Engagement Trouble

Summary: Neji's in super trouble and Shikamaru came to his rescue, well, accidentally. NejiShika.

Disclaimer: Neji belongs to Shikamaru and vice versa and Naruto is not mine.

A/N: I'm trying my best to reduce the chapters as well as the plot—I'm still in the process of simplifying it so it will take some time. I'm also trying to incorporate a more sensible plot which means less humor and more drama.

To all, I know that a meager 'thank you' for waiting, reading, reviewing and simply appreciating this garbage of a fic will never be enough. But that 'thanks' is all I have to offer. Thank you.

Chapter 12

Neji's brows furrowed as an incessant voice kept tapping his auditory sense. He was quite sure it was a woman's soft and almost scared voice waking him up.

"Neji-sama, Neji-sama." A woman's voice said. "Please wake up, you're uncle is asking for your presence in the receiving area."

Neji cracked an eye open and viewed what his single eye can make out from his prone position. From the ray of light passing through his half open window he was sure it was still early morning. He skipped training this morning for a thorough rest and yet here's another nuisance presenting itself to him. Neji concluded that the universe has a really weird sense of humor. Fuck it.

A gasp from the servant added with a spiel of apologies made him click to his better senses. Hmm, perhaps he said the last one out loud. He sat up uncertainly, still quite sleepy accompanied by a dull throb in his forehead. He wasn't feeling very well today; not that it was the latest buzz.

"Why does uncle need me?" Neji asked, massaging his temple.

"There are visitors for you, Neji-sama."

Neji paused for a moment before questioning. "Visitors? Who?"

"The Nara family."

----

"I apologize if Neji is quite taking some time." Hyuuga Hiashi said as he placed his tea cup down. He was facing the Nara family except for Nara Shikaku. Hiashi smiled benignly, "I think he's still sleeping. I was quite surprised that he didn't train today."

"I'm also sorry if we just came here without prior notice." Nara Tori replied with an apologetic smile. Beside her sat Shikamaru who looked like drifting off to sleep again and Shou who was already rounding the room with awe peeking and poking at the things displayed. "I'm also sorry for my younger son's prodding."

Hyuuga Hiashi laughed. "Don't worry about it, Tori-san. Your family is free to visit here any time you want. And let Shou do what he wants. He's a good boy."

Nara Tori smiled in acceptance when Neji entered the room wearing whoa! Not a kimono but a simple grey turtleneck and some jeans. He greeted Shikamaru's mother with a surprised face. He sat beside his uncle with a curious look.

Hell, who wouldn't be curious when its so freaking early in the morning and you're blasted by the news that your fiance's family is here to greet you a 'good morning.' It seems that his duty-bound fiancé couldn't get enough of his morning stinginess for four straight fucking days. Four days! Nara was buggering him for four days like he's the new shrine for impotent men in Konoha! Didn't he get enough of his lecture on the proper and more moral ways to irk your beloved one? And now he had to haul his family along to greet him a merry morning. Yes, it was a very merry morning indeed.

He was quickly attended by five servants hastily bathing him and dressing him up formally again. Letting his hair down for being soggy he unconsciously touched his bruise which was healing pretty fast and neat—no scar, which was good. It's been a week but he was still confident that he's suffering from a minor relapse due to the mark. If Nara ever noticed the abrupt changes, he didn't open a conversation about it. Neji was thankful enough for his silence.

"Neji-niisan!" Shou shrieked with excitement hugging Neji's shoulders as soon as the Hyuuga managed to sit beside his uncle. "I already read the books you've lent me and boy were they good! I love Wuthering Heights! I think Heathcliff resembles nii-san when he's going berserk!"

Neji laughed at the comment. It's been awhile since he last saw Shikamaru's little brother and he was glad that they met again. "It's nice seeing you again, too, Nara Shousuki."

Shou jokingly punched Neji in the arm with a pout. "Don't call me that! That makes me sound younger! I'm Shou!"

Neji replied with a smirk. He stole a glance at Shikamaru who sat diagonally opposite him. He caught the lazy nin staring at him dreamily then upon realizing that Neji was returning the gaze at him turned his head to the other side. What was the bastard's problem?

