#Shino aburame fanfiction

[wing-ed-thing]

Honey Cakes (Shino x Reader) Chapter V

Synopsis: You were stupid. You made a stupid choice; it left you with the first real heartache of your life, and you could safely admit that you deserved it. But then the war came. And as quickly as it came, it was over. So what about you and Shino? Sequel to Honey Stand.

Chapter I Chapter II Chapter III Chapter IV Chapter V

Word Count: 2.7k

Warnings/Tags: Gender Neutral Reader, Post War, Slow Burn, Slight Canon Divergence, Fake Tech Talk, Aged Up Characters, Angst

Notes: *beats idea with a broom* I’ve had the outline for Honey Cakes in my head for a year and I need it out I need it out out out I’m sick of looking at it *hits with broom*

“What’s not fair?” 

You snapped back to reality, not even realizing that you had zoned out into your salad. 

Shino sat across from you, a single elbow on the table as his lips steadily drooped back into a scowl. The little moment you thought the two of you had disappeared in an instant. The silence in the air was about as palpable as the tension. The lights blared down on your head as the clock ticked by slowly.

You sat still, avoiding Shino’s gaze as you wondered if it would be worth fighting about in the first place. The whole drama was beginning to feel so childish. You confronted him about your mutual past twice now, only to be met with unwarranted hostility. You wondered if you weren’t as much of the problem as you always assumed. In the silence, you only grew more sure of yourself.

You cast your gaze down to the floor, half of you unsure of yourself while the other seethed with annoyance. 

“Let’s just get through this mission. I want to prepare for the wedding as much as you do.” You quickly packed up the food container, pushing it gently back towards Shino as you suddenly lost your appetite. “Thank you for dinner. It was unnecessary.” You stood from your seat. You turned, hardly noticing Shino also rise from his chair.

“What’s not fair?” 

You shook your head, not wanting to engage. 

“I’m too tired to get into this. I have a report to write.” You pushed in your chair with your foot, still reeling from your interaction with Shou. Shino swiveled his head in frustration as he made curt gestures with his hands.

“Get into what?” He gritted your name, stalking after you as you began to make for the door. He reached for you. “Dammit, what are you talking about?” You turned suddenly, slapping his hand away from you. The sound reverberated throughout the room. 

You faced him with a pointed glare and a clenched jaw. Tension furrowed your brow.

“Stop acting like you care about me, Aburame!” The words poured from your lips like liquid poison. Your eyes widened as if the tension of keeping your comments in physically weighed down your features. Your vision began to blur, and you shook your head to dismiss the mounting tears. “I hate this. I hate this… this ignoring me for ten years like I never existed. I hate this disdain you’ve held for me all these years… Like the shit on your shoe… Then you have the nerve—” 

You took a step back as you swiped a hand across your face. 

“You did the same thing with that Sasuke stuff,” you exasperatedly noted. “And you think you have the right to act like you’ve been saving me? From the river? From the squad leader— who I now have to document, by the way, thanks a lot—” He scoffed, shoving his hands in his pockets as he hulked. 

“Just drop the goddamn report shit—” You stomped your right foot, fists clutched straight at your sides as you stepped closer. You shook your head as you gaped to yourself. 

“I can’t, Shino! I’m trying to get transferred!” 

The room fell silent again. The ticking of the clock continued. So did the whirring of machinery. Shino recoiled an inch, unable to mask that your admission caught him off guard. His brow knitted as he wrinkled his nose.

“Here?” he asked with what sounded like a scoff. 

“It doesn’t matter.”

“You want to get transferred here?” Something about his tone made you feel a pang of shame. Your imagination filled in his unspoken judgment. A judgment that you were cowardly for leaving. A judgment that you were sacrificing your dignity to work with men like Shou. A judgment that you were better than this place. He spoke a part of it. His voice was about as quiet and level as usual, but Shino couldn’t help the bite of disbelief that laced his tone. “Out here, away from your friends, in the middle of nowhere to be left to the likes of that creep—”

“Everyone’s moving on, Aburame! I know that’s not your strong suit—”

“Please.”

—“But I need to move on too. Being stuck in teenage drama is so… so… shit! We’re adults, goddammit!” You fought back the urge to scream, clutching a tuff of your hair and just holding your scalp under your fingertips. Your foot made swift contact with a nearby trashcan. With another shake of your head, you turned to leave. “Everyone has moved on. I at least need to try.”

Your name spilled from Shino’s lips in a low grumble, and as he reached for you once more, you turned in an instant and landed a firm smack across his cheek. His glasses flew from his face, hitting the floor and spinning off somewhere in the room. Before you could blink, the lights in the room went out completely. 

Your hand stayed suspended between you as you stared into honey-colored eyes. Shino’s hand caged the light switch. The moonlight from outside did little to illuminate the room, but some reflected off of Shino’s bright irises. You had always expected them to be darker. You traced what little you could see into your mind, finally able to read Shino’s eyes after all these years.

Your left hand shot out, and before he could stop you, you tugged off Shino’s hood. His hitai-ate clattered to the floor. He caught your wrist, and as you attempted to hit the light switch, he caught your other. 

You stood together in the darkness, trapped in Shino’s grip. You tried to jerk your arms away, but Shino held firm, studying you in the dimness. 

