"We'll be right back to our documentary, Alien Oddities: ET and the Extra Testicle, in just a minute."

Whirlwind

They had returned to the kitchen to leave Shikamaru with his thoughts. As Neji washed the dishes and inside of the sink, he couldn't help but feel aggravated. His brow furrowed and his eyes narrowed as he began to slightly slam the dishes around, taking out his aggravation. He avoided looking over at Hinata, who was writing at the kitchen table; although he saw his cousin give him a startled look when he began slamming things.

What's the matter with him?

Hinata's brow furrowed slightly as she looked down at her notebook, trying to figure out her cousin's behavior. She couldn't figure out why Neji seemed upset, but she figured that he was frustrated about Shikamaru's condition.

"What was all that about?" Neji finally said, breaking the silence. Hinata looked up at him with a confused look.

"W-w-what do you mean?" Neji turned towards her while drying his hands. She noticed the aggravated look on his face.

"Why did you push him like that? Why didn't you let me touch him?" Hinata was taken aback. Neji was aggravated with her?

"I don't understand." Neji sighed lightly.

"You know that Shikamaru isn't in a good place, but you pushed him anyway." Hinata nodded slightly, looked down at her notebook as she closed it, and rested her hands on top of it as she gave Neji a steady look.

"He needed to be pushed." She said evenly, knowing that her statement would make Neji more upset. Her cousin's eyes narrowed slightly more.

"Why? Pushing him like you did will just make him worse." Hinata shook her head.

"No it won't. It'll actually help him."

"How so?" Hinata noted the aggravated tone in his voice. She hesitated.

"Remember what we talked about a while ago?"

"You're going to have to be more specific, Hinata. We've talked about a lot of things." She shifted in her seat.

He's more upset than I thought.

"Shikamaru has been learning how to be a manipulator. He knows that if he pushes you away, you won't push back because you're afraid of hurting him. Remember?" Neji nodded. "If we keep treating Shikamaru the way that we always have been, if we keep walking on egg shells around him, he won't make any improvements. He'll stay the same because nothing is changing."

Neji broke eye contact and leaned against the counter, thinking. He didn't like the idea of Shikamaru not making any improvements, but he also didn't like the idea of hurting Shikamaru either. He knew that Shikamaru wasn't a child and shouldn't be babied, but he couldn't help feeling protective of him. He understood that he couldn't protect Shikamaru from himself and that certainly didn't make his position any easier.

"He wants to change and get better." Hinata said. "He wants our help, but we're not helping him by treating him the same way that we always have been." Neji looked over at her. "Do you know the common phrase that describes insanity?"

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result." Hinata nodded.

"Exactly, and that's basically what we've been doing."

Silence.

They heard the clock tick from down the hallway.

Tick.

Tock.

Tick.

Tock.

Neji stretched his neck.

"Shikamaru's been opening up a bit more about his mother." Hinata nodded again.

"So that's a great place to start."

"Just get him talking about his mom and things will start falling into place."

"Hopefully." Neji's cut his eyes over to her.

"Hopefully?"

"All of this doesn't stem from his mother's death. Even though it's obvious that her death was a significant part of his life, the abuse that he went through began way before her death and his self-destruction began sooner too from what I know."

"And he's obviously not willing to talk about the abuse." Hinata nodded in agreement.

"Right, but it's obvious that he's willing to talk about his mom, so we'll start from there and see what happens. We just need to push him a bit, but not be aggressive." Neji nodded, pulling the hair tie from his hair.

"I think getting him outside would do him some good too."

Tick.

Tock.

Tick.

Tock.

"But," Neji started, hesitating. Hinata looked over at him.

"What?" Neji cleared his throat.

"How do you start a conversation like that?" Hinata leaned back in her seat, thinking. "How do you start a conversation about a parent's suicide?" Hinata rubbed her eyes.

"Improvise." Neji quirked an eyebrow at her.

"Improvise?" She looked up at him.

"There is no 'good' conversation starter for something like that. Yes, there are certain ways to go about talking about a parent's death, but not necessarily a suicide." She chuckled slightly. "There are countless books about talking to your kids about sex, but not about suicide." Neji chuckled as well.

"Sex isn't as depressing."

