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wing-ed-thing · 3 years

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Click (Part IV: Rock Lee)

Synopsis: You invited everyone out to dinner. You also audibly clicked. People had opinions about this.

Word Count: 2,228

Warnings/Tags: Attempt at Humor, Fem!Reader

Part I: Shikamaru, Part II: Shino, Part III: Neji, Part IV: Rock Lee , Part V: Naruto, Part VI: Kiba, FINALE, The Message in Click

Notes: Come get y’all juice! For all of y’all who only like this series for Shikamaru, I can safely say that he will make an appearance in all six (6) parts. I don’t know why I always write Ino and Kiba as jerks when I need them, but I’ll be writing some much deserved love for them soon!

Rock Lee felt completely and utterly mortified. Absolutely destroyed beyond any reasonable measure. In fact, he might as well have curled up right there in the dirt right where he stood. He stared, wide eyed, tears near brimming in his waterline.

“You a-are, you are serious, Shikamaru?”

Shikamaru’s hand draped across his face, pulling at the skin below his eye. He glanced around in search for a way out of the conversation he got roped into, but to no avail. He would definitely need a smoke after this. Shikamaru huffed, shifting his weight to his back leg.

“Well, yeah, but it’s really not a big deal though Le-”

“I missed our dear friend’s birthday! Oh, Shikamaru, how will she ever forgive me?” Lee lunged forward, grasping at the shadow-user’s hands in desperation. Shikamaru nearly toppled over. He held out his wrists in front of his body, an effort to keep Lee at bay.

Shikamaru couldn’t help the helpless expression that crinkled his brow. Afterall, this was his own fault. He should have known that bringing up your birthday to Lee could only end in disaster. He didn’t even mean to mention it, it just slipped out before Shikamaru could completely foresee the consequences.

“I’m sure she’s already forgiven you.” Shikamaru reassured the practically melting ninja in front of him. Lee shook his head wildly from side to side.

“No! I must rectify this!” Lee exclaimed, eyes flaming.

Before Shikamaru could say anything, Lee bolted off. Shikamaru sighed, hand retreating into his pockets. Unfortunately, he was someone else’s problem now.

***

“How could you not tell me?” Lee cried, a stream of tears flowing down his cheeks. A contrite look of complete and utter sorrow overtook his face. Neji and Tenten looked at their teammate blankly, unsure as to what exactly it was that they were supposed to do.

“Tell you…?” Tenten waved her hand in a circular motion in front of her. Lee nearly burst into tears as he cried your name loudly.

“Why did you not tell me that her birthday was yesterday?!” Tenten stiffened, diverting her eyes down to the side. She clenched her teeth, eyes widening. Neji paid no attention, but per usual frowned anyway.

“Did you really call a team meeting to talk about this?” He questioned flatly. Tenten crossed her arms over her chest, suddenly feeling very small.

“I-” She drew out the syllable. “-didn’t know about all that. About the birthday thing...”

“I did not either!” Lee exclaimed, lunging at Tenten for a supportive hug. She quickly dodged out of the way.

“I did.” Neji put promptly, crossing his arms as well. Tenten turned to him in surprise.

“You did?” She asked, still fending off an energetic Lee. Neji’s scowl deepened.

“Yes, why else did you think she was asking everyone to come to dinner with her?” Tenten’s lips formed a line. Her thumb repeatedly brushed over a patch of skin on her upper arm.

“D-doesn’t she do that all the time though?” She chuckled nervously, the rubbing becoming more frequent. Neji scoffed.

“Please, Tenten. Did you see the dress she was wearing? There’s n-” Neji stopped. He cleared his throat, moving his hands to his hips as he looked up. He hoped that the slight tint of red would quickly drain from his cheeks. “I mean, she was obviously dressed for a special occasion.”

“A very special occasion indeed!” Lee declared, oblivious. “I guess it is better late than never to get a birthday present!” He looked at his two teammates with expectation.

“I’m not too sure that’s necessary since a day has already passed. It might be a slap in the face ‘cause you’re practically telling her that you forgot her birthday when it mattered. I think she’ll understand if you just leave it.” Tenten let out another anxious laugh. Her heel made circles in the dirt. “I didn’t get her anything. Neji didn’t either, right, Neji?” Neji quirked a brow.

“I did, actually.” Lee shouted at the statement as his hands came up to his face. Tenten stared up at the Hyūga.

“You did?”

“What did you get her?” Neji tilted his head up again, inwardly cursing his fair and pale complexion.

“None of your business.” He glowered.

“Then I will ask around to see what everyone else got her!”

And before either teammate could say anything, Lee was gone. Tenten tapped her foot, looking into the distance after Lee.

“It’s not like I knew it was her birthday.” She pouted.

“You still blew her off.” Neji muttered. Tenten pivoted quickly.

“So did you!” She pointed a finger before throwing her hands in the air. “We always blow her off ‘cause-” Neji held up a hand.

“Correction. I almost blew her off.” It didn’t seem physically possible, but his frown deepened. “It’s true that she hardly shuts up, but she’s actually… quite kind.”

***

Much to the fortune of Lee (and the misfortune of his new victims), he found Team Seven and the rest of Team Ten together. Ino and Sakura chatted animatedly together as Naruto and Choji brainstormed their plan of attack on the local eateries of Konoha. And Sai, well... Sai liked to be included.

Lee landed in front of the group causing the two women to nearly knock him out where he stood. If there was one thing that none of the Konoha 12 could ever get used to, it was Rock Lee’s random appearances from random places. It was a stealth undetectable by the sharingan and unseen on missions. Truly a phenomenon. He screamed something incoherent, per usual. Ino stumbled back.

“Lee!” Sakura scolded, eyes closed as she tried to compose herself from the scare. Steam poured from her nostrils. “What did we tell you about appearing out of nowhere?” She seethed. Ino marched up to the taijutsu user.

“Someone better have died for you to make an entrance like that. I swear, Rock Lee, I swear.” Lee sheepishly scratched the back of his head, bowing shallowly in apology.

“I apologize. I report no deaths. I simply have a question of the utmost urgency!”

Naruto peered over the shoulder of his teammate.

“What’s going on?” He questioned. Sai had already appeared by Ino.

Once again, Lee screeched your name aloud abruptly, causing the group to jump in surprise.

“I completely forgot to get her a birthday present!” Lee announced and his fellow ninja tilted their heads in varying degrees of confusion. Lee blinked, waiting for a larger reaction. His knees bent, hands held out with palms facing upward. “You know? For her birthday. Yesterday.”

The lot exchanged looks, wide eyes and circular lips abound.

“That… explains a lot.” Choji cringed, for one letting his bag of chips lower. Lee looked on in confusion at his ninja pals, not understanding the same pained looks that Tenten wore earlier. Sai leaned forward.

“Eh… the day of one’s birth is typically celebrated, correct?” He whispered, but Naruto immediately waved him off. Sakura exhaled forcefully and put a finger up to her lips.

“I assume that she invited the rest of you out?” She squinted one of her eyes, seeming almost afraid to ask. A pause.

“Yep...”

“Eh, yeah...”

“Yes, she did.”

“Uh-huh…”

Sakura crossed her arms, letting her head bow. Both of her eyes clenched shut now.

“And…” She started. “Everyone ignored her to go out with Kiba?”

A chorus of confirmation echoed around her. She cursed to herself under her breath, head snapping up towards the sky as her hands moved to her hips. Sakura shifted to one side as she sighed. Lee continued to watch on in puzzlement. Sakura covered her face, groaning.

“Do any of you have ideas for a gift?” He asked enthusiastically, but was ignored. The four ninja were simply too wrapped up in their own world and Sai, well… Sai just didn’t have a good idea.

“If I had known, I would’ve gone.” Sakura exhaled.

“Yeah, me too.” Naruto huffed. Ino and Choji remained quiet, exchanging looks between themselves. Sai looked on, expressionless.

“Well…” Ino pursed her lips. She took a deep inhale. “C’mon, are we really making a big deal out of this?” Lee’s brows furrowed together.

“Of course! It is a big deal! We forgot our comrade’s birthday and we-”

“Can I say what everyone’s thinking right now?” Lee paused. Ino looked around. “I don’t really think it’s a big deal.” She shrugged and crossed her arms.

“What do you mean?” Lee exclaimed, hands waving rapidly. Sai cleared his throat.

“Well,” Sai prompted with a smile. “It’s not like any of you liked her anyway.” Naruto widened his eyes in shock. His jaw dropped lightly.

“What?” He gritted, turning to Sai and grabbing him roughly by his collar. “Why would you say something like that?”

“No, no.” Choji cut in, stepping in between the two. “I hear what he’s saying. There’s no point in feeling guilty. Like let’s be honest here, it’s not like any of us were really her friends. Like really, Naruto, can you name a time that you actually talked?”

It went quiet. Lee had since lowered his head, his bangs covering his eyes.

“I should be going now.” And with that, he disappeared before anyone could say otherwise.

Naruto stared blankly at the spot Lee stood, lost in thought and pensive. Sakura’s green eyes flickered from the spot to Naruto’s face to his clench fist. She motioned for their three friends to continue onward. Choji opened his mouth to interject, but Ino pulled him swiftly away. Sai followed behind. Sakura put a tentative hand on his shoulder. Naruto shrugged her hand away.

“Naruto,” She spoke softly. “We’ll make it up to her, okay? Don’t beat yourself up.” Naruto shook his head.

“I’m sorry, Sakura. I gotta go.” Sakura called after him as he left, but didn’t chase after him. She knew better.

***

Rock Lee found you just as you were exiting the market. He jumped down in front of you, though you could hardly tell that it was him. Petals blocked your vision completely as he thrust the bouquet in your face. You recognized his voice.

“Happy belated birthday! Please forgive me!” You peered over the flora. Lee bowed deeply at the waist in front of you. He gripped the stems with both hands, stretching his arms out past his head. You gingerly took them from his grasp.

“Oh, thank you, Lee.” You blinked. “What are these for?” Lee struck another dramatic pose.

“Please accept these flowers as my sincerest apology!” You peered down at them, taking in their sweet scent. You brushed over the stems with your fingers, slowly piecing everything together in your mind. You looked back to Lee, whose determined eyes trained on yours. A smile broke out across your lips. A laugh fell from them.

“Lee, you’re so silly!” You giggled and for yet another time that day, Lee was once again very confused. You clicked happily. “This is too much, you really didn’t have to get me flowers.”

“It was the least I could do! Please, allow me to continue making up for forgetting your birthday!” You rocked on your heels, grin wide.

“Well since you missed dinner yesterday, how about you join me for dinner right now?” You offered, not intending to take him up on his offer for the some-odd punishment he likely had in mind. “Come on! Let’s get these flowers in water.”

Lee gladly followed you, and so, you led the way home.

Lee was sure that he had seen most everyone’s apartments, but he most definitely didn’t recognize yours. It appeared more like an elongated closet than any studio apartment he’d ever seen. As soon as you opened the door, Lee could see straight through your kitchenette into your bed area. A small table sat in between the two spaces. A door, which he assumed was the bathroom, existed to the right. He could tell that it was also small simply by the slimness of the doorframe. The memory of his earlier conversation with Team Seven and Ten flashed across his memory. Perhaps he didn’t know you as much as he thought… or liked for that matter. You didn’t notice his momentary dip in energy.

You slipped off your shoes at the mat by the entrance and Lee followed suit, closing the door as he did so. You padded across the small kitchen and plucked open one of your cabinets to reveal a small, glass vase.

“Um…” You turned to look over your shoulder as you filled the container. “You can take a seat. Table or my bed, whichever is comfier!” Lee eyed the basket full of ingredients from the market that rested on the small counter. You placed the vase on the table.

“Surely you are not planning to cook for me.” Disappointment flooded your eyes. Your shoulders dropped. You fiddled with your pants.

“Well, uh… I mean I was. Is that a problem?”

“No!” Lee answered with a certain amount of urgency. “But I should be the one to make dinner for you, not the other way around.”

“You cook, Lee?” You clicked. “You should join me!”

But Lee did not cook. He often tried but for whatever reason, he could never seem to make it work. Nonetheless, that didn’t curb his enthusiasm.

“Yes! I would very much enjoy that!”

He joined you in the kitchen. The flowers sat on the table.

Notes: It’s not entirely from Rock Lee’s point of view, but tired to sprinkle in some language that reflected how I thought he’d think. Good jokes? I thought I wrote at least one banger line 😂

Thank you to everyone who liked, reblogged, and followed. Your support means so much and is greatly appreciated.

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getyouasenju · 3 years

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Red Lights

a continuation to Drivers License I suggest reading it, but this can be a stand alone piece!

Master List

Word Count: 2.3k

Warnings: Angst, Profanity, das it :)

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It was pitch dark outside by the time I had made it back to my apartment. I closed my door with a sigh, locking it as I turned to take off my shoes. Standing up I walk to my thermostat turning it up, silently cursing at myself for taking the long way in this cold weather. Making my way across the living room, I made sure all the blinds were closed for the night and then made a quick exit for the bedroom. I was drained, which was pathetic because this was supposed to be a huge moment for me and I was letting something so pitiful get in the way.

I make my way through my bedroom, throwing my keys and wallet onto my nightstand then making my way to my bathroom. I looked at my red puffy face as I snatched the hair-tie from my head groaning loudly. I hope it was dark enough so he didn't see this. Smacking my hand on my forehead I curse again, but this time out-loud. Glancing up I catch sight of my attire. Grabbing the flaps of my vest, I turn side to side examining myself. Hey.. I looked pretty good in this vest! I laughed to myself as I pulled it off and prepared myself for bed. I was determined to not let any of my hard work go to waste, to hell with him.

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“Huh?”

I let out a confused sigh as I stood in the Hokage tower. It has been nearly two month since my promotion and I still had yet to go on any mission, I was a sitting duck. I was excited when I was summoned by the Hokage for a mission, only to to have it give away to Raidō, Gemna and Iwashi- again. “I just don’t understand,” I start carefully “Is there a reason I’m being pulled from this mission? Have I done something wrong?” Kakashi quickly shook his head “No, you’ve done nothing wrong (Y/N). You’re a perfectly capable Kunoichi. We just thought Raidō, Gemna and Iwashi would be a better fit.” He explains to me. Wait a second... we?

My eyes flicker the man standing besides him as soon as it clicks. He stood there, usual ponytail with crossed arms. So he was the reason I wasn’t getting any missions. I glare at him and try to catch his gaze as hard as I could for a moment as he tried his best to avoid it. I give in and turn my glance back to Kakashi and bow my head “Thank you Lord Sixth, please let me know if I can be of any assistance.” I respectfully make my exit as I try to hide the bitter taste that was in my mouth.

I didn’t realize how mad I was until the cold air hit my flushed face. To say I was frustrated was an understatement. Why does he have to be involved? He has officially erased all excitement for me. I didn’t want to be a stupid Jōnin anymore If he was going to play puppet master with me. Why is it his business on what missions I go on anyways? Stupid advisor. I kick a pebble and let out a frustrated groan when I hear the door open behind me and Immediately roll my eyes as I hear a lighter. I debated with myself before I turned my body towards him.

He stood a little bit from the entrance, cigarette in hand and a scowl on his face. Why was he upset? He was the one meddling in my business. I place my hands on my hips and glare at him. “Do you enjoy watching me suffer?” I question him. He looks taken back by my statement, but doesn’t respond. I scoff, crossing my arms and straightening out my back. “Why are you fixated on ruining me, Shikamaru.” He frowned, taking a final drag of his cigarette and then proceeding to throw the cigarette down. “I’m not trying to ruin you, (Y/N).” He responded plainly.

I let out a humorless laugh. “Oh, so you just take me off missions for fun? I know it’s your doing, don’t insult my intelligence.” I argued back with him, I wasn’t going to play dumb with a genius. He chuckles before addressing me. “So the whole world’s out to get you, huh?” he sneers back at me. My eyes widened, his tone was surprisingly icy. What the fuck? What the hell was he so angry about? His life was fucking great, spectacular even! I drop my hands by my sides. “What the fuck is your problem Shikamaru, you have everything you’ve ever wanted- needed! Why can’t you just let me be!” I didn’t realize I was screaming until I finished and I just felt embarrassed. All I knew is that I didn’t want the whole village witnessing a screaming match between me and my ex boyfriend. I shake my head as I turn to walk away, done with the conversation when I heard his laughter. What was so fucking funny?

“Everything I wanted? Is that a fucking joke? All I fucking wanted was you!” He hisses at me. What? I whip around, he had officially lost his damn mind if thought he could make comments to me like that after what he pulled. “Don’t you dare fucking patronize me Shikamaru!” I say, trying to keep my voice low. He went on that mission, he’s the one who admitted he had feelings for Temari. “I let you go because I knew you liked her, I gave you the opportunity to be happy!” I could hear my heart beat in my ears, I felt so much pressure in my head. “Why can’t you let me do the same.” I whispered.

“I never asked you to let me go, you made that decision for me.” He says softly. I shook my head, no- I’m not doing this with him. “Shikamaru, I’m not doing this with you, not today- not ever.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and came closer to me. “There you go, making decisions for us again.” He sighed out. Us? There was no us, he was sadly mistaken. I take a step back trying to put some distance between us. “Are you trying to say it was my fault Shikamaru?” I question him. I couldn’t believe what he was trying to pull here. I never asked you to let me go. it wasn’t too hard when he was starstuck over Temari. My eyes hardened when I got no response again. “You’re telling me that it’s my fault that I refused to be on the back-burner for your dream girl.” I whispered.

Oh give me a fucking break, she was perfect. Everything he wanted, they balanced each other- It wasn’t hard to see. “And who decided that? You?” I was taken back. Why the fuck is everything my fault now. “You came to that conclusion yourself.” I scoffed and shook my head. “No, you showed me that I was right when you came back from that mission making googly eyes at her!” He moved closer to me and I moved back once again, I could see his nostrils flare in response. “Nothing happened on that mission.” He insisted to me. “Yeah, but I knew we were on borrowed time the moment you left for it, Shikamaru.”

He turns around putting his hands on his head and groaning. “That wasn’t true.” I cross my arms and shake my head. “But it was!” I shriek. He turns back to me. “You let your fucking insecurities cloud your judgement!” Excuse me? I was shocked. Did he just... “Did you just fucking call me insecure?” I growled at him. He let out a bitter laugh “See? There you fucking go again. You know that’s not what I meant.” He pauses and finally looks over me, eyes lingering on every detail of my face. “Yeah I had a childhood crush on Temari, everyone in the village knew it! She was my first crush, but that’s what it was- a crush. Stop comparing yourself to her.”

“There isn’t much to compare.” I start “She’s older, beautiful- she’s perfect for you. More of your speed.” I could see him visibly stiffen. “Stop making decisions for me.” He says again through his teeth. “Stop acting like it was hard for you! And you want to talk about making decisions for people? You won’t let me go on any missions!” I argue back with him. I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Listen- Shikamaru, I can’t do this with you. I’m going home, goodnight.” I plead with him to just let me go home, I was tired and I wanted to sleep for a week straight. He looked like he was panicking. “Wait- let me walk you home. It’s late out a-” I cut him off, holding my hand up. “You may not think I’m capable enough to do any missions, but I’m damn sure capable of walking myself home.”

He looked down at me with his brows furrowed. “You know that Temari and I aren’t together, right? We were never together! I meant everything I ever said to you. I don’t know where you gathered this Idea that you weren’t good enough for me, but It needs to stop before we’re ruined for good.” He finishes grabbing my hand. I was appalled. Ruined for good.. and he keeps speaking like we’re in a relationship- gosh he was giving me a headache. What did their relationship not working out have to do with me? “So what? you don’t get your dream girl and it’s my fault?” He drops my hands groaning and cursing under his breath, dragging his hands down his face again.

“What don’t you understand?” He lets out a breathless laugh. “You are my fucking dream girl, (Y/N).”

I was frozen in place, his words running around in my head. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. “You keep talking about borrowed time.. how could my time be borrowed when It was all yours to begin with?” I shake my head, immediately trying to dismiss the admission- no. I didn’t want to do this. But he persisted. “Don’t- don’t do that, It’s true. For once, let me speak my truth to you, just listen to me! I never lied to you.” My head was all fuzzy as he looked at me waiting for an answer.

“I want to go home now. please.” I croaked out. He stood still for a moment before looking down and nodding. “Let me walk you home, please?” I finally gave in just wanting to be home and nodded my head. I let him take my hand and lead the way. The long way of course.

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We walked hand in hand through the streets, the few people still out and about paying us little to no mind. I welcomed the silence as I thought to myself. Did I push them together because of my insecurities? I sneak a glance at Shikamaru, he was staring straight ahead undeniably lost in his own thoughts. A relationship is supposed to be a two way street, one person didn’t get to make all the decisions and look what I did. I was abruptly thrown out of my thoughts when Shikamaru came to a sudden stop.

“I’m sorry for taking you off those missions.” He apologizes to me, angling his head down at me. I don’t respond, I didn’t know what to say. After the ending of our last conversation, I was still speechless. “I just always thought we’d go on the first one together, like we talked about.” He let out a low laugh. “You know, when I found out you were being promoted, there was this small bit of hope inside me that you’d come to me first.” He shakes his head. “It was stupid, but I was bitter. I wanted to be happy for you, but when I saw you walking by my house that night, I was distraught.”

“I wanted you.” I couldn’t control my outburst. He looked at me with widened eyes, surprised. It was too late to take it back so I continued. “I was out with the girls and all I could think about was how I just... wanted you there, just like we talked about.” I admitted to him. I was somewhat embarrassed to have my heart on my sleeve like this. “So.. where do we go from here.” He questioned me. I pondered it, looking into his eyes. He was asking me?

“I thought you you didn’t want me making decisions for you, Shikamaru?” I teased. He chuckles at my response bringing my hand to his lips. “Then let me make a decision for you this time. Let’s get back together.” He insisted. This was all too much. “It’s that easy?” I asked him hesitantly. He quickly nodded at me. “You’re always an easy choice for me.” he assures me. Now I really was confused. I stand still for a moment before sticking my hand out to him.

“Friends.”

“Friends?” He repeats to me, a puzzled look on his face. I smile and nod my head at him. “Friends.” I repeated to him, pushing my hand towards him, waiting for him to shake it. He takes my hand hesitantly and shakes it giving me a tight lipped smile.

“Friends.”

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Helloooo a little sequel to the Drivers license piece I put out a little bit ago. Might have another part left in me.

Master list

Until Next Time! xxo (▰∀◕)ﾉ

#naruto #naruto imagines #naruto imagine #imagine #anime #shikamaru #shikamaru x reader #shikamaru nara #shikamaru nara x reader #shikamaru angst #shikamaru nara angst #naruto angst #naruto x reader #shikamaru nara x (y/n)#shikamaru fanfiction #shikamaru Nara fanfiction #shikamaru x (y/n)

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torivikachu · 3 years

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wanna play by the rules and entertain the idea of straight ships in Naruto?

I couldn't sleep so - apparently, yeah.

the only canon ship that makes sense is ShikaTema. like really. thats like my second best ship apart from SNS but if we consider the straight world - I'm gonna go with that one. they are so made for each other its not even funny its freaking adorable!!!! Shikamaru what-a-drag-women-amiright Nara x Temari I-like-dorks-who-I-can-dominate Sabaku is the power couple we deserve. and she is like the only married woman apart from Sakura who hasn't completely abandoned her work? she is an ambassador of Suna. right? or wait. was it just fanfiction? nevermind, she is a badass anyway.

I don't know about Karui and Choji... I mean, they are okay. maybe. I just have no idea how they could've ended up together. AT ALL.

moving on, there is SaiIno who I both adore to the depth of my heart and believe to be the low-key SNS. even though they don't make much sense too thanx to the plot, I do like them together. Ino always chased after Sasuke, but more cause everybody did... and honestly after all Sasuke has done you have to be a total idiot to still love him (I know two of those can you guess who). Sai - while looking similar - is handsome, smart and weird in his own way, and has this enigma fleur about him so I can totally see how he could have caught her attention, and she is a pretty girl who can kick ass and not afraid to stand up for herself, and if we entertain the idea that Sai has a thing for blonds after Naruto brought him out of his shell then maybe it makes even more sense. but what do I know...

