4
xxxxx
"I'm sorry, but I am almost positive I heard you incorrectly." Neji stared at Shikamaru's cell phone as if it would somehow give him some sort of incurable disease "Did you, Uchiha, just say, in your own words, that your brother just married my cousin?"
He was so glad his parents were out for the rest of the week at a medical conference a long shinkansen ride away. They were sitting on the couch in Shikamaru's house, Neji sitting close enough for their thighs to be touching. He tried not to think about that but since his body was still a little...tense from earlier it was difficult.
Sasuke sighed on the other end "Look, I told them it was a stupid idea, okay? I want to make this clear, I was not endorsing this at all. Aniki came up with it and approached Hinata –"
"And I'm sure that had nothing to do with the fact that he's wanted to screw her for years." The Hyuuga snapped and Shikamaru shifted uncomfortably. Wasn't Itachi at least five years older than them? He supposed that wasn't a big deal in the long run and they all did grow up together but still.
"Fuck you, Neji." The Uchiha sounded pissed "You were there with us growing up; you know it's not like that."
White eyes turned to his host "Were you in on this?" when Shikamaru opened his mouth he shook his head "Never mind, these two fools would have done this regardless." He turned back the phone "Where is your pedophile of a brother? I know he's there." He paused briefly "You know, I'm quite confused as how me telling you two not to get involved resulted in you doing something incredibly stupid."
Well, Neji didn't look homicidal but he was pretty enraged. The Nara hoped he'd keep his rage focused on the Uchiha and not turn it on him.
"Neji." Itachi's voice was as cool and calm as always and Shikamaru wondered if there was anything that could piss the older Uchiha off. "Even Nara was able to see the situation once he thought about it. All of us knew that you were planning on simply taking the beatings for another year even after you graduated. For one, I am not sure if you've noticed, but watching you slowly die has been deeply affecting your cousin." Neji stiffened and scowled, even though Itachi couldn't see it "She actually has come to us numerous times; did you honestly believe she was going to merely sit back and continue to watch when everyone here knows that Hiashi and Hizashi would probably kill you before you would have gotten the chance to flee with her?"
"Uchiha –"
"Hyuuga." He cut him off "Look at the people around you and look at your situation. We might have meddled in your affairs, but it's over."
The pause that settled was tense. When Shikamaru looked over at Neji his expression was carefully closed off before he sighed, shaking his head "I didn't ask you to get involved."
"Normally, when a true friend or family member sees someone they love suffer; the other person doesn't have to ask. You have been afraid of their wrath for so long your solution to the problem was the only solution you believed would work. Now you know that there had been alternatives; all you had to do was accept a little outside help.
"Now, before you start going off on another tangent concerning our actions just know that we did not twist Hinata's arm. We brought it up once and she agreed on the spot, that is how much she loves you. At sixteen an individual can marry."
"I thought the minor had to have their guardian's permission." Neji sounded confused and Itachi chuckled.
"Please, Hyuuga. Who do you think you're dealing with? Your family might not have any connections or influence any more, but we don't have that problem. In any case, Sasuke is not yet eighteen and that would have made things difficult. I, however, am well over eighteen so it is not a case of two minors running off and doing something moronic. And despite what you might think, I have no intentions of screwing your cousin." He sounded highly amused. "I don't even plan on being around; I am a rather busy man. The marriage is to get those two away from Hinata legally and since you are already eighteen they cannot keep you. Hinata will be protected at the Uchiha manor and you are more than welcome to stay there as well to ensure your cousin's virtue stays intact." He was chuckling again.
Neji's left brow twitched "You're still a manipulative bastard, Itachi."
"Yes, but I'm an intelligent manipulative bastard and you are a free man. You're welcome, by the way."
"Go to hell."
