Chapter 10: The Long Way Home
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It almost became a tradition to have breakfast together, and that morning, they had a guest. Hiashi glanced at Hinata, with pride, she had become such a responsible young leader, and he couldn't have asked for more. He no longer had to worry about the future of the clan now that she had chosen a very respectable man. Sitting next to Hinata, was her fiancé. Hiashi tried not to make a big deal about it, but deep inside he was gleaming. Taking a sip of his water, whatever gleam he felt suddenly turned into anxiety as he stared at the youngest one, Hanabi. She had a fighting fire within her that was hard to control or put out. Hiashi feared the moment it was her turn to find a match.
"Father?" Hinata paused and glanced at him over breakfast. He looked fine a few moments ago, but now he appeared tense. The Stoic expression on his face indicated that he didn't want to talk about it, so she didn't address it any further. She went back to her breakfast, not knowing what to say or talk about with her fiancé being there next to her.
"Onee-chan, don't hate me for changing our plans at the last minute… I know I said it would just be Sakura-sensei, you, and I. But wouldn't it be so much fun if I invited everyone!"
"Hanabi, please chew or speak. Not both. And who are you referring to, by 'everyone?"
"I want to invite the rookie nine to my favorite restaurant to hang."
"Shouldn't you be spending more time with peers in your age group?" Looking at their father, Hinata silently asked for backup. He seemed to take more interest in sipping water and avoiding her stare than to get involved in the conversation.
"Age? But we're not that far apart! Sakura-sensei said I'm very mature for my age."
"Yes, perhaps in a professional environment, but you are not mature Hanabi."
Chuckling, her fiancé could see something Hinata couldn't. It was normal for the youngest one to also want to be friends with the older one's group.
Turning to him, Hinata gave him a look, almost as if to ask why he was encouraging her sister.
"Bring two guards with you, Hinata-sama. I'm sure everything will be fine."
Her face turned red, as she looked away from them and focused back on her breakfast. Why was she so against this? It couldn't be that she was jealous, was she? I mean they were her friends.
"See Onee-chan, everything will be fine." She quoted her fiancé as a way of taunting her. "So, how old are you anyway, are you like 35?" She asked Hinata's fiancé.
"I'm 23,"
"Hanabi!" Her eyes silently threatened her to stop talking.
"Sorry, I was just curious,"
Clearing his throat, Hiashi motioned to the clock, and Hanabi's face turned a bit pale.
"I gotta go! Bye Onee-chan, don't forget to meet me at 10!"
Once she was gone, Hiashi shared his worries.
"Your sister will be hard to tame when her turn comes."
Almost choking on her water, Hinata quickly wiped her mouth and held the cloth to her lip. If only her father knew about her ploys. She almost felt a little guilty about her activities behind their backs.
"Hanabi has a close relationship with her mentor." Her fiancé commented, as an idea formed in his head. "I don't see why her mentor shouldn't help her mentally prepare for when her time comes,"
Hinata's gaze slowly shifted to her fiancé, as the Uchiha's words rang in her head. Her fiancé did seem like a nice guy. When she witnessed him smile the other day, he reminded her of a teddy bear.
"Um, do you not mind if I spend time with my friends?" Hinata asked, wanting to change the subject.
"You are your own person, Hinata. I completely trust you to make decisions that won't get in the way of us. I appreciate the invitation, though,"
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That same morning, Shikamaru sat across a shogi board, facing the training grounds. His attention was no longer on his mother as she trained the three troublesome kids in the background.
Shikamaru drew a letter from his person and read it over, before tucking it away. When the letter had arrived last night, he remembered how his mother left the room to give him privacy and didn't inquire about it. The more time passed by, the less his mother would ask about Temari anymore. She figured if there were ever any good news, surely he would say it.