You couldn’t help but stare. You couldn’t help but search for answers in Shino’s newly revealed face. When you tried to tear yourself away again, your movements lacked violence. Slowly, Shino let you go.

“You can’t keep doing things for me, Shino.”

“What things?” He was quick to respond, but other than his urgency, he gave nothing away. You stared back at his face, the answers you hoped to find nonexistent. 

“Bringing me what I used to make you back then,” you said bitterly. You caught the small purse of Shino’s lip as his jaw clenched.

“I brought what I knew you’d like, that’s all,” he deflected with his usual frown. His hands returned to his pockets. He took a half-step backward into a shadow cast by a piece of machinery. You stood in the dim moonlight as he retreated. 

“No, Shino. It’s your favorite. That’s why I brought it to you,” you snapped, although the admission came out softer than you intended. You cast your gaze off to the side as you played with the cuff of your sleeve. “I remembered. You told Kiba… that one time in Iruka-sensei’s class.” A moment passed you by, brought on by your brief reminiscence. 

“Ah,” Shino hummed in a way that almost sounded deflated.

Another pause.

Another tick of the clock.

More machine whirring.

“You were working all night.”

“Shino—”

“You’re reading into things.”

“Shino,” you spoke his name in defeat. He didn’t answer, adjusting his jacket with a jerk of his shoulders. You crossed your arms. “You can’t just pick out aspects of a relationship and separate them into parts you want to ignore and parts you don’t.” Your nose jutted out as you accented your words. 

“I’m not.”

“It’s selfish, Shino.” 

Yet another pause passed. Somehow, the silence had become even more palpable than it had been before. You couldn’t help but notice how shut down Shino looked, eyes dead with lips curled into a complacent pout. He almost looked indifferent. His thumbs poked out the tops of his pockets.

“I just want to get to the next base tomorrow and go home.” The words stumbled out of your mouth clumsily. You squeezed your eyes shut, running your hands over your face. “Let’s just… Let’s pretend we don’t know each other or something… Or something like that.” You turned to leave the room for the third time, and this time, Shino let you.

***

You departed later the next morning.

Shino leaned against a railing outside of the eastern base. Through one of the windows, he could see you walk out into the hallway with the base commander. The two of you chatted. The conversation appeared formal but otherwise as if it was going well. You nodded your head. The base commander stroked the sides of his mustache. Shino’s eyes flickered up. Shou sat on a balcony used for sniping. His legs dangled over the ladder as he glared at Shino silently, scathingly.

When you emerged from the base, you came out alone. You paused for a moment outside the door, letting it close behind you. You said nothing to Shino, inhaling deeply and steadily as you squared your shoulders and marched forward. Shino followed after you, thinking about your admission from the night before. Wordlessly, you began your journey.

***

The trek was made in silence, only to be broken when the sun began to set. 

“It’s getting dark,” was the extent to which Shino spoke over the rushing wind in your ears. He stopped on a nearby tree. The light of the sunset reflected off of his glasses. You landed on an adjacent branch just a bit ahead of him and didn’t spare him a glance. You expected a snarky comment to follow, but none came. 

“We’re going to keep moving,” you ordered. As de facto captain, you held the right to push into the dark. With your simple decision, you departed with Shino not too far behind you. He scattered another part of his swarm into the forest as the dimness grew. Neither of you said another word. If it weren’t for the tension between the two of you, it would’ve already felt like a normal mission.

You could hardly see. 

You maintained your speed as Shino continued to scout. He always had better senses than you. More used to operating in the dark than you were, Shino seemed to have no problem keeping up your punishing pace. 

A branch narrowly missed your head, your visual radius severely shortened by the lack of light. It must’ve been a new moon. Another bundle of leaves appeared in your vision, and as you instinctively ducked, your foot missed the branch. 

You fell in the darkness, twisting in the air as you dropped five meters down. The fall into the night made you dizzy and discombobulated as you swiftly calculated where up was. You threw together a random, instinctual calculation of chakra. 

The branch you landed on shook in the dark. A piece of it snapped, falling onto the ground below. Shino appeared by your side, silent and barely detectable, even just an arm’s length away. 

You kneeled for a moment on that branch, feeling the curve of it beneath your feet and the slow shake of it in the air. You remembered your very first squad leader telling you not to think about how high up you were when it came to canopy travel. He told you that shinobi work was about balancing thought with instinct. The crash below sounded soft. It told you exactly how high up you were.

You stood, your knees shaking just the slightest bit. Shino’s presence loomed over you, silent and watchful. He didn’t dare say a word to his benefit. You moved forward until the lights of the base came into view in the distance.  

The southeastern base was surprised to receive you at the hour you arrived. With the velocity you approached, you and Shino had given them quite the scare. You blazed through the initial greeting with an almost recklessness. If the base’s leadership had been more trigger-happy, things might have gone differently.

The base was illuminated with lamps that cast harsh shadows upon your commanding figure as you made your way up the steps. Shino watched the symbol on the back of your uniform as you strode ahead. You moved with a determination and coldness he had never seen on you before. 

Maybe this is what you were actually like on other missions, a stark difference from your energetic demeanor in your early years. The way you used to burst onto the battlefield, Shino always thought you liked mission work, or at the very least, a chance to show off your excellent mastery of the lightning nature. What Shino always thought was naive self-assuredness was all but vaporized by your blazing determination. 