"I have no intentions of remaining 'married' for long." Itachi continued as if Neji hadn't said anything "Once Hinata is eighteen she may petition for a divorce and that will be that. If you're that upset about it, I'll even make the records of it completely disappear; that is not an issue. As for my affiliation with the Akatsuki – yes, I'm almost positive you were going to ask that next – it's not something you need to worry about. It will not affect Hinata at all, I will not allow it." There was a small pause "Neji, I understand that you are upset, I truly do, but –"
"No." sighing, the Hyuuga put a hand through his hair "It's fine." He sounded tired. "I knew you two knew what was going on all these years; I knew you two were going to do something eventually and I know you'd never hurt Hinata-sama." he dipped his head, resting his face in his hands "So...thank you."
"She's asleep in the guest room, by the way." Sasuke came back in "You want me to go wake her up?
"No. Leave her be." Leaning back on the couch, Neji put a hand over his eyes "Tomorrow is Friday but tell Hinata-sama not to go to school. In fact, until our fathers –"
"About that." Itachi again "That has also been taken care of. We had been hesitant of doing anything with Hinata still bound to them legally but now that it is no longer an issue...they are no longer an issue. In fact, feel free to go and collect your belongings tomorrow; I promise you they will not be returning to that house for a few days at least."
Neji dropped his hand and sat up. Shikamaru took in his expression and turned back to the phone "It's late. Tell Hyuuga to skip anyway, I guess Neji and I will be skipping too."
"Well fuck; if everyone else is skipping..." that was Sasuke in the background "I didn't want to take that dumb history test anyway..."
"Very well." Itachi sounded distant himself "If you need anything, call Sasuke. I won't be around much after tonight. Gentlemen." He hung up.
Closing his phone shut, the Nara took in the blank look on Neji's face and hesitated. Should he put a hand on his shoulder? Around his shoulder? Would he freak out? He felt like he should do something now that they were officially 'together' but he wasn't entirely sure what would be good or bad and he had the feeling that it was all starting to sink in for Neji; meaning something was bound to happen.
Hands moved over an angular face, palms settling on his forehead. It was difficult to tell what Neji was thinking with his hair in the way "'It's over' He says." Had it not been so quiet in the room, Shikamaru wouldn't have heard it. "Just like that? Just like that it's over." It was barely a whisper.
What do I do? "Uh..."
"A moment." The older teen sighed "Just...give me a moment."
"Alright." Shikamaru felt a little incompetent at his inability to do anything for Neji at such an obviously crucial moment. Maybe he should have actually listened to Ino when she had been rambling on and on about 'the perfect boyfriend'. Then he realized that it was Ino he was thinking about and discarded that notion. He seriously doubted Neji would appreciate him giving him flowers, chocolate, and singing ballads. The latter part made him feel like less of a man just thinking it.
After a while he saw Neji's shoulders begin to shake and Shikamaru sat up, tensing. Was he...crying? "Neji?"
His guest sat up abruptly, looking up at the ceiling and he was indeed crying. A smile was on his lips but he looked as if he was in a state of shocked disbelief. "Would you...believe me if I told you right now that I actually feel incredibly numb? Because really...how am I supposed to feel? Just like that? Like the snap of the fingers; it's over. No more." He closed his eyes as tears continued to slide down his cheeks. "Shikamaru, if I opened my eyes, would this still be real? Because right now...I feel like I'm some part of a sick dream. I'm going to wake up and this...all of this would have been a dream and they'll..."
They'll be there...waiting for me.
Neji lowered his head again and Shikamaru remained silent, his expression grim. He continued to refrain from touching him, understanding that right now the other male was in a very delicate state emotionally. He had no idea how he would be feeling in Neji's shoes and while it made him feel screwed up, he really didn't want to know. "It's not a dream." Was what eventually came to mind to say. "If you want, I can pinch you or something."
That made his guest start laughing outright and he put his palms over his eyes "Why is it now that I feel like I'm losing my mind?" still chuckling, he shook his head "I actually...don't know what's real and what's not right now. Everything feels like..."
He found himself leaning forward but still unsure about touching him "What do you want me to do, Neji?"
"I don't know." He whispered it, the smile disappearing, eyes still covered.
It wasn't until their gazes met that Shikamaru realized he had leaned forward, guiding Neji's chin with his fingers. White eyes widened in slight surprise and for a second the Nara hesitated, confused by his own actions. He had no idea what he was doing, only that looking at Neji like that...it was doing something to him. It made him want to...