Staring at the shogi board, in complete focus, Shikamaru lifted a piece. For the first time, he wondered where it should go, while reflecting on the things that made his life difficult. He had thought himself to be a patient person, but was finding out that might not be the case when it came to matters of the heart. A few months ago, he made vows to wait for her. It's been almost seven months since then.
Temari was having a hard time making up her mind to move to Konoha. Does he not love her enough to leave Konoha?; Would be among the things she would write about, and he honestly didn't know what to reply to that.
Going into their relationship, both knew one would have to leave their home, to be together. And since he was a clan leader first, and a Hokage's advisor second, it became almost obvious who should be the one to move.
But she seemed to fight this.
Finally making a decision, Shikamaru slapped the piece down on the board and visualized his opponent's reaction. He knew not all aspects of his life were a representation of the board, and that the only person who could quiet his thoughts was Temari. He needed to visit Suna and get an answer.
He reached for his flak jacket next to him before pushing himself off the floor, leaving the battle unfinished. Shikamaru called out to his mother and the kids, announcing that he would be taking off. After he threw on his jacket, he patted himself to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything.
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When Shikamaru arrived at the office, he was greeted by a scolding glare the Uchiha sent his way, as he stood by an opened window. The two rarely interacted, thus, Shikamaru didn't understand why the sudden animosity was aimed at him.
"Oi, Shikamaru! You were supposed to be in at seven! Sasuke had to stay behind and help me, and now he hates you." Naruto was being a little dramatic, but still, he needed to drive a point.
"Don't cause an inconvenience for me again, Nara," Sasuke said, while his body was already halfway outside the window.
The shadow user vaguely hummed a dismissive reply.
Rolling his eyes, Sasuke leaped out of the window after moving his mask over his face. After Sasuke departed, Naruto settled in the chair located across from Shikamaru and sat in a business-like manner as he filled him in on the latest upcoming event.
"Hanabi and Sakura invited us to this thing. It's tonight at around ten. It's at that new barbecue place,"
"I'm normally asleep by then," He lied.
"Then don't go to sleep. I even invited Choji and Ino, and they're cool with it."
Shikamaru briefly picked up an opened letter that rested over his desk and pretended to read it. Somehow, he had a moment of déjà vu, hadn't they been down this path before? Then it occurred to him that Naruto would always use his teammates to get him to go out to places.
"And what's the occasion this time?" Someone's birthday? He doubted it, he would've known about it if it was anyone from the office. His hand reached and straightened random files on his desk.
"Why does there need to be an occasion?"
"So you're just a bored bachelor,"
"Yup." Naruto's grin widened as he moved back to his desk.
"Yo." Came a familiar voice by the door. "Just checking in to see if Shikamaru-Kun finally decided to make it," Kakashi knew how much Shikamaru hated the honorific he added to his name. "See me at my office once you're done with whatever it is that you're signing," Kakashi said.
Good, just in time. Shikamaru needed to talk to Kakashi about sending him on a short-term mission to Suna.
When Shikamaru entered the Hokage's office, he slowly closed the door behind him and joined him by the desk. His eyebrows furrowed as he received a mission scroll. It had been such a long time since he last received a mission in such a formal manner.
He broke the Konoha seal and read the debrief, not believing what was written on it. It was dated and signed by Kakashi, in which he requested that he spy on his mother.
"What's the meaning of this?" Shikamaru said, glancing up from the scroll. Just like that, his plans to go to Suna were put on hold. Kakashi did not notice the anger that suddenly swelled inside of him.
"All I'm asking you to do is to spy and report. Nothing else. I need to be able to discern if your mother is trying to incite a clan dispute within the Hyuga clan, or if she's simply just trying to help Hinata-chan out of the kindness of her heart."
Shikamaru glared.
They intercepted a letter, addressed to Hinata. The nature of the letter was being treated as a conspiracy, which Kakashi wanted to stop. He handed Shikamaru a copy of the said letter and waited for him to read it.
