Bug In the Ear

Shikamaru lay in his bathtub with his arm dangling over the side, his dark brown hair falling into his eyes and spilling messily onto his thin shoulders. He blinked slowly as he began to feel sleepy and nauseous; his fingertips brushed against the cap of a sleeping pill capsule. He sighed and closed his eyes as he felt a familiar pulse start in his temples.

Child,

Yeah?

Let me come out.

Shikamaru focused on the familiar pulse in his head as he felt the familiar drowning sensation and his body temperature spike. A black cursive 'A' began to seep through onto his forehead and it began to glow in a dark crimson color, briefly making his forehead very hot.

"I know you are tired, Child." Alecto said as he sat on the toilet, looking at Shikamaru's frail body. He blinked his dull eyes open.

"So now that you got to meet them face-to-face, what do you think?" Alecto chuckled lightly.

"I think we both know who I dislike the most." Shikamaru snorted.

"Naruto, Kiba, and Ino?"

"Yes, not so much the second person because I did not hear him speak enough for me to fully dislike him." Shikamaru blushed slightly.

"What do you think of Neji?" Alecto paused for a few moments, choosing his words carefully.

"He is indeed a very interesting person and as I said earlier…he is safe." Shikamaru turned away from him and looked up at the ceiling, his hair covering the black cursive 'A' on his forehead.

"He asked too many personal questions."

"Too many in number or too quickly?"

"Too quickly, I guess."

"That is understandable as to why that made you uncomfortable. I am assuming that you did not truly answer his questions?" Shikamaru chuckled lightly.

"Yeah, I just said it's complicated and that I didn't want to really get into it."

"What kind of things did he ask?"

"Where he was, what was going on, and what you're all about. But you were right in saying that he figured out that we're completely separate." Alecto chuckled.

"I thought so. He is a smart boy and as I said earlier: he will be able to piece things together more than most people will." Silence fell between them.

Alecto's dark eyes drifted over the 4 medication capsules that lay next to the bathtub, his heart fell. Despite how much he wanted to, he couldn't stop Shikamaru's self-destructive behavior. He didn't have control over any of it. The fact was, out of the two of them, Shikamaru had the most control. Although he was very strong and fought hard against Shikamaru when angry, ultimately, he couldn't stop anything that Shikamaru did. There are only two ways that he could be released and have any sense of control:

When Shikamaru released him like he did earlier and when he was released like he was at the current moment.

However, there have been times when he won his fight against Shikamaru and was able to break passed Shikamaru's barrier, but those times did not happen often. There have only been a few incidents in which he broke free without Shikamaru's permission…and his Child always put up a good fight, like he did today.

His black eyes drifted to Shikamaru's sleeping form and softened. While they did have fights, sometimes violent, he deeply loved his Child and did everything he could to protect him. He stood and picked up the capsules off the floor and placed them back in their places in the medicine cabinet. Turning back, he quietly walked back to Shikamaru and gingerly lifted him out of the bathtub, cradling him against his chest.

Shikamaru continued to sleep against Alecto, his hair brushing against Alecto's jaw. Carefully, he laid Shikamaru on his bed and pulled his thick blanket over him and sat on the edge of the bed, looking at Shikamaru's face fondly but worriedly. Brushing hair away from Shikamaru's face that was now forming a messy halo around his head, he carefully listened to his soft breathing to make sure it was steady before he went back into his Child's mind.

xXxXx

He slowly walked up the hill towards the training grounds, his dull eyes focused on his feet. He didn't know how to act now that everyone knew about Alecto and certainly didn't know how to act because of his attack on Ino. He sighed quietly and when he reached the training grounds, he realized that he was there much earlier than usual.

Holy shit, I'm early.

I think a reward is in order.

Shikamaru rolled his eyes and smiled lightly at Alecto's comment. He sat down on the grass underneath a nearby tree and looked up at the overcast sky, sighing lightly. Blinking slowly, he began to hear the far off voices of his teammates as they walked up the hill towards him. He felt warm air brush against his ear.

Child, that blonde boy has yet to pay for his actions…same with the girl.

You're not doing anything to either of them. You've hurt Ino enough.

At least let me speak with them.

No.

Just for a few moments.

No.

He felt his body heat begin to rise as Alecto tapped against his temple, his anger being sparked at being told 'no' twice. Shikamaru closed his eyes as Alecto's fight against him increased, but he didn't hear a slight rustling to his right.

Alecto stopped fighting.

Shikamaru opened his eyes and turned to his right, surprised to see Neji calmly look back at him. His body heat continued to be slightly high, but the pounding against his temples had stopped. Shikamaru smiled slightly and briefly glanced over Neji's right shoulder.

"You're early." Neji said, smiling lightly and Shikamaru released a small laugh.

