Neji's POV.
After Shikamaru's last blackout, the boy had returned to that absent state in which Neji had already seen him several times. The Hokage started screaming orders in all directions, and the ninjas that surrounded her assisted the Nara. Fortunately the dark tentacles had disappeared, but Shikamaru didn't look good at all. Neji watched as a group of shinobi's transported him back to the Hospital.
Yet stunned by the recent events, he stood completely immobile, watching the people disappear behind the room's door. He still felt the ghost of the Nara's hungry tongue inside his mouth.
-Neji. -the hard voice of the Hokage said behind him.
The boy turned around immediately and looked at her.
-Yes, Godaime-sama. -he answered.
-Come with me. -the woman ordered, as she started walking towards her office.
Neji followed her respectfully, not asking any question.
When they reached their destination, Tsunade walked to her desk and turned around, leaning against it and crossing her arms.
-Tell me everything that happened. -she demanded.
The boy understood that he wanted details about Shikamaru's attack, and he started narrating it.
-I left him for twenty minutes and he run away from the Hospital. I found him here, writing infinite numbers on that board. The rest you already saw it.
The Godaime frowned deeply.
-And when did he attacked you? -she questioned.
Neji widened his eyes, surprised.
-What? -he asked. -Never.
The Hokage arched a brow at that.
-When I got there, he was grabbing you pretty tight from your neck. -she said. -Wasn't he attacking you?
The Hyuuga realized what the woman was referring to, and blushed slightly, getting nervous.
-No, he wasn't! -he affirmed, wishing that his voice wouldn't sound that loud.
The Godaime frowned again.
-What did he do then, if he didn't attacked you? -she asked again, now noticeably annoyed.
This time Neji blushed evidently. He felt his cheek burning, and he lowered his head to look at his feet. He was so embarrassed that he couldn't met the Hokage's stare.
-Well? -she insisted.
He had to answered. Incapable of making something up, he said the truth.
-He… -Neji stuttered. -He… kissed me.
A silent pause came next.
-I'm sorry. -Tsunade said, as if she had misheard. -Did you said he kissed you?
The Hyuuga felt his cheeks hot as fire. He clenched his fists and nodded slowly.
After an awkward minute, he heard the Hokage speak again.
-Alright. -she murmured. -That I didn't expected. What else?
Neji raised his head again and looked at her. She was concentrated in getting more data about Shikamaru's behavior.
-There's nothing else, Godaime-sama. -the boy swore. -That is everything that happened.
After studying his expression for a little more, the Hokage relaxed, letting out a tired breathe. She run a hand along her forehead, thinking.
-I don't understand what is going on with him. -she said, almost speaking to herself. -Maybe it has something to do with those numbers he was writing.
Neji immediately understood what she was referring to, and corrected her:
-Actually, I think that is something he does when he is stressed out. -he explained. -I don't think it is the cause of the problem.
-Why do you think that? -the Godaime asked him.
-I have seen him do it before. -Neji answered honestly.
Tsunade arched a brow again, this time with a suspicious look. She analyzed the Hyuuga completely.
-How close are you to him? -she questioned, and then examined his face inch by inch.
Neji felt cornered. He held the Hokage's stare, trying to look calmed.
-Umm, no very close, Godaime-sama. -he responded.
Tsunade narrowed her eyes on his.
-What do you think that kiss meant? -she asked, with a flat and cold tone.
Neji was petrified. He really didn't wanted to be discussing this things with the Hokage. He shook his head and replied:
-I don't think it has meant anything, Godaime-sama. -he lied. -I think he simply didn't knew what he was doing.
He tried to be convincing, but he could feel his cheeks burning again.
The woman watched him for a little longer, and then exhaled deeply, getting relaxed. She stood up and made a few tired spets towards the Hyuuga.
-Listen, Neji. -she started. -I know you are on your break right now, but I would really appreciate having your help with Shikamaru while you are here. Your Byakugan could shed a light over all of this.
Finally calming down, the Hyuuga nodded respectfully.
-Of course. -he affirmed.
The woman gave him a smile.
-Good. -she said, nodding too.
In that moment, Neji remembered that grey cloud he had seen coming from Shikamaru's mind. He decided to inform it to the Hokage.
-Godaime-sama, I have actually seen something with my Byakugan. -he explained. -It's not charka, but it stays around his head and waves erratically. I saw it just before you came in.
The woman took a hand to her chin, meditating those words.
-We need Inoichi to see him fast. -she thought out loud. -Come with me. Let's see if you can still detect that thing now.
-Hai. -Neji agreed, and followed the woman to the Hospital.
When they got to the Nara's room, he was still in that absent state. Neji activated his Byakugan, and discovered that the grey cloud was there, but calmer now. Tsunade spent the day summoning different specialists to asked them what could that be. The Hyuuga stood in Shikamaru's room, along with the boy's team and sensei.
When he woke up, Shizune had just informed that Inoichi was arriving to Konoha.
Shikamaru twisted his body under the sheets, groaning in pain. His friends surrounded him, and Neji stood at a close distance just behind them.
-Holy... fucking... shit… -the Nara cursed between his clenched teeth.
-Kami, kid, you got us worried. -Asuma exclaimed, watching at his student. -What happened?
The boy didn't opened his eyes yet, and nailed his fingers in his skull.
-I was going to ask that same thing... -he whispered hoarsely.
-Can you open your eyes and sit up? -Ino asked gently. -My father is coming right now to check on you.
Shikamaru whined again.
-Maybe, when everything stops spinning… -he spat.
Carefully, Choji took him with his huge hands and help him to sit. The boy let him do it, relaxing a little and letting his arms fall next to his body. Only then he opened his eyes to look at the presents.
He spotted his team, his sensei, and then Neji. The Nara's eyes stopped during a few more seconds on him. Finally, he blinked slowly.