You introduced yourself to the base’s nighttime leadership as you had done with the eastern base. Shino continued to trail behind. He, after all, wasn’t the brilliant engineer they needed to speak with. The two of you were ushered inside. Shino was led to his quarters by a cadet as you stayed to discuss your assignment. He spared a glance back as he couldn’t help but note how well you fit in surrounded by other captains and leadership. 

Shino hardly slept as his hive swarmed within his chest. He laid on top of the sheets, hands behind his head as he listened to you tinkering away well into the night. He turned his head on his pillow to stare into the reflection of lamplight in his glasses that were folded neatly on his side table. 

You’d end up falling asleep at the installation site. 

***

For as quickly as it started, it ended. 

Shino wanted the mission over even before it started, but now, as the two of you began your departure from the southeastern base, he couldn’t help but feel a hint of apprehension. You exchanged a few words with the base commander before you were off. Shino didn’t even have to ask to know what you requested. With a shake of the commander’s hand, it was just like the day before. 

Home was only a few hours away. 

Shino didn’t often consider the passage of time. He was introspective but not to an existentialist extent. He, at least, liked to think so. But as the air hit his face and the orientation of the trees grew more familiar, Shino felt a stir within him. 

He wondered if you even noticed the visible electricity radiating off of you as you raced ahead. The image of you served as a blatant metaphor as he thought back to what you said about moving on. With the prospect of Team 8 disbanding after Hinata’s marriage, he had been thinking a lot about things you’ve said as of late. 

Shino felt blatantly aware of the humidity in the air and the hardness of the tree bark through his boots. The fact he should probably request new ones and that he had been thinking about replacing his boots for quite some time and never had. 

It was barely mid-afternoon by the time the two of you arrived at the village gates. 

Shino blinked, and the two of you entered. He blinked again, and you had arrived at the Hokage building. Time seemed to pile up behind him while the present hammered at him from the front, leaving him pinned and defenseless as only his own thoughts kept him company. 

The two of you passed Shikamaru on the way to Kakashi’s office. He came from an adjacent hallway, stopping short in surprise as your paths missed a collision. As you continued, Shino wondered if you saw him. He locked gazes with Shikamaru, who tried not to let his concern show. Shikamaru gave Shino a firm pat on the shoulder before the two headed their separate ways. 

Even Kakashi eyed Shino warily as the two of you gave your report. The sixth Hokage stared squarely at Shino as if to silently inquire about the undertones of your mission. 

“I’ll submit full documentation by tomorrow,” you finished. Kakashi hadn’t said a word: not about the success of the installations and not about your incident with Squad Leader Shou. He hummed to himself, arms crossed. 

“I see.” Your eyes flickered to his, studying his posture for the words he left unspoken. “Very well.” He said little else as he dismissed you. You turned, ready to finally return home. Shino followed. Kakashi cleared his throat. 

“Shino.” The both of you turned your attention back toward Kakashi. He beckoned Shino forward with a finger. “A word.” Instinctively, you and Shino glanced at each other.

“Of course,” Shino muttered, and you closed the door behind yourself.

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

Notes: Whelp, that's the end of Honey Cakes. I hope you all enjoyed the sequal to haha lmao just kidding imagine if I did that I'm so sick of looking at this work I was thinking about it hahahahahaha I've gone mad

Chapter I Chapter II Chapter III Chapter IV Chapter V

[sweet1delusi0ns]

Naruto boys random headcanons──☆*:・ﾟ

Sfw

Characters: Naruto🦊,sasuke🗡️,Itachi🥀, kakashi🍃, kiba🐺, shikamaru🀄️,shino🪲,neji🎋,Lee🥋,choji🍥,gaara⏳,kankuro🪆

Naruto🦊-*

Hes lazy at home. Not because he’s tired he just wants you to take care of him, but when you call him a baby for all these requests he gets mad “I AM NOT A BABY! I AM A GROWN MAN! NOW SPOON FEED ME!”

He tries to prank you but fails, your too smart to fall for it. He always tries to trip you in public while walking and every time he is the one on the floor and your the one laughing some how-

He likes the idea of drawing and being an artist he just can’t draw. He can only draw stick people with different hair, one time he tried to draw you, gave up and instead gave you a picture of a stick person with your hair. It’s now on the fridge LOL

He tries to act cool around his friend with you but just makes a fool of himself. “Yeah this my bae so what?” “Yeah I’m his bae and he’s my baby, my big, soft, smiley baby!” His soul is now crushed and his friends all laughing

He sleeps like a ANIMAL. he full on can’t sleep normally, You both go to bed the same time, one of you is always gunna wake up on the floor, mostly you. Then he wakes up like “why you on the floor?”

Sasuke🗡️-*

He may seem cool but he gets very flustered. He doesn’t cover his face though he just closes his eyes so he doesn’t get more flustered and so he can ignore the fact that he is red

He CANT Dance, don’t EVER take him dancing. It’s not because he’s bad at dancing he just never learn. If there is music he will bop his head to the beat though, if you try to get him to dance he will freak out and freeze. He just doesn’t like it ok!

