Chapter 5

It had been a week since Shikamaru had gotten attacked. He was allowed to leave the hospital three days ago and since then his father hadn't let him leave the house. His mother got home a few days ago and freaked out when she saw how bad he looked. Shikamaru assured her that he was fine and that it looked worse than it actually was. Shikamaru couldn't stop thinking about Sasuke. When he had woken up and found out that he was curled up with Sasuke in that hospital bed, he didn't know what to think about it. It had kind of felt nice to be curled up with Sasuke in bed. That thought was both scary and confusing for Shikamaru. He didn't know what it meant that being in bed with Sasuke didn't bother him. He had actually missed Sasuke these past few days since Shikamaru had been released from the hospital. His father was supportive of him and his decision to be on Sasuke's side. That didn't mean that he wanted Sasuke around him. His father was very protective of him and he didn't want to risk anything happening to Shikamaru if he was seen with Sasuke. Right now Shikamaru was just getting to be completely healed and he didn't want Shikamaru getting attacked until he was fully healed. Shikamaru had missed being around Sasuke these past few days. While he was in the hospital they had spent the days together and just talked about nothing really. Shikamaru got to know more about Sasuke and Sasuke got to know more about Shikamaru. It was nice to get to know Sasuke on a more personal level.

Shikamaru was getting a bag together for the next few days. The sensei had come up with a plan for Orochimaru and Shikamaru was going to stay with Sasuke while they were gone. Tsunade and Jiraiya had got Danzou to allow Asuma and Shikamaru to stay with Sasuke in the Compound while they were gone. Danzou didn't like Sasuke, but he didn't like Orochimaru more. If they had the chance to kill Orochimaru then Danzou was going to allow this exception for now. The mission was going to be huge and the top ninja in Konoha were going. Even Tsunade was leaving to help bring down Orochimaru. It was a little risky for her to be leaving the village, but she was a Sanin and they needed her there. Tsunade, Jiraiya, Kakashi, Shikaku, Hiashi Hyuuga, and Gai were all going on this mission. They didn't know if they were going to be able to kill Orochimaru, so for now they were just going to try. Their main goal is to just come back with everyone alive. If they were able to kill Orochimaru it would be the perfect outcome. Right now they just wanted to try and see if they could kill him and who would stand up the best against Orochimaru. Asuma was asked to stay behind and be with Sasuke to keep an eye on him. Kakashi didn't want to leave Sasuke alone while they were gone just in case any ANBU started something. Asuma agreed to keep an eye on Sasuke and Shikamaru wanted to be with him as well.

Shikamaru wanted to be there for Sasuke to help support him in this. He also knew that Sasuke hadn't been sleeping in the Compound or in it at all except for the one night. Shikamaru knew that Sasuke wouldn't be sleeping well and he wanted to be there to help him if he could. His father wasn't very happy that he would be around Sasuke while he was away, but the fact that Asuma was going to be there made him feel better. Once Asuma knocked on the door Shikamaru grabbed his bag and headed out.

Sasuke knew that Asuma was going to be staying with him while Kakashi was gone. He didn't know that Shikamaru was going to be there and Shikamaru was hoping that Sasuke wasn't going to have a problem with it. They made their way over to the Compound and to the house that Sasuke was living in. It was the first time that Shikamaru had been in the compound and he had to admit it was a little creepy being here. There was no longer blood all over the place, but it was hard knowing that a whole family was killed here. It was almost as hard as knowing that Sasuke was there for it. They made their way over to the house and Asuma knocked on the door. Kakashi answered it a few minutes later.

"Come on in."

Kakashi opened the door the rest of the way so Asuma and Shikamaru could come inside. Kakashi had been told that Shikamaru was going to be staying here with Sasuke as well. He didn't tell Sasuke, because he didn't want Sasuke to worry about Shikamaru being around him. Kakashi had to admit he was a little curious as to how this was going to go over. Shikamaru and Sasuke had spent a good four days in the hospital together just talking and sleeping. Kakashi had caught them a few times sleeping in the same bed together. Kakashi couldn't help, but smile as he thought about how cute Sasuke and Shikamaru looked like curled up in bed together. Kakashi didn't know what was going on between the two of them, but he was more than happy to observe whatever it was going to be.

"How are you?" Asuma asked.

"I'm fine. Sasuke isn't too happy about this mission. He's worried we are all going to be killed. He doesn't know that Shikamaru will be here I didn't tell him that. He's worried about people being around him. He doesn't want anyone else to get hurt."

"He still blames himself." Shikamaru said.

"He probably always will blame himself." Kakashi said.