Shikamaru looked more like a spirit than a man in the room. He didn't talk nor move too noticeably. Hell, it was frigging too early for him. If you would like to know, his mom just went on ranting and banging him on his bed just to wake up. He was such a battered son and the fact that he's been doing it for the past few days was a feat for him. He was sure his dad was delirious when he decided to marry a virago.

When he saw Neji enter the room he was sure the long haired bastard wasn't as prepared as him. It was a Nara tradition to give a party to an engaged couple. Most relatives of Nara will gather in their home to celebrate the engagement. Geez, a month ago he was lovingly insulting a cousin of his for being engaged. He will be punished for that he was sure. And boy did Neji look striking with his turtleneck that enhanced his eye color and jeans that pretty much pronounced his long slender legs.

Shikamaru was unconsciously staring at Neji that when his eyes connected with those cloud-like eyes, he quickly turned away before the Hyuuga could detect the slight blush forming on his cheeks. He was turning to a girl already from too much blushing and damn it, it's too troublesome. He's a fucking man!

"Anyway Neji," Hiashi started as Shou settled beside Neji. "Tori-san is here to invite you."

"Invite me?" Neji parroted and looked at Nara Tori for an explanation.

"Well, Neji I've decided to give a party in my house." Tori replied with a smile. "It's more of a tradition in our family, too. It's just a small party with our relatives coming. It's more of socialization. You get to meet Shika and Shou's cousins."

Upon hearing the word 'socialization,' Neji almost felt dubious. Not that he doesn't want to go but to be introduced to Shikamaru's relatives as his fiancée isn't as easy as it might sound. That might spell bigger trouble for him. Remember? They were just acting as a couple. Nothing more, nothing less.

A soft 'oh' was all Neji replied in return. Things are turning more complicated than he thought. Well another dinner wouldn't hurt him. He smiled appreciatively and accepted the offer.

"Very well then." Hiashi said contentedly. Neji is really in dire need for socialization, the Hyuuga head gravely thought. "Your clothes are already packed but I do think you still need to prepare some of your more personal things, isn't it?"

Neji's mind went blank for a moment then he echoed, "Clothes are already packed?"

"Oh yes I forgot to tell you Neji," Shikamaru mom said eagerness that can rival that of an excited bride. "The party will last for only a night but the tradition is that the fiancée must stay in his fiance's house for two days in the least. Well if you want to live with us permanently after, that would be much better!"

Neji smiled weakly at his smiling uncle who seemed to approve of such as well as the rather too jolly Mrs. Nara. The moment he let out a small sigh he wanted to rip his hair off. He wanted to stab Nara Shikamaru with an ice pick for a bazillion times just to abate his growing annoyance. But on second thought, he should be the one on the receiving end of the ice pick. Shikamaru has all the rights of a man to do that to him. It was his fault that both of them are already knee deep in this marital bullshit.

"Then maybe I should already go to my room to pack the added things I need." Neji said. Carefully picking his words as he somehow managed to stand up without breaking all their necks in the process.

"Can I come with you?" Shou said with a big toothy grin. Neji patted the lad's head but said a soft 'no.'

"Oh, before you go Neji, Shika has something to give you." Tori said.

Neji looked at those who sat before him. He raised a brow at his darling fiancé who looked surprised as his name was called by his mother. Tori gestured for his son to give 'that' to Neji and with a snort Shikamaru stood up and walked towards Neji with a big dark blue box in both hands.

"Here." Shikamaru said as he held the box for Neji. Neji reached for the quite heavy package and kneeled so as to place the box on the floor. He looked at his uncle and Nara's mom only to find them with eager faces. They obviously wanted him to open the box.

"Open it!" Shou said as he turned his video cam on and almost shoved it in front of Neji's face.