His waist is weirdly sensitive, you could barely touch his waist and he will start giggling. He isn’t ticklish anywhere else but if you take a feather to his waist he will start LAUGHING

He will kick your feet when he wants attention. If you guys are out to dinner with friends he will kick you under the table to get your attention, he thinks it’s funny until you fight back and stomp on his foot. He made you kiss his pain away at home, atleast he got attention LOL

He forgets the silliest things one time he forgot how to tie a knot so anything he needs to tie like his clothes or shoes you had to do for him. You don’t know if he actually forgot or if he just wanted to be babied-

Itachi🥀-*

He can’t handle heatwaves. If it’s over 90 degrees he’s gone for. One time you woke up on a heat wave morning waiting for him to wake up and walk out but he never did, you went to find him and he was in bed, sprawled out, shirt and covers off soaked in sweat. You had to rub ice on him to get him conscious -

Unlike naruto, he likes drawing and can ACTUALLY DRAW, although he can only draw plants but he doesn’t mind he likes plants! He will draw you flowers instead of buying you some which is like equally as cute~

He has very sensitive eyes. Like how he can’t handle heat he cant handle the sun either. If it isn’t cloudy he will have to squint to keep his eyes from hurting. When you told him to wear sun glasses he said “I still want to see you clearly though love…”

He’s not a big fan of skin care but he likes those face roller things. He bought one just so you could use it on him, he likes that it’s cold but also massaging!

He sneezes like a girl- he has the cutest, most petite sneeze you’ve ever heard out of a man which is cute and very funny. He doesn’t even realize it either “a-choo!” “That was crazy out of character” “huh?”

Kakashi🍃-*

He’s allergic to cats, he likes cats sure but he never hangs around them because he’s allergic. You didn’t know that and one day you brought a stray inside and he instantly turned puffy (poor thing)

Once he gets home and discards the mask he puts lip tint on. He has pink lips for that reason. When he first puts it on he will find you and kiss you just to leave a mark before waiting 10 minutes then whipping it off

He needs reading glasses but never uses them, then complains to you when he gets a headache as if you didn’t tell him to put them on

He takes a lot of baths. If he showers it bound to end up a bath. And he doesn’t care if your using the bathroom if he wants a bath he’s gunna make a god Danm bath. One time You were just washing your face and he busted in the door and ran to the bathtub, You washed your face as fast as you could-

He is EXTREMELY tired when he first wakes up, he doesn’t move for like 20 minutes so if he needs to get up and do stuff your gunna have to make him, like actually you’ll have the carry him out of bed.

Kiba🐺-*

He bites his nails from stress so you have made it a habit to smack his hand away when he does. It worked since all you have to do is tap him softly and he will stop. He’s so glad you help him get over bad habits

He decorated akamarus ears when he’s bored, one time you walk in on him giggling like a little girl and akamarus ears were pulled together in a little ponytail! You joined in on the fun🤞

He comes back from a casual walk along a complete mess, you have no idea how but one day he came back with half a bush stuck on his leg. He always cleans up though!

He sometimes transforms akamaru into himself to prank his friends or you, mostly you. One time akamaru came up to you as Kiba and started licking your face “EW OH MY GOD?!” “AUUFF AUF!” “KIBA YOUR NOT FUNNY”

He always has tan cheeks and nose. Compared to the rest of his face, his cheeks are cute and golden!

Shikamaru🀄️-*

He lets you win at intelligents based games to make you feel better. Except one time he actually tried and lost. He’s convinced you cheated

His hair is straight but gets very frizzy if not cared for. (You care for it since he’s lazyy)

He draws on himself when bored, mostly just trippy designs like swirls and stuff. Will also let you draw on him, only if your good tho he doesn’t want “bad drawing” on him😔

He has a box FULL of hair ties and will notice if you take one. “This one you literally stole from me?” “Don’t care put it back!!!”

He gets Freezingly cold at night, like really really cold. When he snuggles up to you to warm up you could feel how cold he really is and you don’t understand how since you are both under covers-

Shino🪲-*

He keeps bugs in the house so they can watch over anything, they are basically his security cameras-

His hair is so cute and wavy! Also gets very frizzy because of the texture like Shika. He also makes you take care of it, he just really likes you touching his hair

He gives you bugs as gifts, not like freaky beetles but cute little bugs like lady bugs or fuzzy green caterpillars. You find it cute that he gives you things that mean so much to him

He shockingly has a sensitive neck, only to you though. Bugs can crawl all over it and he doesn’t move but if you try to kiss it he gets chills. Also shockingly he has really soft skin idk maybe he sheds skin (IM JOKING)

When he gets home and can finally undress he lets you take his glasses off since you love his eyes and he loves that you love them. He gets insecure about it sometimes!

Neji🎋-*

He speak really highly and intelligently but he’s honestly a little dumb sometimes, or maybe he’s just dumb with you to be silly we don’t know

The only jewelry he really wears is an ankle bracelet you got him

He loves hair charms, he likes decorating his hair! He likes putting clips and braids in it, sometimes even put color streaks in it if he wants to be festive

He really likes pottery and making things out of clay, he’s very creative and he finds clay the perfect outlet. He even makes pots for you!

He has a flower garden that NO ONE is allowed in. He treats them like they’re his baby’s, because they are! He’s favorite plant he has is his cactuses.