"Where is he?" Asuma asked.

"He's in the backyard meditating. You can go back there if you want." Kakashi said.

"Good luck on the mission." Shikamaru said.

"Thank-you Shikamaru. Everything will be fine."

"I hope so."

Shikamaru headed over to the backdoor with his bag still in his hand.

"Are you sure about this mission?" Asuma asked.

"Something has to be done. We are going with some highly skilled ninjas. We should be fine. I'm not sure if we will be able to kill him, but maybe we will get lucky."

"Don't worry about Sasuke I'll make sure he's okay. Just focus on the mission and coming back alive."

"I'll be coming back alive. Keep Sasuke safe and be patient with him. He's not going to handle living here very well. Don't be surprised if you can't get him to sleep or even talk very much."

"I'll be patient don't worry about Sasuke just worry about this mission. I will worry about Sasuke."

"Okay um… I should get going I don't want to be late for this. I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Be safe Kakashi and just focus on this mission. I'm not going to let anything happen to Sasuke."

"Thank-you for doing this old friend."

"You're welcome now go and come back alive."

"I'll be safe I promise."

Asuma grasped Kakashi's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze before Kakashi went out into the backyard to say good bye to Sasuke.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX

Shikamaru walked outside with his bag in his hand. Sasuke was sitting on the grass with his side to the door. He was sitting in a meditative position on the grass with his eyes closed. Shikamaru walked over to Sasuke and placed the bag down on the grass. The sound startled Sasuke and his eyes shot open and for a split second Shikamaru saw fear in his eyes. Once Sasuke saw that it was Shikamaru standing there and not an enemy he hid his feelings from his eyes.

"Sorry I didn't mean to startle you."

"What are you doing here? What's with the bag?"

"I'm staying here while Kakashi is away. Asuma is inside talking to Kakashi before he leaves."

"You're not staying here Shikamaru."

"Yes I am, but I can be polite and ask why not."

Shikamaru sat down on the grass across from Sasuke with his legs crossed. Sasuke clearly looked annoyed that Shikamaru wasn't listening to him.

"It's not safe for you to be around me. It's not safe for anyone to be around me right now. You already got hurt once. I don't want you hurt again because of me."

"You spent days with me at the hospital and now it's not safe for me to be around you?"

"That's different. No one was going to attack you in the hospital. Now they could."

"I'm not worried about someone attacking me. I'm worried about you. I'm worried about you being in this house and in this Compound again. I'm worried about you not sleeping. I'm worried about you giving up. I'm here for you Sasuke and I'm not leaving until Kakashi comes back. So you can either be pissed off the whole time or not. The choice is yours either way I'm not going anywhere."

Sasuke let out a sigh he didn't like that Shikamaru was risking his life, but he also knew that Shikamaru wasn't going to leave. Sasuke didn't know what to say to Shikamaru and thankfully he didn't get the chance to figure it out as Kakashi came outside. Kakashi walked over to them and he bent down so he was on the same level as Sasuke and Shikamaru.

"Asuma is inside. I have to get going to meet up with everyone else. I'll be back as soon as I can. I don't want you to worry about any of us on this mission. We are doing this to keep Konoha and you safe. Orochimaru is too dangerous to keep alive; if we can kill him then we need to try. Asuma and Shikamaru are going to stay here with you. I know you don't want to be here, but I need you to just bare it while I'm gone. You can do this Sasuke and when I get back we will get the hell out of here."

"You're gonna come back right?"

Kakashi placed his hand on Sasuke's shoulder and looked him right in the eyes.

"I promise you I will be back."

Sasuke looked down and Kakashi knew that he was worried about people dying on this mission.

"Everything will be okay Sasuke. Whatever happens on this mission, we will get through it."

Sasuke gave a nod; "Okay" Kakashi gave Sasuke a gentle squeeze before he got up.

"Be careful the both of you. When I get back I don't want to see any new injuries on either one of you."

"We'll be careful Kakashi-Sensei." Shikamaru said.

"I will see you boys in a week or so."

"Good luck." Sasuke said.

Kakashi left the backyard and gave a nod to Asuma as he left the house. Shikamaru and Sasuke sat outside for a little while no one saying anything. Asuma was going to give them some time together to work this out. He had stayed in the house and just kept an eye on them from the couch. Asuma didn't know who would break first. Shikamaru was patient as hell, but Sasuke was just as stubborn. Asuma truly didn't know who would break first, but if it wasn't one of them soon he would go out there and speak to them.

"So are we just going to sit here all week not talking?" Shikamaru asked.