I am really struggling to remember other ships (at least regarding rookie 9+3) so I'll just jump to the major ones I take issue with.

SasuSaku and NaruHina.

first of all - I don't hate these ships solely cause I like SNS. i honestly wouldn't ship them even in a completely straight word where no rainbow has ever appeared (that was lame but I am sleep deprived so back off wouldya).

they just DONT MATCH.

yeah Sakura was smitten with Sasuke and Hinata with Naruto for like... 700 episodes.

SO WHAT

that doesn't make them good couples. lemme explain why.

Sasuke is broken. okay? he.is.not.interested.in.family.

he doesn't connect with people. he can't! he broke the bond with Sakura when he left the village and that fragile shadow of it they established after the war is just not enough to build a relationship on. the only person he hasn't broken the bond with is Naruto and even relationship with him wouldn't be easy.

but we're in straight world, so I would assume he'd like to avoid human contact as a plague whatsoever. mb have a child or two to keep Uchiha bloodline, but no strings attached.

oh wait! sounds exactly like what he did.

hell, mb SasuSaku makes sense after all (SARCASM)

NaruHina is more likely.

but Hinata is so damn boring.

I mean... she isn't that boring. she is strong, relentless, stoic, brave and shit. but.so.boring.

Naruto would love playing house for a couple of years sure. cause he always wanted a family, yeah. but he also needs someone who can match him. at least on some level.

unfortunately, she cant.

she doesn't even seem to have a personality outside of Naruto. newsflash, that ain't healthy. I mean even though Sakura reduces to a blushing mess around Sasuke, she is pretty badass when he is not around.

Hinata is not. she could be! she damn well could be.

but she is not.

the only straight couple that makes sense out of these four is NaruSaku. yeah honestly. they have matching personalities, they would be a fun couple! both strong enough to not be consumed by each other, having a long history of friendship to support their love... even though they didn't have the best start, Sakura learnt to respect and like Naruto and he always adored her. their banter would keep things between them heated... damn, that's sorta even healthier than SNS in some ways.

but I really don't like that Sasuke is left out in this picture so I'd still go with SNS. Sakura can land any other guy.

or just bear Sasuke's child. that'll do nicely if she'd be satisfied with it.

but it doesn't seem likely.

so I'd leave her with Lee? or she can be alone. or InoSaku is pretty interesting but oh right thats a straight world. she could be with Sai though. but that leaves us eith a big issues of Ino being too good for any other guy out there so I am like really lost here.

Hinata would be okay with Kiba? probably. but I feel like Kiba needs somebody more... lively? though... they have been on the same team for a long time. I am pretty sure Kiba and Shino know her better than anybody else. so maybe... MAYBE Kiba would be a good match for her.

please don't ask me why I don't consider Shino cause honestly the guy is just a big buggy enigma for me I can't really imagine with anybody.

that's pretty much it with the straight ships.

I hope I can sleep now.

#attention #straight ships #naruto #shikatema #narusaku #narusasu #those hashtags seem like Konoha is like Narutos harem or something #sasunaru #saiino

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cyberiade · 3 years

Text

Team Kakashi & their s/o having their own Christmas Tradition

the ask: Hey so I was wondering if members of Team Kakashi have some interesting Christmas traditions with their s/o?

OH YES (congrats for being the first person to send an ask, anon) THANK YOU I did this more like ‘how something became a christmas tradition’, I hope it’s okay. Also, you forgot to specialize what should it be so I’ve chosen quick scenarios

word count: 814

warnings: none

genre: fluff

I wrote it in one day I want to die

Kakashi: christmas lights

As you know, he isn’t really vocal with his desires, so you need to pay attention to details in his behavior

One time when you two were on a walk and you noticed how he looks at people decorating their houses for Christmas

“Hey, wanna do that too?”

When he agreed immediately, you knew you made a good decision

You bought a few cords of fairy lights, garlands and such

Nothing extravagant, but quite cute

When you started you were extatic

But a few hours later, when it still didn’t look acceptable, you got pissed

How a pair of shinobis can’t hang one garland in the right place?

Eventually you finished with a little help from Pakkun

Why does a dog have more fashion sense than you

Anyway

You were satisfied with the outcome

And though the process was a pain in the ass, it was worth it

So you decided to do that nex year too

Naruto: building snow figures

One time the Hokage’s office was nearly fully under a huge pile of snow

And Shikamaru had to take care of this

Which he did handle like a fully grown-up adult, the right hand man of the Hokage by telling your very own dork that the snow was there on purpose

“It’s a suprise for you and Y/N” he said.

“You can build a snowman family or something, I don’t really care”

“Shikamaru you get a raise”

When you arrived at his office a hour later, Naruto jumped out of his window the moment he noticed you.

He was so thrilled to build a huge snowman that you just couldn’t refuse

After you made sure that your sculpture won’t cover any important entrance, you let yourself have some fun

You two decided to go with a huge figure of a fox wrapping his tails around the office

Not so long after you started your friends started to join you

Which of course turned to a snowball fight when Lee came

But after it ended, even more people joined

Long story short, it turned from avoiding snow cleaning costs to Konoha’s Snow Sculpture Festival

Sai: gingerbread cookies

You couldn’t imagine Christmas without gingerbread cookies

So it was not suprise that you made them

When you started to prepare icing, Sai entered the kitchen

You thought it was a really good idea for him to help you and he was eager to do so

He finished 60 cookies in 30 minutes

Every single one with a different pattern

Sai looked really upset when he realized there’s no more cookies to decorate

So you made another portion

And another

You ended up with around 230 cookies (you ate some)

Saying you were terrified was an understatement

“We won’t eat them until next year!”

“We can give some to Naruto, Sakura, Kakashi-sensei and Yamato-sensei"

Not a bad idea

You ended up giving them to everyone you like as a ‘bonus’ to your presents

Sakura: ugly holiday sweaters

You two were shopping for presents

When suddenly you saw one of the ugliest sweaters you’ve ever seen

It propably was big enough to easily fit you two inside (or fit Choji)

Normally you would just laugh and ignore it

But you felt bad for the sweater

No one ever wanted to buy it, poor little one

“Hey, what do you think about this one?”

“Babe, I love you, but if you really like this sweater I’ll have to take your shopping privileges under advisement”

You explained why you wanted to buy it

Sakura agreed, amazed by your sensitivity, but still grossed out at the thought of actually wearing this fashion tragedy

The two of you decided to ‘adopt it’

When the cashier told you that no one even touch this sweater you couldn’t decide between crying and laughing

Walking with shopping bags, the sweater showing through transparent plastic bag you carried it in, a lot of people frowned at the sight of it

But frowns quickly dissapeared when Sakura flexed her arms, wordlessly showing everyone what will she do if they’ll criticize your fashion choices

Your smile and cuddles at the end of the day was totally worth buying the horrifying pullover

10/10 would do it again next year

Yamato: visiting animal shelter

Due to your lifestyle, you can’t visit the shelter as often as you two want to

But this Christmas both of you had a day off, so you could go

First you went to meet the dogs, take them on a walk and play with them

Then you helped to feed a few sick birds

You nearly got your finger bit off

At the end, the cherry on top: c a t s

You found one cat that looked exactly like Yamato

Same eyes, same hair/fur color

As you played with the little creature, you could tell that their characters matched too

If your stomachs didn’t rumble, you wouldn’t notice that you two spent 4 hours in the animal shelter already

He treated you to some hot chocolate and cookies after

I love this man so much

#naruto #christmas #naruto christmas #team kakashi #yamato #yamato x reader #kakashi #hatake kakashi #kakashi x reader #sai x reader #sakura x reader #naruto x reader #sai #sakura #naruto fluff #yamato is a member of team kakashi fight me

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kayparker20 · 3 years

Text

Let Me Love You

Alright so this is what I’ve been working on for the past week! I hope you enjoy

Summary: Shikamaru never planned to fall for Ino’s best friend, and he definitely never planned to do about it. When he insisted on training with her, he just wanted to make her happy, how does he end up asking to kiss her? He’s surprised to find her heart might have room for him afterall. Lemon.

FFN | AO3

Shikamaru laid on his back on the grass, finally enjoying a bit of relaxation after training with Asuma. He sat back and watched the clouds. Something that always brought him comfort, he always grasped what shred of laziness he could spare these days. Oftentimes now, he took this time to think, instead of blankly staring at the clouds. He reminisced about some of the past times in his life, and how he never got to do this much anymore. Sometimes he thought back on training sessions, and what his squad needed to work on, or tried to think of new formations they could make with their jutsu. Really, at least this time, he was thinking about a certain girl, once again. She was slowly invading his thoughts the last couple weeks, despite how troublesome he found most women.

He thought about all the things that have happened to his team, the Rookie 9, and to her. The Third Hokage was assassinated by his own student. Sasuke took off after the chunin exams to pursue Orochimaru. He even left her unconscious on a bench. Naruto was off training with Jiraiya, with the promise to bring back the person she loved. Kakashi had continually taken long term missions, and seemingly abandoned her to deal with the pain alone. She seemed almost in a limbo, even while she was under the instruction of the Godaime.

He thought more and more about the way things have turned out for his classmates. He could never imagine trying to kill Asuma. Or to leave Ino crying for him, let alone on a bench in the middle of the night. Even if he was well aware the bothersome blonde had no romantic feelings for him, he still couldn’t picture breaking someone like Sasuke had done to Sakura Haruno. How he created so much self-doubt in Naruto. He felt bitter towards the ninja who didn’t even witness the pain he inflicted upon people that Shikamaru was now close to. He could never understand how Sasuke thought power and revenge was more important than his own team.

More important than Sakura. When he had left, there was something in her that broke. He knew it had been her heart, you could see it in the way her smiles hardly reached her eyes anymore. In the way she carried herself now, she seemed to try and keep her emotions more hidden, except for when she was angry or truly hurt. He never realized how much he loved her smile, until she stopped smiling.

Somewhere along the way, Ino had managed to get them to hang out one time. She made an off hand comment about Sakura needing to spend more time with smart people, and joked that he should teach her how to play shogi. When Sakura smiled even as she chastised her friend for getting in her business, he couldn’t resist the idea. Besides, it wouldn’t hurt to have another person to play shogi with, being as his Dad was ever busy, and Asuma couldn’t play as often now. Jounin ninja ever since the attack almost always had a directive from the Fifth if they weren’t training an up-coming squad of ninja.

He sighed softly before resting his eyes and clearing his head. He could never quite truly clear it of the colours of rosy pink hair and teal coloured eyes. How it felt the past few weeks to just be in her presence. How smart she was, as he soon found out when they played a game of shoji. He knew she had been top of her class, but there’s a difference in memorizing information, and being able to think out the moves to make in any situation. They had fallen into a routine of playing a game or two weekly, and it seemed he only fell even further for her as he spent more time with her.

Memories of her flitted through his mind, like the way she chewed her bottom lip when she thought about her next move. Or how she felt in his arms when she would tackle him after he let her win, complaining that it wasn’t a real win if he allowed it. How the smell of her jasmine perfume invaded his senses when she had been so close to him. The musical sound of her laughter. The small smiles that had formed on her face, genuine even if they didn’t reach her eyes.

He sighed and shook his head once again. What a drag, he was supposed to be relaxing and yet he couldn’t relax when he thought about her.

Of course, leave it to him to end up in the troublesome situation of falling for the girl who already had her sights set on someone else. He wouldn’t be so arrogant to think he could sway her feelings, it seemed childish almost to try and change it. No matter how much he knew Sasuke didn’t deserve even an ounce of the friendship or love that Naruto and Sakura held for him so strongly.

He stood up from his spot and sighed before he heard shuffling. He turned his head towards the noise before finding the very being of his thoughts, standing there with her leather gloves on, clearly coming to train. She had this look of determination on her face, but there was a twinge of disappointment in her eyes.

“Oh, hey Shikamaru!” She smiled softly. “It’s okay, I’ll find another training ground! I wouldn’t want to intrude on your cloud watching.” She turned to leave.

She had only just got here, he didn’t want her to leave yet.

He inwardly scrambled for something to say to stop her too-soon departure.“Sakura, do you have a training partner?” He jogged towards her. “You usually have Tsunade with you don’t you?” He inquired.

He realized how lame that might have sounded, or maybe even rubbing salt into the wound of her disappointment since Tsunade was clearly absent today.

Was there even a way to have a strategy for love, and trying to gain it?

Sakura laughed nervously. “She’s got a lot of hokage business today. And, you know Naruto is gone and Kakashi-sensei is on yet another mission…” There was a tinge of sadness in her voice as she explained herself even further.

He knew no ninja cared for pity, and he didn’t want to come off that way. But he also knows training by yourself only gets you so far. And that she hated to be alone. He tried for a casual smile towards her before shrugging his shoulders. He really did try to be there for his friends, and the sadness in her voice made it clear she wasn’t thrilled about the situation. “Well, I’ll train with you today. I’m not busy or anything.”

Sakura's eyes widened. “Oh, no you don’t have to, Shikamaru!” She looked off to the side a bit. “I know you were cloud watching, really, I don’t want to interrupt.”

“Nah, I was just finished. Come on, you only gain so much from training alone. What were you going to work on today?”

Sakura couldn’t help the shy smile that graced her lips then. She looked up at Shikamaru, meeting his chocolate eyes this time. “I was going to work on taijutsu. Tsunade is teaching me how to channel chakra into my attacks to make them stronger. I also need to learn to dodge better…”

Ino had gone to Sakura’s after training to find she was gone. She imagined she may have been training with Tsunade, so she picked up some food and headed back to the training grounds. She was surprised to find Sakura alone, without Tsunade approaching the training ground she had left only 20 minutes ago. And then she smiled as she realized Shikamaru was still there, and was probably cloud watching.

Shika hadn’t said anything but she had noticed how he seemed to glance at Sakura just a little longer these days whenever they ran into her friend as a team. Or how sometimes he seemed concerned about her being left behind by her team, asking why nothing was done about it. Asuma gave a knowing smile when he mentioned it, and told him that he could do something about it if he felt so concerned about it.

This really turned into Ino doing something about it because Shikamaru just huffed at his response, and only Ino noticed the slightest tinge of pink in his face he had that day. Ino started inviting Sakura to train with them occasionally then, before one day insisting they start to hang out. Really, she just wanted to see both of them happy.

She got a little closer so she could hear when they spoke. When Shikamaru suggested he train with her, Ino beamed. There’s no one else she would ever trust to be so kind to Sakura, it was why she had set them up a few weeks back. She was surprised he went out of his way to do it, considering he wasn’t usually one to volunteer himself. All the more proof showing he had some sort of affection for her. She ran off to tell Choji, giggling with delight all the while to find him.

Sakura and Shikamaru had been sparring for about half an hour at this point, just exchanging blows. It wasn’t without the occasional snide comments to each other, as Sakura loved to chat.

Sakura smirked softly before landing a kick to his side. “You know, it’s not really training when you go easy on me, Shikamaru.”

He raised an eyebrow at her before shaking his head. “You’re just as troublesome as Ino. Why do you think I’m going easy on you?” But he smiled even just slightly as he said it. “I’m not, but I’m not trying to actually hurt you either, woman.”

He grabbed hold of her leg when she went to kick him again and pushed it to the side in an attempt to make her lose balance.

“I’m not fragile. Tsunade hits me with chakra punches, I think I can handle your normal ones.” She chided as she caught herself from falling. She lunged at him, going for his side when he grabbed her wrist and twisted, bringing her arm behind her.

She felt how firm his chest was against her arm and back but tried to shake away those invasive little thoughts that crossed her mind.

“Taijutsu isn’t my strong suit, I’m more of a ranged shinobi, as I’m sure you should know already.”

She tensed slightly as she felt his breath brush across her neck as he spoke. She nodded. “Ah, yes that’s right.” She smirked and hooked her foot behind his ankle and pulled, sending him to the ground as she turned and crossed her arms. “Perhaps this is good training for both of us then.”

He landed flat on his back, surprised by her move. He looked up at her and was caught for a moment at the sight of her. She stood, staring down at him with a happy glint in her turquoise eyes he hadn’t seen for at least two years. Her hair reached a little past her shoulders now as it blew around in the slight breeze. Her hips were cocked to one side as she gazed at him with amusement even though her arms were crossed. She had a thin sheen of sweat that glistened across her skin, and it did nothing but add to his attraction. It had caught him off guard, but she looked beautiful in that moment, especially with the clouds behind her as a backdrop.

She watched as Shikamaru seemed to gaze at her for a little bit longer before she felt heat rushing to her face. “H-Hey, what are you looking at?” She snapped.

“You have a pretty smile…” He said without really thinking.

Oh man, this is about to be a drag.

He quickly stood up as his own face became dusted with a light shade of pink. He rubbed the back of his head. “I mean…” He trailed off, not quite sure how to dig himself out of this one.

Sakura only became more flustered. “I...oh?” She bit the inside of her cheek nervously, not sure what to say. “Thank you…” She gave a shy smile.

He returned with his own sheepish smile. “I… uh. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I know that you…” He didn’t know if bringing up Sasuke was a good idea he realized as he trailed off.

Sakura took a step closer and set a reassuring hand on his chest. “You didn’t make me uncomfortable at all, Shika. Thank you…” She looked up at him and she was smiling so brightly, it reached her eyes which were so warm now. “It means a lot to me, actually.”

He watched her for a moment, before wishing he knew how to handle this situation a little better. Really, everyone knew her heart was out to Sasuke, so was there really a point in trying? But her hand was on his chest and she was smiling at him so tenderly, so what did that mean for him?

Since when did he feel strongly enough to want to try?

It had to be her smile, and how he had been the one to make her that happy. He brought a hand up to cup one side of her face as he made eye contact with her. “Sakura, you do know you look beautiful, right?” He said softly.

Her lack of confidence in herself made no sense to him, but he had to try. She was a stunning kunoichi all around in his eyes.

She blushed even deeper now before staring into his dark brown eyes. She wasn’t used to someone being so close. And it was a bit of a shock coming from Shikamaru.

But now some of Ino’s odd behaviour started making sense, like how every time she went out with Team 10, she somehow ended up sitting next to Shikamaru instead of Ino, and the couple times she trained with them, she ended up paired with him. Or when she tried to ask her about dating that one time.

She gazed into his eyes, seeing how warm and inviting they were as he looked at her so tenderly. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she compared it to the coldness that she always found in Sasuke’s gaze, but it seemed so distant now. It made her nervous all the same.

“I...uh.” she stuttered nervously.

She would have been lying if she tried to act like Shikamaru wasn’t attractive. She was flustered at the sudden attention he seemed to be paying attention to her, or was it so sudden? Had he looked at her like that before and she just didn’t notice? It made her feel giddy and nervous to be the object of his piercing gaze. It felt like he could see right through her. She could never tell what he was thinking, but he was clear enough in voicing he liked what he saw. She chewed on the inside of her cheek, not sure what to say, thinking his hands felt nice even if they were a little calloused.

She began thinking of how he has always made her feel like she mattered the last few weeks, how this lazy genius she calls her friend always made time for her. How gentle he seemed to be holding her at this exact moment, and the awe in his gaze when he was on the ground moments ago when he looked up at her.

She gently gripped his shirt with the hand that still rested on his chest as she felt him lean closer, anticipating what she thought, and ever dared hope what was coming next.

He took a step closer and leaned in towards her slightly. “Can I kiss you?” He spoke the question so softly as he slowly moved his hand to thread into her hair. He didn’t want to make her feel pressured. “You don’t have to say ye-”

And he felt soft lips just barely brush his own. His eyes slid closed as he brought his other hand to her hip, and deepened the kiss just a bit. Her hands moved to wrap around his neck. It was timid and shy, clearly the first for her(not to his surprise), but it was so sweet and gentle.

His face felt like it was on fire as he pulled back a bit. He gazed at her, surprise clear in his chocolate shaded eyes, but also something akin to delight.

She stared back up at Shikamaru, her lips still just barely parted. She could feel his chest against her own, how surprisingly toned he was compared to how lithe he looked. She could smell the layer of sweat that shined off his skin in the sun from their sparring moments ago. She took comfort in how firm yet gentle his grip on her was. It felt nice to be close to someone, she thought to herself, as she smiled up at him.

“Sakura… ” He pulled his hand back from her pink tresses to rest on her cheek. “I don’t mean to be a drag, but I… ” He stumbled for words, how do you even begin this conversation? Is the kiss enough, does he have to voice it?

“I liked it…” She spoke softly, before looking over him once more. “How...long?” Her eyes were full of curiosity, and happiness.

“Awhile…” He sighed. “I’ve always been concerned about you since everything happened, and especially since Naruto left. You were always…” He didn’t know what to say. He didn’t want to insult her, especially because he was well aware she had a killer punch once she was angry. “Alone.”

“I always found myself wanting to comfort you, to be there for you.” He laughed nervously. “Emotions are such a drag, you know? I don’t know how to explain them very well…”

She bit her lip softly. “Shika…” She placed both her hands against the sides of his face.

“And I mean, who am I compared to Sasuke?” He gave a half smile as he stroked her cheekbone with his thumb. “Competitions are immature, especially ones you know you can’t win…”

A flash of guilt went through her aquamarine hues and she looked away.

She knew not everyone cared as deeply for Sasuke as her and Naruto, that most people saw him as a traitor now. Most people didn’t understand. But Shikamaru always understood, even if he didn’t agree with it.

It wasn’t a secret to her and Naruto. She knew that even though the rest of the Rookie 9 respected them enough to keep their opinions to themselves, and even help try to bring him back, that most of them were bitter towards the Uchiha. Who could blame them, when they were the ones that had to witness the pain her and Naruto felt all the time. No one could like someone who hurt people they cared about.

Shikamaru frowned, instantly regretting his words. He gently turned her face back towards him. “Sakura, that’s not how I meant that…” He sighed even deeper. “I just… I know you love him, so why would I tell you how I feel, it wouldn’t change that, and it wouldn’t change us, now would it?”

She stared at Shikamaru in wonder. He was so full understanding, not a hint of the judgement she was used to when in regards to Sasuke. He always was, but at this moment, she had begun fearing he would get angry and turn away. He hadn’t, he had only held on more, giving her more honesty and it made her heart swell more with the little bit of feelings she had started developing for him recently.

Shikamaru was here, and Sasuke wasn’t. He made her feel wanted, and the time she had spent with him lately were becoming some of the happier moments she had now. She wondered that as time went, if she would ever even pine for the vengeful raven anymore, as she slowly fell for the genius.

Shikamaru was looking at her so tenderly, but there was a hint of sadness in those eyes that suddenly reminded her of coffee in the late mornings they shared a couple of times over games of shoji.

“What if I said it could…?” She whispered to more herself than him. But he was a shinobi just like she was, and he had definitely heard it.

“Sakura..?”

“You…” She struggled to find words that didn’t sound awkward or cheesy. “I… don’t feel so alone when I’m with you. I feel happy.”

Shikamaru stared at her for another moment before kissing her again.

Sakura gasped softly into the kiss before returning it eagerly. She rested her hands on the sides of his neck as various things fled through her little pink head. They were fast and fleeting but somehow still focused as she moved her mouth against his, not exactly smoothly as it was now her only second kiss.

Shikamaru, the one who said women are such a drag, was kissing her. He had done everything but outright confess to her.

She felt her heart beating out of her chest as butterflies seemed to fill her stomach.

His body felt hard against hers, or maybe he was just tense.

She wanted this, wanted him.

She liked the way he embraced her, tight enough to express he didn’t want her to go, but gentle enough that she could have pulled away if she had wanted to.

Shikamaru was here and cared about her and her day and her feelings and even her damn training.

Her face burned with a hot blush.

And the most apparent thought, she liked every bit of it.