Lee🥋-*

He’s extremely energetic and powerful yet he has asthma, he denies it. But if it’s really hot outside he runs out of breath REALLY fast which makes you worry

He’s scared of spiders you kill the spiders for him or he runs! If you trap a spider and chase him with it he will almost start crying (he will start crying) he’s ashamed to admit spiders are his weakness

He wears mascara, he gotta make them lashes voluminous yk. He stole his mascara from tenten too. You made him give it back to her and bought him his own

It’s pretty obvious but he is FLEXIBLE! Backbend, splits anything he can do. You thought he broke his spine onces-

He’s not much of a plant guy but he has the TINIEST succulent in your room that he cares for, every other plant he has had died but not that one~

Choji🍥-*

He loves finger painting and is actually really good at it, you’d think it was made by a professional and an actual paint brush but no it was Choji and his finger paint😭

His hair is so thick most hair ties he uses break. He has to use hair needles instead because it’s the only thing that holds if he wants his hair up for a while

He thinks pillow fights are actually entertaining he could have a pillow fight with you all day and never get bored. He goes crazy if he’s over at someone’s house and they suggest pillow fights!

He loves bath bombs!!! He basically died when you run him a bath and put bath bombs in it, his favorite scent it lavender. Even if you didn’t add a bath bomb he loves when you make him baths he thinks its adorable

He paints your cheeks like his in your sleep, that’s his idea of a prank even though it’s basically him just being a cutie “look now your like me y/n!!”

Gaara⏳-*

He turns the black rings around his eyes to cat eyes sometimes. He looks ADORABLE with cat eyes. He sometimes even uses eye shadow too, if he can’t change it he thought might as well make it look cutee

He’s scared of mosquitos, he just doesn’t like bugs that can fly and go after human blood it freaks him out

He wears one of those scent bracelets and puts your signature scent in it so he always smells like you~

He gifts you plants all the time

He collect the silliest things, there are these cute little cat charms at a near by store and he’s working on collecting them all!

Kankuro🪆-*

Shockingly he really likes reading. He likes fiction books the most, he asks you for suggestions

He asks you what new make up design he should try, sometimes he just gives you the brush and lets you go wild. But you always make him look cute~

He fidgets with the ears on his hat when he’s bored. It rubbed off on you so now if he’s around you with his hat on you start messing with them-

He steals your clothes and hides them so you have no choice but to ask to use his for the day. After the day is over he comes up to you smiling and hands you your missing clothes “found em!” “By found em do you mean took them out of the hiding spot?” “Yeah-”

He paints his nails either black, pink or purple. He also lets you paint them, it honestly just ends up a mess. He would totally whip nail polishes on your nose~

[spiderbaby123]

Canonically Bug boy is massive. Thanks for coming to my Shino talk.

[kakashixhatakesxwhore]

hc/short story/blurb?? for shino with a girl that specializes on plant jutsu? I like thinking of them as sort of like in nature. (I had to look it up lol) mutualism! 🌱🪲

Also whenever shino (attempts) to talk, she takes all of it in. When shino’s not around, she notices and remembers him. Shino and her go back and forth about all sorts of stuff; she asks about Shino’s bugs and his favorites and she actually listens. Shino finally reciprocates and asks about her plants and all that.

She vibes well with most of the teams though so she’s got friend groups up the wazoo. Shino’s petty as fuck so I’m getting some jealous vibes from him too. But he shouldn’t feel that way over someone he’s not even in a relationship with, he thinks…. Not with the first person that’s actually remembered him, no……

(Also, shino’s canonically packing so do with that as you will, my friend. I just need something for our beloved bug boy.)

this request had me in a chokehold for two whole days - i really ran with this, it's pretty long, but sets up well for the last part of your request - i hope this hits your marks, thank you for the request!!

The Art of Mutual Growth

Pairing: Shino x f!Reader

Summary: Shino meets his perfect match while on a mission, and he quickly finds out that his solitude was dust, compared to the castle of your company.

W/c: 4.3k

Warnings: Swearing, talk of suicide (Shino's terribly dramatic about you), self-loathing

Notes: i was imagining Shino a few years post Blank Period in this, but this could work for Boruto era Shino too if y'all are in to that top knot - if you want a smuttier part 2, i got that shit lined right up, just lmk

Masterlist💿

He was used to being overlooked, discounted, alone. It never bothered him - even in love, his parents were solitary people, raising him to be unbothered by a sullen lack of attention. Being left to his own devices, Shino turned to his bugs for solace, and they provided as much as they could. To his knowledge, he was perfectly happy, alone with his insects.

But then you danced into his life, a trail of flowers in your wake.

You were his perfect match; a woman who could use Plant Release technique. Your kekkei tota was a gift of your Kiso blood, but too powerful for you to ever have full control over. Still, your control was wildly impressive, and your technical fighting skills were more precise than any Shino had seen before. Unlike him, you hailed from the Land of Flowers, but you couldn't reveal any further personal details at the time. It was a shame that the mission that brought you to Shino didn't allow him the time he so desperately needed to talk to you.

Side by side, you and he had fought together. Your snaking vines fed Shino's bugs chakra, and allowed them to infiltrate places on your vines with a much greater speed and accuracy than they ever could when Shino was alone. His bugs found your chakra delicious, almost as distracted as he was by you and your power. The recon mission went without hitch, mainly thanks to your immense amount of pure chakra and will to prove your capabilities. It was a shame.