"You're really staying here no matter what I say?" Sasuke asked.

"Yes I really am."

"Fine, but you're helping me make dinner."

Sasuke said as he got up and Shikamaru couldn't help, but smile at him. It was Sasuke's way of saying thank-you. Shikamaru got up and grabbed his bag and followed Sasuke inside the house. Once inside Sasuke turned to Asuma.

"You do know there's only one livable bedroom in this house right?"

"I know Kakashi told me. I figured you and Shikamaru could stay in your room and I'll sleep on the couch. Is that alright with you two?"

"It's fine with me as long as it's fine with Sasuke."

"Ya sure."

"Good now that, that is settled. What shall we do for dinner? Do you want to go out or make something?" Asuma asked.

"Kakashi and I got food earlier today. We can cook if you want." Sasuke said.

"Well let's go and see what we can make." Asuma said with a smile.

He headed over to the kitchen with Sasuke and Shikamaru behind him. The three of them made something for dinner and once they were done they did the clean-up. They played cards for most of the evening until it was nearing ten o'clock when Asuma said that it was time to turn in. Sasuke got up and got some bedding for Asuma to use on the couch and once he returned they were sent to bed. Shikamaru grabbed his bag and followed Sasuke upstairs to the bedroom. There was a double bed and a dresser in the room. It was just enough to be comfortable, but not enough to be lived in. Shikamaru placed his bag down on the floor by the dresser and looked at Sasuke. He was standing by the still open door and it was clear to Shikamaru that Sasuke was a little uncomfortable. He didn't know if it was from them being in the same room or if it was being in this house at night.

"Hey you okay?" Shikamaru asked gently.

"Ya I just… I hate this house at night. I don't know why, but during the day it doesn't bother me. At night though all I want to do is run from here."

"The massacre happened at night it would only make sense that nighttime would bother you more. It's a little dangerous for you to be outside alone though."

"I know. This just really sucks."

"Being in the Compound would be the last place you want to be. I can completely understand that."

Sasuke let out a sigh and closed the door before he went over to the bed. He sat down on the bed and spoke.

"How are you doing? Your father is out there on this mission to."

Shikamaru removed his jacket so he was just wearing his t-shirt and pants. He made his way over to the bed and laid down.

"My father is skilled and I trust that Kakashi and everyone else will keep him safe. Neji's uncle is also going. It's a group of ninja that I trust so I'm not too worried about it. Have you seen anyone in the last few days?"

"No I haven't gone out. Kakashi did mention that the group meeting went pretty well."

"Asuma was telling me about that. Everyone except Tenten is on your side."

"They should all just stay away."

"They won't so just get over it already. Asuma did tell me something interesting. You died on a mission?"

Sasuke let out a groan. He moved so he was lying down on his side facing Shikamaru. He was tired, but he had a strong feeling that sleep wouldn't come tonight. If Shikamaru wanted to talk then he truly was all for it.

"Technically I didn't die, but technically I did at the same time. It's a long story, but basically it was our first mission outside of Konoha. The bridge builder we were escorting home lied about the ranking of the mission; so a simple C-Ranked mission turned into an A-Ranked mission very quickly. We ran into an S-Class criminal and his student. The student had a rare bloodlimit that allowed him to perform ice techniques. Naruto and I got trapped in this ice mirror technique where he would bounce from mirror to mirror throwing ninja needles at us. Naruto used up too much chakra and passed out in the middle of it all. A needle was thrown at him and it would have killed him had it hit him. I moved in front of it and the needle went straight threw my chest. We both thought I was dead. My heart stopped and I wasn't breathing. What we found out was that the needles only put the person in a temporary death state so I think it was ten minutes later I was conscious again."

"Ah so you died, but you didn't die. You could have died though saving Naruto's life. For you to do that so early on being with the team you guys must have started off with a strong connection."

"I didn't do it, because it was Naruto. I did it, because it was the right thing to do. I would have done the same thing if it was anyone else. It was what was right. I would rather take the pain then someone else who can't handle it."

"There's not a lot of people who would do the same though Sasuke. As far as you knew you were going to die, but you still did it anyways. There are a lot of people who would have made a different choice. "

"I guess. What's it like on your team?"

"It's good. Chouji and I are best friends so we get along really well. Ino isn't too bad. She likes to be in charge so that can get annoying sometimes, but we all get along most of the time. We're also at the same skill level so it's nice that we don't have any rivalry. I guess you and Naruto go at it a lot eh?"

Shikamaru turned so he was on his side facing Sasuke. They both ignored how close they were to each other's face.