Feeling for the nice texture of the box, Neji slowly untied the maroon ribbon smugly wrapped around it. What could this be? He opened the box's lid and was welcomed by a thin rice paper covering what seems to be a cloth. Rice paper? It was usually used for presenting expensive things. He undid the white paper and soon found himself staring directly at a blood red cloth with small intricate patterns of butterflies. Stunned too much to utter even an 'oh,' Neji lifted the cloth. He was sure, very sure that this cloth costs more than he could imagine. And he was beginning to feel too familiar with the cloth's cut, texture and smell.

Neji folded it onto his lap slowly and looked at the next layer of cloth inside the box. This time, he already let out a soft gasp—in exchange for a curse lest his uncle rebuke him—as he distinguished what the cloth was; it was clothing. He lifted the old rose-colored cloth with silver patterns of snow crystal as he stood up.

His right hand suddenly felt something like an intaglio in one of the inner sleeves of the clothing, turning his gaze upon it he could not fully register if what he was seeing was real. The small insignia of a minute golden peach… he was so accustomed to seeing the symbol since his childhood years… he could not be mistaken. Who could when you had just encountered it a week ago, during his engagement? The golden peach gave it away.

With trembling fingers he could only think of one thing: it was a Hatsumomo traditional kimono. Oh god. Members from the Bunke rarely or not even could afford such. These classic kimonos were usually made for the Souke and other loyal customers who could afford to trash more than a million just for exquisite and fine clothing. Even if you have the money to purchase it, it wasn't that easy to order it. It could take half a year for just the main robe to be finished with hand-sewn expertise. Other accessories together with the robe would be done in another half year. Aside from the time of its creation, it wasn't sold to anyone who comes in to just 'buy.' It can only be ordered by high-ranked officials or clan heads. How come….

The usual Hatsumomo intaglio would be in silver fine threads. He was aware of such difference because he just had his first classic kimono upon his engagement. But that was different; his uncle paid for it. But this… oh god. Neji looked at Shikamaru who was watching the phantasmagoric display of emotions passing by his fiancée's pallid face.

"You… this… you bought…." Neji stuttered as he looked at Shikamaru who only shrugged.

"Shit…." Neji murmured as he buried his face on the robe which was the kimono Shikamaru bought him. He and his inept fiancé were in trouble. Big trouble.

Shikamaru blinked before he came to realize what Neji was doing. "Oi, Neji. Are you... okay?"

Neji's sole reply was a soft tremble of his shoulders. Panic was creeping into Shikamaru's system and he didn't know what to do. He glanced at his mom and Neji's uncle who with understanding faces, stood up and walked outside the room with Shou towed sighing 'how sweet' over and over again. Gee thanks mom that was a very good move that you've made. I wasn't asking for privacy damn it! I'm asking for assistance!

The lazy nin returned his look at his fiancée who was still er… mulling over the fact that he bought a kimono for him. He was more surprised that oba-san welcomed him yesterday than the price of the kimono. True to Neji's word, the kimono was worth a lifetime. Not that Shikamaru wasn't moved by the large amount of money he shelled out; he just prepared himself for such value.

So what am I supposed to do? Shikamaru asked himself as he looked at Neji's not so nice condition. With a sigh, he placed a hand on Neji's quivering shoulder. "Hey Neji its ok—"

"No it's fucking not!" Neji replied as he pushed Shikamaru's away from him.

Shikamaru stumbled backwards. As he gained his composure he came face to face with Neji's stark anger oozing out of him threateningly. Neji was a true actor. And here he was thinking the nin was crying. Dream on, Shika. Losing his patience to the Hyuuga he lashed out. "What the fuck is your problem!"

"Problem!" Neji hissed. He slapped the pink robe at Shikamaru, boy were they about to start warfare. "For this!"

"What's wrong with that? It's just a fucking kimono!" Shikamaru shouted.

"No its not! Are you dumb Nara? You managed to buy me a kimono and…" Neji gritted. "Oh wait, I just answered my question."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Shikamaru narrowed his eyes.

The look Neji gave him almost made him shudder. What's gotten into the bastard's mind? Neji pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled deeply.

"Shikamaru." Neji elongated his patience. "You and your family will be in deep trouble if you don't return this right now. Shut up, listen to me first. Buying me a kimono is no big deal but you bought me a special one—with the golden peach. Do you know what that symbolizes?"