No response came from Neji initially when their lips brushed and once again Shikamaru hesitated before pushing forward, pressing their lips more firmly together. He kept his eyes opened and watched as widened eyes lowered, becoming hooded. Slowly, arms wrapped around his neck and his guest tilted his head, gently leaning in.
"It's okay..."Shikamaru paused, not really knowing what he was saying or meaning. He felt like his emotions were all over the place right now. Was this what love did to someone? Normally tears would have made him want to walk away, instead he actually wanted the Hyuuga to do so, but there was more to it than that. "Even if it's just for tonight or even a few hours...take the mask off." He felt himself smiling slightly. "It's not like you have anything you need to hide."
He was pulled back into their kiss but they both deepened it, wrapping their arms around each other. Something tight and hot gripped his chest as Neji clung to him and he tasted the faint trace of salt from tears. A strong, unnamed emotion filled him. It wasn't love, although the emotion was involved; it was something else. It wasn't discomfort at Neji somewhat breaking down finally after eight years of holding strong; for some reason he wanted that.
Shikamaru wanted Neji to let go, to feel comfortable enough to do so because...
Protect. That's what the emotion was; he wanted to protect him. To become the shield Neji was seriously going to need because this was only the beginning. With Neji, and only Neji, he actually wanted to go out of his way and be motivated. He wanted to put forth the effort.
He almost laughed. No wonder he had been unable to figure it out; it was everything he had strived hard not to be.
A gasp filled the room as he felt hot lips on his neck and he began to pull back, bringing Neji along with him to sprawl out on his couch. He felt a chill move through him at the sensation of someone warm on top of him. Shikamaru pulled Neji back up, his hand cradling the back of the Hyuuga's head as brought him down into a kiss. It was a little awkward when Neji parted for him and he slowly began to explore the other's mouth with his tongue. His inexperience didn't seem to bother his guest; instead he tried to lead, showing him through actions what to do.
Above him he felt Neji's body tremble when he slid his free hand underneath the Hyuuga's shirt, sliding up his stomach and chest. A soft moan. Tongues mingled and lingered, it wasn't like the passionate kisses from the locker room but they were no less intense. Neji's skin felt warm to the touch and as he idly trailed his fingers over hardened muscles there was another tremble and hips lowered.
Apprehension emerged briefly when he felt something hard against his upper thigh which quickly faded when it rubbed against his thickening erection. They parted and his hand slid down to Neji's side, his eyes closing when the friction increased. Damn, this was...
"Wait." The voice was low and husky as Neji began to pull back, frowning "I thought you...earlier you seemed...uncomfortable."
He found himself shrugging "That was then." He was surprised to realize he was being completely honest.
Neji gave him a wry smile "So you changed your mind in the span of an hour? Really."
"Maybe your crazy is rubbing off." He lightly joked and sat up a bit, his hand delving into brown hair again "And yeah, I changed my mind. Happened just like that."
Surprise flickered for a moment before Neji shook his head, pressing his hand against Shikamaru's chest and lowering back down on the couch "Idiot."
Shikamaru snorted "Tell that to everyone else. They seem to think I'm some sort of genius; it's a pain." Lips parted, a hard breath escaping when the sharp sting of a bite on his neck was soothed over with a warm tongue. Somehow during their exchange his shirt had been unbuttoned because he could feel Neji's hands sliding up his chest and he resisted the urge to raise his hips into the other.
No matter what he wasn't going to make the moves; not until he was able to determine what Neji would and would not accept. This wasn't about him, even though he definitely wanted the other male. He kept his hands at Neji's sides, because that seemed to be something he liked. "Ah!" the sharp and somewhat startled cry escaped when teeth closed in on a dark nipple, tongue swirling. He grunted and rocked his hips up automatically, needing to alleviate the growing tension in his groin. He really wanted to take his pants off.
"Shikamaru." Neji was once again pulling back. Their gazes met and he could tell the Hyuuga was searching for something; what was anyone's guess. "Are you sure about this?"
