AN I apologize for the shortness. I'm really not happy with this chapter... Not happy at all . But I was typing/editing it at three in the morning... so you know. I promise the next chapter will be longer.

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Clack. Clack. Clack. Temari's heals struck the cold marble floor repeatedly as she walked down the long aisle, faces surrounding her on either side. Some audible gasps were heard in the audience. Neji sat stiffly on a wooden bench, staring enviously at Temari. Her hair, was not in it's customary style, instead it hung loose around her face. How many times had Shikamaru seen her like this? Her shiromuku was made of pure silk. Temari seemed to emanate some kind of confidence which seemed to be affecting every woman in the long church. She held a bouquet of scarlet Cala lilies. The contrast was indeed, aesthetically beautiful Neji admitted grudgingly.

Shikamaru stood tall in a black haori smiling gently at his beautiful bride. His hair was tied at the base of his neck rather than the top of his head. It suited him… A little too much.

Words… Vows were exchanged, vows that would make this official, they would be together for the rest of their lives. Forever. Such a long time. Would he, Neji, spend the rest of his life alone? Would he watch every one of his friends find someone, while he lived out his life unloved?

Cheers were echoed around the church as Shikamaru leaned down to kiss his bride. Neji felt a stab of envy and glared at the couple for making him feel so miserable.

"Neji nii-sama? Are you feeling OK? You look a bit pale."

Neji looked at his cousin before giving her a smile that did not reach his eyes, "I'm fine Hinata-sama, I just didn't sleep much last night." This was partly true. He hadn't slept well, instead he had tossed and turned and only gotten a few hours sleep at five thirty-seven in the morning. He felt rather groggy.

"Don't over do it Neji." Hiashi said sternly, obviously having eaves-dropped.

"Don't worry about it, Hiashi-sama. I'll be fine."

Neji turned his gaze once more to the happy couple who were now making their way back down the aisle. Shikamaru was grinning from ear to ear. Neji had never seen the genious so happy. Usually the Nara wore a pretty bored expression, or when he did show expression he was smirking. Not necessarily the best of emotions but still, Shikamaru looked damn good while expressing them. He was dragged unpleasantly out of his musings when Shikamaru caught his eyes. Black met mauve. Shikamaru winked in acknowledgement. Neji blinked feeling a little put out and tore his gaze away from Shikamaru so the Nara wouldn't see his reddening face.

"Neji!!! My youthful friend!!!" Oh god, please no, "Come and join me!!!"

Could this day get any worse?

Neji stood up wearily. "If you'll excuse me, Hinata-sama… Hiashi-sama." Slowly Neji dragged himself through the crowd, which was now mulling through the doors, to where Lee was standing. all too proudly.

"What is it Lee?" Lee had a somewhat ominous glint in his eye.

"Well.. I've been thinking Neji… You know that TenTen and I are… courting?" Neji grimaced at the out of date word.

"Yes Lee. I have noticed by now." Lee chose to ignore this comment.

"I've been thinking, that I should also be like Shikamaru-san over there and ask her to marry me." Lee blurted out.

What?

"What?" Neji asked stupidly. He cleared his throat. "I mean really? Oh. Well… I don't know, I don't have much experience in such matters Lee. Really you're better off asking someone who's already married like Hinata-sama or Shikamaru."

"I suppose so, but I wanted advice from my Eternal Rival first! How do you think I should propose to her for starters?! Should it be the youthful Down-On-One-Knee-pose?! Or should I take her to a restaurant and put an engagement ring in her glass, and then say 'Oh how did that get there Honey-Bunny?!' or should I think of something… Unique!!!"

Neji's head was spinning. 'Are there really that many things to take into consideration? Do girls really like that sort of lame sappy thing? Did Shikamaru do any of those?'

"Umm, look Lee, I know you might think my opinion is important but I really wouldn't trust my advice. I have no real experience like I've said before. The most I've gotten really is weird fan mail, so I honestly do think it would be much better if you spoke to Hinata-sama and Shikamaru."

"But Neji-!"

"No Lee, I really do mean-"

"At least help me pick a ring!"

"I- What? Really? Oh no Lee I couldn't possibly-"

"Neji, if Lee wants you to help him with something that important, you should do it. You have an eye for attractive things."

"Thank you, Shikamaru-san!" Lee exclaimed brightly. It appeared the Nara had been listening in on their conversation, having somehow managed to extract himself from the stream of congratulators.

'Oh Lord how embarrassing, and 'eye for attractive things!' Of all the things that ignorant fool had to say!!!'

"Neji… Neji?" A pair of big black eyes were getting closer… Too close.

"Eugh, Lee, get off!!!" Neji exclaimed shoving the other lightly. 'How creepy. How could anyone kiss him without getting freaked out?!'

"Ah, but Neji-kun, your face is a funny pink colour! You might be getting ill!!! I was merely attempting to check your temperature!" Lee said, defending himself valiantly.

"It is true Neji that you look a bit flustered. Is it too hot in here? Shall we go join the others outside?" Neji looked up at Shikamaru and was slightly put out to see that his eyes seemed to hint at something other than boredom and happiness. Worry? 'Don't be stupid.'

"I'm fine, fine, I just didn't sleep well!" Neji said exasperatedly for the third time that day.

"Touchy. Here let me check first." Shikamaru said.

"No! Stop it. Hey! Lee let go of me!" Lee had grabbed Neji's arms and held them gently but firmly behind Neji's back.

"I demand you let go of me! Pick on someone your own size damn it-" Neji was silenced by a finger being placed on his mouth.

"Shut it Hyuuga." Shikamaru commented boredly.

'How rude! Why do I love him again?!'

A hand was placed against Neji's forehead, a surprisingly warm yet soothing hand. Neji noticed it was slightly rough and calloused from the many missions Shikamaru had been on. It felt good though. Neji felt his eyes sliding slowly shut.

"Yeah, you might be getting a little ill, that is if you wake-up tomorrow and have a sore throat, it's nothing unexpected." Neji's eyes opened abruptly. 'What a moron I am, spacing out like that!'

"Will he have to get some medicine?" Lee queried.

"Maybe some kind of herbal tea, but more importantly some more sleep. Don't worry Hyuuga, I will think of how much worse you must be feeling while I'm on my honeymoon." Shikamaru smirked teasingly.

Neji glared at the Nara's retreating back ferociously.

"Neji-kun, would you like to go home? I can escort you there." Lee offered.

"Oh you don't have to. I'll be fine. Stay and enjoy yourself, I think I'm going to get some sleep." Neji sighed, and walking out of the church and through the throng of people, Neji slowly made his way towards the direction of the Hyuuga compound. He glanced back at Shikamaru. The Shadow-Nin caught his eye. A smile. An elated feeling in Neji's chest before he tore his gaze away. An elated feeling that stayed with him for the rest of the day.