#shikaneji ask

[okamirayne]

Latching onto the ask of the previous asker to tell you that the KakashixGenma brainworm is still burrowed deep in my grey matter <3

I sometimes imagine how a talk between Shikamaru and/or Neji with Genma and/or Kakashi would go, especially when it comes to (homosexual) relationships between ninjas. I think Genma especially could provide really compelling insight for Shikamarus situation, seeing as he has been in... very similar ones, with Naoki and his fate. We all know how well he coped with that particular aspect of his life BUT it's still veeeeery interesting to think about for me. Their dynamics have so many parallels to me and I'm always like 👀

If circumstances were different and they could really open up to others, I think they all could get a lot from an heart to heart with each other.

I hope you're well Rayne! I'm really happy seeing you post, I love the writing quotes I see from you <3

BtB is still on my mind and I don't think it'll ever leave. I hope life treats you well and that you let yourself have the rest you need and deserve <33 Just know I'll be there when you publish writing again and I'll also be there in the meantime. Like a little German Gremlin in the corner. Totally normal, don't mind me.

I've discovered matcha latte for myself recently and the entire process of making it feels like self-care(tm)

Sending you aaaall the best wishes and good vibes, my friend 💜🍵 (my emoji keyboard has these on the "frequently used" tab bahaha)

Well hey there, dear Sunny Side Up! ☀ @sunlightrays

*toasts you with tea*

Latching onto the ask of the previous asker to tell you that the KakashixGenma brainworm is still burrowed deep in my grey matter <3

Ah yes, that worm is a wily little bastard, no?😆

I sometimes imagine how a talk between Shikamaru and/or Neji with Genma and/or Kakashi would go, especially when it comes to (homosexual) relationships between ninjas.

Oh damn. In the BtB-verse? That talk would possibly go something like this:

Shikamaru:

Neji:

Kakashi:

Genma (not appreciating Kakashi's bitch move of' take-the-wheel so I can' fuck-this-no-jutsu my way outta here'):

If circumstances were different and they could really open up to others, I think they all could get a lot from an heart to heart with each other.

This is true. As it happens, Genma would sooner deep-throat his senbons than cough up the vulnerability required for that conversation...but then, get him in a weak (or strong, depending on how you look at it) moment and he just might go there if the ungodly stars aligned.

As for Kakashi...yeah, I'm thinking he'd opt for completely severing his vocal chords. While he's way more likely to have an honest heart to heart with the younger generation than Genma, when it comes to the deeply private nature of Kakashi's own personal experiences with intimacy or love? Yeah. No. Even Genma is more likely to open that vein. And it wouldn't be willingly.

Shikamaru and Neji are more likely to talk to each other and address things more healthily, but they'd both struggle (especially Neji) with broaching that kind of topic with any senpai or sensei...that being said, Neji might not get a choice in the matter...Gai-sensei would get him in a mental and spiritual headlock and proceed to break him down psychologically through sheer force of Youthful Will, the Big Green Bastard of all things hot-blooded, including romance.😅

I hope you're well Rayne! I'm really happy seeing you post, I love the writing quotes I see from you <3

Ah! Thanks, sweetie. Appreciated. 🥰 Great to know! I'm happy to share the writing quotes and inspo as I come across it, hoping it'll resonate with others.

BtB is still on my mind and I don't think it'll ever leave. I hope life treats you well and that you let yourself have the rest you need and deserve <33

Thank you, Sunny sweetheart. Truly. 💜🫶🏼💜 I hope my response finds you in good health, heart, and head-space!

Just know I'll be there when you publish writing again and I'll also be there in the meantime. Like a little German Gremlin in the corner. Totally normal, don't mind me.

Your support is precious. Thank you! 🫶🏼 Ha! German Gremlin. Brilliant. We're none of us normal here, doncha know?! This Batshit Brit salutes you.