That question had nothing to do with them having sex. More than likely, Neji was going over everything he had when Shikamaru had deliberated on what he wanted to do and how he felt about the male above him. By all rights, someone like him should have run away screaming, even after everything.
He was fine with that; he had never expected Neji to blindly believe in his feelings for him. He knew he'd have to prove it.
So he sat up, ignoring the tight discomfort near his groin, and shrugged "I'm here, aren't I?" standing, he looked down at Neji who looked a mixture of surprised and perplexed "My room would be better." He leaned forward, offering his hand to Neji, who stared at it blankly. Embarrassment and irritation filled him "Just take the damn hand, Neji." Damn troublesome, pain in the ass...
Smiling slightly, he took the offered hand and allowed Shikamaru to help him up. They didn't hold hands on the way up – that was just weird – but he didn't at all complain when the door closed and he was pressed against the wall, hands exploring. Lips claimed his and just as he had closed his eyes they snapped open when a hot hand began rubbing the bulge in his pants. He hissed because it felt...well a hell of a lot different than his hand being there.
Deft fingers had quickly unbuckled his belt and then that hand slipped underneath, wrapping around him. He moaned out loud, hips moving to the rhythm of Neji's hand.
"Does that hurt?" he was asked and Shikamaru opened an eye.
"Are you serious?" He didn't seriouslyjust ask him that, did he? Feeling emboldened, actual satisfaction emerged when Neji's head tipped back slightly and his own moan filled the dark room. It was enough to make him forget that he actually had a hand on another guy's dick; something he never thought in his wildest dreams would ever happen.
Cool air hit his legs as his pants dropped to the floor and he realized that Neji was still fully clothed. There was something wrong with this picture but then again...would he? There were all those scars...
As if reading his mind, Neji pulled back only enough to begin unbuttoning his shirt. Despite his bravado, Shikamaru could see that he was just as nervous. Steeling himself, when Neji shrugged out of the shirt he moved forward, wrapping his arms around the long haired teen and started kissing his neck. His hands ghosted over Neji's back, not wanting to hurt him but also wanting to show that it didn't bother him. It was impossible to be bothered over the painful proof that Neji's will couldn't be broken no matter what.
Neji shivered a bit at the contact but he didn't flinch or stiffen, so that was good. "Does it hurt when I do that?" Shikamaru asked and the response wasn't what he had been expecting. Leaning until his forehead was against the Nara's neck he let out a shaky breath.
"No, it...it doesn't hurt at all." He sounded sad, happy, and in awe at the same time.
Had he not already realized he was in love with Neji that response probably would have done it. Like in the classroom he slid down to the floor, pulling the older male with him. This time when Neji began to trail his kisses lower he forced himself to relax, leaning his head back against the wall.
"Neji..." he briefly wondered if every time they did this if they would have to dance around and ask permission for everything.
"I told you already, Shikamaru," he didn't pull up although he did make the other raise his hips so he could pull his boxers down "When I'm with you, none of that matters." He felt his breath hitch and his hands dug into the carpet when he could feel Neji's breath on him "Just us."
His back arched, the Hyuuga's name coming out as a moan when wet heat closed over him, sucking. Had Neji's hand not been on his hip he would have thrust up in reaction to the incredible amount of pleasure starting from his groin and spreading throughout his body. There was the sound of rustling fabric that he ignored because it had absolutely nothing to do with the tongue wrapping around him and doing all sorts of amazing things.
Brows furrowed in confusion when the Hyuuga pulled back just a bit to slide two fingers into his mouth...which actually looked hot as hell. "Hey, what are you –" lips wrapped back around his cock and he stopped giving a damn about whatever it was he had been about to ask. If you couldn't remember it obviously wasn't important, right? Or something like that.
Idly, he was pleased when Neji didn't seem upset about him sliding his fingers through his hair. He didn't grip or pull; his fingers actually rubbed along his scalp, earning him an appreciative – and pleasurable – hum for his efforts.