-What a crowd. -he said ironically.
Ino went red from anger immediately, and started screaming at him:
-Don't you dare to be sarcastic about this! This is serious! And how could you run away from the Hospital?! Are you insane?! It almost gave me a heart attack!
Shikamaru covered his ears and frowned at the loud reprimand. Fortunately, in that moment the Godaime entered, followed by Inoichi and Shizune.
-Don't yell at him like that, honey. -the man said gently to his daughter as he approached to the bed. -His mind is in a dedicated state.
-Yes… -Shikamaru agreed, looking at his friend as he lowered his hands.
The blond kunoichi just gave him a deadly glare.
Tsunade stepped next to Inoichi, and they both stared at the Nara, who was sitting in the bed.
-Alright, Inoichi. -the Hokage started. -I want you to get in his mind and tell me everything you can.
The Yamanaka nodded firmly, and then gave Shikamaru a reassuring smile.
-Don't worry, kid. Everything will be fine. -he said.
Neji remembered that the young Nara was the son of Inoichi's friend and teammate, Shikaku. It was understandable that the man was concerned about the boy too.
Slowly, the Yamanaka raised his hands and approached them to Shikamaru's head. But like the other shinobi from his clan had done before, he stopped before touching him. Neji saw that the Nara frowned slightly, maybe feeling a bit of pain.
-This is odd. -Inoichi murmured, but then continued to put his palms over the boy's temples.
A strange vibration shock them. Shikamaru closed his eyes and clenched his teeth, and Inoichi did the same. They both look as if they were in pain.
The Yamanaka fought with all his strengths, but he wasn't able to get a hold on the Nara's mind for more than ten seconds. Right after that, his hands flew away from the boy, and he was forced to take several steps backwards.
-Daddy! -Ino screamed, at seeing that her father grabbed his head with his hands in obvious pain.
Neji stared at Shikamaru, and saw that he was pressing his eyes with his fingers, also struggling with a strong ache.
As the Yamanaka regained his composure, the Hokage put a hand on his shoulder.
-Inoichi. What happened? -she asked.
The man opened his eyes, rubbing his temples.
-His mind is a chaos. -he explained. -It reminds me so much of Shikaku's mind… But it feels way more complex. And out of control.
-Why is it hostile? -the Godaime interrogated.
Inoichi shook his head.
-I don't know if it's precisely hostile. -he answered. -It's just that it's working at a very high speed with a lot of power. Being in Shikaku's mind for too long sometimes gave me headaches. But this is different. I couldn't even resist a minute. It is unsustainable for any mind.
-How can you explain it, then? -Tsunade kept asking.
Inoichi stared at Shikamaru for a second, who returned a hurted and perplex look.
-I can't. -he answered sincerely.
Everybody went silent. That was it? The greatest mind specialist in the village didn't had an explanation to the Nara's problem? What were they doing to do, then? It seemed like a dead end path.
Tsunade ordered that Shikamaru stayed in the Hospital with constant company. Neji spent most time of the next days with him, along with Asuma and his team. Other friends came to see him: Kiba, Shino, Hinata, Naruto, Sakura and Sai, and also the rest of Neji's team. When he was awake, the Nara didn't always look completely present. Sometimes he talked normally, but in other occasions, his sight got lost in the emptiness, and he appeared confused and distrustful. Many times he seemed to speak to people that weren't actually there.
The boy had finally admitted he was having hallucinations, so Neji imagined he must be dealing with them in those moments. The Hyuuga also realized that every time Shikamaru came back from his robotic state, he was extremely tired. He didn't wanted anything but to sleep for hours. That told Neji that the activity in his brain wasn't ceasing during those periods.
On the second day, the Nara's parents arrived. Yoshino went directly to his son's bed to hug him and kiss his forehead repeatedly. She kept exclaiming "My poor baby!", while she grabbed the boy by his cheeks and inspected him.
-I'm fine, mom. -Shikamaru mumbled under her worried attack of affection.
Meanwhile, Neji studied the Nara's father. The man was standing a few steps behind his wife, with his hands on his pockets and a hard expression. He didn't looked very interested in knowing more about his son's state.
-I'm sorry, Yoshino. -said Inoichi, who had come to he room in order to answer their questions. -I simply can't get a hold on his mind. I've done everything I could.
The woman didn't even turned, while he stroke her thumbs under Shikamaru's eyes.
-It is okay, Inoichi. -she said, staring at her weakened son. -Thank you for trying.
In that moment, the Yamanaka approached to Shikaku, and asked him in a low voice:
-What do you think that could be wrong with him?
The Nara gave his friend a side glare, and answered with a hoarse voice:
-How could I know that? I thought you were the expert.
Inoichi looked at his camarade, stunned, and didn't said anything else. He seemed surprised by the man's lack of interest on his kid.
-Well, if no one can find an explanation yet, what are we going to do? -Yoshino interrogated, without taking her hands off his son. -We can't just let him suffer from this attacks and do nothing. It can't be good for him.
In that moment, the Hokage entered the room, hearing the last words pronounced by Shikamaru's mother.
-Keep calm, Yoshino. -she said, as she approached followed by a short middle age man with a white coat. -First, we'll try to diminish his visions, or if it is possible, eliminate them.
-How are you doing to do that, if nobody can enter in his mind? -Ino asked.
At this, the Godaime extended her arm to introduce her companion.
-This is Masayuki Nakahara, chemistry specialist. He has developed many serums and medicines that we use to treat various medical conditions. Specially mental conditions. Thanks to him we have a pill that decreases the appearance of visions in patients with schizophrenia. I think we should give it a try.