I've discovered matcha latte for myself recently and the entire process of making it feels like self-care(tm)

😍 Oh, my dear comrade in Tea Cups, I am delighted for you! Have you tried it with ceremonial or imperial grade matcha? It's a special green-velvet treat. Granted, not cheap. I save it for special occassions. 🍵

Sending you aaaall the best wishes and good vibes, my friend 💜🍵 (my emoji keyboard has these on the "frequently used" tab bahaha)

🥰 Absorbing them with hella-gratitude and sending the positive vibes and best wishes a'flowing right back at you, Sunny! Shine on, luv. 💜🍵☕️💜

[okamirayne]

Does Shikamaru know about the beef Shikaku had with Neji and that he's aware of their relationship?

How would Asuma react and/or feel about it if he had lived long enough to find out about their relationship?

I love Btb, btw. I'm so tempted to start a 3rd reread, but I'm swamped with assignments, so it's gonna have to wait😒😭

Hi there, Anon! 🫶🏼

Cheers for dropping by with your ASKS.

Does Shikamaru know about the beef Shikaku had with Neji and that he's aware of their relationship?

Yes, he's aware his father was not best pleased with Neji (to put it lightly). Neji had mentioned it whilst tripping opiate balls in Requiem, which put the issue on Shikamaru's radar. Post UtS, Shikamaru learns more about exactly how 'not best pleased' his dad was after Neji recounts, with grim amusement, the chilling chimera stunt that Shikaku pulled in the Akimichi Armoury.

As you can imagine, Shikamaru was less amused.

Yes, also, to the second part of that question; Shikamaru knows his father is aware of his involvement with Neji, which is both a relief and a stress.

How would Asuma react and/or feel about it if he had lived long enough to find out about their relationship?

Ooh! Well, Asuma would've been somewhat prepared, given the events in BtB when Shikamaru word-vomitted his stress everywhere and accidentally admitted to a mystery "he". Learning that this mystery "he" was in fact Hyūga Neji would've reassured Asuma. He respected Neji, and he'd have understood why he and Shikamaru made sense. That being said...

...Asuma would've processed it fully in private and maybe, if drunk enough, might've solicted Kakashi for one of his 'asking for a friend' talks, knowing full well Kakashi would've known who and what he was talking about...because Kakashi is annoyingly clued in when it comes to things Asuma doesn't want him to know.

I love Btb, btw. I'm so tempted to start a 3rd reread, but I'm swamped with assignments, so it's gonna have to wait😒😭

Ah, thank you for the BtB love, my dear. 💜🥰💜 Amazing to learn you're tempted to revisit the series! Hey, I totally get being swamped by the tidal demands of life, so no worries. Hope things ease up for you soon. Keep calm and carry on! ✌🏼

[okamirayne]

how did you come up with the Hyuuga headbutt idea? I love that it keeps happening through the series!

Ha! Honestly that was such an organic event, which turned into a running gag. 😂 I suppose there's a sense of dark irony if you look at what lies beneath Neji's headband, and Shikamaru's refusal to wear one. But ultimately, it belongs to one of those chance moments that went on to hold great 'in-joke' significance for them. 🤭

[okamirayne]

(1/2) thank you for all your answers!! I can't begin to tell you how many hangovers BtB has given me :D and now I have more questions: 1) when did Ino and Choji start to suspect the ShikaNeji? were they totally side eyeing him when he disappeared before (and after) the Hoteigu lunch? 🤣 2) what was Neji's reaction to Stupid Bird? (I assume they have met since he's now ventured into the Nara forest), 3) how did Shikamaru get Neji into the Nara residence after everything that has happened?

Pleasure, luv. 🥰 Thank you for your interest! I’ll do my best to answer, though I may withhold on account of 1) spoilers or 2) answers which are ‘still to be confirmed’ by the Dastardly Team…a.k.a the Sadistic Show-runners that conspire in my mental ‘BtB Plot-Bunny Den’ and presently look like this:

I’ll do my best as my Team holiday in Hiatus.