The entire time he had been too distracted to see what his partner had been doing. He was briefly disappointed when the heat lifted and Neji sat up. It registered then that Neji was actually naked and how did that happen? Disappointment turned to confusion when he was actually straddled. Confusion turned to apprehension and anxiety when he felt a hand grab him as Neji positioned himself. Wait, was this...okay?
"Don't worry." The Hyuuga looked amused as he took in his lover's expression "Shikamaru, I'm not some fragile doll, you know. If I really felt uncomfortable with this..." both let out a gasp and groan as he slowly began to fill Neji. It didn't seem as if he was in any pain. "I wouldn't..." hands slid up his chest to his shoulders and it took everything in him not to grab Neji's hips as tight, warm muscles wrapped around him. He found himself panting "be here." Neji finished and then he was moving, causing Shikamaru to cry out.
He arched his back, dark eyes hooded, hands sliding up the Hyuuga's sides and gently up his back as hips moved. There was absolutely no way to describe how amazing it felt to be inside someone but Shikamaru now knew why guys liked and wanted sex all the damn time.
It wasn't just that. Lazy but sharp eyes took in the way long brown hair spilled over Neji's body as it came out of its tie. He took in the other male's flushed face and parted lips. White eyes were also hooded and in the darkness it almost seemed as if they lightly glowed. Small sounds of pleasure came from him and when he let out a sharp breath and arched his back, rolling his hips into him, he almost thought he'd hit his limit right then and there.
"You're..." he thrust his hips up to meet the other as Neji increased his pace. His hands settled along the Hyuuga's waist as lightly as he could under the circumstances. The Hyuuga had asked for only one thing; not to grab him, so he wouldn't. Hands framed his face as Neji bent down and took his lips. Hair tickled his arms and shoulders; one hand slid down over a thigh, fingers lightly digging into skin.
"I'm what?" the words were whispered against his lips just before he felt the tip of his tongue trail across. Leaning forward, Shikamaru darted his own tongue out, mingling briefly before he sank his fingers into chocolate brown hair and pulled the Hyuuga in for a hard kiss. Shikamaru jerked his hips up as he felt his body tighten almost painfully; coming dangerously close to release.
The response was a startled cry as Neji's lips tore from his and he arched his back "Th-that...again..."
Understanding, he began to thrust his hips up earning him loud moans from his lover. Nails dug into his shoulders almost painfully "Harder."
"Shit, Neji, you're killing me." Was the honest response because his body was climbing and he wasn't going to be able to last much longer. His hands had to grip the Hyuuga's waist as he complied. Another short moan escaped because gods he was almost there; just a little bit more...
The pain in his shoulders from Neji's blunt nails increased as the older male dipped his head, a low grunt escaping. Then he pushed his body forward as far as it would go, little gasps and moans filling the room as he hit his peak. Muscles tightened around him and his head tipped back as he felt himself reach his peak and spill over, his mind blanking out for the first time as waves of pleasure washed over him. He was only vaguely aware of something warm spilling over his stomach as the two clung to each other, riding out their orgasms.
It was like coming down from an incredible high and the Nara was panting heavily as coherent thought began to trickle back in. His hands slid up and down Neji's thighs and sides as his gaze took in his ceiling fan. Neji leaned against him, resting his head on his shoulder, so he wrapped his arms around his lover in response.
Lover. It was such a strange word to him and felt foreign even though that was exactly what had just transpired between them. He blinked when arms tightened tightly around his body and Neji's shoulders began to shake. What the...?
"Neji?" he tried to sit up and push the other back but the Hyuuga absolutely refused to move "Neji...damn..." had he? "Did I hurt you or something? Did it hurt?" Man, he didn't know if he'd forgive himself if he actually hurt him...
"No."
Shikamaru froze at the tone and he felt something simmer in his stomach and rise. An unnamed emotion began to form.
"No, Shikamaru..." Neji's voice was heavy and watery. One hand rose to cup Shikamaru's cheek and the Hyuuga buried his face deeper into the crook of his lover's neck "it didn't hurt..." he was openly sobbing "It didn't hurt at all."