"What?" Shikamaru asked in confusion. He still didn't get Neji's point.

"It means—in a blunter way—your hormones are ready to make a head dive for me."

Shikamaru blinked and suddenly popped red. WHAT! Neji waited patiently for his expression to subside before he continued. "That's not all. This also means you're serious about… about this relationship. Himena-sama wouldn't be too happy about this."

As soon as Shikamaru heard her name, he snapped out of his daze. "Fuck her and her thoughts. She wounded you and you're still conscious of what she might think about this? Are you crazy?"

"You know nothing about us!" Neji spat as he took a threatening step towards Shikamaru. "You don't know what this mean to us Bunke."

"What this means? You getting pulped like a piece of shit for just existing? What kind of idealism is that? Where the fuck did your brain go?" Neji opened his mouth to retort but Shikamaru beat him to it. "No, you listen to me. It's not right. From whatever angle you see it, Neji it will never be right. I don't want to see you one day being burned to a pyre for stepping in a Souke's house.

"God Neji, the Hokage didn't assigned people on certain high-ranked positions just because they have the qualities to. Thousands of ninjas can have the same curriculum vitae like you but that old hag picked you. You know why? Because you know how to think outside the box. You know how to think analytically. You know how to balance things that are in disarray. You, of all people know how to face hell like it's a treasure map!"

Neji wasn't stymied by what Shikamaru said. "You're not the one taking those risks Nara so stop trying to be a god and justify things for me. Don't you think I don't know that? I am the one living this goddamn life so stop nosing. It doesn't suit you, Nara.

And don't start painting me compliments because it gets you nowhere near your goal. That description is your job. I think Hokage-sama just made a huge mistake of assigning you to be the head of the Strategic Planning!"

"You can be really dense sometimes." Shikamaru laughed without humor at the same time ignoring Neji's insult on his job. He grasped Neji by the shoulders and shook him. "Then why are you not doing anything to make it all stop? You have the brains to change everything Neji, where are you using it? To grovel at Hyuuga Himena's feet and be the slave that you're not?"

"It's not easy as saying it!" Neji grounded as he pushed himself away from Shikamaru. "Stay away from this Nara and you won't get hurt. I'll make sure of that and you have my word that I won't let anything happen to your family."

"Stop talking like you know what you're doing because you don't! Where the hell were you three days ago?" Neji froze and Shikamaru almost blurted he knew where he was that day. "Fuck, do you know what could've happened to you? You had a migraine and you were puking your soul out when I stayed with you the night before. What do you think is so fucking important to do while you're rasping for breath? Your father didn't sacrifice his life just to get you a decent roof to live in!"

Shikamaru finally struck a nerve, the one he's been waiting for. It may be a hit below the belt but he needed that and Neji stiffened upon hearing this. Neji tried to disentangle himself but Shikamaru only grabbed him tighter and pulled him closer. He whispered dangerously. "It is none of your business as to what I want to do and never ever speak of my father like you know him!. You just got a night alone with me and you think the world is all fine and dandy for us?"

"No! Of course not so—"

"Then leave me alone with what I want!"

"I won't do that!"

"Why?" Neji gritted as he continuously struggled to be free, he was starting to get dizzy from arguing. "What do you wa—"

"Because I was fucking worried to death okay?" Shikamaru continued when Neji was clearly surprised by the answer. "I thought that bitch took you. You were driving me mad already when I saw you walking home!" Fuck. Shikamaru already said it. Fuck.

Both men were already breathing deeply, exhausted from their short-lived argument. Shikamaru didn't let go of Neji. Suddenly he pulled the Hyuuga closer and touched his forehead against the cool one of Neji. He shouldn't have provoked Neji, Shikamaru thought. The long haired nin was close to acquiring a fever already. Shit.

"Don't ever do that again, you hear me?" Shikamaru asked softly, closing his eyes as he controlled his ragged breathing.

"Stop it, Na—"

"No. I won't stop, Neji." Shikamaru said as he gently held Neji's neck and he whispered more softly, "I won't." And he leaned down but Neji's palm stopped him.

