A puff of white smoke gusted around the shadow user's face as he exhaled, cigarette still trapped loosely between his lips. There wasn't a single cloud in sight which made lounging on the roof a bit dull, but he couldn't smoke inside the apartment and couldn't be bothered to find anything else to entertain himself. Stars would have to do for now. Shikamaru was just grateful to be home and not on the field for once. Lately, his missions came back to back with nearly no downtime in between. Not that the assignments had been challenging, the ranks were low enough, and he usually had a reasonably capable team under his command. He still longed to be home in his bed instead if for no other reason than to relax his mind.

Physically, Shikamaru maintained a decent condition. Continuously relying on his above average calculations for ANBU and as Tsunade's tactician sapped him of more energy than he'd accounted for. Shikamaru felt Neji's chakra nearby and briefly entertained the notion of flicking his cigarette away so he wouldn't be scolded, but Neji would still know he'd been smoking and he wasn't in the mood to waste. Why he continued to smoke Shikamaru didn't have an explanation for. The cancer sticks brought him minimal comfort save for when he was reminded of Asuma. For the most part, though he did it out of habit.

"Smoking is bad for you."

Shikamaru wryly smiled as Neji sat beside him. Hyūga plucked the cigarette from Shikamaru's mouth, and instead of throwing it off the roof he held it to his own lips and took a long, deep drag. The younger man watched him slightly surprised. Neji did not smoke, he had only done so once in his life, and that was with Shikamaru at the impromptu funeral for Asuma. And just like back then Shikamaru found that Neji didn't lose even an ounce of his regality or elegance with the disgusting stick in his mouth. They sat together in silence as Neji continued to smoke, his eyes trained anywhere but Nara's face which wasn't a good sign, but Shikamaru was a patient man. After a while, when nearly half the cigarette was gone, Neji handed it back to his lover and let out a deep sigh.

"I missed you," Neji admitted quietly.

He sounded different somehow, far away despite sitting directly beside the shadow wielder. Shikamaru brushed his knuckles down Neji's side.

"Are you alright?" Shikamaru asked.

"I'm better now." Neji finally looked at Shikamaru and did his best to smile.

Shikamaru's chest constricted. "Nej…"

Without another word, he sat up, tossed the cigarette away, guided his fingers into the brunette's silky mane and drew Neji close until their foreheads were touching. Later he could ask for specifics about the mission, once Hyūga had his bearings back. Shikamaru knew not too deep down that Hiashi more than likely had a hand in whatever tragedy Neji had been through. His patience for the Hyūga clan was wearing thin. Neji nudged their lips together gently, kissing Shikamaru to bring them both out of the dark corners of their minds and back to reality. Back to each other. Nara smiled at the feather-light sensation in his chest, one which only Neji could beguile from him. As he combed his fingers further up Hyūga's scalp, he found something damp and sticky and immediately wrenched back.

"Gods Neji," Shikamaru rasped, withdrawing his hand. "You're bleeding."

"Damn it; I thought it had stopped," Neji grumbled.

Shikamaru frowned as he moved to his knees and got behind Neji, easily scooping the dark tresses aside to inspect the source. Fortunately, the injury wasn't his head, but the back of Hyūga's shirt was entirely soaked in blood. His breath stammered as he brushed trembling fingers down Neji's spine.

"Neji," Shikamaru whispered despite his throat tightening.

"Please don't ask me to go to the medical unit." Neji closed his eyes. "Not tonight."

"…Come inside; I'll get the kit."

They were terrible for one another when it came to things like this, enforcing proper medical attention. But he understood Neji was exhausted both physically and mentally, the last thing he wanted to do was cause any more strain. When he cut open the ninja's shirt though, he bit his tongue to keep from letting out a wail of disgust. The slashes across Neji's body were not unlike many he'd seen before; there appeared to be more blood than injuries. His concern was on the black and blue splotches starting at the nape of Hyūga's neck and disappearing somewhere beneath the hem of his pants. It looked like someone had used Neji as a punching bag.

"It's been a while since I've gotten one of your patch jobs." Neji attempted to lighten the air when Shikamaru had stared too long.

"I'd like it if you didn't need another one anytime soon," Shikamaru replied.

Shikamaru steeled his mind to the task at hand although he was perfectly capable of focusing on multiple problems at once he knew he could not afford to give much attention to the bruises. What had been was already done, he couldn't change the past no matter how badly he wished to. He could, however, invest his energy in getting a hold of the son of a bitch who'd done it and give them similar treatment.