Damn it, mom. Shikamaru thought to himself. He should've known she was up to something. Shikamaru sighed, turning back to the mission debrief, in which it stated Hinata Hyuga also hired the Uchiha intending to sabotage her engagement.
Wait, she's engaged? And why hire the Uchiha out of all people? Whatever connected the two, it doesn't seem Kakashi was willing to share.
"I instructed Sasuke not to report anything negative on her fiancé," Kakashi explained. "We need a happy bride,"
"Who else knows about this?"
"Just the three of us, and probably the two Anbu that follows her, but they refuse to cooperate with me," Kakashi let out a sigh. "Her family isn't aware of Hinata's intention to sabotage her own engagement, and I would prefer to keep it that way. I made a promise to the Hyuga clan when I accepted the position of Hokage, that I would personally prevent these kinds of conspiracies from happening. They're very desperate for an heir and I can't disappoint, can I?"
"How long do you think this mission will last?" Shikamaru dreaded to find out the answer.
"As of now, that information is unknown. It might be until spring or late summer. I just need to make sure Hinata-chan gets married, or I'll have a very unhappy clan on my back to answer to,"
Shikamaru was fuming inside. This new mission won't allow him to travel to Suna for some time.
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When Shikamaru arrived home from work, that afternoon, he went to his mother's studies, where he found her answering letters on his behalf. Before, the action didn't seem out of place, but looking at her now, he regarded her with suspicion. His mother was a person he couldn't always accurately describe. Her whims would change, and her goals were always evolving. So when he thought about his mission, even he had to ask, what did his mom want? Part of him suspected it was something big, for she had always been ambitious.
"Shika, welcome back." She said, while finally looking up from the letter.
"I won't be joining you for dinner." He explained that he had plans for that night.
"Thanks for letting me know. I don't like to cook if you're not going to eat." She called out as he left her line of sight.
The poor little genins felt the brunt of his silent and hidden anger. He played shogi against the three, using multiple boards they helped set up. The three genins were led to a false sense of happiness, and the notion of skipping afternoon training was welcomed. That changed pretty quickly as they were brutally attacked mentally and psychologically, throughout each consecutive loss.
After destroying them, time lapsed, and Shikamaru remained in the same spot the kids left him. He was on the porch alone, obsessively playing shogi against an invisible opponent. His mother would occasionally pop up to bring him tea and peeled fruits, and left it on the side for him. He wouldn't glance up from his game.
When 9 pm rolled around, a nimble figure dropped from the rooftop and climbed up to the porch.
It was Ino.
She wore a shirt and long skirt, both matching the same purple shade of color. She adjusted her crop top, trying to pull it down as she joined him across the board.
Her eyes took in his attire, he was still in his Jounin uniform. She leaned over the board and yanked the piece Shikamaru held in his hand.
"Why aren't you ready yet?"
"Troublesome, I didn't think you'd come to get me."
"I saw you earlier today, but you didn't seem to notice me. And that look you had, I had a feeling I had to come and drag you out tonight."
Ino had always known how to read him, so that's why he didn't mind that she wasn't always around. Otherwise, he'll be probed until he shares his thoughts.
"Go get ready, Shika. I'll wait."
He sighed, before pushing himself off the floor to comply with her request.
"Don't look so gloomy, I know you secretly have fun when we go to these gatherings," Ino called out to his retreating form.
As she waited for Shikamaru, Ino turned her attention to look at the board. Being on Shikamaru's team meant she learned how to play shogi from their late sensei, Asuma. She fidgeted with the shogi piece she held in her hand, as she analyzed the game.
The piece in her hand finally came down, onto the board, the pawn had nowhere to go. If the board was a representation of his thoughts, Ino knew where he stands.
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The food smelled delicious and flavorful, as Choji viciously stirred the ingredients together in the hot pot, before serving everyone. It wasn't Shikamaru's intention to skip a few meals and fast the way he had, but he was glad that he did. He ended up feasting.