-Wait. -Shikamaru interrupted, disentangling himself from his mother's arms. -Drugs? I don't want drugs. -he looked at the Hokage, frowning at the idea. -Besides, I'm not schizophrenic. -He made a pause, in which he looked quicky at his mother, and back to Tsunade. Then, he asked with a hint of fear: -Right?
-We are not saying that you are. -the Hokage tried to calm him down. -But if this works at stopping the visions or make them handable, we'll be able to work better with your mind. Right now it is inaccessible.
Shikamaru opened his mouth to protest, but didn't find anything to say. His mother caressed his cheeks again and looked at him straight on the eyes, reassuringly.
-This is the only solution for now. -she told him gently. -We will see how it goes, and if it's bad you can stop in the act. But we can't simply do nothing. Okay?
The Nara stared at his mother for some seconds, but finally let out a resigned breathe and lowered his head.
-Fine… -he agreed.
The woman kissed him in the forehead, and Neji thought it should feel very nice to have a mother taking care of you like that in the rough times.
For the next minutes, Nakahara explained his medicine's functioning, and gave his recommended dossis. It had a few secondary effects, like slow reactions and lack of energy, but it promised to help Shikamaru's mind to get a little more clarity. The boy didn't looked happy, but he accepted the treatment.
-So I have a brilliant mind, but I'm totally crazy. -he said, lying back on the bed with an annoyed expression, when Tsunade and Nakahara left. -What is this? A stupid joke from faith? Didn't know the gods were ironic.
-Stop complaining. -his mother told him. -You should think about eating something. You are on your bones. When was the last time you ate?
-I don't know… -Shikamaru answered rolling his eyes a little. -I've been unconscious most part of the last days.
In that moment, Shikaku's deep voice rumbled in the room.
-Don't talk to your mother like that. -he said.
Shikamaru's face acquired a strange neutral expression, and he answered nothing. Neji realized that those were the first words the man had said to his son since his arrival. He hadn't even asked him how he felt. The Hyuuga didn't knew if the rest of the presents noticed it, but he could see that the tension was evident between them.
-I'll go bring you something to eat. -his mother concluded, ending the strange moment and leaning to kiss her son one more time, before disappearing under the door, followed by her husband.
That same day, Shikamaru started his treatment with mister Nakahara's pills. Neji stayed with him all the time he was at the Hospital, with the excuse of being helping with his Byakugan. But when the boy was allowed to get back home, he had to step aside.
The Godaime had gave the Nara a licence for indeterminate time, so his mother took him home to take care of him. Ino and Choji spent all afternoons taking him outside, because mister Nakahara had said that it would be good for him to have external stimulus. In those moments, all of Shikamaru's friends reunited with them, trying to cheer up the mood, and those were the occasions were Neji could see him. Three days passed this way.
On the fourth one, they were all together sitting in a group of tables at a quiet restroom. The conversation was vivid, but Shikamaru was simply reclined in his chair, looking at his food with a lost expression. His chopsticks were in his hand, but they hadn't moved since his plate had arrived.
This had been him the last days. Apparently the drug really affected his motion. He moved slowly, glacially, and he took a lot of time to answered anything. It was as it his brain was working slower.
And all of this got him in a pretty grumpy humor. He complained about everything, though only when he made the effort to talk.
-Are you not gonna eat? -Ino asked him, sitting next to him. -We all have finished hours ago.
The boy didn't reacted for a minute, but they already knew that they had to wait. Finally, he said, without even blinking:
-I'm eating.
-No, you're not. -the blond girl replied. -Lift the chopsticks and have a bite.
For a little while there was nothing. Then, Neji started seeing that Shikamaru's hand shook slightly, but pretty fast, he gave up.
-It's too hard. -he spat, dragging the words and letting the chopsticks fall.
-You're not even trying. -his friend rebuked him.
-C'mon, let's take him for another walk. -Naruto proposed smiling as he stood up.
-Nooooo….- Shikamaru complained, sinking in his chair.
His friends tried to convince him while the waitress charged the bill and cleaned the table, but in the second there was nothing in front of him anymore, the Nara let himself fall forward and pressed his face too the wood.
-You go. -he said lazily. -I'll wait here…
-But it's good for you! -Ino insisted. -Look, we are all leaving already. We are leaving you alone, look! Bye, Shikamaru!
Neji thought she wasn't going to achieve nothing with such a childish trik, so he decided to use another one.
-You know we are going to report your progress to the Hokage- he told him, standing around his table. -You should better work harder. She will not like that you are lazing around.
After a few seconds, Shikamaru answered with a guttural groan. Neji shook his head, and walked until he was next to him.
-Come on. -he said gently, but firmly. -Get up.
The Nara whined again.
-I'll take me like ten minutes to get up… -he protested, with his face still pressed against the table.
Neji laughed softly at his capriciousness.
-It is okay. We have time. -he replied.
A long while after, Shikamaru exhaled with resignation and started moving, inch by inch. With extreme slowness, he straightened back. He took years for each movement, as it was an enormous work to tell his body to move, and then make it do it. Neji hated to see him like that.
It didn't took him ten minutes, but maybe five. Once standing, Choji took care of pushing him gently around the village, while the rest of their friends talked pertly.
At dawn, everybody went home, except for team ten and Neji. The Hyuuga was searching for an excuse to stay there for a little longer, when Asuma appeared next to them.
-How is our boy? -he asked, balancing a cigarette in his mouth and staring at Shikamaru, who was reclining his whole wight on the hand Choji had on his shoulder.
-See it for yourself. -Ino answered, pointing at the boy with her eyes.
Shikamaru only groaned grumpily.
-Well, you look better than yesterday! I think… -the man continued, scratching his head. Then, he focused on his other two students. -Don't think I've haven't noticed that you've been getting away with training thanks to this.
The kids exchanged looks with terror.
-We've been helping Shikamaru, sensei! -Ino excused themselves. -That's a lot of work already!
