Warning: Yaoi (next chapters), OOCness, language
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of the characters and I don't make any money from this...
A/N: My hype is dying down due to lack of reviews. I will continue writing this, of course, but I would very much appreciate comments with your opinion so I can ameliorate my writing... So, enjoy and, please, R&R :)
Neji's POV
"You ask me if I'm sure now? Hilarious! I don't know if it escaped your notice but we had sex last night, going on a date isn't that much of a leap."
Neji was well aware of the words, or rather word, he had chosen to use just to see the Nara's reaction. Shikamaru visibly tensed up and seemed to be thinking intensely. Neji wished that Shikamaru would make a comment just to torture the shadow-nin a bit further and maybe leave a window open in his words, having realized he'd acted like a total douche.
"You said 'date'... What did that mean?"
And there it was.
"It simply means what I said... What confused you such?"
Neji narrowed his lunar eyes, trying to predict whether the Nara would retort or not.
"It's just that this particular word indicates something you've refused repetitively and I think that you shouldn't have used it."
So, basically, Shikamaru received it as an invitation and felt hurt as he believed that Neji was messing with his mind. Neji truly wasn't trying to do anything of the sort. The brunette honestly felt confused. On the one hand, he just wanted to have his normal life back but, on the other, this one day had made him feel so many things. In these twenty four hours, not even twenty four, he had cried, laughed and been on an emotional train wreck, effectively managing to escape his daily routine more times than he could count.
However crazy and masochistic that sounded, he didn't mind the pain, neither his face nor his ass, as long as he could stop being the Neji stick-up-my-ass Hyuga everyone knew and loathed. It felt good when your biggest problems were a one-night-stand and said one-night-stand's recently revealed feelings about you. At least it felt better than when your smallest problem was the upcoming mission to Sunagakure in which you had to go under cover and you had no idea whatsoever who your teammates would be.
Oh, and let's not forget that Neji knew this particular mission, which started next week, would last at least two weeks. The Hyuga's mood became ten times worse at that thought. Regardless, Shikamaru had said something.
"No. This particular word indicates the possibility of something I've refused repetitively. I'll have you know that I used it on purpose. What it means you'll have to find out for yourself. Can you be here at nine?"
Neji was cold as an ice cube but a slight smirk graced his lips as he watched Shikamaru's expression shift to confusion.
"Of course I can. But where are we going to~"
"I'm sure you'll find something suitable. See you at nine."
If he couldn't enjoy it, he'd grin and bear it... If they were playing this game they'd play with Neji's rules and no one else's. Otherwise, the Hyuga wouldn't play. He was not ready to step into unknown territory without having the upper hand.
The Nara stared at him like a fish out of water, he opened his mouth only to close it shortly after. The pony-tailed teenager made his way out of Neji's bedroom and his steps echoed until they slowly faded and the only sound to be heard was Neji's slow and calm breath.
What had he just done? He truly was bipolar, wasn't he? All that effort to beat the Nara had gone to waste... Neji turned his head to glance at the clock on his nightstand, finding out it was just past two.
Oh, he had plenty of time... Neji stood and finally threw on a shirt. Maybe he deserved the cold for remaining unclothed on purpose but, what could he say? A bit of teasing never killed anybody. At least until now... probably... most likely...
On the other hand, the situation was far beyond teasing. It was ridiculous and pathetic. What had he done to deserve it? Oh yeah, gotten drunk out of his mind and getting fucked into a mattress... Although... he was not so sure it had been a mattress, his back hurt like a little bitch despite the fact that he had woken up in a bed.
But none of that mattered as he paced in his room in desperate need of something to do for the next five and a half hours. Suddenly, an idea popped in his head and he only shot a quick glance at himself in the mirror before jumping out the window. Now, that had become a new habit of sorts...
Shikamaru's POV
He searched the whole village looking for his fool of a teammate called Ino. Shikamaru needed her help and he could afford no delays. If he was to prepare a night that would prove that he's not a jackass there's a shitload of things he needed to do.
The Nara started to panic. What would Neji like? Driven by the general Hyuga attitude one would very easily and quickly assume that Neji would prefer a fancy, formal dinner at a restaurant to anything else. But, Neji would expect that. Shikamaru didn't want to be cliche or boring so he had to be original and innovative. Well, easier said than done.
Dammit, he couldn't do this alone, he needed Ino. Now, where would she go...?
Suddenly, he saw the mass of dark hair that belonged to no other than Hinata Hyuga. He ran a little until he was walking right next to her. If he couldn't get a hold of Ino, he'd ask Hinata. It made sense, since she was bound to know what Neji would like. On the other hand, she could easily spill everything to Neji and Neji would know what to expect. Regardless, it was a risk he was willing to take.
"Hey, Hinata, how's it going?"
"What were you saying with Neji earlier?"