She hummed as Shikamaru seemed to grow a little more confident as he swiped his tongue along her bottom lip. She timidly parted her lips for him, moving one of her hands to his hair, almost daring to tug the strands out of its hold, curious about what it looked like when it was down. He pulled her closer, her body pressed right up against his, as he swirled his tongue around her own. His grip on her hips tightened before he raised one hand to gently tilt her head and thread his fingers into her hair, giving him better access.

She pulled away with a soft gasp, needing air to breathe from. “Shika…” She panted softly before looking up at him. She caught his eyes and was surprised by the intensity that she found in them. She bit her lip nervously as she tried to maintain his gaze.

She wondered what was going through his head that moment. He was never one she could read well. She was pretty sure that was why he always beat her in shoji, when he wasn’t letting her win. Or maybe it was because she would be trying to focus on not watching the way his eyes scanned the board. Sometimes her mind wandered even further, wondering what his hands felt like when she watched him move pieces.

She could confirm now that they had a firm grip, and were a little calloused and felt rough against the smooth skin of her neck or her cheek. It was a near perfect contrast, even though she knew her hands were just as callous as his from leading the life of a ninja.

“Do...you want to come to my place?” She asked him softly.

His eyes widened a bit at the request.

He wanted to, but he was feeling a need he couldn’t dare expect her to satiate. He didn’t think that a kiss would draw him so far into his own desires. He just wanted to show her he cared, to express something he couldn’t quite get out in words. Just one kiss sparked his need within to be with her that went farther than just her company or his want to comfort her.

“Sakura, I…” He felt his face flush again. “I don’t know if that's the best idea…” He disentangled himself from her slowly and took a step back. “I think I need to go uhm… Cool off.” He rubbed the back of his back, feeling rather embarrassed.

“Oh, uh…” She wasn’t stupid, she was more than well aware what he meant. She felt hot all over from that second kiss even as tender as it still was. She nodded slightly in understanding. “If you change your mind…” She couldn’t help the tinge of hope that laced her voice.

He looked at her a moment before leaning back down and placing a kiss over her forehead. “I’ll see you, Sakura…” He really wasn’t sure what else he could possibly say to her that wasn’t awkward or weird.

He backed off almost reluctantly, wishing he could accept her offer to come to her home. He turned and walked away, but not before giving her a sheepish grin. He started walking towards home, even though he really wanted to turn around and go home with her.

But he feared she was just caught in the moment, and he didn’t want her to regret something, or for it to ruin their friendship. All these contradicting thoughts he had were troublesome and he was beginning to wonder how he let himself fall for her in the first place.

Then he remembered all the things she said, and how happy she had looked as she gazed up at him. That she had liked when he kissed her. Or how she didn’t feel so alone when she was with him.

He took a deep breath as he turned to look behind him even as he swore at himself that it was going to be the mistake that did him in. As his gaze fell back on her form, she had walked the opposite direction towards her apartment. He could see the slight slump in her shoulders, the disappointment in being turned down, even after he made the first move. Her head hung low and it caused a stabbing pain to throb in his chest.

He stopped as the realization dawned on him that he had just hurt her. He had hurt her, right after she had just told him that he made her feel happy. He didn’t want to be the reason she was hurting, he wanted to be the person that made her smile, just as brightly as she was just moments before he stepped away from her.

It couldn’t be the right thing to do if it made her look so upset. He couldn’t bear to be the one causing her to doubt herself, to feel like she did something wrong, or like she wasn’t enough. He couldn’t let her believe she was anything less than wonderful. The ink-haired man sighed as he took the next turn swiftly, heading towards her place. He picked up his pace, easily maneuvering around anyone else on the same path.

He got there first. It didn’t surprise him considering the brisk pace he had developed and the slow one she had had. He waited silently on her porch, leaning against the door frame, watching in the direction he knew she would come from.

He had been so focused on watching for Sakura that he was startled at the sound of Ino's higher pitched tone.

“So just what exactly are you doing here, hm?” She teased.

He huffed at her. “I… kissed Sakura.”

Ino blue orbs widened in surprise before she started fretting over him. “Shika, you did what!” She exclaimed excitedly.

“Don’t get so loud!” He hissed before his shoulders slumped. “Besides, I already fucked it up…” He sighed.

“Clearly you didn’t do something too terrible if you’re sitting on her doorstep.” She raised an eyebrow and clicked her tongue.

“I kissed her, and then she asked me to come over, and I just…” His cheeks tinted red again, before he glanced to see if he could see her down the road yet. “I didn’t want her to regret it…”

Ino’s gaze softened towards. “You mean, you didn’t want her to regret you.” She stepped right in front of Shikamaru, demanding his eye contact. “Look at me, she wouldn’t invite you over unless she had already decided it was what she wanted.” She set her hands on her hips. “And now you’ve probably gone and made her think she missed something or misread the situation.”

“But she didn’t! I just…” He sighed, frustrated with how he didn’t know how to say what he felt. “I didn’t want to hurt her, or hell I didn’t want to be hurt either.”

Ino rolled her eyes but kept her tone light. “So, then why are you here?”

Why did this friend of his always have to have her nose in other people’s business? He huffed, before reminding himself that if she hadn’t been in Sakura’s business he might have never got to spend so much time with her in the first place.

“I looked back after walking away and she just looked…” He felt so ashamed to have hurt her, even when his intentions had been the opposite. “She looked so hurt, and she had been smiling moments before I ruined it. And I can’t bear to be the reason she feels so sad, and I’d be lying if I sat here and tried to act like I didn’t want to come, I just tried to do the right thing…”

Ino caught sight of pink down the road out of the corner of her eye. She smiled. “As long as you’re doing what makes her happy, you’re doing the right thing, Shikamaru…” She gave him a pat on the shoulder before making the hand signs to a transportation jutsu and disappearing.

Ino words lingered in the air for a moment as he thought about them, about how he had just had a similar thought.

He glanced back towards the street and saw her coming. He stood back away from the door frame and watched as she seemed to dread coming home, coming back to being alone. Another pain stabbed in his chest as he saw the actual expression on her face. He had started to come down the steps right as she looked up and saw him on her doorstep. He shot a smile in her direction as she picked up the pace, her own face lighting back up.

She had run straight into his arms, right into his embrace on her steps.

“Shika-” She was cut off as he melded his lips to hers again and she closed her eyes, melting into the kiss just before he pulled away too soon.

“I’m sorry…” He said softly. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings…” He cups her face in his hands. “I only said no because I don’t want you to make a mistake and regret… This.”

She stared at him before turning to unlock her door and step inside, and jerked him into her house with one arm. She slammed the door before shoving him against it. “You let me decide whether or not I want something…” She huffed out in slight annoyance. “And damnit, I’ve been wanting you…”

He gasped at her sudden ambition but smirked a bit before hooking his palms on the back of her thighs and hoisting her effortlessly from the ground and holding her against him. He hummed appreciatively as she instantly wrapped her legs around his waist. “Then you have me.”

One of her hands went for the band that held his hair up and slowly pulled it from his locks, tossing it aside. It fell just barely to his shoulders in layers, framing his face. It had only made him look even more handsome, and sexy as that smirk still played across his lips.

She ran her fingers through his hair, loving how thick and soft it felt as the strands slid through her fingers. She looked into his eyes, which always reminded her of something deep and dark, whether it was chocolate or coffee, or at the moment it was the tall woods of their home, safe and secure. There was emotion there that she couldn’t place there. She bit her lip in anticipation. There was some warmth developing in her chest as she looked at him and it only encouraged the nerves firing all over her skin.

He tilted his back into her touch, his breath hitching as her fingers threaded through his hair. He’d never let a girl take his hair down, not even when he was heavily drunk. It felt soothing to feel her fingers against his scalp as she incessantly stroked his hair.

“You have no idea how badly I’ve wanted to do that…” She breathed out as she finally stopped and let her arms rest and loosely wrap around his shoulders.

He licked his lips before moving to kiss her neck softly. “I think your eagerness gave that part away, Sakura…” He mumbled against her neck as he lavished her soft skin with kisses. He heard her breath catch in her throat.

“Shika…” Her legs tightened around his hips as she breathed out another sigh. “You’re going to be…”

“I know…” He whispered before moving back up her neck to peck at her jawline and catch her lips with his once more. He tried to pour every bit of affection he had for her into that kiss as he started walking towards where he knew her bedroom was.

She let out a needy whimper as his lips met hers again and she slanted hers against them. She needed something more, she wanted to feel his hands on her. She wanted to feel needed by him, like she felt the need for him. It almost felt wrong, feeling this lust for the first time.

She gasped when she felt her back fall onto the bed, with him hovering over her from the edge of the mattress, easily settling between her thighs. He looked down at her before he placed a hand over her the side of her face, his thumb stroking her cheekbone. He stared at her lovingly and it was then she suddenly felt the guilt build up in her chest.

She knew she felt something for him, and that it was more than this lust, but she couldn’t call it love. As he stared at her with such a heartfelt expression her heart squeezed and it all felt wrong now. She couldn’t bear the thought of hurting him.

“W-Wait..” She stammered, her words catching in her throat.

He hummed in response before leaning down and placing a kiss on her cheek, trailing down her jawline and nipping lightly at her smooth skin. “You can talk while I kiss you…” He mumbled between kisses, his breath flowing over her skin and making her shiver.

Her back arched and she shut her eyes tight. “I-I can’t do this, not…” She moaned out softly as he bit down on the junction of her neck and shoulder and began to suck softly on her skin there.

“N-Not after you looked at me like that.” She breathed.

“I-It’s wrong…” She whimpered as he pressed her more firmly onto her bed.

“I-I don’t feel the same… Not as…” She gasped as she slowly pulled away from her neck and licked the slight red mark he left. “Not as intensely…”

Shikamaru sat back up, resting his weight on his forearms on either side of her head. He knew that already. But he could see in her eyes as she looked at him, past the guilt, that she did care about him. And if there were any feelings in her heart for him, he wasn’t letting her go now. He never intended to let her go ever, just loving her silently for his life.

“Sakura, I never expected you to feel as strongly as I do now.” He smiled down at her. “Not yet…” He caressed her cheek.

Her heart squeezed once again at his compassion towards. “But this isn’t fair to you…” She started to drag herself away from his body, trying to slip through the gap left by his arms. “I don’t want to hurt you…”

He caught on and quickly pinned his hips against hers before entangling his hand in her hair and kissing her with everything he had. He knew she didn’t want to pull away, that she was just trying to spare his heart, but he needed her to see that he understood, that he accepted it. He was patient, and he would take whatever she would give him. He brought his other hand to grip her hip gently.

She gasped into the kiss before kissing him back, struggling to fight her desire as her morals battled it in her head. She wanted nothing but to be enveloped in his warmth and his touch and his mouth, wherever he decided to wonder with it.

He pulled back and locked his coffee coloured eyes with her aqua ones. “Sakura, please, just let me love you.” He pleaded. “I know you want this too, even if you don’t feel it as deep as I do…”

She swallowed before cupping his face in her hands, tears pricking the corners of her eyes. “You don’t deserve this, Shika…” She stared into his eyes, enthralled by all the love and affection and care and compassion found in them as his eyes pierced through her again. “You deserve someone that would be devoted to you…entirely.” She smiled softly as the tears slipped down her cheeks.

He quickly wiped her eyes before kissing both her cheeks. “Sakura, if Sasuke walked back through the village gates, right now, where would you be after you found out?”

Her eyes widened at his question. He always caught her off guard with his bluntness he had for most topics. She looked at him, asking herself that question over and over again.

All she could think about was how she was right where she wanted to be. She was in the arms of someone who made her feel important, like she mattered. She stared at Shikamaru, his hair flowing down to his shoulders, slightly wavy from being held up all the time. She bit her lip, as she thought about the way his kiss made her heart leap in her chest, how the way he held her made her feel so safe.

She thought about how everything about Sasuke was apathetic and uninviting. How he thought she was annoying, treated her like she was less than him. She thought about how distant he always was, and how he put power and revenge over everything else, even when their team had started to become like family.

She thought about how warm Shikamaru was, and how he always welcomed her in his presence, how right now he was pleading to be at her side, in her bed. How he trained with her as an equal, even when he pulled his punches in fear of hurting her. How he had always been there, and how he accepted her as she was.

She stroked her thumbs across his cheeks as she beamed a smile before leaning up and kissing him, and slowly winding her fingers into his hair again, and blushed as he groaned at her touch. She pulled away before looking into eyes, warm and inviting as always, but nervous too.

“I’d be right here. I’d be with you. Naruto could come bursting through that door right now telling me Sasuke was back, and it would still hurt, but I would stay right here, in your arms.”

His eyes widened, not expecting her to say she would choose him, knowing he had risked his heart being broken, thinking he had been stupid to ask such a question when he was trying to convince her to not push him away.

He couldn’t take it anymore as his smile stretched across his face. “Then that’s more than enough for me.” His voice was heavy with the emotions he felt constricting his heart.

She would choose him.

He crashed his lips down on hers, passion flaming fiercely as he slid his hand back into her hair, and the one gripping her hip slid under her to press their bodies close together. He felt her hands slip under his shoulders and press into his back. He nipped her bottom lip and when she gasped with a moan, he slid his tongue into her mouth and tangled it with hers. She whined with need into his demanding kiss, and he felt the surge of pleasure go straight to his center as he felt his groin tighten.

“Shikamaru, please…” She moaned into the kiss.

She shook his head as he dragged his mouth away from the kiss just to pepper more along her jawline and down her neck. “I will not rush this for you, I’m going to do this right.”

Her eyes gleamed with curiosity and she arched her back into his touch. “Right…?”

The genius hummed against her skin softly before chuckling. “You are not, nor will you ever be just a quick fuck, Sakura.” His voice sounded deep and husky now, filled with need and it ignited her arousal as a deep blush flushed her skin and down her neck.

He inched his fingertips under the red fabric of her shirt, silently making the request to run his hands across her body. She nodded and pushed herself into his touch. He bit his lip and gripped the fabric and pulled it gently over her body, leaning down to kiss the skin of her abdomen as more and more was exposed.. Her breath hitched once more and she instinctively rolled her hips against his, grinding against his own arousal. She let out a loud moan and bit her lip.

“S-Shit, I’m so-”

As soon as her shirt was on the floor his hands landed on her hips and pinned them in place to the bed. His eyes were glazed over and dark as he bit his lip before he moved his hips against hers, rubbing their clothes sexes against each other deliberately. He groaned as her back arched and she moaned his name softly.

He slid his hands up her sides, hooking his fingers on her chest binds, looking for the piece that was tucked. Finding it quickly, he unwrapped them, still grinding his hips into hers as he unravelled the binds until she was exposed, her full breasts heaving with her heavy breathing. He cupped each mound in his hands and squeezed them softly, hardening even more at the moans that fell from her lips as she arched into his touch.

“Sh-Shika… Oh god.” She moaned out needily as her nipples quickly hardened at the attention she received.

“Sakura…” He breathed before leaning down and expertly circling the tip of his tongue around a hardened nipple while he still continued his touches on her other breast.

Her moans were like music to his ears. He knew she was a virgin but he didn’t expect his touch to have this much of an effect on her. He didn’t expect her to be so open to him. She blushed and whimpered and moaned but not once did she try to hide herself from him. The amount of trust she had in him made his heart swell. She looked so beautiful as she panted from his touches.

“You’re beautiful…” He whispered against her skin.

She looked up at him before she slid her hands under his flak jacket, her fingertips gliding across his mesh top, reveling in how toned his body felt, but wanting to feel his bare skin against her own.

She huffed. “This needs to come off…” She sat up quickly, did away with the green vest they all owned, and pulled at the fabric, dragging it up his torso until it went over his head.

He gazed at her as she eased the mesh material off his body. He loved the way she seemed captivated in this moment, so focused on him. Her hands pressed firm across his skin and she slid them down to his hips before she hooked her fingers on the waistband there.

He brought a hand up to her cheek once again, kissing her soft and slow, pushing her more fully onto the bed when she had finished unbuttoning his pants, he kicked them. She shed her skirt and her shorts. She could feel how wet she was everytime she moved her legs and she whined with need.

As he climbed onto the bed, still keeping settled between her legs, his knees sunk into the mattress. He sat up and just roved over her curves, her body nearly fully exposed besides the simple but sexy red panties she wore. He noticed the wet spot near her core and he smirked, stroking his hand up and down her thigh teasingly. He placed his thumb directly over her clothed clit and began rubbing slow and deliberate circles. He used his free hand to pin her hips to the bed, putting some of his weight onto her as she writhed beneath his touch.

“Shikamaru…” She drawled out in a low, heated voice. Her back arched up off the bed once more as her mouth hung open, breathy moans falling from her soft lips every time he rolled his thumb over her clit.

He licked his lips at the sight of seeing her so aroused. “You’re so wet and worked up and I’ve barely touched you…” He mumbled, his voice still deep and husky.

He began rubbing her faster, adding a little more pressure. He watched as her body began growing tense and smirked as her legs trembled around his hips. “Sakura, you look so sexy right now, baby…”

She bit her lip and a blush stained her cheeks once more as she couldn’t help but to buck her hips against his hand. She never even thought something could feel so pleasurable. She couldn’t imagine doing this with anyone else. She could feel that her panties were thoroughly soaked with her own juices and it was slightly embarrassing. Did he think she was easy, or was he just that good with his mouth and his hands? She whimpered when she felt his hand stop completely and just press firmly against her sensitive areas, and she couldn’t help but to grind herself into the palm of his hand, looking for any sort of friction.

He hooked the waistband of those pecky little panties before twirling them around his finger. He’d decided he could buy her new ones if him ripping them off pissed her off enough. With one swift pull, the fabric easily ripped. He tossed the scraps of her last bit of clothing off to the side as she gasped, but her eyes watched him intently, scaling down his body. They left a blazing heat building behind her touch. He watched her, as she hooked her slender fingers around his boxers and tugged them down his thighs to fall to his knees. He quickly kicked them off.

And then he sunk down onto the mattress, into her embrace and warmth. Her whole body was hot to the touch, feeling their bare skin against each other. He breathed a long sigh before catching her lips in another heated kiss, pouring his love into her. Her hands went into his hair and she tugged at the long strands, keeping them out of his face.

He slowly slid his length along her entrance and against her clit, and she shook with the pleasure as she rocked her hips into his.

“Oh, Shika…” She called out between kisses. “That’s so…” He nipped her bottom lip before sucking on it and slowly grinding his hips against hers, slicking himself with her arousal.

“Fuck, you’re dripping…” He groaned before he trailed wet kisses down her neck.

“Shikamaru, please. This teasing is too much…” She whined.

He hummed in agreement before sliding his hands up her arms, pinning them to the bed, intertwining their fingers together. “If you need me to stop at any time…”

She nodded, squeezing his hands. “I know…”

He aligned himself with her entrance, pressing the tip of his length into her slightly before kissing her again, delving his tongue between her lips and swirling around her own. He loved how she moaned at everything he did, how her body pressed up into his, no matter what he did. He began sucking on her tongue and she writhed between him and her sheets, messing them up even worse. Just as her moans began to become high pitched, knowing she’d want the worse done and over with, he pushed into her in one long and quick thrust, sheathing himself to the hilt.

He let out a strangled groan at how tight she was, how much she gripped him as he sank into her heat. “Sakura, fucking hell…” He growled against her lips as his body went taut with tension. He kept still, feeling her pussy pulsating around his length. She had whimpered at first and cried out in surprise but he didn’t see any signs of pain, which was a good sign but left him confused.

She moved her hips up into his and let out a broken moan, which he thought sounded a lot like ‘Shika’. “Hymens break often when you’re physically active,” She said, an annoyed and impatient tone falling from her lips. “Nothing hurts, so don’t you dare hold back.” She snapped as she writhed once more and cried out in pleasure, dissolving whatever demanding aura she tried to have.

He smirked. “My apologies.” And then he rolled over onto his back, pulling her on top of him. He held her hips tight, and lifted her up as he pulled out until just the very tip of his erection was left inside her, before thrusting upwards as he pulled her back down on him.

He threw his head back against her pillows, his raven layers sprawling across the cushions, the smells of her arousal and just her surrounding him as he pressed into her heat, overwhelmed in the sensations. He felt her hands settle firmly on his chest as she moaned out his name.

He gazed up at her, finding the way her hair hung around her face, and stuck to her neck with sweat, absolutely stunning. He watched as her breasts bounced with every movement, licking his lips as he watched them, watched her as she didn’t hold back any of the passion he gave her. He slid his hands up her sides before cupping the mounds once again, tweaking her nipples in sync with each undulation of their hips.

“Ride me, Sakura…” He growled out.

She panted as he felt her distribute more of her weight into her arms, using his chest to support herself before she experimentally rocked her hips back and forth. The friction made him sigh, the pleasure of her taking control running through his body like an electric current. He jerked his hips up into her, moaning out her name low and heated.

She felt herself slicken even more against his member as her name slipped so freely from his lips, sounding so pleasured. She bit her lip before raising her hips and then pressing back down. She gasped as searing hot pleasure raced through her veins, and repeated the motion. She did it again and again, the urgency in her movements building as she started to get closer to the sweet bliss she knew was her first orgasm given to her by someone else. She chased it, bouncing in his lap desperately.

“Fuck, Sakura. You’re going to be the death of me…” He groaned and gripped her hips hard and guided her down onto him roughly. He felt her nails digging into his skin, her death gripping his shoulders. Moan after moan fell from her mouth, whimpers of his name filling the air, urging him on.

He rolled her over onto her back, kissing her hard and needy. Her hands pressed flat against his back, before her fingers curled and he felt her fingers digging into the skin of his shoulder blades. She pressed her body into him, her back arching as she cried out into his mouth, her legs shaking around his hips and her body shuddering. He felt her tighten around his throbbing cock as she lost herself in bliss. He kissed her neck and whispered against her skin.

“You’re so gorgeous, Sakura…” He breathed against her ear as he kept pounding into her through her first orgasm he’d given her.

He felt his back muscles tighten and he sunk deep into her warmth, nearing his own bliss. He peppered kisses across whatever skin he could reach, hugging her close and tight to his chest. He grabbed the back of her knee and raised her leg, finding a better angle.

“Sakura, I love you so much, fuck…” He moaned as he finally found his own release. He pumped into her slow and hard as he came, his seed coming out in multiple spurts as he shuddered.

He collapsed on top of her body, both of them gasping for breath. He felt her gaze on him, but he couldn’t find the energy to turn his head. He gripped her hands tighter as he buried his face into her neck, breathing in her jasmine perfume.

“That was…” She panted as a smile spread across her lips. “Incredible…”

He beamed before rolling himself off of her with effort. “You were amazing…” He sighed contentedly before pulling her into his arms. His eyes felt heavy as she cuddled up to his side, pulling up the blankets to cover them. She kissed his shoulder before sighing blissfully.

He looked down at her before kissing her forehead and gently sitting up. “I should probably go…” He didn’t expect to start instantly acting like a couple, staying in her bed. “I don’t want to-”

She shoved him back down on the bed, restoring his shoulder as her pillow. “I want you to stay…” She snipped at him.

He stared down at her, before a small smile graced his lips. “Okay, Sakura…” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and held her tight to him.

She looked up at him and pecked his lips. “Thank you, Shikamaru…”

He nodded, kissing her forehead. “I’ll always be here for you, however you need me, Sakura…”

They fell asleep, tangled in each other’s arms.

A couple hours later, Ino came to check on Sakura. She knew her teammate struggled with his emotions, and that Sakura’s temper was hardly patient. She invited herself in, not noticing anything out of the ordinary.

“It’s awful quiet…” She narrowed her eyes, knowing the last time she came here, knowing she was home and it was this quiet, she had been in her room, asleep with her eyes tear-stained.

She sauntered up to her room, worry filling her mind. She pushed the door open, expecting to forcefully drag her friend out of bed. Ready to take her straight to Shikamaru and fix her friends up herself if she had to.