Asuma laughed softly.
-I know, but I don't want you to lose rhythm. -he answered. -We'll have to deal with that when this one gets back.
He stared at the Nara, who simply groaned again. Ino and Choji complained, but his sensei was firm.
-I'm sorry, Neji. Could you walk him back home? -Asuma asked, taking his students by their shoulders and turning them around to leave.
-Of course. -the Hyuuga replied, not losing the opportunity to be alone with the Nara.
The man and the two kids left, and Neji stared at Shikamaru, who was just standing in the middle of the road, with a bored and sleepy expression on his face. Slowly, the older boy approached, and simply looked at him for a moment. The Nara met his eyes, and they share a silent instant before smiling to each other.
Neji softly put his hand at the younger's boy lower back, and pushed him gently to get him moving. Shikamaru let him do, starting to move his feet heavily.
-All of this sucks. -the Nara mumbled. -But at least I don't have to train.
The Hyuuga smiled at finally detecting humor in him.
-It is good to finally hear you say something positive. -he answered, gently leading the boy with his hand.
-Yeah I'm pretty grumpy, I know… -Shikamaru replied, and after a short pause he added, in a faked cheerful exclamation: -Surprise!
Neji giggled softly, and the Nara smiled slowly at the sound. Even in that state, Shikamaru seemed to like making him laugh.
-Talking about grumpy. -the Hyuuga changed the subject. -What was it was with you father? His face was very serious, maybe even angry.
Closing his eyes as Neji walked him through the beginning line of the forest, the Nara simply shrugged.
-That's always his face. -he answered, non carinling.
The Hyuuga frowned a little.
-I don't know… -he continued. -It looked strange. And the way he never even asked you how you felt... It was like… Like...
He tried to think, but the Nara completed his sentence.
-Like he didn't care?
Neji didn't wanted to say that. He shook his head, and tried to fix it.
-No! I mean… -he hesitated.
-It's okay… -Shikamaru stopped him slowly. -Do you know why he looks like that?
The Hyuuga shook his head again at the question.
-Because he doesn't. -the Nara affirmed, as if it was nothing.
-Don't say that. -Neji told him softly, and kindly caressed his back with his fingers.
-Please. He probably thinks I'm faking all of this just to get some attention. But it's fine. I couldn't care less. -the younger boy replied calmly.
He indicated to the Hyuuga the way to his home, and they walked slowly among the trees. When they arrived to the house, he just leaned against a column, while Neji approached to knock on the door.
-I have the key, you know? -the Nara said with laziness.
-I am not just breaking into your house. -Neji answered. -Lets better let your mother come get you.
After a little while, the door opened, and Yoshino appeared behind it.
-Welcome back. -she said to her son with a smile. -Did you have fun?
Shikamaru answered with sulky look.
-Don't say anything. -the woman continued. -I can see in your face that you did. Now you can lay down and stare al the ceiling again if you want.
Shikamaru almost rolled his eyes at her, but finally pushed away from the column slowly, and started walking to the door.
-Thank you… -he murmured.
His mother put a hand on his shoulder to help him walk as he entered the house.
-Thank you, for not running away. -she added with a smile, and then she turned to the other boy, who was standing next to the door. -And thank you to your escort for bringing you back.
Neji saw that he woman looked at him with in a strange way, and he was about to answer, when she continued:
-You are Neji, right?
The boy stood still for a moment. Shikamaru's mother knew who he was? He hesitated for a second before responding with a bow:
-Yes, Nara-sama. It is nice to meet you.
Yoshino smiled wider at his words.
-Oh, we have already meet, though you probably don't remember. -she answered. -You are Ayame's son.
He paralyzed at listening his mother's name. He hadn't heard it in years. Slowly, he straightened and stared at the woman with round eyes. Shikamaru had stopped behind his mom and was looking at him too.
-Yes… -he mumbled.
Yoshino's eyes reflected a warm affection.
-She was an amazing woman. -she said, and added watching at the Hyuuga: -Come inside. I'll make you a cup of tea to thank you for your help.
Neji hesitated for a moment. He was still a little in shock. Because he took too much time to respond, the Nara told him with a side smile:
-It's okay. She doesn't bite.
That brought him back to reality, and he finally nodded.
-Yes. -he accepted. -Thank you.
The three of them entered in the house and walked to the , Shikamaru threw himself on a chair and relaxed. His mother turned her back to them and started preparing tea.
-You have grown so much. -she commented, obviously referring to Neji. -I remember when you were a tiny and cute baby. You looked like a porcelain doll. So adorable.
Shikamaru gave him a side glare and smiled. Neji had never talked with an adult that had knew his mom. Or maybe he had, and no one had ever dared to say anything about her in his presence.
-But sit down, dear. -Yoshino said at seeing that he was still standing, while she took three cups from a shelf. -Make yourself comfortable.
-Thank you, Nara-sama. -Neji repeated respectfully, and sat down at another chair behind the table.
-So polite. -the woman commented with a smile. -Just like Ayame was.
The two boys exchanged a look.
-So you really knew Neji's mom? -Shikamaru asked.
-I did. -she answered, pouring water into the cups. -Actually we were very close friends. We were always together and had a lot of fun. We met at the Academy. She was so kind and caring. And she loved you very much.
She said this last words while she handed a cup of tea to the young Hyuuga. Neji took it inclining his head, and looked at her.
-I had never met a friend of my mother. -he said honestly.
-I'm sure you did. -Yoshino replied. -She had many friends. It was very hard not to like her.
Neji smiled at hearing her speak about his mom with such kind words.
-Tell us about her. -Shikamaru asked while he slowly took his tea.
The woman sat with them and told them about their days at the Academy. Neji enjoyed listening to her anecdotes, realizing that he knew very little about his mother's past.
