Shikamaru's POV

I saw the horrified look in Neji's eyes as I came back downstairs and knew my appearance must have drastically changed. What I didn't expect was for Neji to react the way he did. I waited for Neji's words. Momentarily, my lazy expression fell and I know I looked surprise…I mean…I was surprise. Stay with him? Was he serious? That question was answered quickly as I was ushered out of my own house and all the way to the Hyuuga mansion. I looked at the building and everywhere else absently before I was shoved inside. Frankly, I wasn't paying Neji any attention at that point. I didn't even know what the big deal was. I was sore…I can admit that but I didn't need to be dragged out of my house over it.

"Are you going to tell me what happened?" Neji asked out of nowhere.

"I don't know what you mean." That was a lie. I knew what he meant. I'm sure he knew that I knew as well since his expression turned into a deeper frown. He suddenly jerked me around again and put me in front of a mirror. Neji stood beside me and pointed, first, to my face. "Let's start with that."

Upon seeing myself, I knew why Neji seemed so worried. He really did a number on me. Bruises were everywhere. Neji had pointed at my eye which was black and swelling a bit. What could I say? "We did train today." I muttered, still trying to be nonchalant about it. Why did he care anyway? We were just partners…nothing more than that.

"Yes…but at no time did I land an attack that would have done that." Neji said quickly, controlling his temper quite well. It looked like he was pissed off but his tone…didn't quite fit.

I stayed silent for a moment before I went on the attack. Maybe if I went after Neji, he'd just let it go. "Why do you want to know? It's not like you care." That would get him to back off. I was fairly sure Neji wouldn't have a response.

"I can't allow my partner to be injured. Now tell me what happened."

I didn't know what to say. It wasn't…the worst thing to hear but…it definitely said that Neji considered me as his partner. "It's nothing…my dad just spent a bit too much time at the bar…and he and my mom were having problems…and…I made a comment he didn't like. No big deal." I said, looking away from Neji at that point. I knew it was bad and that I couldn't do anything about it but it was still embarrassing.

"Hold still."

I hadn't been paying attention to Neji when I was talking or after. I didn't notice that he had grabbed a salve and was not grabbing my face. He cupped my chin and started to apply the salve around my eye. For a ninja that fought and everything, his hands were pretty soft and he smelled nice, like some kind of exotic flower or something. It was a nice fragrant smell that was somehow still masculine. I was forced to look into his eyes as he held my face still. I didn't even mind looking into his eyes. I made sure I looked uninterested but I did look. To be honest, his eyes looked a lot like clouds to me. With that knew, they obviously held my attention for a while. I didn't even notice when he said…"Done. You'll be staying in the guest room."

I sighed. I didn't want to stay that much but I guess he had a good reason to make me stay. He could just go back home after their mission. "We have a mission tomorrow." I reminded Neji, who only gave a small nod. Since I had a room and I was somewhat tired I went to lay down. Apparently, I fell asleep too.

"Wake up! Shikamaru! Wake up!"

I opened my eyes to see Neji standing over me. He was shaking my shoulders.

I yawned and sat up, "What is it?" I asked

"Our mission begins soon. Get up so we can go."

There ya go. I'm already writing the next chapter. I think it's going to get juicy. Thanks for the reviews. Hope you liked the little change in view. I'm gonna give Neji a chance next.