible. As if I didn't already know that... Neji bitterly thought.
-Thank you for the compliment, Nara!
-I didn't mean it that way and you know it... So, what were you thinking? Shikamaru asked still not looking at Neji.
If you start asking questions like you're interrogating me I'm going to kill you! Neji's mind screamed
-Nothing that concerns you! That, of course, was a lie.
-I find that hard to believe...
-What does that mean?!
-I bet that what you were thinking concerns me, too. It's about last night, isn't it? Shikamaru said suddenly turning his eyes to stare in Neji's, making the latter look away.
-So what if it is? It's not like you can help or anything!
-You can't know until you ask... Shikamaru said and Neji realized that the shadow-nin was very close. He tried to back away but hit the tree that wasn't smart enough to have left. Shikamaru, however, got the hint and fell a few steps back.
-Fine! What am I going to tell my uncle? Let's see you help with that, Shika.
-How about nothing? The Nara said casually.
-It's not that simple, genius. I didn't go home last night if you didn't notice.
-You went home this morning, though. Didn't he ask?
-As if I could deal with his questions. I got in from the window and left before they got a chance to sense and interrogate me.
-So what? Tell him you spent the night in one of your friends' house. Not far from the truth. Say you slept at Lee's place.
-And how do I explain that I didn't train? Does he think he can solve this?
-He doesn't know you didn't train.
Neji chose that time to be a complete asshole and said:
-Do you see that girl with white eyes and purple-blue hair to your right? The one who's looking at us? She's Hinata and she is Hiashi-sama's daughter, she'll tell him. Neji said sarcastically.
-Ha ha, very funny, Neji. Just tell her not to tell him anything, stupid simple.
-Maybe you are stupid because this is definitely not simple. Every day my uncle asks Hinata about me. And believe me, she's terrible at lying, I've tried a few times.
-Oh come on! Just say the truth and be done with it!
Now, that was the answer Neji had been waiting for.
-If I tell the truth we're both dead, fuckwit! Do I have to make it stupid simple for you to understand it? And they call you a genius!
-Don't talk to me like that! I was only trying to help!
-Well, you're making it worse! Just go do your stupid training and leave me alone! Neji snapped at him desperatly hoping the Nara would leave. Shikamaru had other intentions, however.
-Or what? He said as if he was trying to highlight Neji's incapability of fighting.
-Look, I don't want this to become something more than a verbal round!
-You can't fight, whether you want to or not! That's it! I don't want to hear anything else!
-Even in this state I could easily beat you, Nara!
-Shikamaru! Break's over! Asuma's voice could be heard from somewhere to Neji's left. Just go, Shikamaru, before I lose it and break your damn neck!
-You didn't come here to chat with me, you know. You are here to train because, unlike somebody else, you can!
-Why are you being such a bitch now? Bitch?! You've crossed the red lines, Nara!
SMACK!
Neji had slapped him! He had smacked him right across the face and Shikamaru hadn't made a single attempt to stop him. Why hadn't he put up a fight? Why the hell was he so calm?
-"I"'m being a bitch?! I was just sittin- no, scratch that, I was standing here, just thinking! You just had to come here and start asking questions, right?!
-Neji, stop this. That bastard was still calm. Neji just wanted to beat that calmness off his face.
-Make me! Neji said provoking the shadow-nin as much as he could.
-Neji, I said stop this madness.
-Fuck you!
-Again?
Neji's reaction was immediate. He just stopped all movements and held his breath, his eyes getting watery. A single tear rolled down his cheek and stopped at his chin before falling on the ground. Then, he spoke.
-Thanks! Thank you very much, you fucking asshole! You have successfully ruined my life!
After speaking these words he turned around and, despite the pain, he started running as fast as he could towards the forest. Shikamaru didn't make the slightest move.
Shikamaru POV
Shikamaru stood completely still as he witnessed the unbelievable sight of Hyuga Neji break right before his eyes for the second time that day. The older ninja ran as fast as he could despite the pain and he was soon out of sight in the woods of the forest. He's going to be the end of me... Wait! What am I thinking?! Whatever... He thought to himself as he turned his back to that tree, the only witness of the fight, or so he thought.
-Shikamaru! How many times do I have to call for you?! Okay, you're lazy but this is getting ridiculous! You must be more responsible! Oh I never thought I'd say that!
-Yes, Asuma-sensei... He said as if he had heard everything when he had not heard a single word his sensei had said. He didn't even notice that Ino wasn't there anymore. All the Nara could think of was how to approach Neji without risking to have his head chopped off. Shikamaru's movements were slowed down but he didn't care, he could handle Choji easily, it was Ino and her nagging that annoyed him as hell.
What to do? He had to think of a plan but his mind wouldn't cooperate. I need coffee, what a drag! He thought as he indolently dodged a blow. Suddenly and out of the blue, a light went on in his mind. It was dangerous and probably impossible as the totally unpredictable Hyuga could shatter his plan to pieces with one look. It was intriguing, though, and challenging. Should I try? I'll fail... Well, it won't be the first time... All he had to do was make the Hyuga fall for him. It shouldn't be too hard, Neji had done it long ago without even trying. Yes, Shika had it bad.