But what she found made her heart swell with love and joy for a couple of the most important people in her life. Shikamaru was lying on his back with his hair down, framing his face, and thoroughly tangled. Sakura was nestled against his side using his chest as her pillow, her pink tresses splayed across his shoulder behind her, his arm wrapped tightly around her. Their clothes were scattered about the floor around the bed. The nosy blonde smirked, as she noted scratch marks on his chest, and lovebites along her neck and shoulders, and how Sakura lips swollen with kisses. They looked so happy and she couldn’t help but smile at the sight of them. She knew they would kill her for it later, but she took a quick picture on her phone, and sent it to Sakura.

It’s about damn time Shikamaru fessed up. Happy for you, Forehead.

#naruto fanfiction #naruto #shikasaku #kayparkerwrites #shikamaru x sakura #sakura x shikamaru #shikamaru nara #sakura haruno #romance #fanfiction #ino yamanaka #friendship

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snickiebear · 3 years

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yo nadia <3333 i'm bored in my online classes and u reblogged the questions thingy at the right time lmao, so get ready: 1, 4, 5, 9, 10, 17, 23, 24, 28, 30!!!, 34, 38, 39, 40 (the intimacy of being understood) (imma stop here lol) (also i'm sorry u're not feeling well, ily and hope u'll feel better soon!! <33333)

ELE ILY. (and thank you, i’m stayin home today cause,,, yeah. i appreciate you sm.) you’re the literal best, i adore you.

1. How long ago did you start reading fanfiction? Writing fanfiction?

The first fanfiction i read was for The Lunar Chronicles when I was like 11?? and it was 100% on accident and it scarred me because it was a hardcore porn one with a period kink and i was like WHAT IS THIS??? OH MY GOD???? LMAOOOOO i didn’t pick it back up until i was 13-14 and really got into the Fairy Tail fandom. I still reread my favorites on ff.net cause i love them.

As for writing, I wrote a horrible, terrible x-men fanfiction when I was twelve. (my friend still brings it up and REFUSES to delete it so it still gets comments and views, that shit HAUNTS ME ELE.) then tried again for Fairy Tail, posted like two chapters before taking it down cause i wasn’t really feeling it. And then I posted The Intimacy Of Being Understood and here we are.

4. Link your three favorite fics right now.

OMGG okok

@murd3rm1ttens ‘s The Problem How Time Works IF YOU HAVENT READ THIS YOU GUYS NEED TO HOP ON IT ASAP. MITTEN’S WRITING SO SO SO SO GOOD. SAKURA AND INO ARE TOTAL BADASSES. KAKASHI IS A SIMPPPP. ITS SO FUCKING GOOD.

@mouseymightymarvellous ‘s We Were Screaming In Color (Only A Possibility) yes, yes I KNOW. i always point into mousey’s direction but i WILL always advocate that everyone reads her fics, they’re literally so beautiful???? i just happen to be rereading WWSIN rn

@safelycapricious ‘s Shaking Up And Breaking Down series. I found this like?? idfk but i’ve been raving about it ever since. ALSO CHECK OUT THEIR FICS IN GENERAL.

fuck i have more than three but also check out @ambivalens999 ‘s Masks

i do wanna make a fic rec thing where i just rav about my favs,,, might do that later or sum

5. What are your fanfic pet peeves? Do they have a huge effect on whether or not you decide to read something?

Omniscient third person. I don’t like it. Like I can understand that it can be a little hard to stay in one person’s perspective but, in my opinion, if you can, it shows how disciplined you are as a writer. Plus, i just get so confused when I go from A’s thoughts to suddenly what B is thinking about A.

When writers use ‘ ‘ instead of “ “. When writers put thoughts in ‘ ‘ instead of just italicizing them. It’s small things but like they just bother me sO MUCH. most of the time i can ignore it and try to enjoy but other times i just dip.

9. Tag 3 fic writers you think are underrated/unknown in the fandom/fanfiction community.

@espoir-et-reves !!!!! THEIR SHISAKU FICS ARE SO SO SO SO SO GOOD. And they have a warring states one going on THAT I AM SO OBSESSED WITH.

@writer168 idk if they’re really “underrated” but THEY HAVE SUCH GREAT FICS ON AO3. Like theres an AU with sakura, kiba, and shino that i reread constantly because it just. is. so. fucking. GOOD. and they posted a new one that i’m YELLING about.

@eggtoasties okay they only have 2 in the naruto fandom (one shisaku which is still ongoing) BUT THEIR WRITING STYLE IS SO NICE?? I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. I still go back and reread their shikasaku one cause UGH i can’t get enough. I love it.

10. What’s your favorite fandom, pairing, or character to read fic for?

Fandoms: Naruto, Soul Eater, The Old Guard, ATLA

Parings: KakaSaku/ShikaSaku/ShiSaku/MultiSaku, SoMa, Joe X Nicky, Zukka

Character: SAKURA. I will read anything with Sakura as the main character and her being a fuckin badass or becoming a badass. I love her.

17. How obsessively do you sit and stare at your fic after you’ve just posted and wait for feedback?

aha.. haha.. well. I check my email like three times an hour. its the first thing i check in the mornings too. I’m literally a whore for praise and literally eat up feedback like its going out of style. I also reread a lot of my stuff because i make so many mistakes and spelling errors, or the spacing is weird oR SOMETHING. plus, literally any and all comments make my day, i go back and reread them cause they just make me feel so tingly and warm like “wow. this person enjoyed the fic/my writing enough to tell me. thats HUGE!”

23. What’s your absolute favorite trope to write?

Angry, feral, bloodied, morally gray women. They aren’t bad guys, they’re probably the good guy, but that doesn’t mean they cant be fucking raging at the world with raw knuckles and blood on their teeth. I just love an angry woman who struggles with her emotions and just has so much inner conflict but that doesn’t take away from her character or badassery, it adds to it.

24. What’s a trope that you’d like to never hear about as long as you live, let alone write?

The fake dating or miscommunication troupe. LIKE GUYS JUST TALK. AND TELL EACH OTHER OMFG. the entire like obliviousness of “nah they dont like me” while the They holds their hand and kisses their cheek. MOFO WHAT. it makes me so impatient and like mad HAAHHAHA. its probably because i’m a pretty confrontational person so seeing stuff like that just “cmon bro, USE YO HEAD.”

28. How do you deal with writing pressure (ie: pressure to update, negative comments, deadlines, etc)?

I have yet to receive a negative comment! Which i was really surprised about tbh. As for deadlines or pressure to update, i just kind of do whatever. I do set goals, but i set them flexible enough that hey, if i can’t do it, that’s okay.

I have a lot of mini goals, like “i want to write this chapter and get it done this week” and then the large goal is “FINISH BY END OF MAY” so i have time.

Actually, now that I think on it, the entire pressure to update thing is probably why i’m waiting until I have all of OL&W written to post it weekly,, cause well. I wouldn’t wanna leave you guys waiting as I tried to write and work out the next chapters and stuff, you know?

30. Post a snippet from your current WIP without context - no more than 300 words.

AAAAAA YOU KNOW I LOVE THESE AHAHAHAH

Have you seen the way the dead dance, World Breaker? They roar, half mad and starving. Do you not wish, do you not hope to see them twist and bend and dance to your will?

Shikamaru snarls, looking behind his shoulders to where his Shadows lay. “Patience.” He spits. “Is of the essence, Things of Ancient. Know your place as the dark you are.”

34. How much of yourself and your life experiences do you put into your writing? What do you think your readers’ image of you is?

None of my experiences match up to anything I write tbh,,, probably the only thing that is me in my writing is maybe the emotional turmoil? I’m pretty emotionally and mentally mature because from a pretty young age i started forming my own opinions, started looking into the world around us and being like “dude what the fuck this is not what disney advertised”. Then i started talking (read: arguing and debating) with my dad about a lot of it. So, like emotions are kind of hard for me. Like i’m pretty good at controlling them or understanding them, but still. idk its hard to explain ig.

Like the weight of stress, the anger, the sadness. It’s kind of therapeutic to write. Cause i don’t know how to put those feelings to verbal words so writing them really helps.

As for my readers’ image? Probably like some kind of hunched over figure typing away in the dark with a maniacal grin on their face. I honestly don’t know AHHAHAHA but it is fun to think about. I think they’d see me as someone with potential but a lot of room to grow and someone who is imperfect but in a charming way LMAOOOO

38. What does your writing process look like? How chaotic is it on a scale of 1 (very tame) to 10 (you can’t handle this kind of chaos)?

I’m gonna be real honest. Its probably like a 2. I’m a bit of a control freak so I almost always go in chronological order, my writing is pretty linear. Unless, i get bored and jump to one of my fav parts. It's pretty much i sit down, i open the doc, read over my notes and just start writing.

It’s a little boring to explain AHAHAHA but once i get into the groove of things its really fucking great, I can like feel myself in the world, I can feel what i want the characters to, i love it. I catch myself mouthing the words as i type too, which i find hilarious.

39. What’s something about your writing that you pride yourself on?

I rather like how raw my writing is sometimes. Which might sound really vain, but i do like the way i word things or describe things. I love juxtaposition and repetition, or making a good ole circle back to some minute detail that wouldn’t stand out until i repeat it at the end and you’re like “omg” AHAHAHAHA.

Like those little poetic snippets or certain wording i just sit back and go “damn thats kinda good nadia! go you!’ HAHAHA

40. How did you come up with the idea for The Intimacy Of Being Understood?

AAAAA this fic is like my first child, my pride and joy LMAO

so the idea initially came when i was reading some fic, idk if it was even naruto, but i was like “i don't like this, but i do like the rain symbolism.” And I knew i wanted to write something kind of slow paced, something a little sad and angsty, but would show KakaSaku slowly but surely falling in love.

Idk if you’ve noticed but a lot of my fics, the pairings don’t change each other dramatically. They accept each other as they are and then they grow with together. Like that acceptance is something i just love writing, its so subtle, it isn’t something you declare. Its simply “I am going to love you. I am going to love you despite your flaws and faults. I am going to love you unconditionally because I know you, I understand you, and there is nothing you could do to drive me away.”

The fic kind of wrote itself after that first scene. I kept going back to the rain, go being ghosts, and resurrection, and the small epiphanies one gets. I wanted to focus on each character’s growth with each other. They didn’t find light in life because of each other, but with each other. And i think that’s my favorite thing about that fic.

I wanted something raw and real and just something beautiful. I’m actually really proud of it tbh. Would i go back and rewrite/edit it? Oh of course! I’d do that with every single one of my fics, but i’m not gonna cause i think its in its rawest form right now. :))))

ask me shit plz

#silly things from silly friends

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misssunflowersandsangria · 3 years

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Please Have Snow and Mistletoe

Hello my Reindears! Please indulge me, this idea for a Christmas/Holiday story came out of nowhere lol. Don’t take it too seriously it’s choc-full of clichés and holiday fluff. Still, I hope that you enjoy the fantasy and fun of it all!

Summary: Temari was hoping to be home for the holidays. A winter storm grounded her plans but along with it brought a handsome man with a proposition for her.

Chapter 1: Flight 4XMAS

“How can there be no flights available?” Temari demanded trying to keep her frustration in check. She knew that it wasn’t the girl’s fault but her anger needed to go somewhere.

“I’m sorry ma'am but the weather conditions are so severe that flights are grounded till the storm passes. You are welcome to check in the next few days to see when flights will resume.”

Temari sighed but nodded her head. “Okay, thank you.”

Visiting her family for the holidays was the bright spot in an otherwise bleak year. Temari had moved away from home and it had been months since she’d seen her family. She had wanted to surprise them by arriving early but the storm had delayed her grand plans. Still, as long as she’d be able to make it home she’d be thankful.

“Excuse me.”

Her teal eyes met the deep brown orbs of a handsome man. His long dark hair was pulled back and away from his face. The expensive black sweater framed his lean muscles perfectly.

“Yes?”

“I overheard your conversation and I think that I can help.” She peered at him curiously. How could he possibly help her?

“I can get you home for Christmas. I’ll just require your help for a few days.”

“Doing what?” She asked carefully, he didn’t come off as a creep but it was hard to tell these days.

He chose his next words carefully. “An acting job if you will. I’d need you to pose as my girlfriend for my family.”

Temari’s eyes widened in confusion. “What?”

“I know, it’s ridiculous but my mother is expecting me to bring someone home. I was supposed to be home a few weeks ago, I lied. I told her that I couldn’t leave earlier because of my girlfriend’s work schedule and promised that she’d be coming for Christmas.”

Shikamaru didn’t blame the utter confusion and disbelief on the poor woman’s face. He knew how crazy it all sounded but his mother was a force to be reckoned with. He didn’t want to think about what she would do if she found out he lied.

Words failed Temari. This had to be a joke right? She was about to ask that very question aloud but his eyes were serious and sure.

“So I help you out by pretending to be your happy loving girlfriend for three days and you make sure that I can get home for Christmas.”

He nodded and she felt herself agree. She could try to wait it out but there was no guarantee that in the next few days she’d even be able to get a flight. This was her best shot.

“I’m Shikamaru by the way.” The name sounded so familiar but she could quite place it.

“Temari.”

“How can you expect me to remember all of these names?” Temari groaned, taking another sip of her drink. At least the jet had a great assortment of liquor.

“Temari, you’ll be fine. They’ll be more interested in you anyway. We just have to get our story straight.”

She shrugged her shoulders. “That’s easy, we use what happened today. We met in an airport blah blah blah. It’s not a total lie.”

He considered the idea carefully. It was better than making up an elaborate story. “That could work.”

She could see the tense look across his face. It was sweet if she thought about it. His family meant the world to him and this elaborate scheme all so that he didn’t disappoint them. In exchange, she got to fly on private jets and enjoy holiday traditions with a rich handsome stranger.

He’d walked her through all the people that she’d been meeting and all the various family events. It would be a busy few days but nothing she couldn‘t handle.

“Your family loves the Holidays.”

Her assessment was correct. “Naras are very serious about their traditions.”

Temari’s eyes shot wide open. “You’re Nara Shikamaru?”

“Yup.”

The Naras were one of the wealthiest families in Japan. There was little known about their son other than that he’d amassed an incredible amount of wealth on his own. That explained the private jet.

“Seriously? You could have easily picked up some celebrity to play your girlfriend. Why pick out some random girl at the airport?”

He shrugged unaffected by her shock. “I don’t know, I just had a good feeling when I saw you.” Temari couldn’t help the blush that crossed her face at the idea he saw something special in her.

Shikamaru glanced at her from the side. Temari wasn’t what he’d expected but he was pleasantly surprised. She was witty, interesting, and even now despite learning his lineage didn’t seem intimidated by him. All of this on top of being gorgeous. He knew that this was a risky move. Temari could easily take this information and out him to his family or worse the media but she didn’t seem like the type.

He glanced down at his phone seeing a message from his mother and groaned.

“My mom wants a picture to be sure that we’re on our way.” Nothing got past that woman. Temari nodded and took a seat by his side and his arm wrapped around her shoulders. Her face flushed at how close they were but smiled for the photo. She couldn’t help but think that they did make an attractive couple.

“You really think we can pull this off?”

“I have no doubts.” He told her reassuringly and it was hard not to believe that they could. She rested her head against his shoulder the stress of the day getting to her.

“Alright Shikamaru, I trust you.”

Shikamaru sat there while she slept thinking about just what he had gotten them both into. He was usually so specific and detailed in his plans. In this case, they were working off a wish and a prayer. Still, part of him knew that this would work. That they could convince everyone and once it was all said and done, well he wasn’t sure.

When they finally landed they drove past the city. They arrived at a quiet and dense forested area dotted with large family homes. His home was the grandest of them all. It was a large stately mansion with numerous Christmas lights that gave it a warm glow. It was something straight from a fairy tale. Temari could make out a couple standing at the front waiting for them.

“Ready for this?” Shikamaru asked, placing a gentle hand on hers.

“It's a little too late to be asking that now.” She frowned beginning to second guess her decision to help.

“Don’t worry Temari, they’ll love you.”

She was barely out of the car before she was swallowed up into a hug.

“Temari, my dear it is so wonderful to meet you.” She met warm brown eyes so similar to Shikmaru’s and returned the affectionate hug.

Yoshino was absolutely overjoyed at her son being home but especially because he’d been accompanied by Temari. She had been worried that her son would simply work himself into the grave, never experiencing all the joys that made life worth living. She prayed that perhaps this relationship, that Temari might be the one to change it all.

“Mrs. Nara it is a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Yoshino linked her arm with hers. “None of those formalities. You’re practically family. Call me mom. You are absolutely gorgeous dear. I can’t understand why our son would keep you hidden away from us so long.”

She barely had a moment to greet Shikamaru’s father who he was a splitting image of before she was swept inside.

It was a blur of faces and names once inside the home. His mother and father were there of course along with his extended family. They joked that they needed to see her for themselves.

Temari was thankful that Shikamaru had given her a rundown on the plane of the people that she’d be meeting. They were all welcoming and shared the same sentiment. That it was about time that he’d brought someone home and how he could have kept their relationship a secret for so long.

She’d been nervous and worried for the entire experience but as the night wore on the conversation flowed and the laughter came easily. His family was far too kind and inviting and they were more than happy to welcome her into the fold. The night turned into the early morning hours and even then she could have stayed up with them.

“Okay kids time for bed. We’ll have more time together tomorrow. Temari please let Shikamaru know if you need anything.”

“Thank you...mom.”

Yoshino’s smile was bright and beaming and she couldn’t help but draw Temari into a tight hug.

“I’m so happy that you are here.”

“We’ll continue our Shogi game tomorrow Temari. You can ask Shikamaru for some tips.” Shikaku told her with a smile. “Good night kids.”

They were put into Shikamaru’s old room. His awards and old photos lined the walls.

“And who is this?” She grinned holding up a worn stuffed deer.

“Careful with that, he’s an antique. I can sleep on the floor, and you’ll take the bed.” It would have been strange to ask for separate rooms.

Temari rolled her eyes. “Shikamaru please, we’re adults. If you promise not to grope me while we can sleep in the same bed. Besides your mother seems like the type to just barge in here. It will be hard to explain why you’re on the floor.”

“Okay, you’re right. Feel free to use this bathroom. I'll go to the one down the hall.” She nodded watching him leave.

Temari slowly unpacked her luggage and finally had time to reflect on the last few hours. Shikamaru was something else entirely. A genius, mogul, and devoted son. His family had been so sweet to her that it wasn’t hard to love them. If she wasn’t careful she’d get caught up and forget that this was all just an act, a lie. Whoever did manage to capture his heart one day would be so lucky.

Temari was already snuggled under the covers when he returned and she couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the reindeer pajamas.

“Laugh all you want but I guarantee that she will have a set ready for you tomorrow.”

“I look forward to it.” He shook his head and got settled into bed.

They both naturally turned to their sides to face the other. His eyes were soft as they gazed at her.

“Thanks again Temari.”

She smiled at the appreciation. “I’m enjoying myself Shikamaru, your family is wonderful.”

“Thank you. They really like you.”

“Really?” She didn’t realize how much she hoped that they did.

“I haven’t been around too much the last few years, my own fault. Seeing my mom smile so much well it means a lot. It’s hard to get my parents a present as you can imagine.” His hand casually pushed a lock of hair behind her ear.

“Bringing you home is the best gift I could have given them.”

Temari was floored by the compliment. Maybe, just for a little, it wouldn't hurt to get caught up. She leaned into his warm hand.

“I’m glad that I could help then. Good night Shikamaru.”

“Good night Tem.”

When Shikamaru woke up the following morning he felt an unknown weight on his chest. He grinned seeing Temari’s hair sprawled across his chest his stuffed deer held between them. At some point during the night he must have pulled her in and she hadn’t let go.

His hand gently brushed over the top of her head. The quiet of the early morning and warmth of Temari against him created a kind of peace within him. He’d dedicated the greater part of his adult years chasing accolades and accomplishments. Never stopping to pursue things like love and relationships. And he was content. It was enough. Now, even after just a day with her and his family, it created a strange emptiness in his chest. Seeing her cook with his mother, and learn how to play Shogi from his father were images he never wanted to forget. Scenes he wanted to view again.

He had just a few days and maybe in that time, he’d know just what he wanted for Christmas.

Okay my loves, the game is how many Christmas cliches can we fit in one story haha. This is going to go fast. Then I promise I’ll work on Stalemate and Yamanaka week. No smut in this one, you can read Stalemate or my Lemonade series for that. This is just going to be sweet and fluffy. Love you my dear readers! Thank you!

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vannahfanfics · 3 years

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Before you read, here’s the previous chapter. New? Start from the beginning!

Daffodils Bloom After Winter

Ao3

Chapter 9: The Lowest of Lows

The window looked like a waterfall as the rain streamed down the glass. The light played across the water, painting ribbons of white over Shikadai’s face as he gazed out. He’d hoped after the small sprinkle the other day that the weather would improve, but it had only grown worse. Now, a torrent poured from the sky, and thunder rumbled in the thick gray clouds.

I don’t want to go home, but it’s getting late, Shikadai thought with a small groan and cast a glance at the clock hanging on the wall. The minute hand was inching closer and closer to six p.m. He certainly didn’t want to trudge home in the rain and the dark. However, whenever thunderstorms choked the sky, his father’s mood plummeted to all-time lows. He’d be despondent, irritable, and maybe even delusional. Shikadai had borne witness to more hallucination fits than he would’ve liked.

Ino would let him stay the night if he asked. He knew that by the way she was staring at him, pretending to lock down the register to finish closing up the shop. He’d done it more than once.

But… It would make Miss Ayumi happy if I worked on my relationship with him, Shikadai thought with a frown. He couldn’t avoid his father forever, and though there were good days and bad days, things were getting better overall. She would say that it’s important to be there for him in his hard times. He knew that, but still… The idea of going home to his father when he was probably in a near-manic state made him a bit nauseous.

His eyes wandered around the shop instead, never settling on the colorful blooms Ino so dutifully tended until he spotted one nestled between two large bouquets. He could just barely see it, a hint of bright yellow between deep green. He walked over to the shelf and pushed the larger pots aside to reveal a single potted daffodil. He picked it up, tilting his head as he inspected the strange-looking flower. Despite its funny, trumpet-like appearance, he rather liked it.

“Ah, found that one, did you?” he heard Ino hum in amusement over his shoulder, and he turned to see her standing beside him, dusting the last bit of soil from her apron before untying it. “A strange one, that little flower. Daffodils normally bloom in autumn, yet there’s this guy, flowering in summer.”

Shikadai looked back to the daffodil, then smiled. Going against the grain, trying to get a head start on life, huh? he fancied. “Would you like it?” Ino asked him suddenly, and he looked up at her again. “I probably won’t be able to sell it. It’s really quite small, and out of season, at that. You can have it if you want.”

“I don’t want it, but… Miss Ayumi loves plants. I bet she would like it.”

“I bet she would,” Ino smiled and patted the top of his head. He hugged the daffodil close to his body and took a deep breath; it felt like the strength of that flower to bloom also gave him the strength to face his father’s undoubtedly bad mood. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay?” Ino pressed when he turned back towards the door, and he shook his head with a grateful smile.

“No. I know how Dad gets when it storms like this… The least I can do is be there for him.”

“You’re really growing up,” Ino sighed as if he were her own child. With as much time he’d spent here in the last year, he supposed that it was warranted. She played with his shirt, as if trying to bundle him up against the cold. “Ayumi would be proud to hear you say that.” He swelled with pride at her words, which made Ino’s smile soften. “I’m glad she’s there to support you. She’s a wonderful person.”

“Yeah, she really is,” he agreed with a look at the daffodil. “She’s helped me a lot… I hope she can help Dad, too.”

“She will,” she encouraged. “Your father just needs time. With the both of you supporting him, I think Shikamaru will finally be able to heal.” Shikadai sure hoped so because if Ayumi couldn’t fix him, he doubted that anything could.