1) when did Ino and Choji start to suspect the ShikaNeji? were they totally side eyeing him when he disappeared before (and after) the Hoteigu lunch? 🤣

😆 I can confirm it’s post-UtS for sure, though Ino unknowingly gathers some hints during UtS that only come together for her later down the line; such as Kurayami’s words to her regarding Neji. That Shikamaru might be involved with Neji (let alone any male comrade) is so far off Team 10’s radar that it’s not something Ino or Chōji would initially ever suspect — especially when they assume Temari is the defending champion when it comes to Shikamaru’s baser or romantic interests (those Suna twins notwithstanding! 😅)

2) what was Neji's reaction to Stupid Bird? (I assume they have met since he's now ventured into the Nara forest)

To gaslight Shikamaru in evil solidarity. Initially, Neji pretended not to believe Stupid Bird existed, as Stupid Bird would always “vanish into the ether” any time Neji entered the Nara forest. This gaslighting game would aggravate the ungodly hell out of Shikamaru, much to Neji’s amusement.

3) how did Shikamaru get Neji into the Nara residence after everything that has happened?

Yoshino, funnily enough. She extended a practical dinner invite one evening. Shikamaru, Neji, and Team 7 were working late on war gaming strategies for upcoming missions related to the Akatsuki (before Pein attacked). Yoshino spotted them at Yakiniku Q and (remembering how Asuma’s poor bank account often haemorrhaged) took pity on Kakashi and Yamato’s wallets. Dinner invite was extended (insisted upon 😅). Neji couldn’t decline without offending Shikamaru’s mother, which he determined would be far more catastrophic than offending Shikamaru’s father (which is saying a lot).

As it happened, he needn’t have worried about Shikaku. When Neji rocked up with the rest of the group, Shikaku made no bones about it. This let Neji know the ‘you hurt my kid’ hatchet was truly buried.

[okamirayne]

OMG <3 So about this bit ''I can confirm that they had been very successful at concealing it, although by the time Heaven Hold Us starts (post War), these surviving characters know for certain:...'' - is it possible that you could give us some more details about how they found out/figured it out? <3

Hey there, @barasai 🧡

Regarding details! I can tell you that all the characters are going to reveal how they found out/figured it out in the upcoming chapters of HHU. That said...

Hinata knew first, before anyone else, as she suspected back in BtB, though never explicitly stated it to Shikamaru. Though it was implied in Break to Breathe when Shikamaru was getting ready to chase after Neji again (after the Gentle Fist head-trauma the Hyuuga gave him 😅 )

BTB CHAPTER 36 EXCERPT: [...] "I…I said he needed someone to help pull him back, but…" Hinata trailed off, recovering with a frown. "But I didn't think it would cost this much." "There's always a price." Shikamaru shrugged, the nonchalance so forced it felt like hefting rocks on his shoulders. "I knew that when I got into this." "But it's not the same…" Hinata said, her eyes blinking doe-like. "It's different now." Shikamaru arched a brow. "Nothing's changed." No sooner had he said it than Hinata's gaze took on a quality of calm understanding that struck him numb quicker than any lick of chakra to his nerves ever could. "Yes it has…" she whispered. Fuck…

So, there was Hinata's moment of "gotcha". Though she had grace enough not to announce it or disclose it to anyone else throughout the rest of the series. Sakura didn't cotton on in that scene, as it was so far beyond the scope of possibility or credulity given the urgency of what was happening.

As for the others: Kakashi, Genma, Ibiki, Temari, Sai, Tsuno, and Choza.

Their knowledge will be revealed in HHU (at least that's what my plot bunnies are showing me 😅...it's almost Easter, the bunnies can't lie...right? 😆 Right.)

Thanks for the ASK, luv! And for your interest in the BtB madness. Love and appreciate the awesome support! 🫶🏼💜xxx

[okamirayne]

This might be a dumb question (and I completely understand) but would you ever write pure romance of Shikamaru and Neji? The way you’ve written them/fleshed them out doesn’t even look into that realm but your writing style is so damn evocative that it would probably send me to an early death with how genuinely expressive and beautiful your writing style is. The small moments of tenderness are so raw and genuinely beautiful that could maybe lead into something more. But I also totally get that it’s not necessarily their dynamic. (This ask derailed so I’m sorry) Basically, I think you would do really well with fluffy moments especially with those last moments of Heaven Hold Us with sprinklings of tough love. Wishing you so much love and jet fuel for your Original Works and all endeavors you undertake. Much love! -Emilee

Heya, sweetie!