"I'm getting an award for it, apparently."

"From Alecto?" Shikamaru locked eyes with Neji. His temples began to pound lightly.

I want to talk to him, Child.

No, you just want to come out because Naruto and Ino are almost here.

Alecto was quiet and Shikamaru sighed, breaking eye contact with Neji and looking back up at the sky. Neji hid his emotions carefully, noticing the very slight flush on Shikamaru's cheeks, as though he was hot.

It's not hot or humid today…it's just really overcast, so is he getting sick? Fever?

It clicked.

Shikamaru seemed really flushed when we met Alecto and we all felt the spike in temperature…and I started feeling warmer when Alecto was crouching near me. So…Alecto seems to influence Shikamaru's body temperature and heighten the temperature in general, somehow.

He is putting more pieces together, Child.

"Hey!" Shikamaru winced vividly as Alecto crashed against his skull, desperately wanting to be released, as well as his body temperature increase even more. He closed his eyes, trying to calm Alecto down as Naruto made his way towards him. Neji was shocked at the sudden spike in temperature and already felt a small amount of sweat occupy his brow. His eyes narrowed at the blonde as he stood in front of both of them.

"You bastard," Naruto growled as Sakura, Sasuke, Ino, and Choji came into view. "You still have explaining to do." Neji kept his face passive even though his anger started to simmer. Ino stepped forward, her fear now completely gone.

"What the fuck, Shikamaru?" She shouted. "You have a lot of nerve coming back here."

"Why the hell would you attack your friend and teammate like that?" Naruto added. Choji stood behind Ino, hating himself for siding more with Ino and Naruto than Shikamaru.

"Guys," Asuma said, as he, Kurenai, and the others approached them. Naruto ignored him.

"You attacked your friend and teammate, you bastard! She was just trying to make you stop being a lazy ass and make you actually do something!" Shikamaru clenched his jaw as his body temperature reached the point that he was starting to sweat. Alecto continued to pound against his head, his fight against him becoming more intense and violent. Neji's observant eyes took in Shikamaru's hidden discomfort.

Child, move aside.

No, I can't!

Yes you can!

You'll attack them!

They deserve it. They hurt you and they deserve to be hurt in return.

You might end up killing them.

I do have a sense of self-restraint, Child.

Not much.

Now!

Shikamaru grimaced slightly as Alecto's loud voice reverberated in his head, making his head feel like it was about to explode. He began to breathe through his mouth as his body temperature reached an uncomfortable level. Neji felt his worry spike when he could feel Shikamaru's body heat radiate from him and his cheeks began to appear more flushed.

Alecto is trying to get involved somehow.

"Guys, guys," Kakashi said, finally arriving. Ino and Naruto had been trying to get Shikamaru to explain why he attacked Ino in the first place, while everyone else wanted to know more about Alecto.

Alecto growled darkly, scrapping against the walls of Shikamaru's mind as he continued to shout at his Child. He was trying to break through his Child's barrier and pull him back into his own mind. He was trying to protect his Child. Alecto sighed deeply. Desperate times called for desperate measures.

Child, listen to them yell at you. Now you cannot deny how similar they are to The Stepfather.

Stop.

No, Child, I will not. You remember what the Stepfather was like…remember all the times he would shout at you? Degrade you?

Alecto, stop it.

Remember all the times he would hit you? Beat you until you bled? Do you not remember that?

Shikamaru clenched his eyes as images of his stepfather flooded his vision.

Alecto, please stop. Please stop.

But you remember, yes? Remember the attic?

Shikamaru's blood ran cold.

Remember all the times he locked you up there?

Shikamaru released a small whimper as images continued to flood his mind. Neji's heart stopped as he saw a small tear begin to form in Shikamaru's eye. Everyone else stopped talking.

Alecto took advantage of Shikamaru's moment of vulnerability.

Neji winced as his front became really hot. The Hyuuga moved to his knees and shielded his eyes as heat continued to bombard his body and the others around him.

"Shikamaru's doing that thing!" Naruto shouted, making Neji scoff. He knew that Naruto had to say something else stupid. Neji began to pant lightly as the heat seemed to be more intense than last time. He opened his eyes and saw Alecto sitting exactly where Shikamaru had been.

"You," Alecto hissed darkly, glaring deeply at Naruto and Ino.

Brown hair fell in front of his black eyes, making them appear more deadly. No one dared to speak as Alecto kept deathly still and continued glaring unblinkingly at Naruto and Ino, who shook under his stare. Slowly, Alecto raised his right hand towards Naruto and Ino, his eyes continuing to stare through them. He smirked as he began to close his hand, a spark that shrieked death shone in his eyes. Alecto ignored Shikamaru's yelling pleas to stop.