Ino sent him off with one of Inojin’s rain jackets, though he insisted he was all right with just his umbrella. He ended up being grateful for it, for the wind whipped the rain up in splattering gales that not even his umbrella could protect him from. He sheltered the daffodil under the rubbery protection of his raincoat while he splashed quickly through the sodden streets, mud spattering up his legs despite his best attempts to avoid the deep puddles. He was a right soaking-wet mess by the time he arrived home, but he was delighted to see that his daffodil had escaped the worst of it, only dusted with a thin layer of dewdrop mist.

The wind rattled the front door, like an ominous omen that a beast prowled within. Shikadai stared at it for several moments, but when the wind howled furiously behind him, he forced himself to step inside lest he drown in the buckets of rain. Holding the daffodil to his chest like a lifeline, he cautiously edged through the gloom of the house toward the living room. He could hear his father’s feverish footsteps echoing in the shadows.

Shikadai found his father circling the couch, his face pale and sweaty. Round and round like a feral beast he paced the floor until the thunder rolled overhead, when he stopped and flinched down with a gasp. After a second of trembling and staring at a vision Shikadai couldn’t see, he would resume his endless commute. Mumbles tumbled from his lips, and amidst the inane babble, Shikdai heard his mother’s name more than once.

“Father?” he called in a gentle voice. He knew better than to startle Shikamaru when he was like this. Once, in his delirium, he’d mistaken his son as an enemy ninja and sprang on him. It took far too long for Shikadai’s screams and sobs to reach his ears. He’d had to wear turtlenecks for a week to hide the finger-shaped bruises on his neck, and even longer for Shikadai not to look at him in fear.

Shikadai didn’t fear his father anymore. He pitied him, and he missed him, missed the way he used to be and used to smile.

Shikamaru twitched, an action that made Shikadai reflexively take a few steps back. However, when Shikamaru looked at him, he didn’t see the feral flash of hatred, but the tired gaze of a begrieved man.

“You’re home,” he croaked, and Shikadai just nodded. “... I”m surprised,” he admitted while casting a gaze to the window, watching the rain beat against the glass. The wind rattled the pane, shaking it in the wall to fill the air with an ominous clattering.

Shikadai swallowed before replying, “I… I didn’t want you to be alone, Father.”

Shikamaru cast his gaze to the floor. His shadow was swallowed up by the gloom of the room— that is, until the lightning flashed fiercely outside, throwing light across the room. Shikamaru’s shadow cowered with him, and when the thunder finished rumbling, Shikamaru was pressing the heel of his hand into his eye with a grimace.

“You’re better off somewhere else, or at least out of my sight,” he grumbled. Shikadai knew that the words came from a place of worry, not of hatred, but he still cringed at them. “It’s not safe… when I’m like this.” As if to prove it, the sky rumbled furiously again; Shikamaru roared and whipped around, flinging a kunai knife through the window. Shikdai screamed as the glass shattered. The wind leaped in through the jagged hole in the glass, bringing the rain with it. They both just stared at the rapidly-growing puddle of water on the wood.

It was frightening. It always was, seeing his father struggle to hang on to his sanity as the thunderstorm raged overhead. Even so… Shikadai had to support him. That was what family was supposed to do— support one another through their lowest of lows.

“Father, I don’t want to run away anymore,” Shikadai insisted, squeezing the potted daffodil under his raincoat. “If we’re going to get through this, we have to be there for each other. I know that’s what Miss Ayumi is trying—”

“Ayumi isn’t a replacement for your mother, Shikadai!”

Shikamaru suddenly whipped around, and Shikadai’s strength was sucked from his body, bringing him to his knees in an instant. He had never seen such a look of ferocity in his eyes, even in his psychotic fits. Shikadai began to fiercely quake, every inch of his body shaking like he was suffering an awful chill— and he was, the cold pit of dread spreading from his belly to taint every nerve within him.

He was scared. He was so scared. He didn’t want his father to look like that. He was scared, and he had nobody to hold him, nobody to tell him why his father just wouldn’t listen, nobody to explain that Shikamaru was just as scared as he was.

Somehow, Shikadai managed to whisper, “I didn’t say that she was.”

Shikamaru blinked, and the fire in his eyes dwindled, settling back to those dead coals of despair. As if released by a spell, Shikadai lurched over, huddling over the daffodil with his belly roiling so much that he gagged a little, on the verge of retching. He managed to swallow the urge, though, and then the tears came. Bitter tears, frustrated tears, angry tears all in rapid succession— they puddled with the rainwater beneath him, swirling together into a salty mess. Just like his family, a mess.

“I just want you to get better,” he hissed through clenched teeth. He wasn’t even sure if Shikamaru could hear him, but he said it anyway. “I just want… I don’t want to see you suffer anymore.” He was yelling now, whipping up his head to shout through the tears and snot running rivers down his face. “I can’t live like this anymore, Dad! I won’t! I don’t care what it takes! I don’t care how many times you yell at me, or grab me, or shake me, or even choke me! I’m not goin’ anywhere, so stop trying to push me away!”

Shikamaru stared at him. His eyes were wide onyxes in his pale face, but he didn’t say anything— he just stared. Agonized, Shikadai clenched his fists against the wood.

“For better or for worse, all we have is each other,” he said, voice cracking with a sob. “That’s all we’ve got, and I’m not letting go of that. So you sit here and sulk all ya want, Dad. I’m going to my room.” He pushed himself to his feet, gathered up the daffodil, and stomped off down the hallway while furiously scrubbing the tears from his face. Yet like the rain outside, they kept pouring.

As soon as Shikadai slammed the door shut behind it, he collapsed back against it, sinking down to a sitting position. He hugged the daffodil to his chest as he cried, and his father’s words echoed in his head.

“Ayumi isn’t a replacement for your mother, Shikadai!”

Of course she wasn’t. Nothing could ever replace his bright, beautiful mom. But that didn’t mean that someone couldn’t fill the void, right? Isn’t that what she would want? For someone to take care of them, to love them as she would, to bring happiness and light back into this broken home?

He wanted to believe that. He wanted to believe so badly that’s what his mother wanted. He wanted to believe that she guided Ayumi to them because she couldn’t bear to see them suffer anymore, couldn’t bear to watch the family she loved so much torn apart by her overwhelming absence.

Sobs bordering on wails echoed through Shikadai’s room as he howled with the wind, thick globs of tears pouring down his face to splash down onto the daffodil’s yellow petals. And as he cracked his eyes open, looking at the colors of the daffodil kaleidoscoping in his watery vision, he was overwhelmed by a simple desire: Ayumi.

She couldn’t replace his mother, but she could hold him, she could comfort him, she could weather him through this terrible storm. And so he found himself wrenching open his window to climb out onto the muddied yard, mud splashing up his legs as he ran back out onto the street with the daffodil clutched to his chest. He squinted against the sheets of pounding rain and the water pouring down his forehead into his eyes. With the road beginning to flood, forming a swampy network of puddles, he didn’t see the rock sticking up from the muck until it was too late.

It collided with his toe and he fell right over it, flinging the pot several yards in front of him. He landed on his hands and knees, mud splashing up all over his front and into his face. He spit the disgusting stuff out of his mouth, coughing, and then looked up with a gasp. There in the middle of the street, the pot lay broken in two, and the torrential rain had washed all the soil away. Shikadai scrambled to get up, feet slipping and sliding in the mud for several seconds before the soles of his shoes finally gained traction. He plucked the daffodil just as it started to be swept away into a stream, and he cradled its limp form gently in his hands.

“No,” he whispered brokenly. Was he destined to be this daffodil, swept away in these never-ending storms of sadness? No, that couldn’t be, he wouldn’t let it be! All he needed was someone to pot him again, to tend to him and give him gentle love and care— and he knew where to find that. Holding the daffodil close, he took off running again.

The storm had reached its peak by the time Shikadai made it to Ayumi’s house. The sky was drenching the earth with a vendetta; the sheets of rain were so thick that Shikadai could hardly see two feet in front of him, and the howling gales buffeted him at every turn, making him unsteady on his feet. He half-ran, half-slid across Ayumi’s yard to stumble up onto his porch, where he collapsed into a heap, panting heavily.

The cold rain had drenched him down to his very cells, it felt like. He was shivering again, feeling like frost was growing in his bones. Still, he summoned up the strength to rap his knuckles against the door. Then that strength gave out, and he flopped down on his side. He curled up around the daffodil, sheltering it from the cold rain with his dwindling body heat. He stroked a finger over one of its dewy petals, watching the yellow blur with his fading vision until it was all just gray-white nothingness.

“I just want us to get better.”

Enjoy this story? Here’s the next chapter! Please consider perusing my Table of Contents.

#naruto #naruto shippuden #boruto #naruto next generations #nara shikamaru #nara shikadai #naruto oc

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shikadainara · 3 years

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an in-depth breakdown of b*ruto episode 178

sorry i’m late i was lost on the path of life

tl;dr yeah ok i can have my hopes and dreams about what specifically i would want but. BUT. honestly yeah the episode was more or less what i expected would actually be in it from the preview, so i can’t complain. i still sobbed!!! that’s all i really wanted!!

time to rewatch it! (warning: long post. LOL)

obviously this is nothing new but i still can’t get over how nice the exterior to the nara household is, good for them. i don’t think i noticed the solar panel before? good for them!

i’m entertained at how the episode does open with shikadai tying his hair as he walks, i just think it’s neat. i love how the camera frames it like seeing a nara with their hair down is something forbidden we’re not mean to see

temari has purple slippers i dedicate her commitment to her favorite color. (also i am Just Saying... purple........ the bisexual flag--)

yeahhhh ok so. i get the need for wanting to frame the narrative like this, but this really doesn’t make any sense. shikadai is 12, and is also a chuunin, like... he should know by now that his dad is always kinda a mess on this day of the year, and why that is. and even if he honestly really did just forget, the fact that he’s still asking his dad why he’s not at work while looking at the way his parents are dressed... did this not clue you in or what????

the fact that shikamaru’s up and ready (i really don’t think he gets much sleep on this day, every year...), and it’s shikadai who’s just getting up. i do think it’s cute that we do get to see a tiiiiiny bit of temari’s parenting that doesn’t involve being an out of character irrationally angry woman when she tells shikadai to not come crying to her when he’s late in getting ready, yeah that definitely sounds way more like her lol

temari says she told him about all of this the other day (shikadai blatantly forgot, he tries to pretend he didn’t but she doesn’t press him for it)... that does make me emotional thinking like. she is pretty painfully aware of how hard this is on shikamaru, and days in advance told shikadai about it, to try to make sure he understands what his father is going through........ she really does care about him so, so much.

i said this based off the preview, but... i would like to interpret that temari is purposefully doing the dishes(/rest of house chores) to give him space to grieve.......

the fact that while explaining what today is, shikamaru has to get up, leave the room, and talk while not facing his family, as if he wouldn’t be able to say the words as easily while looking at them........ god. that. that hurts.

tsunade being the one to give this speech kinda feels random? like yeah she was the one that was kage during the war but...? i do feel like it would have been more fitting to have naruto say the speech since the whole entire point of the war was to protect him (and bee) but ????? ok

no one in the uzumaki family talks during this episode which is fine by me LOL. i would assume the memorial is on the day the war ended (which would also make it naruto’s birthday/memorial of the kyuubi invasion) but if it is, it’s never stated. maybe it’s the day the war started, idk

the collection of people up front feels pretty random??? kakashi as the previous hokage, sure, guy i guess because of how important his contribution the war against madara was and also because he is kakashi’s husband, shizune kinda has to be there if tusnade is, but... iruka? like yeah he is vital to the narrative, but to konoha? he is the headmaster of the academy i think now so i guess...? but then? ibiki??? anko??? i say this as someone that REALLY loves anko, she was my favorite character as a kid and i still love her but,,, huh? SHE WAS KNOCKED OUT DURNG THE WHOLE WAR!!??!?

then you see everyone that was in naruto’s class + team guy + sai except hinata is in the crowd. which of course to the narrative, to us the readers, those are the main characters (if you ignore how more or less everyone was super shafted throughout all of part 2) but!!! team guy’s only real connection to the rest of them is that they took the chuunin exams together, and neji and hinata were are cousins. that’s about it. was it that specifically all of these characters made such a contribution to the war compared to every other single shinobi from konoha that lived ??????

shikamaru staring up to the sky did made my heart clench... no matter how different he is now than he was when he was a 12 year old genin...... i do feel like he’s never entirely ditched his true self of just wanting to stare at the clouds all day.... i’m not entirely sure what the intent was here, but i’m sure there’s supposed to be some symbolism here. the sky is actually nearly entirely clear (the way is framed, there’s only a tiny cloud in the corner,) and then he closes his eyes and hums. maybe it’s supposed to be about the closure he gets in this episode...

ok and then here’s ao cool whatever. since i only skim through b*ruto for the characters that i care about i do not really careeeee since i won’t watch again until something interesting happens to said characters that i care about LOL

?? who voiced the receptionist they sound familiar but i can’t place it at all

katasuke is the bitch that made the scientific ninja tool for b*ruto so he could cheat in the exam right

what is ao doing here. is he supposed to be doing something evil. it sure looks that way

... who is the glasses orange scarf guy??? he kinda looks like a mix between udon and ebisu and aoba but i know he’s not any one of them lol

TEMARI AND KARUI STANDING NEXT TO EACH OTHER... i don’t think in any media they’ve ever??? ACTUALLY TALKED TO EACH OTHER???? BUT THEY SHOULD BE CLOSE FOR THE OBVIOUS REASON....... I’LL TAKE THESE CRUMBS THOUGH THANK YOU

OKKKKK admittedly like. in terms of Pleasing Me, Personally, it’s a damned if you do, dammed if you don’t situation like.... they do kinda HAVE to acknowledge that neji died during the war so. i appreciate that hinata like........ cares. i guess. i’ll try to not post the whole rant about why neji’s death was (logistically how he died aside) narratively and thematically absolute bullshit, kishi (i believe) saying that neji died so he could play cupid for naruto and hinata like!!! fuck off with that shit!!! maybe if it wasn’t for the goddamn “naruto-kun’s big warm manly hand” line i would feel a little bit actual sad but no.

WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOSHINO AND CHOUZA HELLO!?!?!?!? COULD YOU REALLY NOT HAVE PUT THEM IN THE CROWD??

ino also has an unnamed mother that the anime made up that i believe was only in like a single episode (and was cameoed in RtN i think?) but she should still be like. Alive. so her too.

MITSUKI PLACING FLOWERS IS SO FUNNY TO ME LIKE YOU DO KNOW YOUR PARENT’S SUBORDINATE/DOUBLE CROSS TRAITOR WHATEVER DID CAUSE THE WAR RIGHT BFIOBU*EHW$

aaand. here’s shikamaru and ino’s conversation. i’m not sure if i can put this into words, but... just... the way that they talk to each other, the weight of 15+ years of sadness about this, the way that they just!! fully know what the other is going through, the way that they’ve known each other for their whole lives and survived through everything together, the way i feel like they’ve avoided talking about this topic as much as possible over the years, hell even during this conversation the way they’re almost bickering to avoid having to directly confront their feelings, but it is unavoidable.......

i also do wonder what their relationship with each other’s parents were while growing up: shikamaru does refer to inoichi as “inoichi-san” here, contrast to how their kids all call each other’s parents just “uncle” or “aunt”

siri play sad naruto flute.

ok since i did go back to rewatch the episode from shippuden right before watching this one for the first time i do wish a liiiittle less of the episode was about this flashback with the same reused footage like i get that they do have to put it in here but Still.

THE FACT THAT SHIKAMARU IS SMILING WHILE RECALLING WHAT HAPPENED, AND THAT THERE’S A LAUGH IN HIS VOICE........ I WANT TO CRY AGAIN

ino saying that it was so unfair how cool they looked in the end, and then giggles...... ino............. this must be so, so painful for her to recall, and yet.........

IT IS SO FUNNY HOW THEY SKIP OVER THE IMAGE OF SASUKE THERE AHAHAHAHA god i hated that so so much i can’t believe that’s manga canon. the line is perfectly fine and makes me cry just DO NOT RELATE IT TO SASUKE!!!! literally the only time they “”interact”” is when ino is introduced and ino just, for lack of a better word, glomps him???? THAT’S IT??? i feel like they might’ve changed it just because, well, you know the endgame pairings. but still. bye sasuke

damn you know what i do kinda wish they didn’t skip over the “get rid of that box before your mother finds it” part i AM curious as to what it was i mean it’s implied it’s something adult related so SP probably couldn’t show that on TV BUT!!!

ok ok all week i tried to not imagine what shikamaru and ino’s conversation would be since i wanted to go all “surprise me!!” BUT??? BUT. SHIKAMARU ASKING INO IF SHE THINKS THAT THEIR FATHERS HONESTLY, TRULY BELIEVED IN THEM?? HE’S BEEN THINKING ABOUT THAT ON EVERY SINGLE DAY THIS YEAR THESE PAST 15+ YEARS, AND SURELY IT’S ALWAYS BEEN AT THE BACK OF HIS MIND ALL THIS TIME!?!?! of course. OF COURSE HE WOULD FEEL THIS WAY!!! HE’D HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING FOR SURE OR EVER FINDING OUT!!! like of course we as the readers know that shikaku and inoichi absolutely 200% felt that way but... from his perspective... you know what i don’t even think this idea ever crossed my mind HOLD ON THAT IS THE SOUND OF MY HEART SHATTERING--

and then he just... smiles. says that he won’t let that get him down, since it’s not like they’ll ever find out anyways. sure, it’s been 15+ years, he has had to have largely come to terms with everything by now, but...... still....

then he talks about the idea that the day will come and leave everything in the hands of their sons (now looking over at team 10′s turn to place flowers) just like their dads did... it is worded like a question, but showtaro morikubo’s absolute masterful performance does. it does portray a tone like he is absolutely 100% sure that it’ll happen, one day...

i’ve said this before but. i KNOW shikamaru has definitely spent so much time thinking about this. sure it hasn’t ever really been brought up on-screen (yet), but....... i want to see him talking about a direct contrast on what his grand plan through life he thought of by age 12, ending with him passing away by old age. obviously he did a complete 180 on they type of person he wanted as a wife LOL. it is kinda brought up at the start of shikamaru hiden while he visits the grave, says he hasn’t found anyone he’d give his life to protect... (well. now he has a son where if you see the recent chapters he is very, VERY protective of.) but i would like to see this change in his character be directly be brought up and examined

........ that being SAID. i sure hope neither of them actually like. die. i’m GOOD, thank you. they sure as hell can’t until they’re ready to pass things down to their sons, at least. until then, absolutely zero narrative reason to do so, but...... still. we don’t need to make everything an EXACT copy of what happened in naruto you can let them live kthx

they both say “what kind of half-baked response is that!” and then laugh just. I LOVE THEM SO SO MUCH TEAM 10 IS FOREVER

there is some symbolism in how ao walks over from a really dark shadowy area into the light when he decides that he has to pay his respects...

i do like how he does reflect on how he really should have come here earlier, but better late than never i suppose

i was expecting a... more elaborate explanation for how he lived??? especially since he was standing RIGHT NEXT to shikaku and inoichi... he just. happened to survive for whatever reason while every single other person died on impact

that survivor’s guilt does hurt to see

i do like seeing how he chooses to do something with his life, aside from being a shinobi, and live it to the fullest for the sake of everyone that died in the explosion. that’s nice

ino saying “i’m sure are fathers are happy!” AAAAAAAAAAA

IN HINDSIGHT....... I ABSOLUTELY SOULD’VE PREDICTED SOMEONE WOULD DROP A “YOU LOOK SO MUCH LIKE YOUR FATHER” AT SOME POINT IN THE EPISODE...... and. i did kinda chuckle, because like, no shit duh lmao. i’m sure shikamaru heard that all the time as a kid!!! and hell, i’m sure he still gets it from time to time over the years up to this day. BUT LIKE... SHIKAMARU’S FACE. HE LOOKS LIKE THAT, RIGHT NOW, IT’S ACTUALLY SOMETHING HE REALLY, REALLY NEEDED TO HEAR. LET ME CRY

hearing shikamaru say oyaji, and then the way his tone suddenly shifts to something very... quiet and somber? when he says “nara shikaku”..... something about that. man.... also it’s hard to see but there is a sweat drop on his face as he says all of this...

“sometimes, i end up wondering...” don’t lie to yourself. you think about this so, so much........

the flashback where ao says “listen to me calmly” when he says the bomb is coming this way sure reminds me of ino telling shikamaru to stay calm as she tells him that his son has a bomb around his neck

THE ADDED PART OF THE FLASHBACK WITH THEIR VERY LAST MOMENTS...... THE WAY THEY’RE SMILING AND JUST??? BELIEVE IN THEIR KIDS IN THE VERY END. just like how it’s described in shikamaru hiden where the narrative says that shikaku was a shinobi until his very last breaths-- actually, no. in the very end he was a father.......

“THEY BELIEVED IN YOU, WITHOUT A HINT OF DOUBT.”

AAA?A?AAAAAAAAA?A?A?A??A!??!!??!!

INO STARTS TEARING UP BUT I CALL ABSOLUTE BS THAT SHIKAMARU WOULDN’T ALSO JUST BURST ONTO TEARS ON THE SPOT, HE MAY BE 32 WHATEVER YEARS OLD NOW BUT... HE IS STILL SUCH A CRYBABY AT HEART, HIS ENTIRE CIRCLE OF LOVED ONES KNOW THIS.

you know who DID start crying though??? ME

i do wonder, is this the same hillside that shikamaru went to after asuma’s death...? (only in the manga tho, the anime had him on a rooftop instead)

is that??? someone watching them in the back left?? when shikadai finds him? i cannot tell what that is

i am. trying to follow temari’s logic of telling shikadai to go find shikamaru and... not also going with him?? i mean i figured from the preview that, yeah it does look like it’s only the two of them, but... i can’t come up with a reason. not a super big deal but. obviously my heart yearns for that shikatema content that’s ok i can write my own fanfic i guess!!!!

also like...... i imagine it can’t be THAT hard to find him, i’m sure that he only has a small handful of Spots Good For Coping(™) when he just needs to be by himself, that i would Think his wife would know where they are. and said wife would tell shikadai. but idk

after all of this, shikamaru wants to just treat his son to go eat out whatever he wants...!! what a good father

....... now like. the logic of “temari is currently making dinner and that’s why she’s a) not there and b) told shikadai to go fetch is father” would make perfect sense. but... if they’re going out to get food then... no?? shikadai would interject to say so if that was the case..... that makes this all make no sense seriously what the hell is she doing

i do wish that like. shikadai like.... uh. actually learned about more shikaku?? this scene is more brief than i thought it would be idk i felt like it would be part of the middle of the episode and not at the end, oh well. he’ll find out in due time

THAT BEING SAID... STILL. THE ENDING WHERE HE JUST CARES SO SO SO SO MUCH ABOUT SHIKADAI!!!! WONDERING IF HE’S WATCHING HIS BACK!!! I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEMMMMM

not quite sure whatever ao is doing at the end of the episode???? IS IT EVIL??? i mean like that it’s him catching a leaf seems like he’s going against konoha but i mean konoha fucking sucks so. that is not evil i guess LOL

whatever not like i’ll care to actually find out!!!!! anyways let me know when the nara family (or anyone adjacent to them) does anything so i can care LOL

in conclusion. good shit.

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akatmitsu · 5 years

Text

the spying genin | neji hyuga

not requested, just randomly wrote some shiz down and i got this. neji has little to no short stories over him and my neji heart needs it. hope you like it uwu.

SPOILER WARNING, NOT REALLY BUT IDK

°ʚ(*´꒳`*)ɞ°

pairing: neji hyuga x reader

word count: 2,102

warnings: fluff,,,just fluff

summary: you and neji have been seeing each other in secret. naruto suspects that something is going on between you two, his failed attempt at spying on one of your training sessions gets him caught and questioned. lee invites everyone to go to the bathhouse for a relaxing time off, naruto almost slips out the very secret he had recently discovered soon getting himself in a little trouble.

“Have you given up?”