-When she married your father we made them a lovely party. -Yoshino said. -She was so happy. They were so in love.
Neji felt his heart turning softer at imagining his parents together and happy. He didn't had many memories of them, and listening to Shikamaru's mother made him feel closer to them.
At some point during their conversation, someone knocked on the door. Yoshino stood up and went to see who it was. In that moment, the Nara looked at him, like checking if we was alright. Neji smiled softly to show that he was.
A minute later, Yoshino came back.
-The Nara board has summoned a meeting to discuss a few topics. -she announced. -I have to go. And knowing them, it will take us hours just to solve the first subject. -She approached to his son and caressed his head. -I'll leave you for I while. Did you ate with your friends today?
-Yes… -the boy replied slowly.
Mis mother studied his face for a few seconds and then turned to Neji.
-Did he? -she asked.
-No. -was the Hyuuga's honest answer.
Shikamaru gave him an angry but lazy glare, and Neji laughed softly.
-Well, I want you to eat before going to sleep. And take a shower. There's some leftovers from lunch in the refrigerator.
-I'm not hungry… -Shikamaru whispered whimsically.
-I don't care, you need to eat. -she insisted. -Who am I kidding? You won't do it. -then, she turned to Neji. -I'm sorry for asking you this, but could you stay with him until he goes to bed and see that he eats something?
-Of course. -the Hyuuga answered kindly.
-Thank you, darling. You are a sweetness. -the woman told him, and then inclined to kiss her son in the forehead. -I'll come back as soon as I can. Don't worry about your father, I doubt that he comes today.
She said goodbye and then left the house.
The two boys shared a silent look.
-You haven't even tried your tea yet. -Neji said, looking at the boy's full cup.
-It takes me too much time to just lift it. -Shikamaru excused himself.
The Hyuuga smiled slightly.
-Fine. -he answered. -But you will not escape from eating something. I will help you.
He stood up and went to the refrigerator, to grab the leftovers Yoshino had mentioned. He took the dish and sat next to the Nara. The boy didn't complained when Neji started feeding him slowly.
-What is this? -the Hyuuga asked, watching the plate while Shikamaru swallowed.
-Oyakodon, without eggs. -the Nara answered.
-Why without eggs? -Neji questioned again.
-Cause I hate eggs. -the older boy replied.
Surprised, the Hyuuga arched an eyebrow.
-How can you hate eggs? -he interrogated.
-Cause they're disgusting. -Shikamaru affirmed. -You know they're chicken ovules, right? It's gross.
Neji laughed softly at that, and gave the boy another amount of food.
He didn't eat much, but it was better than nothing.
-Lets take you to your bed now. -the Hyuuga said after cleaning the dish.
He helped Shikamaru stand up, and surrounded his waist with his arm. The Nara indicated where his room was, and Neji guided him to it slowly. Once there, he took a look around.
-This place looks pretty empty. -the Hyuuga commented.
-Most of my stuff are on the cabin. -Shikamaru answered slowly. Then, he stared at his bed with dreamy eyes. -Time to sleep, finally…
-Your mother said you should take a shower before going to bed. -Neji said, remembering Yoshino's words.
The Nara lowered his shoulders and inclined his head back, whining.
-I'll take me eons to take a shower… -he complained. But then, he slowly turned his eyes to Neji. -Unless you help me…
The Hyuuga couldn't help to let out a soft laugh at the boy's suggestion.
-Alright. -he replied. -I just hope your mother doesn't come back while we are at it.
There was a tiny bathroom inside Shikamaru's bedroom, so Neji slowly turned to it and guided him through the door. The Nara reclined his back against the sink while the older boy turned the shower on.
After doing so, Neji stood in front of Shikamaru, and they looked at each other for a few seconds, while the small room started filling with steam. Very gently, the Hyuuga helped the younger ninja to take his top off. His eyes immediately noticed the bruise at the boy's arm where the doctors had connected the serum, at it brought back the memory of the Nara lying over the Hospital bed, so weak and pale. Neji lifted a hand and stroke his fingers over the marked skin.
Shikamaru must have realized the change in his face, because he slowly raised a hand and took the Hyuuga's. The older boy looked at him with preoccupation. At seeing it, the Nara smiled calmly, probably trying to transmit that he was alright.
Finally, Neji smiled back, and took his own top off. Then, he helped Shikamaru remove his pants and underwear, and finished undressing himself. The two boys stood naked in the tiny room for a few moments, and he couldn't help to think that he had missed that proximity. Gently, he pulled the Nara's headband off, letting the think black hair fall to his shoulders. Then, he took of his own ribbon and his Hitai-ate, and put them over the sink. He was about turn to the shower, when Shikamaru's voice stopped him.
-What about that? -he asked.
Neji looked at him and saw that he was staring at the black strip that covered his Cursed Seal. He didn't like to take it off in front of anyone, but if he kept it it was going to be uncomfortable wearing it wet.
-Fine. -he conceded, taking the ribbon away and putting it with the others stuff.
He watched Shikamaru's face while he stared at the mark over his forehead. Neji saw a strange blaze shining at the boys eyes, and felt more naked than ever. Trying to put those feelings away, he smiled.
-Come on. -he said, surrounding the Nara by his waist again.
They got slowly inside the shower. The hot water ran down their bodies. Once they were completely wet, Neji took Shikamaru's hand and made him take a step out the falling stream. He helped the boy wash his hair, watching the foam going down his shoulders and chest. Then he put him under the water once more, and gently rinsed the Nara's mane with his hands.
He made Shikamaru take a step again, and took the soap. Inch by inch, he slid it along the boy's chest and arms, spreading the foam with his other hand. He heard the younger ninja let out a heavy exhalation when his fingers traveled down his stomach. Neji raised his eyes to look at him, and the Nara met his stare. He felt long fingers slowly caressing his hip bones, and he moaned sightly at the contact. Shikamaru's black pupils absorbed him, and they both leaned forward to kiss.