"My clan has summoned me for a meeting tomorrow," Neji revealed.

Shikamaru clenched his jaw. What a coincidence. Neji came home beaten and battered then the Hyūga clan just so happened to require his presence?

"I'm going with you." It was not a request or a question.

Neji turned suddenly almost making Shikamaru wedge the needle too deep. "Absolutely not, Shikamaru. I know for a fact Hiashi does not like you, I can't risk it. And if he finds out that we are together there's no telling what he'll do."

He wanted to look away from the brunette, but as per usual, he was stunned in place by the pale lilac orbs gazing at him. Shikamaru sighed as he inclined his head giving silent agreement not to interfere. If it would cause Neji more trouble, it wasn't worth it. He shut his eyes and bent closer, pressing his chin to Neji's shoulder to communicate his dissatisfaction with the entire situation. Neji knew, he always knew, so he tapped their temples together and prayed for them both. Shikamaru cast his eyes down Hyūga's pale chest and nearly gasped; the bruises continued over Neji's ribs, stomach, shoulders, biceps— everywhere he looked he saw marks.

"Don't think about it," Neji begged, foreseeing Shikamaru's mind creating graphic depictions of what may have happened. He tilted his head and kissed the younger man's cheek, murmuring, "Please don't."

Too late. He couldn't stop himself from conjuring scenarios of Neji being abused. By who and with what didn't matter, every image ended the same with Neji in front of him a purple mess. Shikamaru shut his eyes like that could force his brain to cease function, and when that didn't work, he distracted himself by kissing Neji, fierce and chaste lips seeking comfort.

"Neji, I have to ask you about the curse seal. I know it's none of my business." Shikamaru said.

"You can ask me anything, and I will always give you an honest answer. I don't want secrets between us. It is not in my nature to divulge, so don't expect me to come forward on my own." Neji warned.

Shikamaru nodded. "How long has he been resealing you?"

"Since the beginning, since my father died." Neji chewed the corner of his lip. "It started the night he was killed, I just didn't realize that's what was happening."

"Why?" Shikamaru croaked.

"Hiashi likes to reinforce his power, but I serve multiple purposes which is why the ceremony is held in the Hyūga hall where all members can attend," Neji explained.

"Others come to watch you be tortured?" Shikamaru swallowed the lump in his throat.

"I am not well liked, Shikamaru, I mentioned that to you once. It applies beyond my comrades. The branch house has always believed I am favored and given special treatment, many of them resent me. The main house was never allowed to touch me or abuse their powers." Neji clarified. "This satisfies everyone; Hiashi can show off, the branch gets proof of me being punished, and the main house takes pleasure seeing me suffer."

A billion questions more wanted to tumble from Shikamaru, but he held them in place for the time being to process what he knew thus far. How the hell any of the Hokages hadn't seen the Hyūga clan's behavior as more than just a family taking care of their own business was far beyond Shikamaru's capability to understand. And why everyone hated Neji he still didn't get, and he wasn't biased. Long before they'd developed feelings or even became friends Shikamaru did not mind Neji, had no opinions one way or another. Neji's father died when he was only four years old— what the hell could you hate a four-year-old for enough to watch them being tortured?

"I may have an ointment that'll help soothe the pain and speed the healing." Shikamaru sighed, changing the subject was the only way he might sleep tonight. "Nara medicine, of course."

"Thank you, Shikamaru." Neji smiled gently.

A sudden bang on the front door broke their private haze, Shikamaru decided he needed to buy them a doorbell so people would stop trying to bust inside. While Neji searched for a clean shirt, Shikamaru stalked to the living room and yanked the door open. An extremely tired Sasuke Uchiha gave a curt nod, rubbing his eyes frantically as if that would make him more awake.

"Where's Neji? Tsunade sent for him. We have an assignment." Sasuke announced the reason for his visit.

"No," Shikamaru growled.

"Excuse me?" Sasuke raised a brow.

"He just got back from a mission, and he's hurt." Shikamaru insisted. "Tell Tsunade he isn't here. I'll go instead."

"Easy, lover boy." Sasuke jabbed Shikamaru in the chest as he entered the apartment with a distinct limp.

Shikamaru smacked Sasuke away. "Don't put your hands on me."

"Sasuke, stop it," Neji ordered as he joined them.

"No, you listen to me, Nara," Sasuke commanded, stepping closer when Shikamaru didn't back down. "You don't call the shots. If Neji is summoned, he appears, the same goes for you and everyone else. The Hokage does not give a damn if he just came back or if he's in pain. Neji is a ninja, we all are and it's our job."