As dinner progressed, Hinata mostly remained quiet, but a smile would form on her lips as she witnessed interactions that she considered heartwarming. Choji, Ino, and Shikamaru had formed their conversation circle, as they reminisced about the silly things their late sensei would say to them.
Then there was Naruto, Sakura, and Hanabi who seemed to band together on a common subject as they had similar complaints about Kakashi's recent demands. And oddly, there were Sai and Konohamaru, discussing abstract concepts of what art represents in different countries. The scene made her miss Kiba and Shino so much.
What were those two up to? Shino and Kiba were seldom around the moment she chose to step outside her mansion, it was ridiculous.
She reached for the water pitcher, and no one seemed to make a big deal about the ring on her finger. How could they? It was an arranged partnership, with assets coming together, and no romantic ties. It was also known amongst everyone that Hinata might still have feelings for the blond.
The only one that seemed to genuinely congratulate her, due to his ineptitude to read the environment, was Sai.
"Cheers, to the Hime-sama and her lucky guy," He did his best to smile, but it came out as a psychotic grin. The energy in the room suddenly turned cold and awkward.
"Um, thank you… "
Hanabi rose slightly from her pillow as if to give a speech. "I think Onee-chan is going to be happy. He's a nice guy." She said, trying to diffuse the awkward environment.
"When is the engagement party?" Ino asked.
"My clan doesn't do engagement parties," It wasn't entirely true. If she wanted to have one, there was no reason that she couldn't.
"Understandable," Ino commented.
As Shikamaru sat between Ino and Choji, he would occasionally avoid looking towards Hinata, as she spoke with Ino. They hadn't spoken directly that night, and it was fine this way. He was still trying to process his mission, it was hard to believe that someone so innocent-looking could be plotting against the wishes of her clan.
Troublesome.
Finishing his stale, old drink, he reached for another. It didn't escape his notice that Hinata only stuck to drinking water.
"Hanabi, is almost 1 am, we should get you home," Hinata said while lifting herself from her spot.
"Aw no!" Hanabi said while clinging to her orange juice.
"Hinata-chan, you should stay a little longer. We don't get to see you much," Sakura grinned as an idea occurred to her. "Konohamaru can take Hanabi-chan home instead,"
"Huh?" Konohamaru glanced up from his conversation with Sai, at the mention of his name.
"Konohamaru," Naruto motioned towards Hanabi's direction. "Be a team player and walk her home. You guys are way too young to be out here at this hour,"
"Alright, but do not forget the Lord Hokage said you have that thing in the morning. Come on Hanabi," He said to her while leading the way to the door.
"I guess I did have fun. See you at home Onee-chan!" An echo of goodnight was repeated to the youngest two as they left the restaurant.
"Where are you going, Shika?" Ino said as he made a motion to leave as well.
"Outside, for some fresh air." He replied as he felt his back pocket to make sure the pack of cigarettes was still there.
"Sure. Fresh air."
Sakura left Naruto's side to join the empty spot that was available next to Hinata. She poured two glasses of wine, and handed one over to her, knowing that she would accept it.
Hanabi liked to talk a lot about her sister, and from what she was told, Hinata mostly avoids drinking around Hanabi. Something about setting an example.
"Hinata-chan," Sakura said while turning down the volume in her voice. "Kakashi wants me to go to Suna. And I want to take Hanabi-chan with me, I think the experience would be perfect for her,"
"Does Hanabi know that you want to take her with you? She seemed so thrilled about going to the fundraiser."
"We'll be making an actual difference in Suna through our hard work. I think she would appreciate that," Sakura said with a smile.
"I imagine convincing father won't be an issue. But she needs someone to go with her, to protect her," Hinata said.
"No need, silly. I'll protect her!" Glancing at Hinata's already finished drink, Sakura giggled and poured her a refill.
"I trust you, Sakura-chan," Hinata said, accepting the new drink.
