A/N: Ok... This update is far later than I would have like due to life getting in the way and unfortunately it's also very, very short. HOWEVER I am in the middle of writing the next chapter and hopefully it will be up by the end of the weekend.

As the pair drew closer to the academy, Shikamaru stopped.

"Neji, wait." Shikamaru reached out to grab Neji's wrist and stop the older ninja.

"What is it?" Neji asked.

"I can't do this," Shikamaru said. "I can't see them again; not yet. I just... I need to let everything sink in."

Neji paused for a moment, studying the younger man carefully before nodding. "I understand," he replied. "But Tsunade-sama will want to see you." Shikamaru nodded and the pair continued walking towards the academy in silence until they got to the stairs.

"Neji," Shikamaru said again, slowing slightly. Neji turned to face Shikamaru once again. "Thanks," Shikamaru whispered before continuing.

A quick knock on the door roused Shikaku and Yoshino Nara from their thoughts.

"Come in," Tsunade said sharply.

The door opened softly and Neji stepped inside quickly and quietly. He moved into the room and stood midway between the Naras and the door.

"Tsunade-sama," Neji said. "I have found Shikamaru and he is ok. I believe we may have been too hasty regarding the situation as Shikamaru has asked that we stop for the day and maybe meet his parents in a less formal situation tomorrow."

Tsunade studied the young Hyūga carefully over the tips of her fingers before sighing heavily. "That's fine, Neji. Yoshino, Shikaku, Don't worry too much about Shikamaru for now. This must all be a huge shock for him as well, especially when you consider he didn't know if you were dead or alive until he came to Konoha."

Yoshino nodded and Tsunade thought she heard her sniff quietly but when she raised her head, Yoshino's face was hardened in determination. As Shikaku watched his wife, for a brief moment, he was sure he saw the woman he'd married looking out at the world and daring it to get in her way, the same way she looked the first time he'd seen her. For the first time in 20 years, the ghost of a smile graced Shikaku's face and Tsunade didn't miss it.

Shikamaru paced quickly in the small room Neji had taken him to. When the door opened behind him he turned mid step to look at whoever had come into the room. To his relief Shikamaru found himself looking at Neji. The small smile that had found its way to Shikamaru's face dropped when the door opened wider to reveal none other than the Hokage herself.

"Hokage-sama," Shikamaru greeted bowing shallowly.

"I understand that you wish to continue this tomorrow," Tsunade replied by way of a greeting.

"That's right," Shikamaru replied.

"I believe that Neji's uncle has made arrangements for you to stay on their family's estate while you are here."

Shikamaru glanced sideways at Neji whose face was set in the now familiar mask. Looking back to Tsunade, Shikamaru said, "I understand." And he did. He understood that Neji and his family were trusted shinobi of the Hokage. He understood that Tsunade didn't trust him completely yet. He understood that Tsunade wanted Neji and his family to keep a very close eye on him while he was in Konoha.

A/N If you're still here, Thank you and watch this space for the next update.

Lessthanthree you all

~WatchingAsYouFall