Neji just gave him a look and opene

Neji just gave him a look and opened the closet door. He gestured for Shikamaru to exit first. The latter stepped forward, grabbed the handle, and closed the door. He crossed his arms and stared intently at the long-haired man in front of him. He wanted an answer to the question that he'd asked so many times before. He was tired of hiding their relationships, meeting in closets, bathrooms, under the bleachers, and other isolated areas. If he wanted to kiss his boyfriend, he should be able to whenever -and wherever- he wanted.

"Look," Neji sighed, "I know this isn't easy, but it's what has to be done. I have a reputation to maintain, and if people found out I was gay, it would ruin it. Building a reputation is really difficult, and I know you don't care about these things, but I do."

"There's more to life than just being popular." Shikamaru snapped. He didn't like the idea of reputations and popularity. He considered it a superficial ladder that led absolutely nowhere. The only reason Shikamaru liked Neji was because he'd managed to see behind the superficiality and find a good person. If he hadn't seen the nicer side of Neji, he would never have given him a second thought.

"I know that." Neji snapped back, "It's just...You're lucky because you have friends that like you for who you are. Unfortunately, I don't have that same luxury. My friends, and nearly everybody else, expect perfection from me, and that's what I have to give."

Shikamaru rubbed his temples in irritation, "So what you're saying is that being gay makes you imperfect? That it makes you less of a person? That it's wrong and sinful? Tell me if I'm getting close."

"Shikamaru...That's not what I mean, and you know it."

"Do I? Because I'm starting to think otherwise."

"I don't have a problem with being gay, it's other people who-"

"Who cares!" Shikamaru interrupted him, "This is our relationship! The only people who are involved in this are you and me. These 'other people' have nothing to do with this. Would their opinion change how you feel about me? Because I know I'll still like you even if people don't like the fact that we're together."

"Of course it wouldn't change how I feel..."

"Then what's the problem? Is it because it's me? Are you ashamed of me?" His heart clenched at the thought. He knew he wasn't nearly as 'cool' or popular as Neji, and he couldn't avoid the idea that perhaps that's what made Neji most hesitant to make their relationship public.

"Of course I'm not ashamed of you." Neji leant in for a kiss, but Shikamaru turned his head away. He pulled back slowly, "A reputation is so fragile, and being gay would just...It'd be like...like taking a sledgehammer to a mirror."

There was a long silence, in which they stared at each other. Suddenly, Shikamaru turned towards the door and stepped towards it, "If ever you decide to take the sledgehammer over the mirror, come find me. I'll probably be stupid enough to take you back." He opened the door.

"Shikamaru, please-" Neji started.

"I don't want to hear it. When you realize who you are, and accept it, I'll listen. But for now, don't waste your breath." Shikamaru walked away without looking back.