Naruto and Ino gasped sharply and began to claw at their throats, panicked. A hot powerful force gripped their throats and began to squeeze them shut. Sakura knelt beside Naruto, who had fell to his knees, and placed a hand on his back, trying to regulate his breathing. Ino looked up from her place on the ground, her hands still clawing at her throat. Her face was turning blue as she looked pleadingly at Alecto, who was still smirking.

Neji was rooted to the spot, unsure of what to do. The front of his body still pulsated with an abnormal amount of heat that was radiating from Alecto and his sharp eyes roamed Alecto's face, never seeing such a deadly and intense look on the Nara's face before. Alecto's hair was mussed in its ponytail as his extended arm shook slightly, slim fingers twitching with self-restraint to not completely close his fist.

Alecto can easily kill Naruto and Ino right now…and it seems like he's trying really hard to not do that. It seems like Alecto naturally has a killer instinct and he…

Neji's eyes widened slightly and didn't pay attention to the sounds of choking and screams at Alecto.

Naruto and Ino were yelling at Shikamaru and insulting him. Alecto's purpose is to protect Shikamaru and so…Alecto's here because he's protecting Shikamaru from further pain.

"Let them go!" Sakura shrieked, looking at Alecto with teary pain filled eyes.

Neji's eyes darted towards them and was surprised to see that Naruto and Ino were still conscience. Their faces were a dangerous shade of blue and they continued to draw in long gasps and gripped the people around them. He's never seen Naruto this panicked nor the senseis be so flustered; hell, even Sasuke was showing concern and a sense of panic. Neji looked back towards Alecto, who hadn't moved.

"Can't you do anything?" Choji yelled at his sensei who was cradling Ino against his chest. Kakashi glanced up at him.

"We've been doing what we can, Choji." Kakashi let the panic and frustration leak into his usually calm voice. Neji began to pant heavier as the heat spiked slightly, caused by a low growl from Alecto.

"Ino!" Choji yelled as the blonde collapsed in Asuma's arms, completely still. Neji's eyes caught the thinner look of Ino's throat…as though a heavy force had been squeezing it shut.

"That's it you fucking prick!" Kiba hollered, leaping over his sensei towards Alecto.

"No!" Kurenai shouted, barely able to grab his arm to prevent him from attacking Alecto. Neji understood instantly why she did that:

Alecto is primarily composed of intense rage. Attacking Alecto would make the situation worse and probably cause death.

He's been wanting to get revenge on Naruto and Ino since yesterday…it was most likely Alecto that was causing Shikamaru's discomfort earlier: he was trying to break through and deal with them personally. I think Alecto said something to Shikamaru that caused him to break a little bit, but it was a big enough break for him to come out without Shikamaru's permission.

"Naruto!" Sakura shrieked as Naruto passed out against Kakashi, who turned sharply towards Alecto. His face was now passive, but his deadly glare was still in place. No one spoke as the two blondes laid passed out and lifeless in their senseis' arms. Neji then realized that he was not only sitting closest to Alecto, but he seemed to be on the best terms with him. He swallowed.

"Alecto," Neji said quietly, not wanting to startle him. His arm remained extended, but his dark eyes darted towards him, barely hidden by his brown hair.

"Yes, Boy?" Alecto hissed quietly, his body remaining motionless. Neji hesitated.

"I think that's enough." His heart stopped when Alecto glared at him. "I think Shikamaru would want you to stop now." He added quickly, hoping that Alecto wouldn't turn on him.

Just listen to him! Let them go!

Quiet, please.

Alecto analyzed Neji carefully, taking in his facial features and body language. He noted the flushed look and thin layer of sweat on his face. His body language indicated that he wasn't planning on any kind of physical confrontation and emitted the sense of pure cool-headedness. Even though he was sure that Neji was having a lot of internal turmoil, Alecto had to give him credit for not allowing that turmoil to seep onto his face or into his body language.

There was the simultaneous sound of desperate gasps from Naruto and Ino as air penetrated their lungs, bringing them back to life and consciousness. Neji maintained eye contact with Alecto as he lowered his arm.

"Thank God! Naruto, Ino, just breathe!" Sakura said, in a panicked tone, as the blondes now laid flat on the ground, stretching out their torsos to allow better air flow. Kakashi's eye roamed from Naruto to Ino, noticing the bizarre look of their throats. A few moments of silence fell around them, only the sound of Naruto and Ino gasping filling the air. They all waited for Alecto to speak.

"He wanted me to stop long before they passed out." Alecto said slowly, his dark demonic voice sounding strangely comforting to Neji.

"He didn't have much of a say in what was happening, did he?" Alecto smirked slightly.

"My Child has remained quiet since I distracted him enough to move through."

You asshole.

"I retract my previous statement." Alecto said with a small smirk, both him and Neji let out a soft laugh. The others continued to stare at them.