It started gently, but in the moment their tongues touched, the already hot temperature between them went even higher. Neji's soapy hands traveled down the Nara's abdomen, getting very close to the boy's crotch. He didn't need to look down to know that Shikamaru's member was now completely hard, the same way as his.
In the second Neji's fingers faintly caressed the base of his throbbing shaft, the Nara broke the kiss to moan lowly against his mouth. Wanting to hear the sound again, the Hyuuga moved his fingertips up all along the hot flesh. Shikamaru gasped over his lips.
The steam clouded his vision a little, but he didn't needed his eyes to touch the Nara. He already knew his body really well. Slowly, he took the boy's hard member with one of his foamy hands and pressed it gently. Shikamaru moaned again, louder this time, and moved his hands from Neji's hips to his lower back.
The sensation sent a wave of vibrations through the Hyuuga's body. He wanted more. Trapping the Nara's mouth with his again, he started moving his hand up and down. The soap made the hot skin of Shikamaru's shaft slide deliciously.
The younger boy groaned once more, and Neji did the same, while they kissed with growing excitement. After long and hot minutes, he decided to copy something he had seen the Nara do before: he took his own erection too, and started stroking both hot and hard lengths together.
Apparently, the increasing lust gave the doped Nara a shock of energy, because he lowered his hands from Neji's lower back to his buttocks and squeezed them strongly, with a strength he hadn't shown in the last days. The Hyuuga moaned into the kiss, not expecting that he could get so aroused at having someone touching his ass like that.
As Neji's stroke took them higher and higher, Shikamaru started pushing his bottom, making him go up and down against the bigger body, while their erections moved fast inside his hand.
Feeling that he was about to collapse, the Hyuuga let the soap fall from his other hand and grabbed Shikamaru's nape strongly, deepening the kiss. After another intense instant, they both moved their mouths back an inch to moan heavily, as the releases exploited between them.
They breathed calmly as the orgasm faded away. Shikamaru leaned his head and rested his forehead against Neji's. They stood like this for a few moments, just enjoying each other presence. Gently, the Hyuuga put them under the stream again, and they let the water wash their releases.
Neji turned the shower off and took a towel. With extreme delicacy, he dried Shikamaru's body, and then his. He helped the boy get out of the shower and assisted him to dress up again. When they were both back in their clothes, the Hyuuga took them out of the bathroom and directed the younger boy to his bed.
Shikamaru laid down with a relaxed exhalation, and Neji sat at the edge of the futton. He ran his fingers along the Nara's still lose hair, and they stared at each other with familiar confidence.
-I better go now. -Neji said softly.
-Can't you stay for a little longer? -Shikamaru asked.
-I don't want your mother to find that I am still here when she returns. -he replied.
-She won't be back for another couple of hours. -the Nara insisted, and he gently grabbed Neji's arm to pull from him to the bed. -C'mon, just for a little while.
The Hyuuga didn't resisted for much time. He laid down next to Shikamaru and rested his head over the boy's shoulder. The Nara hugged him tenderly, and Neji thought that he could stay like that forever.
-We should not fall asleep. -he said in a whisper.
-Talk for yourself. -Shikamaru answered as he closed his eyes.
Smiling, the Hyuuga leaned forward to kiss the younger boy's cheek, and then rested his head in his shoulder again, surrounding his waist with his arm. Not longer after, they both fall asleep.
Neither of them heard Yoshino when she opened the door to check on her son a few hours later. The woman stared at the two boys lying together in the bed, and smiled. Not wanting to disturb that cute moment, she closed the door again and let them to rest.
Shikamaru's POV
When he woke up the next morning, Neji wasn't there anymore. He had probably sneak out of the house during the night. Shikamaru remembered the last moments of the previous day, and couldn't help to smile. He sat on the bed, when the strange tingling in his brain appeared once more.
The medicine he had been taking had made it tolerable during the last days, but Shikamaru thought it wasn't worth it. He hated that his mind was working so slow. In that moment, his mother entered in the room.
-Good morning, sunshine. -he told her son with a smile. -How are you feeling?
-Fine… -he lied, feeling a growing headache.
-Have you taken your medicine already? -the woman asked, as she approached to caress the boy's head with her hand.
-Yeah… -he lied again.
The truth was that he had decided to stop taking it the previous day. With this, he had already skipped two doses, and that explained that the headaches were coming back. Of course, he had no intention to tell that to his mother.
-Can I go take a walk in the forest? -he asked Yoshino.
-Alone? No way. -she answered, kindly but firmly. -Better wait until Ino and Choji get here and they can take you.
-C'mooon. -he begged. -I've been surrounded by people all the time for the last week. I just want to be alone for a little while.
The woman studied his expression for a second, and then relaxed.
-Fine. -she said. -But take Suimin with you, so he can come and let me know if something happens to you. And I want you back in an hour.
Acting like he was still doped, Shikamaru tied his hair in his usual ponytail, and made a step outside the house. His mother watched him from the door. Taking his fingers to his mouth, the boy whistled, because that was the way in which he always called his deer. Seconds after, the animal appeared between the trees, and moved his ears at seeing his owner.
Shikamaru got closer to the creature and put a hand over his loin. Then, he turned to look at his mother and waved at her.
He started walking slowly across the forest, with Suimin following him close behind. He definitely didn't like the effect that Nakahara's pills had on him, and he wanted to find another solution. If he would have been feeling right, he would have run to the library and search for some information regarding the subject, but the head in his pain was increasing noticeably with every step he took. He cursed between his teeth when the first visions started to appear.
Shikamaru walked for about half an hour, and in that time, the forest got filled with the presence of people talking to him.