Further conversation is then diverted over to Naruto, as Sakura gave him a big smile.
"Naruto, you were right, she agreed!"
"That's awesome, you and Hana make a great team! Believe it!"
Being there that night, with their carefree smiles, it was like Hinata had gone back in time. And cruelly, she almost expected Neji to appear right on her side, with a gentle hand on her shoulder and a stern look in his eyes, telling her to slow down and not to drink too much. Breaking out of her escapist fantasy, she glanced down at her drink and sighed.
By her third drink, Hinata carefully pushed herself off the pillow. It was finally time for her to leave, she didn't want to think about Neji, not here, while intoxicated. When Hinata stood, she pressed against the material of her long skirt as if to try to relieve it of any wrinkles. She picked up her oversized hoodie and threw it around herself, as conversation slowly seized in anticipation of her departure.
"Good night Hinata-chan! Get home safe!" Naruto said to her.
"Don't worry about the tab, dinner's on me tonight," Choji announced while raising his glass. "And good night! Take care!"
"Bye Hinata-chan!" Ino called out.
"Thank you Choji, it was nice seeing everyone." Her body began to feel a bit wobbly as she bowed.
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Shikamaru put out his cigarette and moved out of sight, as Hinata walked out of the main entrance. He manipulated the shadow all around him, letting it cover him, while he stood against the wall as if trying to become part of the structure. He slowly released his breath when he saw she hadn't noticed him. It was obvious she was trying her best to control her drunken steps.
He shook his head, as he theorized that she must've had a drink at some point after he left to go smoke.
He decided it wasn't his problem.
Pulling the door to go inside, Shikamaru went straight to the waiter to close his tab and found that everything was paid for by Choji. When he rejoined the group, he thanked Choji for covering the bill before settling down again. They turned their attention to him and gave him a short recap of the conversation he had missed, which hadn't been much.
"I hope Hinata gets home okay," Ino said. "Did you see how she downed three glasses of wine? One of her guards better carries her home."
"Ino, that's not in their job description," Naruto said. "Besides, three glasses isn't much."
"Maybe it's not a lot for you and Kurama," Sakura said. "It's a shame Sasuke-Kun couldn't make it out tonight..."
Even though he had just returned, Shikamaru found himself back on his feet again. He pictured Hinata alone, wobbling, swaying, and zigzagging down the streets. He heard enough for his conscious to begin to act up. Furthermore, he couldn't just leave her like that.
Shikamaru abruptly pushed himself up and grabbed his jacket.
"Bro, where are you going? It's still early!" Choji said as he watched him put on his jacket.
"What the hell, Shika, you're so boring!" Ino added from her side.
Rushing through informal goodbyes, Shikamaru exited the restaurant in a hurry. Shikamaru caught up to her in no time, but was hesitant to make his presence known, choosing to slow down his steps before proceeding to shadow her.
Hinata must have sensed him, as she turned around to face him. Her puzzling expression made him question his resolve as their eyes met.
What was his excuse? Nobody asked him to do this.
"Nara-san, your home is the other way..."
"I know," The space between them grew shorter as he stopped in front of her. He crouched down. "You're clearly in no condition to be walking. I'll carry you, get on my back" He said as he motioned her to climb.
"I had a few drinks, but you're treating me like I sprained my ankle or broke a few bones. My legs are quite fine, Nara-san," She said, her tone revealing her to be amused. Hinata walked around him, completely dismissing his offer to carry her, and leaving him behind.
Come on, don't make me forceful here. Shikamaru thought to himself as he sighed out.
She gasped at the sudden contact, as Shikamaru grabbed her left hand, and in a fluent motion brought her arm over one shoulder. He proceeded to position himself in front of her, before bending down slightly, grabbing her, and scooping her up on his back.
Hinata thought she was going to fall and instinctively hugged her arms around his broad shoulders to make sure that didn't happen.