"True." Brief silence fell between them.

"So should we go talk to him now?" Neji asked.

"Let's have some tea first. Maybe Shikamaru would want some too."

xXxXx

Shikamaru continued to fiddle with his mother's locket, thinking. He opened it up and stared at the pictures inside, his dull brown eyes making comparisons between himself and his biological father. He's always wanted to meet his real father, but didn't really want to get through Tsunade to find him. He remembered what his mother told him about his real father. He remembered her fond tone of voice she would use and the small smile that would grace her lips whenever she talked about him.

It was obvious that she still loved him. I know that they split because he wasn't ready to be a father, but why didn't he at least keep contact with her?

He brushed a thin fingertip over his father's picture and closed the locket, looking up out the window. It was sunny. He reached behind him and placed the locket on his nightstand, and then he got on his knees and opened the window. He smiled lightly when he was greeted with a breath of fresh warm air, the sun blinding him slightly. He breathed in deeply, wincing when he felt pain surge through his chest.

He sneezed.

He looked at the clear blue sky and listened to the birds flying near him. He remembered the times when his mother would take him to the park. He remembered their favorite hill. He forgot the last time he's been outside.

A strong warm gust of wind made its way into his bedroom, rustling papers and his hair in the process. He smiled lightly again as he let his hair hang messily in his face. Shikamaru continued to stand on his knees, crossing his thin scarred arms on the windowsill, and resting his chin on top. He looked lazily at everything outside. Another gentle breeze blew and messed up his short choppy hair even more.

He smiled lightly.

This is nice. Maybe I should go to the hill sometime.

xXxXx

Hinata knocked lightly and opened the door, surprised to see Shikamaru on his knees and leaning against the windowsill, staring outside. She placed a cup of tea on his nightstand next to his mother's locket.

"It's beautiful outside." Shikamaru said quietly, making Hinata nod.

"Oh yes, Neji just went outside for a little bit. I made you some tea." Shikamaru turned around to look at her.

"Thank you." He said, shifting to sit closer to his nightstand and picking up the cup of tea, drinking it quietly.

Hinata was surprised by the new kind of brightness that Shikamaru seemed to show, not understanding the change. Her eyes shifted to the open window and figured that maybe that had something to do with it in a way. She looked back at Shikamaru, noticing that he was swishing his tea around slightly.

"Is this a different kind?" Hinata nodded.

"Yes, I found it in the market yesterday and figured I'd try it." Shikamaru shifted to move off the bed.

"I like it, but I'm going to put a little bit of honey in it because it's a little bit too bitter." Hinata reached for his mug.

"Yeah, it's a little bit bitter. How much honey do you want?"

"I can get it." Shikamaru said, pushing himself off the bed sluggishly. Hinata was taken aback by the soft undertone of assertiveness in his voice.

Well this is nice.

Hinata followed him slowly to the kitchen, secretly excited about Shikamaru's strange change in behavior. However, she's been around him long enough to know that this change might not last long, but she still had hope.

"Want some?" Shikamaru asked as he poured a little honey into his tea. Hinata shook her head.

"No thanks. I try to not put honey or anything in my tea even though this kind is somewhat bitter."

"It's nice though." Shikamaru said into his teacup, testing to see if he put in enough honey. Silence fell between them as Shikamaru put the honey back in the cabinet and ran a hand through his hair.

"Where did you say Neji went?"

"He just went outside for a little bit. He left about 15 minutes ago." Shikamaru began to make his way back towards his bedroom, but stopped. Hinata gazed at him thoughtfully. She saw Shikamaru shake his head slightly and continue walking.

I wonder what that was about.

xXxXx

He placed his teacup on the windowsill and knelt in front of the window again, leaning against the sill. He had made another comparison between Hinata and his mother. They were both "all natural" kind of people and had a preference for a wide variety of teas.

Hello, Child. I see that you are doing a bit better today.

Yeah, I don't know why though.

Do you need a reason?

Shikamaru was quiet for a moment.

You and your mother would spend days like this outside. You are remembering happy memories.

Some of my best memories were when we spent the whole day outside, especially at the park or on the hill.

These are nice things to remember, Child.

Alecto paused.