"Ya we do. Actually Naruto argues I just ignore him until I can't take it anymore and tell him to shut up. Sakura is just annoying. We don't really get along the three of us, but somehow we work well together. We're not at the same level though that's for sure. Naruto is getting better though."

"What about Sakura?"

"She's at the same level as she was in the academy, I think anyways. She has good chakra control though so if she can figure out how to use that to her advantage. I think she will get stronger."

"Everyone learns at different rates. Sakura might be better as a medical ninja with the chakra control."

"Probably and based on past experiences we could use a medical ninja. Naruto and I tend to get hurt. It's like our team has a curse over it. If something can go wrong on a mission it usually does."

"You get hurt that often?" Shikamaru was surprised by that; he didn't think Sasuke would get injured that often based on his skill level.

"Sometimes. The problem we have is that a simple mission turns into an A-Ranked mission within a few hours."

"I would imagine ninja from other villages try to kill you just, because you are the last Uchiha as well."

"Sometimes ya. I felt bad about the Chounin exams. During the second part of the exam it was definitely made harder on Naruto and Sakura, because of my enemies."

"We all have enemies. At one point or another Naruto and Sakura will develop enemies as well. It happens with everyone, you just happened to be the first out of them."

"Lucky me. Do you have any enemies?"

"No yet."

"I don't think you'll ever get any."

"Why do you say that?"

"You're too nice and good hearted. You're strategic; you make moves in a battle based on strategic value and not emotions. It's hard to gain enemies when you don't let emotions play a roll."

"Emotions during battle can become a problem, but they also show passion. Emotions can make you fight harder and longer. People think you don't have emotions, but you let them come out during battle. You are strategic, but you also use your emotions to push yourself further. You're strong because of your emotions."

"I don't have emotions."

"You have emotions. You're full of them. I've even seen you smile once or twice." Shikamaru said with a smile.

"I'll deny it if ever asked." Sasuke said with a smirk.

"I bet I could make you laugh."

"I bet you can't."

"Is that a challenge?"

"Sure, what are you gonna do start telling me jokes from a book?" Sasuke asked with a smirk.

"Nope."

Shikamaru just smiled and started to tickle Sasuke. Sasuke couldn't help, but laugh as Shikamaru tickled him.

"That's cheating." Sasuke said in between laughs.

"I'm sorry I can't hear you over the laughing." Shikamaru smiled.

"Okay that's it."

Sasuke started to tickle Shikamaru back and soon enough they were rolling around on the bed fighting for dominance. At some point Shikamaru ended up being on top and their faces were once again close to each other. Shikamaru and Sasuke were looking right at each other. Before Shikamaru's mind could tell him to stop he slowly closed the small gap between their lips. The kiss was soft and very timid. Both were waiting for the other to break the contact. Shikamaru didn't move away though, and Sasuke didn't push Shikamaru away. After a few seconds of no one doing anything Shikamaru pressed his lips a little harder against Sasuke's. This time Sasuke pressed back. They both had never kissed anyone so both didn't really know what to do, but they figured seeing as they were both geniuses they would figure it out. Shikamaru started to move his mouth and Sasuke followed. They were hesitant at first but after a few awkward moments they found the right rhythm. Shikamaru let out some bravery when he gently licked Sasuke's lips asking for permission. Sasuke slowly opened his mouth just enough to let Shikamaru's tongue in. It felt weird at first, but after a few moments both parties thought it felt good.

After a good ten minutes they needed to stop to get some air. When Shikamaru slowly pulled back from Sasuke he didn't know what to say. He wasn't expecting to kiss Sasuke, he hadn't even thought about it. He definitely wasn't expecting Sasuke to kiss him back. Shikamaru's mind was swimming and he didn't know what to say to Sasuke, who was still under him.

"Sasuke I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that. That was completely inappropriate of me I'm sorry."

"Do you think I'm stronger then you?"

That question threw Shikamaru off. He wasn't expecting that to come out of Sasuke's mouth.

"I know you're stronger than me."

"If I had a problem with you kissing me you wouldn't still be awake right now."

"So you're not upset about it?"

"No. Are you?"

"I kissed you so no."

"Ok"

"Ok?"

"What were you expecting a monolog? We kissed, it'll either happen again or it won't. Either way I don't regret it. There's not really much to say."

"I don't regret it. I'd like for it to happen again. I don't know what any of this means, but I liked it."

"I liked it to, and we don't have to figure all of this out tonight."

"No we don't."

"Good now get off me so we can sleep." Sasuke said with a smile and Shikamaru couldn't help but smile back.