Wow, Shikamaru didn't know Hinata could be so bold and straightforward. Seeing her shy away everyday, he did not expect the hard look she sent his way and he had to avert his eyes lest he blushed beat red.
"We were... just talking. Anyway, I need your help with something."
She stopped abruptly and Shikamaru took a few more steps until he realized Hinata was no longer beside him. He turned to look at her only to see that she had tilted her head in an inquiring manner.
"Does it have to do with Neji?"
Not hard to guess. Shikamaru thought bitterly. He decided to just say everything to her and hope she didn't break his bones one by one.
"Look, last night shit happened and Neji and I ended up in bed together. Now, as you know, I love Neji more than anything and somehow, I honestly don't know how, I got him to agree to go on a... date with me tonight. And I need your help."
"My help with what?"
"I need you to tell me about Neji's preferences. What he likes. I need to make this good because it's the only chance I have at making Neji like me. Please, Hinata, I'm begging you."
To put emphasis in his pleas, he tangled his fingers in a praying motion and ducked his head. He needed the information because he was going to attempt something that seemed impossible. He had to make that date perfect for Neji. So perfect that he'd accept another one. He wasn't going to give up any time soon. It would destroy him.
"Fine, I'll tell you what I can. S-stop begging, p-please."
Shikamaru supressed a smile and started walking again, following Hinata to wherever she was going. He was almost tempted to take notes but disgarded the idea as soon as Hinata started giving away the information. Dammit, he had to pay attention!
"Look, in contrast to popular belief, Neji hates formalities and fancy restaurants. He hates restaurants mostly because he hates people. What he loves, on the other hand, is small, almost-empty, little places that look close to quaint."
Well, to say that Shikamaru didn't expect that would be an understatement. He had pegged Neji for a typical Hyuga who would rather die than eat anywhere but famous places. However, the Nara had to say that it was a very pleasant surprise to learn that the love of his life was so... fluffy. Gods, don't let Neji know I called him fluffy...
"He loves cute things and he'd kill for chocolate. Just give him lots of chocolate, he loves it. As surprising as it may sound, Neji's very romantic and I know he'd appreciate flowers. But, be careful. He likes sweetness but don't overdo it because he'll think that you think he's weak and soft. He'll like a single flower instead of a whole bouquet that would indicate that he is fragile."
Although Shikamaru certainly did not see the romanticism coming, he could have easily guessed that Neji would loath anything that would indicate weakness. The Hyuga was just too damned proud.
In Shikamaru's opinion, that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. He wasn't afraid to admit that it was one of Neji's characteristics that he favoured most. At least when it didn't cause the Hyuga's hatred to be turned on him.
"And... um... Would he like a gift or will that be too much?"
"It depends on the nature of the gift."
"I was thinking maybe a necklace of sorts, with a meaning or something."
"I think that would be okay."
Shikamaru sighed a sigh of relief. Anything that could get Neji to understand that he was serious about loving him was welcome. Giving gifts meant to someone meant that this someone was precious to you, right? He only hoped Neji saw it that way as well.
"Thanks, Hinata, you're awesome, you're amazing! I can't thank you enough!"
Just as he turned to leave, a hand on his forearm kept him behind. He spinned around only to see Hinata's face hardened and the picture of sheer determination.
"If you hurt Neji nii-san, I'll hurt you."
"Yes, ma'am."
He couldn't say anything more, he was stunned. Where was the sweet and gentle Hinata everyone knew and loved?
In a split second, the smile was back on the girl's face as if nothing had happened and that terrified Shikamaru even more. He must have looked like a total idiot because the Hyuga just giggled and let go of his arm. He was gone as fast as possible. Damn the Hyugas and their madness. I got myself in some pretty deep shit... Love truly does make blind.
Neji's POV
"Hey, Tenten!"
"Who~? Neji! What is going on with you today?"
"Well... let's just say... shit happens."
*~ Fifteen minutes later ~*
"You what?!"
Neji rolled his eyes as Tenten asked that question for the umpteenth time. What was her problem? Okay, maybe she wasn't expecting to hear that her best friend had had a one-night-stand with another one of their friends or that they had a date that very night. Well, sue him for his eventful life.
"This is the last time I say this. I slept with the Nara and we are going on a date , that's where you come in the picture."
Tenten looked at him cunfused and tilted her head. Neji sighed. Why did he have to explain everything to her? Why couldn't she just understand stuff on her own?
"Tenten, I need your help. I know close to zero about dates and I want to have the upper hand. I must have it. I must be the one at an advantage here. Can you help me"
Her eyes gleamed with something that Neji couldn't exactly figure out and her mouth curled up to a smirk.
"I... um... I also need help... um... to pick my clothes and... damn, fuck it, and do my hair."
Her smirk got even more devious and she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I know just the look."
Neji swallowed hard and looked up at the sky. Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all...
Yours truly, ImpalaChevy67