"If another ninja is available and uninjured, so long as specific skill set isn't required then swapping should not matter," Shikamaru argued barely resisting the urge to knock Sasuke out for invading his personal space.

"Great point. Bring it up at the next ANBU meeting, and I'll back you. Right now, I have a job to do." Sasuke flickered his eyes to Neji. "Say your goodbyes and let's go. You've got two minutes."

With that, the raven stormed out and slammed their door so hard the walls rattled. Shikamaru was growing tired of Sasuke yelling at him and shutting doors in his face.

"Come on, Shikamaru." Neji took the shadow user's hand. "Help me get dressed."

"I fucking hate him." Shikamaru seethed.

"He's super cranky if someone disturbs his sleep. This is normal." Neji reasoned.

"The system is broken, Nej," Shikamaru said.

"I know. And if I don't go you and I will both be reprimanded." Neji countered.

"Yeah… I know."

Neji had just gotten home; he was plenty worn out already. Plus, he was supposed to meet the Hyūga clan tomorrow, but now he had another assignment. Enough was enough already. Checking into the hospital wouldn't have done Hyūga any good, they'd been called out of the critical care unit on more than one occasion on account of Tsunade's emergency missions. Shikamaru tried to understand the logic at first, had even convinced himself it was necessary at times. After the war, their numbers were depleted, taking on extra work seemed to be part of the cycle.

And maybe it was, but by now they were well enough off to be able to spread the load a little lighter. It did not go unnoticed by their comrades that Neji received more missions than everyone else. Although, gossip had reached back to Shikamaru and most people thought it was favoritism. That Tsunade intentionally only called for Neji because he was the village pet. If they could see Hyūga's body now perhaps they wouldn't feel that way. Shikamaru inhaled an unsteady breath as he clicked Neji's vest in place, successfully assisting the shinobi into his ANBU gear.

"I'll be right out," Neji spoke.

Shikamaru nodded and ducked out of his bedroom— or was it their bedroom now? They hadn't done much to Neji's room after the water damage primarily because they didn't have the time. He had a feeling though once things were finally taken care of, they'd probably continue to share a room and just use the spare room for an office. Shikamaru liked the sound of that, a separate place to do reports and tactical logs instead of the comfort of their bedroom. The door opened, and Sasuke popped his head in.

"Where is Neji?" Sasuke inquired.

"Do not rush him." Shikamaru gritted. "I told you he's injured."

"Shikamaru," Sasuke began as he once again hobbled inside and closed the door. "I'm not trying to be the villain here. I know how hard it is when you want to protect and care for someone. You feel like the means are right in front of you, but it's never that simple."

"What good is Neji going to be in the field, Uchiha? He couldn't even get himself in the ANBU uniform." Shikamaru pointed out.

"I'm sorry." Was all Sasuke could say then added, "You have to know there's foul play."

"I do." Shikamaru agreed.

"I'm sure that if you show your hand too early and let it be known the lengths you'll go through for Neji you'll start to suffer the same abuse. They'll want to wear you down." Sasuke said.

"What makes you so sure?" Shikamaru asked.

"Other than a joint mission or at a debriefing when is the last time you've seen me?" Sasuke posed.

A valid point, Shikamaru saw Neji way more than he saw Sasuke although he'd always assumed it was because they lived together. So Uchiha had already made the mistake of showing how much he cared about Neji and anyone who knew Sasuke understood once he deemed someone worthy of protecting there were no limits to what he would do. After all, he'd betrayed his own village, tarnished his body seeking power and nearly murdered Naruto on several occasions for his brother— and that was all passion driven by hatred instead of adoration. Sasuke Uchiha would slaughter for Neji if he had to, even Shikamaru knew that much.

"Wait here," Shikamaru demanded.

He stomped into his room just as Neji was coming out to dig around in the closet for a while before finding a clear pill bottle. When he returned to the living room two curious pairs of eyes were on him. What an absolute pain in the ass.

"Here." Shikamaru thrust the bottle at Sasuke then explained, "It'll help with your leg."

No, he did not care one bit whether or not Sasuke was in pain and no, he didn't feel bad for the man having to limp around, Shikamaru Nara absolutely didn't give one damn about the prodigy. He did, however, want to ensure since Sasuke was the other half of the pair that he was in ultimate condition seeing as how he would need to take the brunt of the mission on. Troublesome Uchiha.