Shikamaru moved so he was off from Sasuke and they both got ready for bed. Once they were under the covers Sasuke turned on his right side so he could sleep. Shikamaru decided to take another risk and curl up behind Sasuke and place his left arm over Sasuke's stomach. Shikamaru thought that it might bother Sasuke, but he was surprised once again when Sasuke moved so he was closer to Shikamaru's body. They both closed their eyes and let sleep take over them.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX

They were woken up by the loud crashing sound as the bedroom door was kicked open and the window smashed through. Shikamaru and Sasuke sat up and couldn't believe the number of ANBU that were in the room. They could hear crashing sounds downstairs and they both knew that Asuma was in a fight with some down there. Shikamaru was grabbed from the bed by two ANBU and they dragged him out of the room. The last thing he saw was four ANBU holding Sasuke down on the bed and hitting him. Shikamaru was dragged down the stairs and into the living room where Asuma was being held by three ANBU with his hands restrained behind his back. Danzou was also there in the living room and Shikamaru knew he was behind all of this.

"What the hell is going on?" Shikamaru asked as he was thrown into the room by the ANBU.

One ANBU grabbed him from behind to keep him in place and unable to fight. They could still hear banging and crashing upstairs and Shikamaru couldn't help, but worry about Sasuke. Shikamaru knew by the way Asuma stopped fight that he was being restrained by chakra cuffs. It would mean that even if Asuma wanted to, he wouldn't be able to fight or use his chakra until they were removed. Their attention was brought upstairs when they saw Sasuke fighting against the ANBU. Sasuke managed to hit one right in the face breaking his mask. That ANBU was obviously furious and punched Sasuke hard across his face knocking him down to the ground. The same ANBU went and kicked Sasuke hard in the ribs knocking him down the stairs. When Sasuke reached the bottom he was on his stomach after a few seconds Sasuke moved his hand to try and stand up, but the ANBU were already on him. They grabbed his arms and pulled them far harder then they needed to behind his back and placed charka restraints on his as well.

"Blindfold him so he can't use those eyes on us." Danzou said.

"He has chakra restraints you don't need to blindfold him." Asuma said.

Sasuke was half on his knees as he was trying to sit up. The ANBU placed a black cloth over his eyes and tied it tight.

"Why are you doing this?" Shikamaru said with anger in his voice.

"Sasuke broke a law. He's not allowed to have anyone here past eight o'clock at night. It's well past two in the morning and here you two are."

"You said we could, because of the situation. We got your permission before any of this." Asuma said.

"Did you get it in writing?" Danzou said.

"No of course we didn't. You told us yourself. What game are you playing at Danzou?"

"You broke the law and that requires a punishment. You both will be put in jail. Asuma in a week you can be released and Sasuke will be released when I think he has earned it."

Sasuke started to cough and both Shikamaru and Asuma could see him coughing up blood. Sasuke did not look good and even though he wasn't alone with the ANBU for very long upstairs they had obviously made it worth the time. Sasuke spat out the blood onto the ground and Asuma was fearing the worse.

"You broke his jaw?" The anger in Asuma's voice was very clear.

"He broke my mask so I broke his jaw. It's a fair trade." The ANBU said without a mask.

"Actions have consequences. Sasuke needs to learn that." Danzou said.

"What the hell is wrong with you? He's thirteen and you're doing this to him when you should be protecting him." Shikamaru said.

"I protect those that are worthy of it. I suggest you go home Shikamaru before you join them in jail. Let's go." Danzou said.

Danzou turned and walked out of the house. Shikamaru watched as the ANBU grabbed Sasuke and dragged him to his feet.

"Shikamaru go home that's an order." Asuma said.

Asuma could tell that Shikamaru wasn't happy about this, but Shikamaru understood why he had said it. Not only did Asuma not want Shikamaru in jail, but Shikamaru was the only one that knew what was going on. If Shikamaru ended up in jail there was no telling how long Sasuke would be in jail for before someone found out. Shikamaru was still being held by the one ANBU behind him. He watched as his Sensei and Sasuke were dragged outside of the house and out of his eye sight. The ANBU behind him let Shikamaru go and then disappeared. Shikamaru didn't move for a few minutes he was too busy trying to figure out what to do. Everyone that could do anything about this was gone. Shikamaru didn't know where they were going or how far ahead they were. Shikamaru didn't know what he was going to do or if there was anything to do expect to wait.

A/N: I have to say if you didn't see that coming then it's your own fault. Sasuke and Shikamaru will be half together in this fic simply because I think it's cute. If you didn't get the vibe from the last chapter that's your own fault.