You smile through staggered breathing, you lay flat on the ground with one arm covering your eyes from the sun. The beaming sun accented every bead of sweat that lay on your face and neck. Soon after catching your breath you sat up, a smirk plastered on Neji Hyuga’s structured face. His own face and neck glistened with sweat giving him a glow that was strikingly beautiful.

“Come on, Neji. That’s not fair!” You leaned back on your hands gazing at the gorgeous jounin standing in front of you.

“You think your enemy is going to give you time to think and perform your ninjutsu for him? Now up, let’s try again.” He turns around walking back to the mark he drew for himself in the dirt. You sat there watching him, distracted by the slight swing of his long hair as he walked, your eyes trailed down slowly. Stopping at just the right spot.

“I do hope that is not how you gaze at Kakashi while he is training with you.”

“You want the truth or the lie about that statement?” You teased him, he closed his eyes and shook his head. You bit your lip, tilting your head toward your left shoulder. You were getting on his nerves slowly but surely.

Growing up with Neji, he never seemed to have any patience for immaturity and sly comments. He’s grown now, recently named a jounin of the leaf village. The more grown, the less patient. All the more reason to aggravate him as a way of passing time. Neji crosses his arms, gazing back at you, “He would be very upset with you right now, your lack of motivation to keep training would be bothersome to someone as busy as him.”

“Come on, Neji. He’s been my sensai since I was a kid-.” He cuts you off, “You are still a kid in his eyes, especially with this behavior. He left you to me to train.”

“Well he doesn’t have very much insight on just who he let train with me now does he?” You stood up, brushing the dirt from your pants. You started to walk toward him, his arms stayed crossed over his chest.

You stood very close to him at this point, you slightly pouted while resting your chin on his firm chest. Keeping his arms crossed over his chest, he leaned down to press a light kiss on your nose. It was short and sweet, the gesture causing you to flush. You stood lightly on your tip toes, just before your lips attempted to meet his, you heard rustling in the bushes.

“Neji.” You pulled away from him fast, he seemed to notice the rustling too. Grabbing your hand, he pulled you behind him as he focused on one area of the small forest surrounding the training grounds.

“Byakugan!”

You rested your hand against his back as he looked around, the strain in his eyes visible as he turned to the side. You looked closely behind the both of you. Straining your own eyes it didn’t take the eyes that held the Byakugan or the Sharingan to spot a bright blonde tuft of hair peeking through the bushes.

“This chakra.”

You walked away from Neji and started to make your way over to the bushes. The blonde genin didn’t seem to notice that you had spotted him. You folded your arms over your chest.

“Naruto.”

He froze at the sound of your voice. Neji stood behind you when the genin sheepishly stood from hiding. Naruto scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, a beaming smile of guilt on his face.

“Uhh, hey guys!”

“So you lied about going on a mission,” Naruto nervously giggled, “Spill it, Naruto.” You raised your fist up at him causing his blue eyes to widen.

“O-Okay, okay! I noticed something...strange. When I returned to the leaf village from my training, you and Neji were oddly close,” You could feel Neji’s eyes on the back of your head, “I asked Sakura and Kakashi-sensei about it and they didn’t have any idea what I was on about. So I uh...I followed both of you here, when I saw that you were just training I figured I’d just leave but then.” He stopped rambling, looking between the both of you.

You sighed, disappointed was the most simple word to explain your feelings. You and Neji tried to keep your public displays of affection for times when you were alone, it was a surprise nobody noticed him sneaking out of the main house of the Hyuga clan to be with you. It wasn’t the smartest idea to tease Neji like you had today in an open training ground. How were you to know there was a perv spying on you both?

Neji had stepped closer to you, he noticed how tense you were. Though he wasn’t too happy with the situation either, it was only Naruto that saw. He had just hoped that the loud idiot would keep their secret to himself. Neji gently placed his hand on your lower back as a sign of comfort.

“Naruto.”

His big blue eyes had turned to look at Neji’s light lavender ones. Neji’s gaze was stern, he narrowed his eyes at Naruto in warning.

“You are to tell no one about what you saw. For obvious reasons, we have kept this a secret. You will deeply regret telling a soul.”

There was a pause, Naruto blinked once and smiled real big, “Ah don’t worry, your secret is safe with me!” He gives both of you a thumbs up to which you responded with a facepalm and a sigh from Neji.

“Oh! Bushy brow wanted me to find you both anyway to tell you that we’re having a get together with everyone at the bathhouse. He rambled on and on about relaxing after endless missions and caring for ourselves...or something like that. It’s been awhile since we’ve all hung out, so come on, let’s go!”

You started to follow Naruto, Neji had grabbed your hand,”(Y/N), we’re not done training.”

You groaned, by now Naruto had skipped ahead and left you two by yourselves, “Neji, we’ve been training all day, let’s take a break, we need it. Please, please.” You bounced on the balls of your feet. Neji responded with a huff, he crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes. You took the opportunity to look around you, straining your eyes yet again to see if you could find a soul nearby.

Calling it safe, you rested your hands on his arms, leaning up on your tiptoes you gave him a simple peck on the lips. Neji was worrisome after the pure action, panicked, he looked around. You grabbed the sides of his face, pressing his forehead against yours.

“It’s alright, I promise.”

You and Neji arrived at the bathhouse separately like normal. You arrived at the same time Tenten did, she shared some mission stories as you walked into the area where ladies only stayed and relaxed in the bath. You both undressed and playfully pushed each other to get to the bath. Sakura, Ino and Hinata already getting into the hot water.

You and the girls made small talk here and there about missions until the subject of boys popped up. This was no surprise, you’ve been to dinner get togethers with just the girls and this is the one topic that pops up. Hinata blushed as usual talking about her very obvious crush on Naruto, Ino and Sakura putting a damper on their mood talking about Sasuke Uchiha, Tenten didn’t really say much about it, she only made a sly comment that boys were stressful.

Then they all looked to you, “I agree with Tenten, boys have cooties.” You pucker your lips and make kissy noises at all of them causing an eruption of laughter.

On the other side of the wall is a room full of guys relaxing in the water slyly listening in on the girls as they talk. Neji can’t help but smile a little at your comment, he cleared his throat, sinking deeper into the water, hoping nobody had seen him.

“Those girls sure are noisy,” Shikamaru groans, leaning his head back on the tile surrounding the bath. All six guys murmur in agreement.

“Hey Neji, how’s training going with (Y/N) anyway?” Kiba scrubs Akamaru’s head as he directs his question to the flushed jounin.

“Oh, well. She’s quite a handful, she’s incredibly strong but she seems distracted which is causing her actions to be slower. I’m not sure why she is.”

“Haha, sure you know why she is, Neji!”

The guys turn to look at the beaming Naruto who sits on top of the tile with his legs in the water. After realizing shortly what he had said, he made immediate eye contact with Neji who was glaring at him.

“Uh, I mean. Hey, I think I hear bushy brow, I’ll go meet him!” Naruto swiftly jumps up, wraps his towel around his waist and quickly walks out of the bathing area.

That idiot, Neji thought.

“What was he on about?” Shikamaru glances from where Naruto had just left and back to Neji. Neji shrugs nonchalantly, “He’s been acting strange. He could be going on about anything.”

A few minutes of the dropped subject had passed as the boys finally sat back and relaxed.

A loud crash next door startles them, Neji being the first to jump out of the water, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around his waist. He ran next door, shortly followed by everyone else, “Naruto, you perv!” Neji spots a stunned Naruto standing in the doorway of the women’s bathing area, “No, wait, it wasn’t me!”

“Don’t act all innocent Rock Lee!”

“Rock Lee.”

Neji and the others scatter into the bathing area, “What the hell is going on here?” A small part of the roof had collapsed, the dust cleared and he sees all of the girls dressed except for you who held a kunai knife in one hand and a towel that barely covered your body in the other.

“Rock Lee has been peeping on us,” Tenten points over to where Ino has grabbed onto Lee’s collar screaming insults at him, Lee is helpless and panicking as the girl screams in his face about being a pervert.

“He did what?! How improper!” Neji wanted so bad to run and find your clothes so weren’t so exposed to all of the guys in the room but his focus was on Lee.

Lee had managed to escape Ino’s grasp, with tears in his eyes he ran as fast as he could away from the angry shinobi.

‘Don’t let him get away!’

‘That pervert!’

‘He’s gonna pay for this!”

You and Naruto were the only ones left behind as you frantically looked for your clothes but couldn’t find certain items that could be under the rumble that Lee fell through.

“Naruto, come on.”

“He didn’t do it,” Naruto mumbled.

“What? What do you mean?”

“He wasn’t peeping, he was training on the rooftops and he must’ve-.” You cut him off, believing him you grabbed his hand, “Well come on then, we can’t let him get beat up, he’s scared. Come on! Let’s go!”

You and Naruto had made it just in time to break through the forming circle around a frantic Rock Lee who was trying to defend himself.

“Wait, stop! Bushy brows isn’t that kind of person, so if he says he’s innocent then I believe he’s innocent. Don’t judge him when you don’t have any proof that he’s guilty. Trust in your comrade.”

You glanced over the guilty faces of your friends, “Maybe you’re right.”

“Have a big heart and an open mind.” Naruto starts to turn to Lee, Lee seemed nervous as he did.

“Naruto, wait!”

The formed circle of shinobi all gasp as they spot a laced bra hanging out of Naruto’s towel. Neji glared at the provocative item, he thought he recognized it.

“Hey, that’s mine.” You self consciously wraps your arms around your chest. Naruto had taken your bra?

“Naruto, you underwear thief!” Sakura, Ino and Tenten all glare at Naruto. You were pulled behind a soaked Neji in only his towel who was fuming with anger.

“What?”

Sakura was the first to get her punch on Naruto, her strength idling him enough to where no one else needed to take a hit on him.

You leaned your forehead on Neji’s bare shoulder.

“Oh, Naruto.”

#neji hyuga #neji #neji x reader #neji scenario #naruto scenarios #naruto imagines #anime #it was shit in the end but you know #shinobi #jounin #episode 311 #neji fanfic #neji deserved better #neji hyuga scenarios #n.h #neji hyuga imagine

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clxvdd · 4 years

Text

Self Control- Rock Lee

Summary: Rock Lee and the other Shinobi go out to celebrate a job well done, but his favorite person is nowhere to be seen. Chaos ensues, and his favorite person is the only one who can stop it.

Warnings: drinking, mourning, fluff, tiny bit of angst

Characters/Pairings: Rock Lee x Reader, Naruto, Tenten, Habu (Waiter), the rest of the gang

(fem!Reader)

Word Count: 1903

“Where is (Y/N)?” Lee couldn’t stop himself from asking as his trained eyes searched through the group of ninjas all crowding together at the bar.

He knew it was a bad idea to come in the first place, but he had more self control now and he knew the effects those drinks had on his body. After all, he was here to celebrate and spend time with his friends. They scarcely spent time all together like this.

But it seemed as though someone was missing.

As he entered with Neji at his side, his friends came in waves to come and greet the two with kind smiles and swift hugs, none of them seeming to notice the lack of the shinobi that had caught his eye the most and who was the greatest reason for him to show up. When his teammate herself went to pull away from the greeting, he caught her arm and looked into her eyes with a concerned look.

“Where is she?” He said breathlessly, his mind racing with a thousand different reasons as to why the girl in question was not present. Even without speaking her name, Tenten knew of who he was inquiring about, being (Y/N)’s best friend as well.

“She said she was going to be a little late,” Tenten shook her head lightly, “she had something to take care of.” She plainly stated, not having any more information to give. Pulling her arm out of his grasp gently, she patted his drooping shoulders in solace.

Of course, Lee knew that with everyone’s busy lives and their responsibilities of being a shinobi that not everyone would have time to show up, although he had hoped that person at least would not be her. It was a one out of more than ten chance, but Lee always had the worst luck.

“Come on, Lee, don’t be so down,” Tenten whined as she lead him over to the group again, “she will be here. You can be sad any other night.”

He shook his head but straightened up anyway. The kunoichi was right, tonight was a night of youth and celebration, not of despair. He would live his best moments as (Y/N) would want him to.

Lee didn’t quite know why he was so drawn to you. It wasn’t like his former crush on his, now friend, Sakura. That was simply an infatuation, but with you it felt like more. Like he lived and breathed every day to be able to see your face, and he died a little inside when he couldn’t. You brought out the best and worst in him all at once and he couldn’t explain how, yet no matter what it reigned true.

Again, he shook his head, forcing himself out of his own thoughts and threw himself down into the booth seat next to Naruto. He was determined to be his normal, youthful self without you for a little while, and if he couldn’t– well I’ll just have to do 3,000 more pushups during tomorrow’s training.

“Nice to see ya, buddy!” Naruto exclaimed at the boy, slapping a hand to his jumper clad back. The signature wide grin that he sported was enough to convince him that the night would have to be great. He needed it to be.

Not long after, a young– and bored– waiter rounded the bar to Lee’s table, in one hand a notepad and the other a pen. He cleared his throat lazily and spoke up at the group with a tone similar to the one Shikamaru always used, nearly making Lee laugh at the thought.

“What drinks would you all like to get started off with?”

The table boomed with a variation of drinks, ranging in simplicity and taste, although the overwhelming majority was alcoholic some way or another. Lee had struggled to even hear himself, but requested a simple glass of water nonetheless. The waiter rubbed his forehead and focused in on individual requests, but they all blurred together and he just nodded and retreated back to his station, never even marking the paper with his pen. Thinking he had just been overly intuitive, Lee told himself that he shouldn’t be worrying so much. After all, he had promised himself to enjoy the night. Taking a deep breath and relaxing his previously furrowed brows, he listened in on Naruto’s and Shikamaru’s conversation, soon forgetting all about his anxieties.

It seemed like seconds before the same waiter came back with a tray, for Lee was so busy having fun and joking around with his friends. Setting the tray down and passing around the drinks, the waiter, whom Lee now noticed was named Habu, gave each of them a once-over before speaking again.

“Would you guys like any appetizers or something from our happy hour menu to go with your drinks? They’re 15 percent off for the next 20 minutes,” He glanced at his watch to confirm. Upon hearing this, the group– Kiba, Choji, and Naruto mainly– began throwing out orders in a chaotic fashion, not even bothering to take their time. Lee grasped the glass in front of him with a loose shake of his head and proceeded to take a long sip of the still, clear drink, believing it to be the water he asked for.

Of course, he realized it wasn’t when the familiar burn of his throat and tastebuds reached his brain and his eyes widened before drooping as he lost his grasp on his supposed self control.

Meanwhile, across the village was a girl, made small by her posture crouched over a large stone burial site with flowers in her hand. Her long hair fell over her face in wisps and her shoulders heaved, taking a long sigh before placing a finger to the cool rock.

“I miss you, mom,” she whispered as she took another shaky breath, blowing her hair out of her face, “I have so much to tell you.”

“For starters, I completed another successful mission yesterday,” the girl continued staring solemnly at the letters she had imprinted in her brain from reading over and over, “I’ve grown a lot. I’m not a little girl anymore,” she huffed then followed it with a breathy chuckle. Nervously picking at the skin of her fingers, she spoke again.

“I met a boy. Surprising, I know, but I really think he could mean something,” she smiled faintly as she thought of the boy with the bushiest brows and brightest attitude she had ever seen. He always made her feel important, like she was ruler of everything in the universe, but she was just her. Plain little (Y/N) from the village hidden in the leaves. Nothing more, nothing less.

“I’m going to see him again tonight. I know you would like him, mom,” again she leaned her head down towards the grave, a tear slipping from her eye, staining the gray surface, “you really would.”

Then, all at once, (Y/N) stood up from her position and heaved. This was hard. Even though she had been coming to her mother’s grave frequently for almost 3 years, she never knew how to say goodbye. She didn’t like it. It reminded her of the last time she had meant it. Wordlessly she turned away, beginning her walk back into the village where she would be meeting her friends to celebrate their successes. Hopefully that would cheer her up.

Along the way she passed many shops and buildings, most of them closed for the night. The scenery at this time was beautiful, though, and she took her time in making it to the bar she had been invited to.

As she turned the corner, a stream of people, all panicked and hurried, pushed past her away from the direction she was headed. Confused, she kept towards it and the kunoichi approached closer to her destination, the chaos growing with screams and loud sounds of breaking, cracking, pushing, demolishing.

With one glance she gasped, her hands dropping to her side as she ran towards the once bustling building.

“Where is she?!” Her ears perked up with the familiar voice in such an unfamiliar tone. She knew it had to be Lee, there was no doubts about that, but what he was doing was another story. And who was this girl that he had mentioned?

“Where is (Y/N)?”

Another gasp left the girl’s lips and she furrowed her brows in determination and understanding. If it was her he wanted then it was her he would get. She had heard stories about Lee’s troubles with the burning liquid, but she wrote them off as exaggerations and never had she seen it for herself until now.

“Lee?” She almost whispered as she warily opened the door to the destroyed building. A chair flew past her head as she ducked and squinted to focus on the taijutsu specialist. Noticing he was distracted with his back turned towards her, he towered over the group of shinobi before slurring again.

“Where is she, where is she, where is she??!” he growled as he stomped his feet and evaded every attempt his friends had to try and catch him, “I want her! I want to see her!” He stomped again, swaying slightly before he heard a gentle voice from behind him, almost too soft for his ears.

“Lee?”

The raging boy turned as his eyes landed on the girl he had been calling for. All of the sudden he felt guilty. He felt everything. Dropping the furniture that had once been raised over his head, he swayed his way over to her, stopping just short of arm’s length.

His breath caught in his throat when his half-lidded eyes ran over your concerned face. Your hair was loose, messy even, but it was still the most beautiful he had ever seen you. The red in your eyes was a clear tell that you had been crying and he reached a hand out with a pang in his full heart. Your eyes never once left him as he grew closer and closer to you, his hand holding yours.

One step, he was close enough to hug you.

Another step, you could feel his breath on your cheeks and smell the alcohol on his tongue.

Another, he pressed his chest to yours, still holding your hand as you gazed up into his glittering eyes.

“I’m here, Lee,” You whispered.

Your heart was beating so fast it could’ve quit on you right then, but you wouldn’t have noticed. All you had on your mind was Lee. Lee and that stupid face of his.

“I’m right here.”

And you took him into your arms, letting out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. His arms came under yours to drag you impossibly closer to him and the next thing you knew his lips were on yours.

Tender. Gentle. Soft. All uncharacteristic of Lee, but when your lips moved together as one of a whole it felt just right, like everything was meant to lead up to this. You knew he felt the same.

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notquitejiraiya · 4 years

Text

Chess [32] - {ShikaTema AU}

Only 2 chapters left! 34 will be the finale. I really hope you enjoy this chapter - it’s a long one.

As always, thank you for the support you give me and this fic - it means the world to me!

[READ/COMMENT ON AO3]

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Shikamaru sighed as he stepped back from the window, wiping his hands on his apron with eyes still fixed on the shop opposite. He was sure, for a moment, that he’d seen a flash of blonde hair peep through the glass above the window display, but that seemed far too convenient to be true. After his talk with Ino he was considerably less annoyed with himself, but there was a worry that clambered to his attention—stung, even. And when two blonde ponytails rose from behind the stacks of woodwork again, for certain this time, Shikamaru found himself frozen solid.

“Hey! There you go,” Ino chirped from behind him, clearly seeing the same thing, “you didn’t even need to call Temari—she’s already here to see you.”

Usually, Ino’s excitement would get on his nerve’s, but today he found it hard not to smile at her as he turned briefly. If she could see it, he wasn’t going mad—Temari was really there, just a stone’s throw away. Still, as he hurled a couple of left over pieces of flower arranging foam in her general direction, Shikamaru rolled his eyes all the same. “Ah, yes,” he groaned sarcastically, “there she is in her brother’s shop, very clearly here to see me and not him.”

“Shikamaru, she—”

A clattering of metal and a shout echoed across the street and both heads whipped round in tandem to look at the carpenter’s. It was seemingly fine from where they stood; no movement from the blonde except a quick shake of her head and the movement of another silhouette deeper within the shop which could only be Kankuro. But such a noise didn’t come from nothing—something must have gone awry over there.

Momentarily, a shiver crossed Shikamaru’s shoulders. They were fighting, weren’t they? Why else would there be such a godawful racket and shouting to follow?

That didn’t exactly sit well. Slinking away to the back of the shop, his head ducked down, it was all too apparent to Shikamaru that the last reason the two siblings had fallen out was him—he was the reason—and he didn’t know why exactly past Kankuro’s general dislike for him; something he didn’t fully understand even now. Based off of Temari’s message last night, he had assumed the two made up on that topic, but from what he was seeing that line of thinking seemed questionable at best. Don’t push it, she had told him. The more he thought on those three words, the less comforted he felt.

He retreated to the corner behind the cash register and cleared his throat awkwardly. “So,” he mumbled halfheartedly, eyes focusing in on the clipboard his colleague had brought downstairs, “looks like a busy day on Friday.”

Ino raised her eyebrows. “Are you serious?”

“What?” Shikamaru shrugged and leaned against the counter. “I was just—”

“You were just changing the subject.” She tossed the foam she held in her hands toward him, and tutted when he missed deliberately. “Go,” she instructed. “Go over to that shop—right now.”

Shikamaru laughed, trying to ignore the beads of sweat he could feel seeping through his hairline. No way in hell was he getting involved over there. Those two were insane enough separately for him to know that the last thing he wanted was to be sandwiched between them in a room full of sharp objects.

He almost felt obliged to explain to Ino how utterly stupid the idea she’d just suggested truly was, and threatened to ask if she really wanted him to return in five minutes, scarred by the noise and possibly even missing his right hand. Instead he shook his head and simply said, “Not a fucking chance.”

“You’re afraid of her brother, aren’t you?” she smirked. “Admittedly, he could probably kill you.”

“Encouraging as always, Ino,” he deadpanned, shaking his head. “You’re probably right, but I’m more afraid of irritating either of them than getting attacked by that madman.”

She scoffed. “Last time he was here you weren’t exactly nice.”

“In my defence, I didn’t expect to see Temari ever again at that point.”

“Right, well,” began Ino, “if you can hold your ground—which we know you can from last time he was here—why aren’t you over there right now talking to her?”

Shikamaru ducked his head a little further, hand shooting to the back of his neck as he hoped to hide the redness enveloping his expression. “It’s a bit personal to talk about everything in front of that guy, Ino.”

“But you’d talk about it in front of me, right?”

He laughed bitterly without a second’s thought, and immediately averted his eyes as far from Ino as he could. It was an attempt to ignore her dramatic enactment of what Shikamaru could only assume was him stabbing her in the back, but he saw it all the same. “Grow up,” he muttered, forcing back a smile at his friend before letting his eyes wander before zoning straight back in on the carpenter’s.

Everything seemed to have died down—no movement at all now. Instinctively Shikamaru pried his phone from the back pocket of his jeans and grumbled at the lack of messages. It was infuriating being able to see the back of her head, yet being powerless to making it turn without interfering. He just wanted her to look his way so he could see those eyes. There was no desire to get in her way, or force her out of her routine, just a simple turn would be satisfying enough for him—it would make his day that much better in a single second. Seeing her eyes from a distance was better than not seeing them at all, that was for sure.

I could ring her, he thought to himself as he opened her contact page hesitantly. His eyes darted between the screen and those blonde ponytails one final time, and he bit down on his lip hard.

“While you’re at it, ask her out, yeah?”

He turned to Ino whose arms were tightly crossed. “What?”

“It’s not hard, Shikamaru. Whilst you ring her, which you’re so obviously about to do, ask her out,” she said smugly. “And not for fish and chips like last time, cheapskate.”

Shikamaru could feel his face heating up, and shook his head rapidly as he slotted the phone back into his jeans. “No,” he told her calmly. “I’m supposed to talk to her about my appointment—that’s what she wants to speak about.”

“And what about after that conversation has dried up, huh? What will you talk about then? Because you’re sure as hell not going to hang up immediately, are you?” Ino grinned as soon as he rolled his eyes in response, clearly aware that he wasn’t going to offer a counterargument . “I’m sure,” she added, “that she only wants an excuse to talk to you, just like you wanted an excuse to talk to her.”