Hope my reply finds you well. 💗💗 Not a dumb question at all!

[…] would you ever write pure romance of Shikamaru and Neji?

Honestly? I can’t see myself writing pure romance. That said…never say never, right?

Aw!!! 💗🥰 Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and high praise. 🙏🏼 I’m humbled you feel that way about my writing.

Basically, I think you would do really well with fluffy moments especially with those last moments of Heaven Hold Us with sprinklings of tough love.

🙏🏼I’m chuffed you think so, especially as fluff is not my genre. Who knows? Maybe I’ll get bit by the Fluff Flea and scratch that itch by writing something fluffy.

Bless. Thank you for all your love, jet fuel, support, and all-round awesomeness, Emilee! 💗💜🙏🏼

[okamirayne]

Hi Rayne! Okay I've always wanted to ask.. how did your ShikaNeji heart first awakened? Because mine awakened because of Break to Breathe to be honest. I never heard of ShikaNeji until I accidentally found and started reading your works. Let's just say it was the best accident that has ever happened to me. Thank you!

Hi there, my luv!

Thanks for dropping by here with your question. ^_^ Pleasure to hear from you.☺️

[...] how did your ShikaNeji heart first awakened?

Ooh! Well, as bizarre as it sounds, it started with a dream I had of Shikamaru running through the woods, chasing someone. In the dream I couldn't see who he was chasing. It was from this dream that ShikaNeji was born in my heart and mind and then that same dream became the inspiration and opening for BtB.

He truly came Hyuuga-headbutting onto my fangirl radar when trying to envision who the heck Shikamaru was chasing. I ended up considering the best pairing dynamics out of all the Chunin for someone like our dear Nara, and it was like Neji just slid slammed straight into place -- the perfect puzzle piece. I wouldn't understand the full significance of this until later. From there, their relationship took on an organic life of its own and I was scrambling to keep up with what unfolded into a huge story. The more I wrote them, the more I loved the pairing, I couldn't stop...as the insane length of BtB will attest! ;)

[...] mine awakened because of Break to Breathe to be honest. I never heard of ShikaNeji until I accidentally found and started reading your works. Let's just say it was the best accident that has ever happened to me. Thank you!

Oh wow! Thank you so much.

It's immensely humbling to know that BtB was what introduced you to this wonderful pairing. I'm so glad it was a happy accident for you! <3 I really appreciate you reaching out over here to let me know, Anon. That's so sweet of you. 💜💗

[okamirayne]

Out of curiosity, if Shikamaru and Neji used pet names/endearments for each other, what do you think they would use? I don't know why but I can see Shikamaru saying either sweetheart or baby in very specific circumstances (like trying to calm down Neji or something) and Neji probably using Dear just as joke to annoy Shikamaru once or twice. But I also feel like Nara and Hyūga are already their pet names for each other :')

Heya Anon!

Thanks for stopping by with this ASK and thanks for your patience as I get around to answering.

Ha! Pet names, huh? I think Shikamaru would need to be pretty plastered to resort to endearments outside of the exasperated "sadist" (said with a demi-smile) -- as Neji's reaction to anything else would probably be...

Neji might be able to reclaim "Shika" and give it a new meaning for Shikamaru...though that would be much later down the line -- or I might be totally wrong about that...I'd only know when writing that scene, just how Shikamaru would take it.

I imagine they might adopt adjectives for one another rather than endearments as we know them -- and often to joke/rib each other. I had a oneshot floating around somewhere in my brainpan about Shikamaru using the moniker "Niji" as a rainbow joke, considering Neji's "rainbow bleach" incident with the hybrid plant in Requiem. Shikamaru often reminds him of this...;)

But you guessed it pretty accurately insofar as the BtB characterisations:

I also feel like Nara and Hyūga are already their pet names for each other :')

Right you are ;) There is a lot behind how they address each other by clan name; depending on how it is spoken it communicates a great deal about distance and/or closeness between them at any given time. ^_^ Thanks again for the ASK, Anon! <3