Upon the mission's completion, Shino merely listened to your cracking conversation with Kiba and Shikamaru, resigned to the fact that he had missed his chance, already moving on in his mind.

When the team returned to the Hidden Leaf, Shino was ready to be the first to leave, already peeling away from the group until...

"I'm sorry," your sweet voice said timidly, behind Shino.

He stopped in his tracks, and you did as well, staying right behind him. The bugs' chakra told him you seemed nervous, which arguably relaxed him. Clipped, he asked, "What for?"

"We never got the chance to get to know each other," you grinned, coming around Shino to face him with a placid smile. Extending your hand, you gave him your name, and with a charm to your tone, asked for his.

Clearing his throat, Shino couldn't find his voice for a second. He had never seen such a pretty smile, let alone been the receiver of one. Your bubbly attitude caught him off guard. He couldn't fathom what you were doing, why you would be wasting your time, talking to him. You could've stayed with the team, striking up any number of conversations with one of them... but you didn't. You chose to talk to him.

"Shino Aburame," he said finally, taking your warm hand in his.

"You're wonderfully strong, Shino," you hummed, shaking his hand slightly. "The chakra control you possess is to be envied. I'd love to know more about your insects, if you have the time."

Staring the gift horse right in the mouth, he scoffed, "You must be joking."

"No." The expression you wore quickly became confused, but your tone genuinely despondent. With a twitch, you let go of his hand and Shino could feel his heart plummet. "No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"

From behind, Kiba's strong voice cut you off. "Hey, Y/n! Wanna take a tour of Konoha?" He came bounding up to the pair of you, Akamaru by his side, stealing your attention from Shino. "I'm free to be your guide, unless...you two..."

Looking back at Shino for a moment, you seemed to mull something over thoroughly in your mind. Your eyes were full of expectation, and Shino could feel his palms dampen.

"Go with him," Shino said, as casually as he could, though his words came out rather harshly.

He wished he could take it back as soon as he said it. The feeling that came when he saw a sharp sparkle in your eye, followed by an overbearing dullness, made Shino feel empty and so very stupid. Your lips drew straight, and your air became serious - everything about you became stony, frigid. The exact opposite of your demeanour before Shino had opened his stupid mouth.

Maintaining eye contact with Shino as you took Kiba up on his offer, he could feel his heart leap from his chest and into your palm. You squeezed it then, and when he watched you walk away with Kiba and his ninken, you crushed it.

In the aftermath of the successful recon mission, you were invited by the Fifth Hokage to stay in Konoha and train under her. You took her up, of course, and became an active member of the society within the Hidden Leaf. Everywhere Shino went, there you would be, talking to swarms of people at a time.

It was Promethean punishment, that he didn't deserve.

You would never speak to him again, because he was born with his foot in his mouth. He would be cursed to see you everywhere he turned, but you would never speak to him again.

A week had passed since you came to Konoha to stay. Shino had been tantalized, shown exactly what he wanted but couldn't have, for seven days, and he was sick to death. His solitude had never felt so solitary, watching you bop around the village with an onslaught of people.

It was made even worse by the fact that he had consistently been catching you, staring at him. The bugs would be abuzz, begging Shino to ask you to sprout one of your vines, telling him that you looked ready to approach him, yourself. He ignored then dually, thinking they were exaggerating your apparent willingness to speak to him. Why would you ever leave a full entourage, just to speak to him?

With the sun sinking lowly over Hokage Mountain, Shino decided to wrap up his meditation and just go home. His body was alight with energy, but his soul begged for rest and reprieve, something that Shino could not provide. As such, he left the sanctity of his neck of the woods to make a medial dinner and have a long sleep. Maybe that would fix him, though it hadn't seemed to work for the last week. Shino felt restless, completely unable to settle in a way that even resembled himself before you came along.

He would just have to get over you. The chance you served up on a silver platter had been spit on, and you would surely never serve it again. Shino had to move onward and upward, he couldn't stagnate.

But then-

There you were. In his hallway. In front of a door. Fiddling with your keys and hissing curses under your breath.

And all Shino could think was, I am going to make her my wife. I need to marry this woman.

"Hi."

You looked up, startled, but quickly smiled and looked back at your keys, still pulling and shoving. Slowly, you said, "Hey...Shino, right?"

He had never heard his name like that before. It dripped with silver and gold as it left your pretty lips, and Shino never wanted anyone else to say his name again. Only you. Only you, forever.

Looking up at his lack of response, you seemed nervous but tried to smile. "You're my bug boy, aren't you?"

"Yes," he said a little too quickly. The nervousness vanished from your expression as embarrassment became his. He cleared his throat, trying again, "Yeah. That's me. Shino."

She remembered. Her bug boy. Her's. She knows. I need to make her mine. Someway, somehow.

"I didn't think I knew anyone in the building," you said, finally procuring the key you wanted from the tangle. You slipped it into your door, the smiled at Shino, the nervousness coming back to you. In a light voice, you asked, "Would you...would you like to come in? Have a tea? With me?"

Shino thought he had died and gone to Heaven. There was no other plausible reason for him to have been getting another opportunity with you, this one infinitely more golden than the last.

The lock clicked and you opened the door, still awaiting his answer. A rush of cool air came over Shino, standing near your door. Leaning back, Shino tried to bite back his forming grin, before saying,

"I would like that very much."