He had to admit that such a thought was comforting beyond belief. It made sense, somehow, that she would weave reasons from every part of his day, every event, that made it acceptable to talk to him. After all, he’d done the same to her. He’d texted her last night just to tell her he’d got home safe, knowing full well she knew he would, just in the hope that she’d reply to him and tell him goodnight. Of course, she had—she’d wished him goodnight and arranged their call this morning in that moment, too.

He had had, just as she’d wished him, a brilliant night’s sleep. Even his dreams had been brilliant—brighter and more exciting than they had ever been. For a moment he contemplated telling her about the dream he’d had: the way she’d sat in his parents garden in it, staring up at the clouds in the sky, and the smile on her face. He thought about telling her how it was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen, and how impressive it had been when she’d made the wind dance around her in spectacular turrets to block the path to her, only to let them settle when her eyes lay on him.

The smile he remembered wearing in his dream plastered across his face. She’d made his path easier, even in dreams—he wanted to tell her that.

But it was boring, wasn’t it, to talk about ones dreams? Even a woman whose everyday revolved around the inner workings of peoples minds surely cared more for the real world than midnight fantasies. Shikamaru knew how much he hated it when Choji harped on about his recurring orangutan nightmare—how did he know this was any more interesting? How did he know if it wasn’t creepy that he’d dreamed about her?

What if she’d dreamed about me? The smile on his lips grew giddy, and he blinked his way out of his web of wild thoughts quickly. If she missed him as she’d said, there was a chance she had. It made sense, just as much as her desire to talk to him did, but he still couldn’t quite wrap his head around such a notion.

“You want to ask her out—admit it.”

“Fine,” he relented, “I do.”

“Well, good,” Ino giggled as she said it, cheeky as ever, “because looks like she’s coming right now.”

All he could get out as his eyes caught hers through the window was a whispered curse. Shikamaru scurried out from behind the desk, and without thinking her hurtled towards the stairs, rushing up them three steps at a time. His mind raced with everything he could possibly say to her—how was he supposed to choose what was important and wasn’t anymore? Hell, why had he hidden himself away upstairs the moment he’d caught sight of her after praying she’d turn to look at him only moments ago? There was no logic to that, no sense at all, much like the jumble of words clambering to be heard in his mind right now.

But then, as he threw himself into a chair by the desk, he recalled what Ino had said. Logic didn’t play a single part in love. It wasn’t a game, and he certainly couldn’t control the movements of any of the people in play—himself less than anyone else! This was out of his hands, and he knew his position. He was being advanced on by the queen right now—his queen—and he could he could hear the words echoing in his ears, “Check mate.”

He shuddered. How was he supposed to talk to her about Chojuro when he couldn’t even remember a single word of what he had said to the man. Amongst all the feelings Ino had let him spill out and explained, he barely remembered a thing. All he remembered was the kindness and the warmth the man had radiated. That and the desire he’d had for her to suddenly appear at his side every time he blinked to make it all easier, and the comfort he’d felt knowing that he’d hear her voice today.

Now he didn’t just get to hear her voice; he got to see her face. Surely that was a good thing—a win in every sense of the word. So why was he hiding? Why was he worrying about stumbling over his words like this?

Shikamaru let his head fall on the table with a loud bang, and hissed in pain at his own stupidity as he sat back up.

Get a grip…

Ino called something up to him him, her tone a perfect mix of frustration and glee, but the words she said didn’t even begin to register in Shikamaru’s mind. He felt powerless to the way his heart was pumping out of his chest, and how every blink of his eyes brought him closer to opening them and seeing her again. How was he supposed to keep a straight face talking to her? Before she even walked in he knew he was going to do something stupid—something embarrassing. Until he’d met this woman, and caught himself up in her life through kind words and perfect smiles, he’d always settled in this glum little hole inside himself, and while he certainly hadn’t been happy there, it was still a shock to find himself outside that hole.

He felt exposed, and so brilliantly out in the open.

Shikamaru almost choked on his own saliva when he heard the bell ring.

There were some pleasant murmurs from below, a few words at most, before he the tapping of feet against stairs began. He dropped his head and grabbed a pencil, twirling as though he was planning to use it somehow. The footsteps, all too soon, came to a stop, and as his tapped the pencil nervously against his palm he heard a great sigh sound behind him.

“Hey.”

Her voice, undistorted by a telephone, sent a shiver across his shoulders and Shikamaru couldn’t help but smile. One syllable shot a relaxing sensation right through his body like nothing he’d ever felt, and he found himself sheepishly turning his head. She stood before him with her hands stuffed firmly in the back pockets of her jeans, kicking at the floor nervously, and instantly he felt his anxieties settle at the sight of her own.

“Hi.”

More than anything, Shikamaru wanted to close that distance and engulf her in his arms, capture her lips with his own. He wanted to point out every perfect detail of her face, and try explain to her the warmth it summoned in his chest, or how the meek smile she was giving him made the rest of the world disappear.

There was so much to say, too much he wanted to tell her, to such an extent that all he could get out was: “You look nice.” It wasn’t a lie—she did—but he wanted to punch himself. Nice didn’t even begin to cover it, after all. Especially not when you compared her stunning curves to the dirt on every inch of his grubby uniform.

He looked down at himself and registered the missing button—the button that’d torn off thanks to her—and wondered how on earth they’d got here. They’d yo-yoed their way to this point, in and out of each others arms for a month, and Shikamaru had no idea how he’d got so lucky by doing so little. It was almost embarrassing. Almost as embarrassing as his compliment had been weak.

Nice, he thought to himself. You’re all I want to look at for the rest of my life.

Thankfully Temari’s smile grew as a subtle blush tinted her ears, and the butterflies in Shikamaru’s stomach settled as he watched her body soften at his voice. “What’re you doing over there?” she asked, mischievously.

One step towards him sent Shikamaru reeling. “I’m, um,” he stammered, his eyes falling down to his pencil. He felt so unlike himself in this moment, hating how flustered he was beyond belief, and hoped it would dissipate quickly. Whilst he was in this state, not a single excuse was coming to him—no lies or quips to explain himself even slightly—and Shikamaru found himself chuckling with no idea how to proceed. It seemed easiest to say nothing at all, but with her right there and so much running through his brain, that option couldn’t have seemed further from impossible if he tried.

When he looked up at her she was much closer than she had been before, looming over him with eyes that were as expectant as they were narrow, as unconvinced as they were beautiful. He pouted in order to contain his chuckles and shook his head in resignation. “I’m not going anything useful,” he admitted with his lip between his teeth. “Honestly, I was hiding.”

“From me?”

He nodded. “Yep.”

“Wimp.”

The most embarrassing snort escaped him as he rose from the chair, sitting up on the table in a desperate attempt to gain the higher ground. “Correct,” he told her as she edged closer. Her fingers wrapped around the top of the chair and she looked at him expectantly, leaning forward slightly. “What’s the matter with you?” he chuckled. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Temari shook her head in disbelief at the oblivious idiot before her, a soft but worried smile overriding the frustration behind her eyes. “You didn’t call me, Shikamaru.”

“And you didn’t call me at the weekend,” he shot back. “So, shall we call it even?”

“Fucking hell.” She pursed her lips. “I think I preferred you a minute ago when you were cowering in your chair. Can we go back to that?”

A victorious smirk spread across Shikamaru’s face as he watched contempt settle into her expression, and he linked his hands in his lap to stop them flying to her waist, pulling her close. For a moment he almost told her that if she wanted to go back to that she’s need to leave. After all, it was her comforting presence which had caused the change in his demeanour the first place, but despite the confidence she amplified within him, he wasn’t capable of saying so. Instead when he opened his mouth to speak he simply said, “Chojuro’s a nice man.”

She didn’t look surprised, but much to his dismay she stepped backwards, and began to trace her fingertips along the cabinets when she reached the other side of the room. “You liked him, then?”

“I did.”

“And you think he’ll help? You trust him?”

“I do.”

“But?”

Shikamaru’s head drooped. “Who says there’s a ‘but’?”

“It’s obvious,” she told him. “Did something go badly?”

He lifted his feet onto the fair before him and rested his elbows on his knees. Slouching, he began to chew slightly on his thumbnail. “No, it went fine—it went great—but…” A piece of hair fell from his ponytail as he trailed off and shrouded his right eye slightly, but he didn’t think to fix it, too focused on the way Temari had drawn to a halt, staring at him.

Given his new slouchy position, she found it much harder not to storm towards him, throw aside the chair and occupy that space between his legs, but she settled on staring—an action he returned, much to her pleasure.

The way he looked at her, whatever emotion raged through those deep brown eyes, never faced to ignite something in her. Whether that was a rampaging thought in her mind, a heat in the depths of her stomach, or some other ravenous feeling ready to eat her up, Temari found it all equally impossible ignore.

Right now, as if to torture her, it felt like every feeling hit her at once. The top button of his collar, bust and missing, left both shadows of his collarbone and Adam’s apple in plain sight. There came that fire, creeping through her every nerve. The beauty of his tired doe-eyes, and the solemn smile that laced his lips—so subtle she worried it might disappear—showed her every emotions without a single word.

He was good at that, she decided: communicating without words. Or maybe she’d just grown good at reading him over the last month or so. But either way, when the silence fell around them for a moment she she looked into his eyes she could hear exactly what they were saying through the deafening quiet. Above it all, even about the sadness, all she seemed to see was gratefulness; gratefulness and admiration, with a touch of something that felt a little too terrifying to name…

She cleared her throat, worried that her perceptions might be failing her, and tapped anxiously on the counter. “‘But’ what, Shikamaru?”

“But,” Shikamaru sighed, his voice somehow lighter than she’d ever heard before, “he isn’t you.”

Temari’s shoulders fell slightly, her stomach turning as she tried to decide how she could possibly rationalise this with him another time. She wasn’t sure she could bare to have the conversation about why she couldn’t take him in yet again, and forced a smile as she crossed her arms across her chest. “I can’t be that figure for you anymore,” she told him in a far shakier voice than she would’ve liked. “You know I can’t.”

“You can't,” he agreed, “and I don’t want you to be.”

She frowned. “Then why say—”

“Tem, you’ve got to remember that you’ve helped me so much—saved me, even.” Shikamaru’s eyes glistened over, and her heart skipped a beat. “Me switching from you to Chojuro isn’t like you switching from patient to patient.”

Silently, Temari nodded. Her eyebrows furrowed as she stepped closer.

“And I don’t want to hear your usual shit,” he insisted, and although it didn’t ease her desire to run to him and wrap her in his arms, she was thankful for the chuckle in his voice. “I don’t need to hear about feeling better and being better, and how they are or aren’t the same thing, to know that you’ve helped me more than you will ever know.” Shikamaru bit down on his lip. “This morning, on the bus, I thought about when we saw Kurenai.”

Temari felt her nostrils contort as she pinched her lip between her teeth.

“I wasn’t upset at all—I didn’t feel guilty, either—it just made me feel proud, and it made me want to go back.”

Her whole body softened, but a burning started in her waterline.

“You did that for me, Tem. You’ve changed me—even Ino told me earlier that she’s noticed it.” So, honestly, when I was sat in Chojuro’s office, all I wanted to was open my eyes and be talking to you,” he told her. “Not because I wanted you to be sat in his chair, just because moving on from you is…” One hand raked through his hair, settling on the back of his neck, and Temari could feel a most dull ache in her chest. “It’s really hard upheaving something you know with someone you care about.”

In the faintest breath, nearly impossible to hear, Temari found herself whispering, “I care about you, too.”

“Not having you there felt weird,” he added, “it felt lonely.”

All of a sudden, talking to Ino felt like the most stupid thing he could’ve possibly done. It felt to Shikamaru like he’d become a different person. These words, as much as he meant them, sounded nothing like himself. The upheaval of every emotion he held for Temari had felt comforting before now, but feeling her eyes burrow into him it was entirely different. His bluntness had never left him feeling like he’d handled things well, but usually he was laying down facts. Laying down emotions made him feel strange—both stronger than every and impossibly pathetic all at once—and her silence was even more unbearable.

He almost begged her to speak, say anything just to prove to him that she’d heard him. Anything to fill the silence. Why couldn’t he enjoy it like she’d taught him?

“Shikamaru?”

As his hopes became reality and her voice sounded, his eyes slowly lifted to see her smiling as she moved closer. A familiar warmth circulated in his stomach as he feebly returned the expression.

“I’m here,” she mumbled when she finally reached him. “I’m always here.” Temari rested her hand on his knee shoulder and squeezed it gently. The fabric of his uniform was softer than she remembered beneath her fingertips. “And I know you’ll be happier now that someone can help you get better. Properly, this time, not like how I did.”

“Oh, I’m happy now,” he smiled. “Trust me, I’m happy.”

“You don’t sound it.”

Shikamaru chuckled. “When do I ever?”

Without hesitation, Temari began to laugh, and allowed her hand to snake round behind his neck. She felt his forearms come up tightly against her back, looped around her waist, and wrapped her other arm around him gently. Burying her face in the crook of his neck, she began to hold tighter, and grinned as she felt his shoulders shudder with what she assumed was a chuckle.

There were a million words he wanted to say, and a million ways he could think to say them, but not a single one came out as he opened his mouth. A breath hitched in his throat as he held her tight against his body, and he pressed a soft kiss onto the side of her head. He wondered if maybe now would be the right time to explain to her how grateful he truly was, or ask her somewhere besides the park or chip-shop, but the tears lacing his waterline persuaded him to keep his mouth firmly shut.

Now wasn’t a time to speak. From the way she held him alone, to however small an extent, Shikamaru knew she must’ve understood. Not to mention he was too afraid to say it with eyes this red, too afraid she’d dismiss the rambles of a lonely little boy.

Buried in the collar of Shikamaru’s shirt, Temari felt as though nothing could ever pull her away. His palm sat perfectly against the small of her back, and his mouth rested against her hair such that she felt every warm breath he took, sending shivers down her spine each time. She felt a sudden droplet touch the top of her head, and she eased out of from her safe haven to see Shikamaru staring down at her, a wet line trailing down his cheek. He smiled, as if to tell her that it was okay—nothing was wrong—and placed a quick peck on her forehead. She couldn’t explain how she knew to believe him.

Temari’s eyes flickered shut as she felt her own eyes grow hot, stinging slightly. Today wasn’t the day to ask questions or invite him to any of the hundreds of places she wanted to experience with him. Today, a hug was all that was needed, and it couldn’t have been more appreciated. The two of them had learned to speak in silences. A simple kiss on his cheek said so much more than just the intended, “Thank you.”

Downstairs the bell sounded, a haunting jingle forcing them to slowly pull apart. Shikamaru quickly wiped his cheeks and chuckled. A faint pink hue tinged his nose slightly as he locked eyes with the beautiful woman before him.

Her eyelashes fluttered and she grabbed his hands to lace his fingers between her own. “Right,” she began, a friendly finality playing in the word, “Gaara wanted soil.”

Shikamaru sniffed as he let out a wheezy laugh. “I see: you didn’t come here for me, after all.”

“Of course not,” teased Temari. “No, I’m just a really good sister.”

He felt her fingers tighten around his knuckles, her nails digging into his skin, but he somehow felt nothing but comfort and calm. Without thinking he squeezed back, and held tight. As she dragged him off the table as though nothing had happened, Shikamaru felt the strangest fuzzy feeling enveloping him. She had another thing coming if she thought he was ever going to let go. If he wasn’t sure before, he was sure now. Right or wrong—reciprocated or not—he loved her, and with every step she lead him down it grew harder to keep that fact quiet.

That was until he saw who had caused the bell to ring.

Over by the register, Ino and Kankuro chatting aimlessly. Shikamaru could see the way Ino’s eyes drifted across the obvious muscles Kankuro’s tight shirt showed off. He rolled his eyes and turned to the woman beside him whose mouth was agape, stammering in disbelief. “I can’t believe him,” she whispered.

“I can’t believe her,” added Shikamaru, shaking his head as his friend’s eyes locked on his, not an ounce of embarrassment in them as her smile expanded. “They’re talking about us.”

“Of course. Not to mention my brother thinks she’s fit, so he’s probably embarrassing me with all his might.”

“I didn’t think you’d be the embarrassed sort.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, holding back a grin. “Kankuro is obviously an exception.” Temari grumbled and squeezed his hand one final time before letting it go and storming forward. “Oi!”

Kankuro turned his head and hauled the box of soil underneath his arm, his fiendish grin the only thing Shikamaru was able to focus on.

Temari barged his shoulder and folded her arms. “I was just about to get that. Can’t you let me do anything by myself?”

“Not when you forget your purse,” he chuckled, eyebrows raised.

“I didn’t. I…” The blonde’s lips pursed together as she shook her head. “I know why you’re here, really.”

Shikamaru tried his best not to laugh from the distance he’d managed to keep between himself and the siblings, but Ino began to scurry closer, and he knew exactly what was coming. She grabbed his arm and dragged him closer, pushing him into a spot right beside Temari. It wasn’t dissimilar to the way she’d thrown him around the primary school playground in an attempt to get him to admit to childish crushes he most certainly didn’t have, and it hardly made him feel comfortable in this moment.

She positioned herself beside Kankuro, almost too close, and Shikamaru immediately understood her intentions. It was only slightly less childish than his mind had originally assumed it to be, and he sighed as he looked between the two women. He held out his hand, gesturing to one then the other. “Temari, Ino. Ino, Temari.”

Proud of herself, Ino grinned and held out her hand excitedly waiting for the other woman to shake it. Temari looked to Shikamaru as she extended her hand. “We met earlier,” she said gently. “Ino kindly told me you were hiding upstairs.”

Ino tugged her arm closer and pulled her into an excruciating hug. Shikamaru almost tore the two apart as the mortification set in, but before he could place his hands on their respective shoulders he caught a glimpse of their smiles.

The sense of relief that flew through Temari’s body was tremendous, and she locked eyes with Kankuro over the shoulder of the girl she hugged. Though his expression was far from what she wanted to see—a waggle of his eyebrows particularly out of place in this wholesome moment—Temari found it difficult to do anything but giggle. All of her brother’s nonsense assumptions really had been build on nothing, and it couldn’t have felt better. Here was this woman, this beautiful colleague of the man stood behind her, whose excitement to meet Temari had outweighed politeness to her age-old friend.

“Thank you,” Ino whispered in her ear. “He’s a different man thanks to you.”

Temari’s stomach twisted, and her eyes grew stingy. She hugged Ino tighter, oblivious to the eye rolls they received from Shikamaru. “My pleasure.”

Ino pulled away, grinning with an impressive set of perfect-white teeth. “Shikamaru talks about you constantly.”

“I don’t.”

“Choji does, too.”

“Not true,” groaned Shikamaru.

“I was starting to think I’d never get to meet you.”

Temari nodded, smirking as the man beside her squirmed. “Likewise.”

Ino reached out, grabbing her wrist and giving it a gentle tug. “Come with me,” she giggled. “I have to give you something to say thank you.”

“Oh no,” gushed Temari, blushing. “No, it’s honestly no trouble, Ino. I couldn’t—”

“White or pink?”

“Excuse me?”

“Lilies,” Ino smiled. “White or pink?”

Shikamaru couldn’t help but smile as he watched Ino drag her away, his hands bedding down deep inside his pockets. His friend was clearly in her element, and while he could see Temari’s surprise he had to agree that she deserved a reward for putting up with him for as long as she had. If a bunch of lilies was a step towards making it up to her then Shikamaru wasn’t going to get in Ino’s way.

He made a mental note when he saw her reaching for the yellow lilies ones, and chuckled.

“Shikamaru?”

A stiffness spread across his shoulders as Kankuro said his name, and without Temari beside him to protect him—because who was he kidding, that’s exactly what she was doing—it was hard to force a smile to the guy. “Kankuro,” he greeted as calmly and politely as he could muster.

Kankuro’s face contorted in the most confusing way, his eyebrows finally settling into a furrowed position after dancing up and down a few times. Carefully, he switched holding the soil under his arm to his left and wiped his palm on the dusty black trousers he wore. His hand extended towards Shikamaru sharply, as though he wasn’t even sure he wanted to do it, and he cleared his throat. “No hard feelings?” he asked, a hint of nervousness lacing his tone.

With one raised eyebrow, Shikamaru cautiously took his hand, squeezing tightly as he shook it. He was expecting a sadistic crushing of every joint in his hand—that maybe even after avoiding the carpenter’s shop he’d still lose his right hand—but instead he watched Kankuro’s face form an expectant smile.

He’d hoped that eventually Kankuro might smile him, and as it played out it felt somewhat surreal. There was no arrogant undertone, no malicious intent obviously playing in his eyes, just a hint of hope covering his whole face, and Shikamaru found it impossible not to nod along.

“No hard feelings,” he agreed, a smirk playing on his lips. “Though honestly, man, I can’t say I ever had any.”

Kankuro shrugged. “Do you not want a truce, kid?”

“I do. I’m just questioning whether or not you’re motivated by fear.”

“Fear of what?” scoffed Kankuro. “You?”

Shikamaru chuckled, nodding toward . “Of her, obviously,” he mumbled. “Who the fuck else?”

Across the room, a bunch of yellow lilies nestled in her arms, Temari felt herself start to grin with amazement as she saw her brother break out into a proper laugh. His shoulders shuddered as he bent over slightly, and turned to her with the biggest grin. Instantly she knew that he’d found someone else willing to tease her within an inch of her life, and she hated it. She hated it nearly as much as she loved it.

She made her way up to Kankuro with an expectant look, waiting for the two of them to explain themselves, but they simply grinned at her mischievously. Shikamaru’s eyes were tinted only slightly more apologetically than her brother’s, and she couldn’t help but bump his arm playfully as she stepped past him.

A chuckle erupted from him as Kankuro followed her, winking as he went. “Thank you for the soil, Miss Yamanaka,” said the brunette in a voice unrecognisably sweet. “And for my sister’s flowers. They’re stunning, much like yourself.”

“My pleasure, sir.”

There was a giggle, and Temari turned and shot a disgusted look at Shikamaru which he returned without a second thought. She rolled her eyes before raising her hand reluctantly in goodbye, struggling to continue the chuckles they’d begun when they first caught eyes. He wanted to storm up to her and demand she say, hold her close and refuse to let her go.

But he was too unpractised in love for such acts, and too in his own head as Ino had rightly said. He simply raised his hand in return and smiled apologetically.

I love you, he thought as he watched her back away. He hoped that she knew; he prayed that she knew.

“I’ll see you soon,” she told him, certain and strong.

Such a tone erupted nothing but excitement within him, and all for a sudden he felt his self-control slip completely.

“Tem, wait!”

He saw her falter as Kankuro pushed past her to hold the door open, and her eyes wandered out the window. Never before had he been this desperate to read someone’s mind, and he almost cursed Kankuro when he tapped her on the shoulder.

“Get on with it,” he heard him mumble.

Shikamaru’s chest contracted as Temari cleared her throat. She rustled the flowers in her arms and tucked a stand of hair behind her ear. It seemed like the perfect time to ask her, surrounded by floral scents and smiles of their friends. He cleared his throat to fill the unbearable silence he’d created, and couldn’t help wondering if he had misunderstood everything that had brought them to this point. That look in her eye usually seemed to spell out how she wanted to look at him forever suddenly disappeared, and was replaced by a confusing worry unlike anything he’d seen.

If she understood what he was about to ask, and it rendered her this anxious, he wasn’t sure he was able to put her through it. Imagine the pain when she said no—the pain of realising all of this had just been some stupid boyish fantasy he’d invented after experiencing her kindness a couple of times.

His eyes flickered back to Ino, who looked hopeful, and sighed desperately.

He couldn’t do it. He just couldn’t risk her saying no.

“I’ll call you about it,” he said finally, his blushing face suddenly itching to get escape the situation he’d cornered himself into. “It’s not important.”

As his stomach sank, he watched as she smiled her beautifully calm smile despite his stupidity. “Okay,” she told him, as though maybe it was.