She was light. But when she struggled, her weight seemingly multiplied.
"Please, this is embarrassing, put me down."
"Troublesome, you only get heavier if you keep rebelling on my back." He adjusted her again, with his hands being careful not to touch her anywhere inappropriate, as she seemed to give up.
"I didn't ask for your help..." She mumbled, close to his ear.
"You're omitting that I am," He said over his shoulder.
"I'll allow it just this once, Nara-san," Hinata said while looking away.
He chuckled and decided to just leave it at that.
Glancing down at herself, Hinata became very aware of her chest being pressed against his back. She made all kinds of faces, as she tried her best to put a distance between the two.
He immediately noticed her grip loosening around him, as the weight distribution felt a little off. Shikamaru slightly glanced over his shoulder and saw what was happening, and came to a complete stop.
"If you don't lean on me, you're going to fall." After adjusting her for the umpteenth time, he began to walk again. "Don't you want to get home before the sun rises?"
"Of course I do..."
The awkwardness she felt lessened as time passed by. The trip became silent, and she remembered Neji had done this a few times before. She blinked until she no longer felt the tears about to fall.
"Nara-san, why are you being so nice to me? You barely even know me…" She rested her chin back on his shoulder and closed her eyes. He smelled the same way she remembered.
"My mother cares a lot about you."
"But you're not Yoshino..."
Sure, he admitted his logic sounded a bit off even to himself. His chuckle turned into a nervous laugh.
"Tell me, Hyuga-san, are you in the habit of asking others why they're nice to you? That might put people off, you know," He said playfully as if trying to make light of the situation.
"No," She rested her cheek on his shoulder, her hair spilling to one side, and over her arms. "Just with you… " He could feel her dozing off as she slightly loosened her grip.
"Hey, don't fall asleep, we're almost there." He called out while shaking her slightly.
"I'm not…" She replied as she shifted her arms further up and tightened them around his neck, almost as an embrace.
He froze in his tracks, feeling confusion only he understood. For he knew the difference between holding on for support and a hug.
She was hugging him.
"Shikamaru-san," Without warning, the small hairs on his arm shot straight up, as her breathing seemed to caress his ear. He shivered and tried to move away from her voice. "Do you-"
"I think there should be fine, it's close enough, and you won't have to walk that much." He said, almost very suddenly.
She forgot her train of thought as she glanced past his shoulder, the gates to her house could be seen from some distance away. He shifted closer to the ground and released her, as she slowly slid off his back while adjusting her skirt.
Turning to Shikamaru, she gave him a genuine smile of gratitude.
"Thank you,"
"Ah. Just try not to be too troublesome next time." He shifted his weight to one side, as he stood with one hand inside his pocket. The streetlamps that illuminated their surroundings revealed the slight blush on his cheeks, still, he appeared disinterested.
One hand absentmindedly traced the ring on her finger. She was sure there won't be a next time.
They both looked away from one another at the sound of two large gates opening from behind her. It was their cue to say their goodbyes.
Shikamaru stood there for some time, even after she had already disappeared to go inside.
During her absence, he contemplated on how his name, coming from her, could have such an effect on him. Another shiver went down his spine at the mere recollection of it.
"What a pain," His eyebrows furrowed as he glanced up to stare at the moon. What good would it do to just start addressing him by his name?
His moment of reflection was interrupted by two Anbu who stepped outside the shadows. One of the Anbu hung back, as the other walked up to him with determination. Once he reached Shikamaru, the figure placed an arm around his shoulder and forced him closer.
"Oi," The mask came off to reveal an extremely pissed member of team 8. "You better keep your filthy hands off of her. She's fucking engaged dude."
Kiba?
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N/A: Ty for coming back again, btw. Be happy!
Edited: 2-11-21, Shikamaru no longer calls his mother by her name. There was no story there, sorry about that!
Edited: 9-24-21 Grammar
Edited: 9-8-22 Title added and grammar