-Let's play another game. -Asuma said smiling. -I'm totally going to beat you this time.
-Shikamaru, could you help he with the homework? -an infant Naruto asked. -I don't understand more than half of the questions…
-You're never going to get a date if you keep dressing like that. -Ino commented, staring at his clothes as he walked next to her.
Damn stupid visions. Why couldn't they go away? The pain under his skull got stronger, and he stopped in the middle of a tiny clearing. Closing his eyes, he grabbed his head with both hands.
-Could everyone just shut up?! -he screamed to the fake people, but they didn't paid attention to him.
He felt Suimin getting closer to him to lick his cheek affectionately. The deer had obviously noticed something was wrong. When he didn't reacted, the animal made a crying sound and turned around to go find some help.
The voices kept increasing, along with his headache. Maybe he shouldn't have stop taking the medicine so soon. He felt he was about to fall on his knees.
-Please, just leave me alone… -he begged, nailing his fingers on his skull.
In that moment, a new voice sounded in front of him.
-Oh, I'm sorry. I heard you scream and thought you might need some help. -it said.
He didn't knew that voice, so he opened his eyes and looked ahead. Between the crowd of visions, he saw an unfamiliar figure staring at him.
It was a middle age black man, with a messy beard and long grey dreadlocks. He was wearing a bright yellow robe, and smoked a cigarette that emanated a strange smell.
Shikamaru was sure of never having seen that man before. Was his mind making up people now?
-Who the hell are you? -he asked the stranger with distrust.
The man smiled and arched his eyebrows.
-I could ask you the same question. -he answered, taking a whistle from his weird cigarette.
He looked very calmed and relaxed, and that irritated Shikamaru even more.
-I… -he started, but the pain in under his skull made him stop. -Shit…
He knew what would happen next. In short instants, everything would turn into whiteness. He nailed his fingers deeper in his head and closed his eyes again.
-Alright, calm down. -he heard the black man say among the other voices. -Let's see what we have here.
Shikamaru felt a hand touching his forehead, and his mind shook. He lowered his hands and opened his eyes, looking straight ahead. Miraculously, the pain in his head stopped.
-Better, right? -the stranger asked, smiling.
The stunned boy took a look around. They weren't in the forest anymore. They were standing in the center of what looked like a huge warehouse. There were uncountable rows of shelves one after the other, so tall that he couldn't see the top of them. The visions were still around him, buy they weren't talking anymore, nor moving. It was as if time had froze. Shikamaru stared at the man, who slowly took his hand away.
-How did you do that? -he asked, astonished.
The stranger let out a loud laugh.
-It's just a simple trick. -he answered. -And it worked. Your mind is pretty messy, boy.
Shikamaru simply looked at him with wide eyes. Did that man had the power to handle minds? He thought only Yamanakas had that habilitty. But the people from that clan hadn't been able to do anything with his visions. And this guys hadn't even struggled.
-Are you a Yamanaka? -the boy asked, disorientated.
The man laughed again.
-I'm even better, kiddo. -he said. -Lets put everything back into place, shall we?
After this words, he lifted his arms and started moving his hands as directing an invisible orchestra, while humming a cheerful melody. One by one, the visions moved towards Shikamaru, like controlled by an unsighted force, and crashed with him, disappearing at touching his body. It was like the man was putting them back inside him. He felt his brain tingling every time, but it wasn't painful. Actually, it felt as if his minds was accommodating.
When all the hallucinations disappeared, the man lowered his arms and smoked from his cigarette again.
-Where the hell are we? -Shikamaru asked, looking in all directions, but the rows of shelves seemed to have no end.
-Don't you recognize your own mind, kid? -the man answered calmly.
The Nara widened his eyes.
-This place is my mind? -he questioned, not believing it.
-Yeah. It's a bit untidy. -the stranger commented. -But I must admit it's pretty impressive. You have some brain, for what I can see.
Shikamaru shook his head.
-Forget about that. -he said. -How did you made the visions go away?
The man smiled at his innocence.
-They didn't go away. I just put them where they belong, in your memory and imagination. -he explained. -It seems like you're having troubles processing all of this.
The Nara just stared at him with his mouth opened.
-What? -he asked, completely lost.
The man took another breathe from his cigar, and then let the smoke rolled out slowly.
-You have an amazing memory. Very retailer. -he answered. -You can remember practically everything you have seen or heard, am I right?
Shikamaru nodded.
-That's where most part of your intelligence comes from. -the man continued. -The other part its from the high speed at which you can process all that data. But it looks like you're been having problems with that lately. You keep introducing information to your brain, but your mental processes are falling behind, so your mind collapses. You're too smart for your own good, kid.
Shikamaru shook his head again, not following.
-What the hell is that supposed to mean? -he questioned, a bit irritated.
-Relax… -the man answered, completely unworried. -You can train your mind to be able to handle all your memories right.
-But, the visions weren't always memories. -the boy replied. -Sometimes they were things that had never happened. Were those dreams or what?
-Close, but no. That's your great imagination fault. -the stranger responded. -Everything you fear, and everything you desire, which is always locked inside your brain, have started manifesting. And you're so good at creating hypothetical situations in your head with high detail, that they seemed very credible.
All of that made sense, but it didn't explained everything.
-But why does the pain feel so real when a vision huts me? -he asked.
-Your brain's fault again. -the man replied. -The pain is not real, but your mind fill the gaps logically, making you feel what you would feel if they visions were actually real.
Shikamaru was mind blown. So all his problems were do to the fact that he was getting to smart for his own brain capacity?
-And you can help me with that? -he questioned.
The man waved a hand in the air.
-Of course I can. -he said. -But not now. I have others things to do first. I'll take you back to reality, but because we've been moving stuff around inside your brain, it will take you a little while to recover. So, get ready!