You mumbled something under your breath and stepped into the apartment. Shino followed in after you, welcomed by the scent of lavender and rosemary. As you let him look around the living room, you went to the kitchen to prepare the tea.

Shino had never seen such a beautiful little place, especially not one that reflected it's inhabitant so well. Plants sprawled across every wall, their pots interconnected through a series of braided vines that wrapped and weaved around the others. All of the wooden things in the apartment were birch, the coffee table, the bookshelves, the chairs. To boot, all of the pillows and cushions were a pale, dusty green colour. Books and journals laid all over, accompanied by a myriad weapons and solo-practice materials. The feeling of peace was abundant in the small apartment, Shino found himself actually start to relax.

So, he would be letting you decorate the house when you eventually became his wife. This was useful information to Shino.

"Sencha or matcha?" You asked him, poking your head out of the kitchen.

You cared. "Sencha."

"Okay, give me another minute." You ducked back into the kitchen, your hair flowing so nicely behind you.

Feeling his bugs growing anticipatory, he began to try and suppress them. The last thing Shino wanted right now was for his bugs to take advantage of your hospitality. But his refusal only made them angrier. With your vines so near, it was like holding a lollipop in front of a child and saying no.

Coming back into the living room with a tea tray, you smiled at Shino, making him neglect his control over the bugs. Almost immediately, a swarm of insects came from Shino's body and flocked to the nearest vine before Shino could do anything about it. He swore and started trying to wrangle them, only stopping when he heard your melodic laugh.

He never wanted to hear anything else again. Not even the way you said his name could compare to your laughter - no sweeter sound had ever been produced.

"I don't mind, Shino, let them be," you hummed, setting the tray onto the table almost silently. Shino turned to you slowly, unsure if you were just letting your hospitality speak for you. You laughed, "It's fine. I promise."

"Whatever you say," Shino replied faintly, still not convinced but not willing to argue with you for even a second.

He came around to the couch as you picked up the jade teapot and poured both cups. He thanked you, taking up his teacup while you sat down on the couch. Sipping the steaming beverage, Shino hummed,

"This might be the best tea I've ever had."

"I'm glad," you grinned, sipping your tea before patting the cushion beside you. "Sit with me. Please."

Without hesitation, Shino sat on the furthest edge of the couch, giving you the space you deserved. You just giggled softly, collecting your legs onto the couch and shifting your entire body to face Shino. He smiled absentmindedly, heart thumping inside of his chest.

"So, I have to ask," you started. Shino turned more toward you, giving you his full attention. "Why did you get all aggro when I asked you about your bugs, the other day?"

Oh. No. No, this wasn't what he wanted. No.

"It...erm, it was... I don't..." Stars above, wasn't he pathetic? Couldn't even speak to the only person he wanted to speak to. He sighed deeply, "It wasn't the bugs, I just... I thought you were making fun of me when... when you... you know...?"

Furrowing your eyebrows as he blathered, you looked at Shino like he was crazy. He had never had so much trouble stringing together a sentence, and he didn't even finish the thought. The silence that followed was thick and heavy, just making Shino feel worse about his inability to talk to you.

"When I complimented your chakra and your control?" You asked finally. Shino nodded, just thankful that you spoke and he didn't have to. To his surprise, you smiled that sweet smile of yours and asked, "Why?"

"Who are you? The police?"

"Oh, n-no... I'm sorry."

Fuck, he could've killed himself. Only Shino Aburame could make a joke that wipes the smile off of your face. It was his voice, it wasn't jovial enough. No, it was his face, he looked too mean. No, no, it was his brain.

"No, I'm sorry," Shino sighed, setting his cup on the coffee table before rubbing his eyes under his sunglasses.  "It's the fact that you're as powerful as you are... and I'm not..."

"We don't have to talk about that."

Letting a short chuckle fall from his lips, Shino looked at you from the side of his glasses, getting a fully coloured vision of you in his peripheral. He took a breath, then felt a small bubble of laughter as he asked, 

"Then what do you want to talk about?" He sipped his tea, letting it warm his hands. "I'm a much better listener than talker, if you haven't caught on."

"I could've guessed." Narrowing his eyes, though you couldn't see them, Shino turned his head to you slowly. You laughed freely, "I talk too much as it is. I've got some innate need to chew the air. Aren't we a lovely pair?"

The church bells ringing, everyone's chatter falling to a hush as the organ begins-

"Hm, you've got such a nice voice, Shino - it's a pity you want to deprive me of it."

And here you are, coming down the aisle, right into his arms.

"W-what do you want me to say?" He asked quickly, chomping at the bit to make you happy. He didn't even have the mind to question your sentiment, just elated that it existed.

You sipped your tea, saying, "Tell me about your bugs."

"You're not making this easy for someone born to be a mute," he joked, watching your reaction intensely. Shino prayed his tone was humorous, that the small smile on his lips would support him.

And, to his joy, you laughed. Warm and rich, each soundwave landed on Shino's ear like a butterfly's kiss. You hummed, "I'm sorry-"

"And, please, stop apologizing to me - you haven't had a thing to be sorry for," he added.

"Okay," you said softly, looking at Shino with a matching expression. "Who's your favourite, then?"