Once they’d said a final goodbye, and that same old nervous promise to call lingered on their breath, Shikamaru stayed put in the centre the shop floor. Even when Ino came up behind him and slapped him playfully on the back, he couldn’t bring himself to move an inch.

“If you don’t ask her out, I will,” she sighed.

“I can’t interrupt her life like that, can I?”

“Stop being a martyr, Shikamaru.” Ino sighed and draped her arm across his shoulders. “She’s stunning and she fancies you. Stop asking questions.”

“But what if she loses her—”

“Just be selfish, you idiot—let it be about you!”

Shikamaru watched as she jumped into Kankuro’s van across the street, and his heart leaps when she looked his way. One more time, he smiled and waved, hopeful as ever.

“But it’s all about her, Ino,” he muttered. “I can't stop myself worshiping that woman, and it's killing me.”

Ino groaned behind him. “Then why haven't you told her that?"

Temari waved back. She even mouthed a dramatic thank you, a grin plastered across her lips.

"I want to," he sighed, his voice ringing with desperate disbelief, "but I can never get the words out."

#shikatema #nara shikamaru #Sabaku No Temari #temari #fanfic #fanfiction #Sabaku No Kankuro #Ino Yamanaka #nqj chess #chess #love

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thekatthatbarks · 4 years

Text

Kintsugi

Shikasaku Week 2020 @shikasaku-week

Day Seven - we are ruins

ao3

trigger warnings: minor character death off screen, blood

Sakura was as sharp as knives sometimes. She cut at him, littering his heart with scars that would never mend. Broken smiles and blood-stained knuckles. Her cheeks redder than the blood on her hands, the color that she repeatedly soaked herself in.

She was all edges, from her jawline to her hips with few curves in between. Her words were sharp and eyes piercing. Her voice was loud, her laughter climbing as high as smoke stacks. Her anger buried deep inside until it ate you alive. Green eyes that were too perceptive. Pink lips that could stretch into a wide smile as easily as they could a snarl.

She was beautiful. Her body more of a weapon than she’d ever know.

Shikamaru’s knees were bruised with purples and blues from kneeling to her. A worshipping peasant at an abandoned altar.

His lungs had tears in them, and he didn’t think it was the cigarettes that would eventually kill him.

***

She was sobbing into his chest in an examination room and Shikamaru wondered if he should move her somewhere more comfortable.

He didn’t know why it was him. If it was because he’d happened to be there when they brought her in, if she would’ve grabbed anyone nearby that she knew and dragged them into the nearest room, if she would’ve held it in until she found him.

It was ridiculous and the least likely, but he selfishly hoped for the last option.

Her heart was in shreds and he didn’t know how to stitch them back together. If it would ever go back the same way, a jigsaw puzzle with torn edges and missing pieces. It wasn’t the same – nothing was ever the same – but he’d been there before.

She hadn’t spoken a word. Muffled sobs filled the room and he didn’t think Sakura had ever felt so fragile before. He’d discarded his vest a long time ago, now resting innocently on the floor. He’d guided her to the bed to lay in his arms, in hopes she’d be more comfortable. Sakura didn’t even seem aware of where she was with how blindly she followed him.

Her grip on him was tight, her fingers twisted in the back of his shirt, digging through the material and into his skin. He was idly aware he was shushing her as his hand rubbed up and down her back, the other combing through her hair, taking off her headband and laying it to the side.

Sakura cried until she wore herself out and fell asleep in his arms. Her eyes puffy and her skin pink.

If anyone asked how the village reacted to the passing of the Godaime, he couldn’t say. He’d only been focused on one woman mourning her beloved teacher to pay attention to anything else.

***

Shikamaru hated these missions.

Sakura spoke low in his ear in a sultry voice, “You know, I haven’t met too many men that know their way around a woman like you do.”

Shikamaru wanted to rip his ear piece out as the man replied, “Oh, I could show you things that would ruin you for anyone else, sweetheart.”

“Is that a promise?” Shikamaru could hear the smile in her voice and leaned back against the tree he was hidden in. His eyes stayed glued to the inn as his insides twisted into painful knots. He played with the idea of violence instead, of shadows choking a sweating neck, but this was what they had planned and he couldn’t stray from the mission.

Hinata shifted from one foot to the other beside him, her eyes even more intense on the building, veins rising under her skin. Shikamaru had never been more thankful he wasn’t a Hyuuga, even though it wasn’t like he needed a byakugan to imagine the way Sakura had let herself get thrown to the bed.

Her resounding giggle filled his ear. “Oh, a threat then, huh?”

Shikamaru’s jaw clenched and wished Sakura would hurry the fuck up.

“Shikamaru-kun?”

He didn’t look her way. “Yeah?”

“Are you alright?”

“Headache,” he bit out and would have to feel bad about being rude to Hinata later. He didn’t know if she bought it – probably not – but Kiba certainly didn’t, if his snort from below them was anything to go by.

“Why don’t you lay down and let me take care of you?” Sakura whispered into his ear and Shikamaru fought down a shiver.

A second later and Shikamaru heard a muffled sound, then Sakura told him in a clear voice, “He’s out.”

Shikamaru sighed, the tension in his back relaxing. He pressed the ear piece. “We’re on our way.”

Sakura was cuffing the man to the bed with chakra cuffs when he walked into the room. She smiled at him even as he told her, “Sure took your time, Sakura.”

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest, one of the straps of her dress slipping off her shoulder. “You read his file. I didn’t want to take any chances.”

Shikamaru hummed, knowing she was right but still not liking it. He fixed her dress without thinking, not able to stop his glare when he saw a rip on the side. She huffed, following his eyes. “Yeah, I know. Fucker tore my dress.”

Shikamaru shook his head and looked over at the unconscious man on the bed, his clothes disheveled. He probably hadn’t even realized what she was doing when Sakura pinched that nerve in his neck and made him pass out.

He felt a hand on his chest and looked back to Sakura smiling up at him knowingly. She told him quietly, “He didn’t touch me, Shikamaru.”

He nodded, trying to will himself to relax more and moved towards the man on the bed. Sakura sighed behind him but didn’t say anything else.

Despite assumptions, Shikamaru was a light sleeper and had heard her before she even unzipped his tent. He glanced at her, able to make out the pink hair as she crawled inside and then zipped the door back up. She came over to him and he subconsciously made room for her as she leaned on her elbow beside him.

“What? Did your tent rip or something?”

“No.”

He raised an eyebrow at her, and she told him, “I just finished my watch and switched out with Kiba.”

“And?” He looked at her confused, a bitter taste still in his mouth from the day.

She pillowed her head on her arm as she laid on her side beside him. That intense green searching his eyes as her fingers played with the edges of his open sleeping bag. “I wanted to see you. You seemed upset earlier.”

Shikamaru sighed and turned on his side to face her. “I hate these missions.” It was a vulnerable reply, revealing more than he thought he was comfortable with.

Sakura chuckled, though, her smile warm. “It’s an ugly side to being a shinobi.”

Shikamaru offered her a small smile. “I’m sorry.”

She shook her head, shrugging off the apology, and sighed. After a moment, she asked him, biting her lip, “Is there enough room in there for one more?”

He couldn’t resist her – not that he’d ever want to, though he should – and raised the edge up with a smile, warmth filling him. “Sure.”

Sakura crawled in beside him and Shikamaru zipped up the bag behind her. She smiled sweetly up at him as she wrapped an arm around his waist and Shikamaru pulled her closer. She nuzzled her face in his neck and let out a soft sigh.

***

He wished the first time he kissed her was more romantic than it was. For the simple fact that he felt like Sakura deserved some romance in her life after everything she’d been through. But maybe after all the years, they had outgrown fantasies about princes and knights in shining armor. Shikamaru definitely didn’t qualify as either.

There had been other opportunities he’d never taken that surely would’ve made a better story. After an adrenaline filled spar, in the heat of battle, over a good meal, on a hill cloud watching.

But instead it was in a hospital room, probably one of the least romantic places he could think of.

Sakura was tired, her hair a mess and purple under her eyes. She’d been pulling a double shift and was about to get off, when Ino came in and shoved an injured Shikamaru on her, grumbling something that was surely insulting as she stalked off. Sakura had led him into a room, shrugging off his assurances he could see someone else if she wanted to go home.

He had a deep gash across his thigh, and she told him it would only take a few minutes. He sat on the edge of the hard mattress as she stood between his legs. He winced when she ripped his pants leg to get to the wound and she glanced at him with an apologetic smile.

Shikamaru smiled back at her, his eyes falling to her soft expression as she worked. The hands on his thigh were gentle, her chakra soothing as it stitched him back together. He watched as more strands fell out of her ponytail to caress the soft skin of her cheek. She rolled her neck and he couldn’t stop his eyes from tracing the fields of her skin.

She sighed when she finished and Shikamaru didn’t even glance down at his leg when she turned back to him. Her smile was so easy when she looked at him, it made something tighten in his chest. He felt overwhelmed by the sea of green that she was currently trying to drown him in, her warm voice reaching his ears. “You’re as good as new, Shikamaru. Might be a little sore but I think you’ll live.”

He couldn’t explain why he did it then. But he didn’t have any second thoughts before reaching out to hold her face and slanting his lips over hers. Sakura stilled in surprise for a second before her hands were twisted in his clothes dragging him close to her.

He’d say he wished it more romantic, but it wasn’t like he could regret any of it.

***

Shikamaru had scavenged the whole apartment and still couldn’t find them. He felt agitation start to grate at his nerves and he called out from the bedroom, “Sakura, where are my cigarettes?”

He sighed at the silent reply and walked to the living room. Sakura didn’t look up at him and kept her eyes on the book in her hand as she laid on the couch. He didn’t doubt that she’d heard him, though.

He stopped in front of her and repeated, “Sakura, where are my cigarettes?”

She turned a page. “I threw them out.”

“You threw them out?”

She slammed her book shut and looked up at him annoyed. “Yes, and I found all your stashes and threw those out too.”

She got up from the couch and tossed her book to the side, then turned away from him and walked towards their kitchen. He followed after her, feeling irritation lacing through his voice. “Sakura, I told – “

Her head whipped back to him as she opened the fridge and didn’t even look in it before slamming it shut. “What? You told me you were trying to quit? Is that what you were about to say? Because it really doesn’t seem like it.”

Shikamaru sighed and bit the inside of his cheek. “I can’t just stop cold turkey, Sakura. You were the one who even told me that!”

Sakura huffed and grabbed a glass from the counter. “Yeah, if you were actually trying – “

“How do you know if I’m – “

“And the smell of smoke is everywhere. It’s in your clothes, it’s in my clothes – “

“It really didn’t seem to bother you before – “

“Yeah, well, maybe – “

“Shinobi don’t die from lung cancer, Sakura!”

Sakura’s eyes widened and Shikamaru felt his breath leave him as she closed her mouth, swallowing her next retort. She turned away from him, the sound of her setting the empty glass down on the counter felt like it was louder than anything he’d ever heard. His feet were like lead, but he forced them to move until they were behind her. His heart raced as he put a hand on her shoulder, terrified she might shake him off, maybe shove him and storm into their bedroom to pack up her things.

But she didn’t and instead turned in his arms, unshed tears brimming her eyes. Shikamaru felt like the worst person in the world when her fingers grasped his shirt as her head fell against his chest. Her voice was broken as she spoke, “I’m sorry, Shikamaru. I didn’t – “

He softened his voice, wrapping his hands around hers and bending down to catch her eyes. “Hey, no, no, I pushed it too far. I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry, Sakura.” He couldn’t read her eyes and let go of one of her hands to hold her face. “I’m trying to quit smoking, okay? I promise. You just have to be a little more patient with me.”

Sakura shook her head, her tears rushing down her face as she closed her eyes. “It’s not even…” She leaned back into him, her hands clinging to his shirt as the damn broke. “It’s not even about the cigarettes. I just – I’m sorry.”

Shikamaru held her close and brought them to the floor. Sakura instantly crawled into his lap, her arms around his neck as she cried. He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly to him, his own chest shaking.

It took her a few minutes to calm down and then she told him, “I love you.”

Shikamaru felt a quiet laugh escape him, his chest horribly tight. He knew it probably wasn’t how she’d wanted to say it, crying in his arms on their kitchen floor after a fight about cigarettes of all things. He turned his head towards her and kissed the nearest patch of skin, telling her in a thick voice, “I love you, too, Sakura.”

She squeezed him but didn’t move from her place against his neck. She admitted quietly, “It scares me.”

He could relate but asked her anyway, hoping his voice sounded comforting, “Why?”

“I don’t know how I’ll get through it if you die on me.”

He swallowed the humorless laugh that threatened to come out, not wanting her to think he was making fun of her. Nothing about this was funny. He kissed her shoulder, only able to tell her one thing because he could never lie to her. “I’m always trying not to.”

He felt her nod against him and kept his arms tight around her. “Try not to die on me either.”

She pulled back and kissed him, her lips pressing hard against his. She nodded her head when she broke away and tried to give him a smile. He smiled back at her, his thumbs wiping away the tears on her cheeks. “We’re going to be okay, Sakura.”

She laughed softly, nodding again. “Okay.” She sat back, her legs still entangled with his and cleared her throat. She grabbed his hand and laced her fingers through his. “You know there’s like programs and things to help you quit smoking. The patch or gum. Maybe we can get you some candy or…”

He chuckled and nodded, his smile affectionate. “Sure, Sakura.”

She smiled back and Shikamaru tugged her back to him with an arm around her waist. “I’m sorry I lost my temper.”

She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed. “I’m sorry about the things I said. I didn’t mean any of them.”

Shikamaru kissed her hair and then leaned his head against hers. They were quiet for a moment and then he tried to lighten the mood, “I think we’ve officially broken in our apartment.”

Sakura laughed. “Maybe I should’ve thrown some plates or something. Been more dramatic like in the movies.”

“If you had started throwing things, I honestly might’ve leapt out the window.”

She hit him in the chest, and he chuckled. “What? I feel like if you were throwing plates, it would be with deadly accuracy. That’s just survival instinct.”

She laughed and when she pressed a kiss to his cheek, he felt like maybe they weren’t just words and they actually would be okay.

***

Shikamaru felt like he almost shouldn’t even be there. It wasn’t like they were paying him any mind. He’d felt like something had been off throughout dinner but hadn’t been able to put a finger on why. Only that it seemed like Sakura and his mother had been playing a game of shoji and not actually having a conversation.

Now he could see why.

Sakura set the mug of tea on the table and he watched as she subtly took a deep breath before meeting his mother’s eyes. “I’m in love with your son.”

Later he would be able to see how the entire day had been leading up to this moment, but now he just felt thrown off by the seemingly random comment. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow, wondering why she’d felt the sudden need to confess that.

But she wasn’t paying him any attention, her focus solely on his mother across from her.

He glanced at his mother, who had leaned back in her chair after setting down her own mug and crossed her arms over her chest. She raised an eyebrow at Sakura.

Shikamaru didn’t think it was possible to be so excluded from a conversation that was about him while still being an unwilling participant in it. He kept his mouth shut, feeling like it wasn’t ground he should be walking on.

Sakura continued, “I may not be from a clan. I may not be the daughter of somebody important. My father is a merchant and I’m not even on speaking terms with my parents. I don’t want children and I don’t want to be a housewife.”

A grin formed on his mother’s lips, almost a smirk. He wondered if Sakura felt encouraged by it or intimidated.

He realized where this conversation was going and wanted to step in. But whatever Sakura was looking for from his mother, she needed to get it herself. It wouldn’t mean anything if he got it for her.

Sakura knew he’d marry her even if his whole clan protested. So, whatever this was, he let her handle it herself. It wasn’t his battle to fight in.

Sakura’s jaw clenched and he watched as her eyes grew stubborn. “But I am Haruno Sakura. I’ve apprenticed under the Godaime and even surpassed her. People call me a war hero, the best medic in the Land of Fire, arguably in the world. I am someone. I have made myself someone and I have value to offer.”

He didn’t think Sakura would be able to see it, but his mother’s eyes softened as she talked. She didn’t say anything, though, and Sakura continued to pour herself across his childhood kitchen table.

“I respect this clan. I do. You’ve created so much here; the families are so welcoming and loving. The libraries are unimaginable, and the Nara Clan is so intelligent. I may be incredibly skilled, but I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to match the knowledge the Naras have of medicine. I could stay in the Nara Forest for hours and it makes me see why Shikamaru likes to just lay around and enjoy life.” She laughed softly at the end, glancing at Shikamaru, her eyes affectionate and smile warm.

She turned back to his mother, her voice losing some hardness to it. “I love him so much. If anything, I want you to know and believe that.”

His mother chuckled as she dropped her arms. “Sakura, I accepted you a long time ago.”

Sakura’s muscles visibly relaxed and she let out a shaky breath as her eyes glossed over. Shikamaru felt his heart squeeze and put a hand on her knee. She wrapped a hand around his almost immediately, her fingers tight in his. He felt bad for not realizing this was that important to her.

“Just like you’ve told me, you are an amazing person, Sakura. But I’ll be honest with you, all I care about is if you truly love and respect my son.” His mother’s voice was gentle, and it reminded him of the warmth of being tucked into his bed at night. His chest felt tight and his eyes strayed to the empty chair across from him.

“I do.”

His mother nodded. “I know.” She paused and then told her, “If you want to join this clan, know that I will welcome you with open arms, Sakura. If anyone has any qualms about it, they will have to go through me before even reaching you. So, don’t expect any rejections whenever you announce your engagement.”

Sakura’s voice was thick as she replied, “Thank you, Yoshino-san.”

“You can drop the san.”

***

His alarm went off and Sakura groaned as he turned to silence it. She wrapped herself around him, curling her cold feet around his ankles. A sleepy voice mumbled against his neck, “You should quit.”

Shikamaru snorted and stretched beneath her with a yawn. “I think Naruto would be more than a little upset if I quit when we’ve just started.”

“I can take him on.”

He laughed and kissed her hair. He made a move to get out of the bed, but Sakura stubbornly clung to him. “Sakura, I’m going to be late.”

She peeked an eye up at him and her smile told him she was about to be trouble. She leaned up to kiss him and he couldn’t help but kiss her back. She told him against his lips, as she moved her body on top of him, “Just make up some stupid excuse like Kakashi used to do to us.”

“Sakura.”

She placed her hips over his and did a slow grind that made him throw his head back. “Sakura.”

She kissed across his jaw until she reached his ear and whispered lowly, “Or you could just tell him that you needed to fuck your wife before work. I don’t really care.”

He chuckled and despite his protest, pulled her down to him.

“There was this stray cat and – “

Naruto threw the nearest thing in his reach at him – an orange – and pointed a warning finger at him. “Don’t!”

***

“Man, I miss my wife.” Shikamaru sighed and looked up at the sky. Clear with purples and oranges bleeding across it as the sun set, not a cloud in sight.

Naruto chuckled and shoved him lightly in the arm. “We’re going home in a few days. I’m sure you can manage until then.”

Shikamaru rolled his eyes at him, his hands slipping into his pockets. Before he could reply, Gaara caught Naruto’s attention on the other side of him. Shikamaru let his mind wander, his eyes going over the various shops they passed by, wondering if there was anything here Sakura might like.

His feet hesitated in his step when a certain shop caught his eye. He glanced at the Kages wrapped up in their own conversation and mumbled just to say that he didn’t just disappear outright, “I’ll catch up with you.”

Shikamaru wondered over to the shop, the bell ringing out through the store as he opened the door. It had a similar chime to the one at the Yamanaka Flower Shop and he felt even more homesick. It didn’t take him long to find what he was looking for, a small corner of the shop dedicated to leather goods.

He picked up a pair of gloves, tugging on the fingers and turning them over in his hand.

“Sakura, what’re you doing? What’s wrong?”

Sakura continued to scrub at her hands in the sink, her voice barely audible in their bathroom. “It won’t come off.”

He winced when he caught sight of how vigorously she was scrubbing and grabbed her hands to make her stop. They were shaking between his steady fingers. The faucet continued to run, ridiculously loud over the shallowness of her breathing. Her eyes remained on her hands. He asked her gently, “What won’t come off?”

“The blood.”

He turned her hands in his, her skin rough and dry. How long had she been washing her hands? “What blood? Sweetheart, I don’t see any blood.”

“The blood, Shikamaru. It won’t – it won’t come out.” She insisted, her voice cracking against the wall tile.

Shikamaru slowly pulled her hands away from the sink, turning the faucet off. He held her hands and tugged her to turn her away from the sink. He bent down to meet her eyes. “Sakura, there isn’t any blood on your hands, okay? You got it out. They’re clean.”

She shook her head and he watched as her mind caught up with her. Tears threated in her eyes but didn’t spill over. “They’re stained.”

Shikamaru glanced down at her skin. He couldn’t tell. He saw the woman nearly everyday of his life. If her skin was slowly turning pink, it would take a lot more of a difference for him to notice. But if she was freaking out about it like this, she might be able to tell.

Even if it was her imagination, he told her, “It doesn’t mean anything.”

She looked up at him helplessly, like she wanted him to take it all away, give her all the answers. He couldn’t.

��The blood doesn’t mean anything, Sakura. Your hands take care of people, save them. That’s what matters.”

“Do you see something you like?”

Shikamaru looked up at the elderly man standing near his shoulder with a kind smile. Shikamaru offered a small smile back and held up the gloves. “I was looking over your gloves. My wife needs some new ones.”

“Oh?” The man leaned back and glanced at another part of the store. “Well, if it’s for your wife –“

Shikamaru cut him off, trying not to be rude. “She’s a shinobi.”

The man nodded, that kind smile still on his face. “I understand. What kind of gloves does she need?”

“She’s close combat, something durable. A sturdy material that won’t tear easily. I’d also like her to have some that are waterproof.”

“Waterproof, huh?” The man looked over the gloves. “I do have some that dry quite quickly but I don’t know about waterproof.”

Shikamaru sighed and told him, “She’s a medic, also, so I’m sure you can imagine how much blood she gets on her hands. If she had some gloves that – I don’t know, would just stop it from seeping through…”

Another artisan might’ve been thrown off by the morbid comment, but the man did have a shop in a shinobi village. He paused as he looked over his wears. “I wouldn’t want my wife’s hands to be soaked in it either.”

Shikamaru nodded, disappointed the man didn’t seem to have anything. “Well –“

The man interrupted him and asked, “Will you still be in town in a couple days?”

Shikamaru nodded and the shopkeeper said, “How about you come by the shop Wednesday morning?”

Shikamaru looked at him surprised. “You have something then?”

The man nodded and simply repeated, “Come by Wednesday.”

Sakura’s teary smile when he gave her the handcrafted gloves more than made up for how boring diplomatic trips were.

***

She was wearing one of the dresses his mother had made her with the Nara clan symbol embroidered on the back. Her hair had grown to her shoulders again and he idly wondered when she would be inevitably cutting again – she never had the patience for long hair. She smiled at him when she stopped by his feet, the grass tickling at her ankles.

“Why are you here laying on a hill when you could be at home with me?” Her voice was teasing and Shikamaru already felt like he was at home.

“I didn’t want to risk waking you up. You looked exhausted when you came home this morning.” He smiled up at her and held out a hand.

She laughed lightly and let him take her by the hand to pull her down on top of him. She sighed as she settled against his chest. “Awfully considerate but I’d rather you just come home next time. I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” Shikamaru kissed her hair and teased, “Maybe I also like how you can always find me.”

“It’s not like you’re hiding from me.”

Shikamaru felt like it was more than that but didn’t say, not able to put it into words. “Well, now I get to walk you home holding you hand while the sun sets. Maybe buy you some dango from that sweet stand you like so much.”

Sakura leaned up to kiss him and told him softly, “You can do that every day.”

He chuckled and told her against her lips, “I know. I just like to hear you say it.”

#4.8k #kat writes #shikasaku #shikasakuweek #shikasakuweek2020 #day seven #we are ruins #light angst #hurt and comfort #romance #minor character death #offscreen #tw: blood #blood

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