[Naruto] Mushoubai

Life, huh.

One day, Shikamaru sat on the wooden threshold of the Hyuga estate, leaning against the redwood railing as he watched the faint clouds along the edge of the eaves. He murmured softly, half wistful and half complaining.

Neji was sitting beside him at the time. Hearing this, he was just about to pour the water, which had boiled three times, over the rinsed tea leaves. His hand shook, and the scalding water nearly burned him.

So he sighed and reached out to lay a hand on Shikamaru's head. It was a long, elegant hand, though it was always stained with blood.

“Are you running a fever or something?”

“You're the one running a fever.”

Shikamaru gently pushed Neji's hand away. His eyes were as languid as ever. Tilting his head, he said, “Just pretend I didn't say anything.”

The breeze stirred the nandina bamboo in the Hyuga estate, making its leaves rustle. The spring water pattered against the rinsed tea leaves. Along with the crisp sound came wisps of steam, drifting up from the tiny white porcelain teacup and slowly dispersing through the courtyard.

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