That was a hard question for Shino to answer, especially given the bugs were in the room. But they were distracted, and so was he - both parties too under your influence to care.

Shino was still stumbling over his words and forgetting the most important ones, but you remained patient and attentive. It seemed you either were enchanted by his voice, or you were genuinely interested in what he had to say. Either way, Shino felt confidence bloom within him, and he started launching into great detail about his insects.

With rapt attention, you listened to every word that came from his mouth. Here and there, you would interject valid questions into the lulls of his speech, and he would answer them fully. As the two of you gradually finished the entire teapot, Shino found himself talking, and talking, and talking. He suddenly couldn't shut up.

"Fuckin' pot's empty," you grumbled, letting the final drop drip into Shino's half-full cup. "Want me to put on another, or do you fancy something else?"

"It's getting late, and I've already taken up enough of your time," he declined politely, finishing off the swig in his cup.

You sighed, "You say that like I've not been enjoying myself over the last-" Glancing at your watch, you gasped, "-three hours. Jumping Jehovah, I'm so sorry, I totally sucked up your night under the guise of tea."

"I would've just been sitting around, wanting to talk to you anyway," Shino chuckled lowly, feeling rather bold after having spent so much time with you.

Both of you stood from the couch with bashful smiles, each too shy to look at the other. Shino walked to your door and you followed after him.

"Do you want me to walk you to your door?"

He laughed lightly, "I don't expect that of you, but I'd have to be insane to turn down your company."

Opening the door wide, Shino motioned for you to go through. You thanked him kindly, then walked beside him in the hallway, five whole paces, to his door.

"Thank you for the tea, Y/n," he murmured, getting out his keys.

Your hand found purchase between his shoulder blades, making Shino freeze in his motion. His eyes darted to your face, finding the beautiful crescent of your smile in full bloom. "Anytime. We should make it a thing."

"We should."

"Goodnight, Shino."

"Goodnight, Y/n."

The breeze floated down the street with Shino. Today was the day, and it seemed even nature knew it. Nothing could slow him down, nothing could stand in his way.

Today was the day.

He had decided last night, today was going to be the day. It was an easy decision to make, but the gathering of courage tested Shino's resolve. But he was ardent, he was determined. Even if he did stutter, you would find it endearing, just like you had for the last six months. Even if he did say something wrong, you would understand, just like you always did.

Today, he was going to make you his. And he would finally be yours.

The plan was simple; show up at your door with something you would enjoy and deliver a great, long monologue that perfectly encapsulated every emotion he felt for you, then you would jump into Shino's arms and promise yourself to him.

The issues immediately became obvious; you could've hated the gift, he could've (and probably would've) screwed the monologue up to high Heaven, and, scariest of all, you might not have been so quick to jump into his arms. 

Shino could have potentially been planning on destroying the only relationship that ever particularly flowed naturally for him. He didn't want to think about that, not at all.

Not when today was the day.

The act of getting you a gift turned out to be more of a tribulation than Shino had imagined it to be. Nothing was grand enough, nothing meaningful enough. He needed something that would blow your socks off, something that would reduce you to the babbling fool that he became around you.

After spending an hour scouring the market squares, Shino moved to the trading post. Even longer was spent there, looking through stalls and trying to picture your reaction to each thing that struck him. But nothing was good enough. Nothing would ever be good enough for you.

Settling on a pricey collection of teas before the trading post closed, Shino haggled with the old man selling the tea. Just trying to get the price down to the amount he had in his wallet, Shino eventually left the trading post, coatless and penniless.

It didn't matter. Today was the day.

Stars, he wondered how nerve-wracking the ring shopping would be in a few years if this little trifle was causing so much strife.

Rounding the corner of the main street, Shino mulled over what to say to you. He just wanted to say I love you and kiss you, but that left you no agency. Even though it was becoming abundantly clear that you were interested in him, Shino still wanted to give you the chance to say no.

One thing that Shino hadn't taken in to account, though, were your other relationships.

And, as you came out of a restaurant with Kiba and Akamaru, Shino realized how grave of a mistake he had made.

Your face shone with a smile, ear to ear as you laughed at some witty quip Kiba delivered. He smiled back proudly, looking at you hungrily. The three of you began to walk toward Shino and he wanted the ground to open up and swallow him whole.

"Oh! Shino!" You exclaimed brightly the second you saw him. Tearing away from Kiba and his ninken, you quickened your pace to Shino. He took a step back as you approached, otherwise frozen. Your happiness faded to worry as you asked, "Are you okay? What's wrong?"

The fact that anyone else could be graced by your laugh was wrong. The fact that you just finished what looked a lot like a date with Shino's former teammate was wrong. The fact that you didn't know what was wrong, was wrong.

"Shino, sweetheart, talk to me," you commanded gently. Kiba and Akamaru loomed a few paces behind you, trying to look like they weren't intensely listening. It aggravated Shino monumentally.

Everything about how today was becoming was aggravating him. Shino couldn't even enjoy his name on your tongue, let alone the pet name you had given him. It all felt like lip service.

"I got this for you," he said weakly, offering up the wooden box in his grasp. You looked down and cocked your eyebrow, before looking back at Shino. "I wanted to... to... nevermind." His heart was shattering. "Just take it."

Even if the gift wouldn't have the same effect, