Chapter 8
Neji's POV
This was not at all how I saw this mission playing out. This simple mission turned into a life or death situation in a matter of hours. I looked back at Shikamaru briefly. His expression was blank. He looked ready to fight…very unusual for Nara Shikamaru. I knew if Shikamaru was at the point where he was ready to fight then I should be just as ready or more so. I took a deep breath and everything seemed to slow down. Someone yelled attack and the ninjas collapsed on them. I was basically hitting anyone that didn't have a Konoha leaf on his head protector. I didn't see Shikamaru in the midst of the battle but I could hear him fighting with everything he was worth. Knowing that we were both fighting so hard, it…gave me a rush. Made me want to smile. This is what I really wanted. Just an intense battle with the odds stacked against me. We fought and fought for much longer than I expected us to make it when I heard Shikamaru. He didn't cry out…it was more of a grunt of frustration. I looked briefly to see that several of the ninjas had grabbed each of his limbs, while the other prepared to subdue him. I made it to him quickly enough to where I was able to kick that one ninja in the face before I was jumped as well for turning my back. I was dragged to the floor. Shit…it was really over now. I couldn't look at my partner but I felt his eyes on me. We failed…I failed.
Shikamaru's POV
So I had to fight. I didn't exactly want to. Fighting was so troublesome. This just wasn't one of those situations where I could be picky. I had to fight for two people now. I was fighting for my partner and me. When someone else is involved, I can't just give-up or avoid conflict. I fought. I fought hard. I was swinging in a blind rage basically. I didn't have time to really size up who I was attacking. It was basically knock them down and keep going. There was no time for any strategy and believe me…I thought about it as quickly as I could. That was when those bastards decided to get smart and wrap me up. Four of them got my legs and arms. It looked like it was lights out for me but Neji looked over. I didn't think I made any sounds but apparently I did because he moved that way and knocked the crap out of the guy with a well-placed kick. I watched as he was quickly jumped for helping me and turning his back. I watched as he was brought down to the ground. I watched as our hope for survival faded into nothing. I took a deep breath and turned my head away, preparing for the worst.
Neji's POV
I could only wait. I didn't know what it was I was waiting for…but that was all I could do. I kept my eyes focused on the floor as I heard some commotion then I heard footsteps heading toward Shikamaru. I heard another noise then I heard a loud thud as if someone hit the floor. I frowned. They got Shikamaru. Now it was my turn. I waited for them to end it all and recapture me but I was only greeted by the sound of hard punches sending people into walls. I managed to look up. "Gai-sensei!" I managed to say as I saw that familiar green suit. He was handling each and every one of those guys with ease. I was in awe just watching it. He kicked the guys that were on me off, "Neji, get Shikamaru and get back as fast as you can. You boys have completed your mission, I'll clean things up from here." Not asking any questions, I ran over to Shikamaru and scooped him up in my arms. I stopped, unsure which way he was supposed to go. Gai pointed to a hallway and Neji took off. As much as he was concerned about getting out of there, his eyes seemed to examine Shikamaru's face whenever he got the chance. The teen had such a peaceful expression on his face. Once I was out of the base, it seemed like I was back in Konoha in no time. I took Shikamaru straight to my place. He didn't need to be in the hospital or at home for that matter. I shook him a bit and got no response. I laid him down on my bed and put a moist cloth on his forehead. Shikamaru would wake up on his own when he was ready. Ready just took far too long. I sat by his bed and just looked at him. For some reason, Keiji's voice came to my head. …He must be more than a partner. Neji leaned forward and rubbed the back of his hand across Shikamaru's cheek. The skin was much softer than he imagined it would be. I frowned…when did I imagine how Shikamaru's skin would feel. Still standing close by Shikamaru, I looked him over. Every detail of his face, I was examining. My eyes came to rest on his lips. I couldn't help it. I placed two fingers on them. They were soft as well. From the warm air touching my fingers, I knew his lips were parted a bit as well. They were fairly thin as well. Finally I moved my fingers and stared. I leaned down. What was I doing? I wasn't that curious. I leaned down further. Why am I still thinking about this? My lips brushed against his and…"..Neji?" I jumped back like I had been struck by lightning. I hadn't been paying attention to his condition whatsoever. I tried to gather myself as he looked at me questioningly. "Was I not breathing?" Shikamaru asked, leaning his head to the side. That sounded like a good lie so I went with it. I nodded my head and he seemed to accept that answer. He lay back down on the pillow and tried to relax. "How did we get back?" he finally asked. "Gai-sensei found us and fought everyone off." I said taking my seat back at his bed. He seemed content with my answer because neither of us said anything and I'm pretty sure he went to sleep.
Shikamaru's POV
I woke up. I was in a bed and I thought the worst. The last thing I remember was being captured so I thought I was on some kind of torture device. Finally, I peeked one eye open and saw Neji standing over me. He was just staring at me…at…my lips? He put his fingers on them, which surprised me but I didn't move. Finally he removed them and then started to lean down. I wasn't sure what he was planning to do until he kept going. I closed my eyes again and felt the warmth of Neji's lips against my own. The contact was so gentle that I don't know if I even believe it happened. That was when I whispered his name. He jumped back and had the guiltiest look on his face. One would have thought he had a knife in his hand or something from his expression. I felt so bad that I gave him a way out of this awkward situation even though I really wanted to know what just happened. I lay back after he answered my questions and thought about it. It seemed to consume my thoughts. What had happened and why? I couldn't figure it out. Why would Hyuuga Neji, of all people, want to kiss me? It didn't make sense. I mean…he could pretty much get any of the girls he wanted and if he wanted a guy…there were better guys than me. It just didn't make sense. I settled for sleep. Maybe I would dream up my answer or something. Atleast I could ask him a few things later on when I could actually move. He might even talk to me about it first because it would be pretty troublesome to bring it up.
Sorry it took so long. I think stuff just plans on happening whenever I plan on writing the next chapter. I think that's what it is. Anyways, tell me what you think. I enjoyed writing this one. Nothing better than putting people in a very awkward situation. Oh...and...here comes a shameless plug. If anyone likes rping or anything like that, how about joining or checking out my favorite place. It's an MSN group that is dedicated to yaoi rping. It's under schoolboysIIayaoirpg. I know I can't put the website but it's not hard to find I don't think. If you really want to see it...email me and I'll email it to you or something. We have plenty of threads and stuff to read if anyone needs some more reading material and you can even get involved. Anyways, enjoy!