You should tell the Boy and Girl about them.

Shikamaru felt Alecto's presence fade away. He drank the remainder of his tea and stared down at the mug, a light breeze rustling his hair.

He smiled lightly.

He looked up at the silver spark on his nightstand and felt his throat tighten. He desperately wished his mother was here with him. Days like this just weren't the same without her. He missed how the sun would make his mother's emerald green eyes light up and how the wind would make her long dark hair fall in her smiling face. His throat tightened even more and he sniffed, looking back out the window. Another warm breeze blew by and dried the beginning of tears in his eyes.

Even with glassy eyes, he smiled softly.

I miss you, Mom.

xXxXx

When he walked into the living room, he tiptoed towards his shoes, seeing that Hinata was taking a nap on the couch. As quietly as he could, he slipped his shoes on and opened the front door slowly.

Shikamaru didn't see the small smile that graced Hinata's lips as she heard the front door close.

Shikamaru slowly walked towards the ladder that led to the roof of the building and began his ascent carefully. Seeing as it's been three months since he's even been outside, Shikamaru was aware of his physical fatigue as he made it to the roof.

He saw Neji sitting on the ledge of the roof furthest away from him, looking over the village ahead of him. Shikamaru bit his lip as he slowly walked towards him. He saw Neji's head twitch slightly to his left, making Shikamaru believe that his approach was heard. Gingerly, he lowered himself next to Neji, dangling his legs over the ledge. He placed his hands on either side of him, looking ahead.

"Mom always insisted we go outside when it was like this." Shikamaru said with a light smile. He inhaled slowly, allowing the warm clear air to fill his lungs. Neji turned to him, his eyes darting over Shikamaru's face.

Gentle, but firm.

"Maybe we should go outside more often. I know you like cloud gazing." Neji offered, turning back to look ahead of him. He was surprised when he heard Shikamaru make a sound of agreement.

Comfortable silence fell between them, the warm breeze seeming to sweep away some of the stress they've experienced for the past few months. Shikamaru eyed Neji from the corner of his eye, his eyes drifting down to his lips. Shikamaru bit his lip and darted his eyes away as he felt his cheeks become hot, remembering his moments of boldness of kissing Neji a few days ago. He remembered both of their confessions of love towards each other. He lowered his face slightly as he gripped the ledge to steady his hands, hoping that Neji didn't see the redness of his cheeks.

Never hurts to recreate those moments, you know. I'm sure the Boy won't mind.

If Shikamaru could slap Alecto, he would have in that moment.

Shikamaru's heart leapt as he felt Neji gently nudge his hand over, lacing their fingers together. Shikamaru darted his eyes over to him, seeing that Neji was still looking straight ahead, a peaceful expression on his face; however, the slight tinge of pink on his pale cheeks didn't escape him. Shikamaru smiled lightly and decided to be bold again and scoot closer to the man beside him, laying his head on his shoulder. As the comfortable silence continued between them, Neji rubbed the back of Shikamaru's hand with his thumb and rested his cheek against Shikamaru's head resting on his shoulder.

"It's supposed to be like this tomorrow." Shikamaru said quietly.

"Would you be up to going to the hill you like?" Neji asked, turning to kiss the top of Shikamaru's hair. Shikamaru smiled, feeling his throat tighten with emotion. He hesitated for a few moments before nodding.

"Yeah. I want to go." Shikamaru turned to look up at Neji, their noses almost touching. Neji's eyes darted to Shikamaru's lips briefly, before locking onto the doe eyes again. He saw that spark he loved so much. Neji felt his heart start to race.

Fuck it.

He gripped Shikamaru's hand and pulled the smaller man towards him, capturing his lips. He felt Shikamaru tense momentarily before melting into him. Shikamaru parted his lips slightly, allowing Neji to take control. Neji kissed him like Shikamaru was his last salvation, dominating the kiss with abandon. He felt Shikamaru grab the collar of his shirt and pulled him closer, releasing a quiet moan. Neji reached up and gently cupped Shikamaru's jaw, brushing his thumb across his cheek. He released Shikamaru's hand and cradled his face in his hands, not wanting Shikamaru to part from him. He was feeling greedy. Neji heard another soft moan as he deepened the kiss, feeling Shikamaru rest his hand on his chest. Reluctantly, he pulled away, breathing deeply. He saw a hazy look in Shikamaru's eyes as he looked up at him, blinking slowly. The Nara's cheeks were flushed. Neji suppressed the grin that wanted to form on his face.