"No, Nara." Neji looked insulted. "One kiss is enough for this horse play. Your delusions will get you nowhere." Shikamaru froze and wasn't able to say a word. He was thankful to be saved by Hiashi and Tori returning from the tour of the mansion.

Shit. He almost kissed Neji, Shikamaru thought. And the Hyuuga bastard just dumped him, why did it hurt? Oh god, kill me. His delusions will get him nowhere? Well, fuck you Neji. You're a fucking ingrate. He clenched his fists and tried to portray a calm demeanor. This is the kind of relationship that you want? Then you'll get it.

"Thank you, Shikamaru. It's… it's beautiful." Neji smiled.

"Yeah, glad you really liked it." Shikamaru replied through gritted teeth as he watched Neji in the corner of his eye. Neji didn't bother to meet those doe eyes with a wave resentment. He hastily returned the robe and the obi back to the box. "I'm going to my room now, uncle."

Hyuuga Hiashi smiled and relaxed. "Well then its all set, Tori-san."

"Yes it is." Nara Tori agreed then turned to his eldest son. "Shika! You forgot to tell Neji that you'll pick him up this evening! Go and tell him that."

"He'll know that." Shikamaru drawled then reluctantly followed Neji as he received a hard jab from his side by his brother.

He walked out the room cursing only to find Neji walking barefoot in the garden, one hand raising his kimono from the ground revealing thin and pale shins. What now? His fiancée turning to a schizophrenic after a row?

"Oi Neji!" Shikamaru called out.

"I can hear you, no need to shout." Neji snapped from the garden. "Just wait for me there."

Shikamaru stood by the corridor as he watched Neji bend behind a bush to retrieve something. "What is it?"

"This." Neji walked towards the corridor and extended his hand for Shikamaru to see the comb, now broken into two. He remembered that he gave it to Neji on the night before their engagement.

Funny how both their anger would quickly dissipate whenever he and Nara would have fights that could've raised a thousand dead from too many harsh words they were using. One would ironically think that those curses are considered as endearments. Although not fully happy with their cat fights, Neji appreciated the simplicity of their brawls. It didn't give him headaches compared to Other Things. Shikamaru's shot on trying to kiss him bothered Neji. He couldn't let the other ninja to believe that there was more to this than a front. He couldn't endanger another person in this family feud.

"Sorry. I think it happened whe—"

"It doesn't matter." Shikamaru replied as he knew very well when it had occurred. "I can always buy you another. Come on." Shikamaru offered a hand to Neji who in turn accepted it without any banter. The lazy nin suddenly shuddered from the contact despite the lingering anger. "Mom said I'll pick you up this evening."

Neji nodded in acquiescence. He lifted the box from the side and gave Shikamaru a parting nod. The lazy nin watched until Neji turned to the corner. Then he appeared again and gave uttered a small 'I mean it.'

"Mean what?" Shikamaru asked in return.

Neji pondered for a moment thinking if it would be proper to say what was on his mind right then. "The kimono, return it."

Here we go again. "I won't. Wear it once then throw it away. At least it would have some worth." Shikamaru said nonchalantly, and I won't let them hurt you again. Not on my watch.

Neji was about to say something but opted to keep silent. He nodded before stepping closer and tracing a pale hand on Shikamaru's cheek, caressing it. If it takes another death in this plan to succeed then he has to take that risk but not now. He leaned his head to Shikamaru's face. "You wouldn't get what you want from me so stop it before you put yourself in a situation you could not handle."

Shikamaru grew silent, simultaneously brooding over Neji's proximity and statement. "What do you think I want from you?"

"This." Neji stared at him with an unreadable gaze. Shikamaru watched him disappear from a corridor before turning around seeing his family and Hiashi. This is all a game, Nara Shikamaru. Wake up before you drown. "Stop it." Shikamaru hoarsely whispered to himself.

TBC

A/N: Drop me a review if you're up to it. Thank you for reading. More thanks for reviewing. I'll do my best to update regularly (which means monthly) since it's already our summer vacation though I'll have my practicum in two weeks' time.