"Shikamaru's talking to you?" A few moments of silence filled the air again as Alecto thought of his words carefully.

"You understand that, Boy?" Neji tilted his head from side to side, keeping his voice and facial expression calm and passive.

"I understand that you and Shikamaru are separate." The senseis' eyes widened slightly.

See what I mean, Child?

I think the fact that we're separate is pretty obvious, Alecto.

But the Boy pieced it together first. He's trying.

"You were choking them?" Neji asked, nodding briefly towards Naruto and Ino whose breathing had evened out and were now resting.

"Yes, Boy."

"How?" Alecto felt a slight pulse against his temple.

What?

I'm coming out.

No you are not. It is not safe.

Alecto, Naruto and Ino are basically unconscious because you almost strangled them to death.

Alecto was quite for a few moments.

What will you do when you come out?

I'm…not sure yet.

My primary concern is keeping you safe.

I know, but I just don't know what to say. After all that's happened, if they see me, they'll look down on me even more than they already do.

Do not worry about their reaction. It is mainly me that they are angry with, however, they are taking that anger out on you.

He paused.

Regardless of their reactions to when they see you, you will still have someone standing by you and supporting you in every way possible.

You don't count, Alecto.

I am not talking about me.

Who then?

The boy.

Shikamaru's heart fluttered and he thought about Neji. He always knew that he had strong feelings for Neji, but he never allowed himself to feel or express those feelings. He wasn't in denial about the way he felt towards him, he just wouldn't allow himself to show his feelings because he was afraid of getting hurt. He wants to isolate himself, but have someone around at the same time. After all the hurt that he's experienced in the past, he didn't want anyone to get near him because he wanted to avoid getting hurt again. This isolation and loneliness has been paralyzing and has, ultimately, fueled his cycle of self-destruction. It's always been him and Alecto, so why try to change that?

He is the only one who seems to genuinely care about you enough to make an effort. He is worried about you. This Boy cares about you on an intimate level, Child.

You don't know that.

You're right...I don't know this. But if you want to find out if he does, you will have to take that risk.

Alecto, I think I want to be happy.

I know you do, Child.

Shikamaru remained quiet.

Alecto slowly blinked his dark eyes at them, lost in thought. He's always felt extremely protective of Shikamaru. He didn't want him to get hurt. He looked at Neji from the corner of his eye.

This boy is something else.

He figured out a long time ago that Shikamaru held a place in his heart for Neji, but he never said anything about it. He figured it was Shikamaru's business and that he shouldn't interfere. He clearly knew how Shikamaru's emotions worked and his mindset about his feelings in general. Because of this, he realized that Shikamaru wasn't going to confront his feelings for the boy on his own. He would need a nudge of some kind; hopefully he just put the bug in his ear. He knew that Neji could do amazing things for Shikamaru. He trusted Neji and it was time that he knew that.

"The Child's always said you were the smartest person he knows. I'm sure you'll figure it out." Neji felt his face grow warm.

"Why...why do you call Shikamaru 'Child'?" Alecto smiled slightly, sitting down on the grass; Neji sitting beside him. The others moved away to give a sense of privacy, not wanting to give Alecto a reason to strike at any of them again.

"Because that is what I consider him: my child. Even though he was born before I was, he is like a child to me and I love him dearly." Neji felt a smile spread across his face at the honesty that Alecto spoke in.

"Have you ever called him by his name?"

"Rarely. Even before he knew of my existence, I considered him my child." He paused. "He will not show it nor admit it, but he is not in a good place at the moment." Neji's heart skipped a beat.

"Not in a good place? He's not...hurt...is he?" Alecto hid his smile at the sound of worry and concern in Neji's voice.

"He believes that self-destruction is control. If he has control, then there is no problem." Neji frowned.

"So he's hurting himself?" Alecto straightened his shoulders, thinking through his words carefully.

"He has suffered in ways that he will not talk about. He has never talked about his past to anyone except me, although when I was first born, I had to figure out the majority of his life on my own."

"He never talked about his life to you at first?" Neji asked incredulously.

"Not really, no. I figured out the majority of the Child's life by looking through his memories and observing him. I did not introduce myself to him until about seven years ago, but I was born about 14 years ago. I used those seven years to observe my Child, learn as much as I could, and try to think of ways of how to introduce myself."

"Did you know why you were born in the first place?" Alecto hesitated.

"Somewhat, I had a general idea; but I did not know where the anger was coming from and why it was that intense." He paused again. "I need you to do me a favor." Neji quirked an eyebrow at him.

"What?"

"Don't give up on him. He had a lot to think about today and is coming to a realization."

"A realization about what?"

"You."

xXxXx

Alright Gang,

Reviews would be appreciated!

When-Rabbit-Howls