That good, huh?

"Come back." Shikamaru said breathlessly, grabbing Neji's shirt with both hands and slamming their mouths back together. Neji was surprised as Shikamaru boldly kissed him. Tangling a hand into Shikamaru's hair, Neji wrapped an arm around his waist and gently pushed him onto his back. Moving their legs back onto the building, Neji slowly broke the kiss and looked down at the man beneath him. He smiled softly at Shikamaru's flushed cheeks and bright eyes that looked at nothing but him. Neji saw a light smile form on Shikamaru's kiss-swollen lips. He was momentarily breathless.

Stunning view.

Neji captured Shikamaru's lips again, being mindful to not put too much of his body weight on him. He felt Shikamaru's delicate fingertips dance along his abdomen before the younger man ran his hands up along his back, clutching to him slightly. Neji broke away again and began to lay soft kisses across Shikamaru's jawline before moving to the sensitive skin on his neck. Shikamaru moaned a little louder, digging his nails into Neji's back, as Neji's lips brushed against the sensitive skin on his pulse point. Neji smirked, returning his attention to the sensitive point, suckling the spot greedily. Shikamaru moaned again, dragging his nails down Neji's back, squirming beneath him.

"Neji -" They both released a yelp of surprise as they heard a door slam a few floors beneath them, interrupting their heat. Neji chuckled lightly and rubbed the tip of his nose against Shikamaru's briefly before helping him sit up, both breathing deeply to settle their hearts. Shikamaru's cheeks were still flushed as he looked at Neji with brightened eyes. There was a playful smile on his face as he rubbed the back of his neck, biting his lip nervously.

He's adorable.

"You want to go to the hill tomorrow?" Neji asked quietly, trying to settle himself. Shikamaru nodded quickly, seeming to be trying to regain a sense of control over himself as well.

They both knew that while they have shared a couple of innocent kisses, another step was just taken in their relationship.

"Y-yeah. I'd like to go. Being outside is nice." Shikamaru said hurriedly, still trying to wrap his mind around being caught up in a heated moment with Neji. They locked eyes, both of their cheeks flushed and hair askew. Neji reached out and held Shikamaru's fidgety hands, pulling the smaller man towards him, pressing their foreheads together. Shikamaru gave him another smile, blinking slowly at him.

"Neji," Shikamaru started softly. He seemed nervous.

"Yes?" Neji asked quietly, rubbing the back of Shikamaru's hand with his thumb. Shikamaru inhaled deeply, seeming to be thinking hard.

"What happens now?" Neji's brow furrowed slightly, confused.

"What do you mean?" He saw Shikamaru's cheeks flush a deeper shade of red as Shikamaru looked down at their entwined hands.

I don't want just a physical connection. I want something real with you. I love you and...that scares me.

Neji tightened his grip on Shikamaru's hands as he heard the Nara sniff and inhale shakily. Shikamaru bit his lip and looked up at Neji, his doe eyes glassy.

"I...I want you to love me like you said you did." He confessed. He sniffed again, a tear sliding down his cheek. "I want this to be something real." He said tearfully. Neji felt his heart soar as he released Shikamaru's hands, cupping the Nara's face, using his thumbs to brush away the tears. He thought through his words carefully, his heart thundering in his chest.

"Shika," He said softly, placing a gentle kiss to his lips. "I want this to be something real too." Shikamaru gave him a shaky smile. "I do love you and I'll do anything I can to prove it to you." Shikamaru kissed him, lingering in the moment. They stayed tangled in each other, giving light kisses and whispering sweet nothings as time passed them by. Neji felt Shikamaru shiver in his arms.

"Let's go back inside, Love. It's getting cold." Neji said softly, finally using his pet name to the man of his desire. Shikamaru blushed again and kissed the Hyuuga greedily.

'Love.' I could get used to that.

xXxXx

As always, patience and reviews/PMs would be very appreciated.

When-Rabbit-Howls