Then just like that, he knew what the feeling was. His arms tightened around Neji's frame as anger, rage, and the new emotion, hatred filled him. Not the sort of hatred that he thought he had felt for Uchiha; this was deep and hot and for a split second he was actually a little afraid of himself.
If he ever met the two that had tried to break Neji, he'd probably try to kill them. He wanted to feel ashamed for the thought but he just couldn't be bothered to care.
xxxxx
Neji held his hand out, a rather arrogant smirk on his face as he snapped his cell phone closed with the other. "Pay up, Nara."
Shikamaru had absolutely no idea what the hell his boyfriend of four years was talking about "Huh?" a brow rose "What are you talking about?"
"The bet." He insisted, still smirking "Pay up, I won."
"The hell you talking about, Hyuuga? What bet..." his eyes widened and Neji's smirk spread "He didn't." Damn! He had been absolutely positive that guy...
"He did. Pay up. They're planning it for next year, by the way."
Grumbling, Shikamaru reached behind his pocket to grab his wallet "The one time I put faith into an Uchiha...'It's not like that' my ass...troublesome..." he began to count the bills. "I really thought he would have gone at least another year."
"Nope." The Hyuuga snatched up the bills and ignored the look his boyfriend gave him "You owe Itachi too."
"On that note, I know for a fact I can probably bet that he had something to do with it and win." He put his wallet back. "Guy hates losing and I only had a month to go."
"He might have given his little brother a 'push'. Ah, by the way..." picking up his shogi piece he set it down, white eyes flickering up at him in amusement "Checkmate." He got up from the table, leaving Shikamaru absolutely stunned at what had just transpired "It only took me almost five years, but I finally beat you. Today is a good day."
"What the hell...?" No, that wasn't right; he had the game in the bag. He continued to stare hard at the board, at a complete loss as to how Neji could have beaten him. The game had almost been over, in fact, that very same piece Neji had used to checkmate him he had been about to take out with his...
Wait a second.
"You..." he looked up at Neji who merely raised his brows in amused inquiry "You cheating bastard..." he took that damn piece and Shikamaru was about two seconds from jumping up and attacking the Hyuuga. There were just things you didn't do to a guy and cheating in shogi was one of them.
The long haired asshole actually had the audacity to look offended. I'm about to give you something to look offended about you...
"Excuse me? Shikamaru, I am surprised at you." He began to toss something up in the air. The shogi piece. "I didn't think of you to be a sore loser. Just because you can't handle the fact that I defeated you does not mean you should resort to false accusa –" he cut himself off as he darted towards the other room with an enraged Nara hot on his heels.
He was laughing when Shikamaru tackled him down to the ground, face flushed as he looked up at the other male "And now you're resorting to violence; how appalling."
"I should strangle you." He growled down at him but a smile was playing on his lips. Shikamaru took in how Neji's eyes no longer flashed with fear and how he no longer fought the urge to recoil from his boyfriend being on top of him. He had noticed a lot of things about Neji lately; small signs that he was finally starting to recover from his past.
"That would take way too much energy and you've already used up your quota for the day chasing me the few feet it took for you to tackle me to the ground." When Shikamaru decided to push his luck by sliding his body so that he was completely on top the look he was given was definitely not one of fear.
"True." He made a low noise when Neji rocked his hips, taking in his heated gaze. Arms wrapped around his neck and he dipped his head, a hand sliding underneath the Hyuuga's shirt. Fingers moved through his short hair as their lips met. Breaking, he tilted his head, smirking at the shaky breath Neji let out when he began to kiss his neck "In fact..."
Sliding his boyfriend's shirt up, he slid down, moving his lips up a toned stomach "I think I..." his tongue trailed up heated skin, swirling around a flat nipple before nipping lightly. Neji moaned softly, whispering his boyfriend's name.
And then the Nara abruptly stood up and yawned loudly. "I think I'm gonna go take a nap." He turned to leave, waving half-heartedly "Later. Wake me up in a few hours." There was stunned silence as he walked out the room. It didn't last long.
"Nara!"
With a smirk on his face, he wasn't at all surprised when he was tackled to the ground two seconds later.