Before Shikamaru could say anything, the man snapped his fingers, and the huge warehouse vanished. The boy felt his body being transported, and they appeared back in the forest. He wanted to ask the man who he was again, but in that moment, a strong dizziness took power of him. He felt sickness, and staggered. A strange sensation came up his stomach, and he falled to his knees, putting his hands in the ground and throwing up. He shook his head, trying to regain some focus, but everything was spinning violently. He laid over the soil and grabbed his head, intending the forest to stop moving.
-It will take you a while to able to stand up. -he heard the man saying somewhere near him. -But you'll get better at it with time. Have to go now. Take it easy, kid.
-Wait! -Shikamaru screamed. -Are you really leaving me here like this?
-You'll be fine! Trust a wise man. Bye!
Those were the last words he heard from the stranger. Feeling giddy, Shikamaru just stayed on the ground, completely incapable of standing.
He had no idea of how much time he spent there, until he heard the the alarmed voice of his best friend.
-Shikamaru! -Choji screamed at seeing him.
He felt the boy's strong hands grabbing him by the shoulders and sitting him up. He opened his eyes to find that everything was still spinning, but he could see his friend kneeling next to him.
-What happened?! -the Akimichi asked.
Shikamaru let out a hoarse groan.
-I'm not sure… -he answered.
-Come, I'll take you to your house. -the big boy said as he helped the Nara stand up.
Once on his feet, Shikamaru could see Suimin. The deer had probably ran into Choji while he was going to find help, and because they already knew each other, decided to guide him to his owner.
It was impossible to the Nara to take one single step alone, so he walked supporting himself against his two friends. When they got to his house, he couldn't explain his state without admitting he had stopped taking the medicine. His mother went hysterical.
-How could you do something like that without telling me?! -she yelled at him. -That is so irresponsible! You are in serious problems, young man.
-You can punish me later. -Shikamaru answered. -I need to see the Hokage now.
He didn't gave any more details, and his mother finally accepted taking him to see Tsunade. She and Choji walked him to the Hokage Mansion.
Once inside, they found the Godaime about to enter to her office.
-What is going on? -she asked.
Yoshino crossed her arms with a hard expression.
-This impertinent child had stopped taking his medicine, without telling anyone. -she explained. -And he says he had found another solution. You deal with him, Tsunade. I don't know what else to do.
The Godaime looked at him, frowning deeply.
-Alright. -she replied. -Come on in.
He followed the Hokage to her office, and stood in front of her desk while she sat.
-You better have a good excuse for having stopped taking the medicine. -she said seriously.
-I do. -the boy answered. -I think I understand what's happening to me. I've met someone who can help me.
Tsunade lifted an eyebrow at this.
-Who? -she asked.
-Well… -Shikamaru hesitated. -I actually don't know his name.
-Alright. Where can we find him then? -the Hokage questioned.
-Ummm… -the boy doubted. -I don't know that either.
Tsunade stared at him as if he was joking.
-You used to be better at lying. -she said.
-I'm not lying! -Shikamaru defended himself. -It's just that he didn't told me who he was.
The Godaime frowned again.
-And what do you expect me to do, then? -she interrogated.
The boy opened his mouth to answered, but he had nothing. In that moment, the office's door slide fast, and a loud voice resounded in the room.
-Blessed the eyes that see you, beautiful ruler! -it said.
Shikamaru jumped at recognizing the voice. He turned around, to see the black man he had met just a few hours ago.
-Rajah! -Tsunade exclaimed, surprised. -What are you doing here?
The man stepped into the office with a big smile.
-I was just passing by, and decided to come say hi. -he answered.
The Godaime frowned at seeing the cigarette he had on his hand.
-You can't smoke that in here, Rajah. -she said firmly.
-Too bad. -the man replied. -Because many people in here look like they need it. -He made a pause, and only then he noticed Shikamaru. -Oh, hi again, kiddo. You're looking better.
The Hokage stared at both of them with a confused expression.
-Do you know each other? -she asked.
-He's the man I was talking you about. -the boy replied.
The Godaime opened her mouth in disbelief.
-You were talking about me? -Rajah questioned with a silly smile. -How flattering.
-This is the man you want help from? -Tsunade asked, stunned. -Seriously?
-Why not? -Shikamaru interrogated.
The Hokage blinked a few times, and then responded:
-Shikamaru, Rajah is very powerful, but his methods are very… Well... Unorthodox.
-Hummm… -the man murmured. -I want to think that's a compliment, though it's a bit hard because of how you said it.
Tsunade gave him an exasperated look, and then turned her attention back to the Nara.
-I understand that you are excited at this new possibility, but you really don't know anything about how this man works.
-Maybe. -Shikamaru answered. -But he's the only one that had managed to get inside my mind and stop the visions.
At this, the Godaime leaned back in her chair.
-Really? -she said, as she studied the man.
Rajah gave her a big and proud smile. After staring at each other for a few moments, Tsunade let out a resigned breathe.
-Okay. -she said. -But I have to consult it with the Council first. He's from outside the village, so he needs approbation to treat one of our shinobis.
-The Council? -Rajah asked. -You mean those grumpy old two? Won't be easy, they had never liked me.
-Why not? -Shikamaru questioned.
-Cause they hate new things, especially when they work better that their stupid ancient techniques. -the man explained.
-I'll do what I can. -Tsunade said. -In the meantime, you better go tell your mother about the change of plans.
-Hai! Thank you so much, Godaime-sama. -Shikamaru answered with a smile, feeling hope for the first time in days.
Hi!
I wrote this chapter pretty fast. Even though, it took me almost a week to finish it.
I really hope you're liking the story so far! I want to thank all of you for your unconditional support! You are the best people in the whole world!
Till next chapter!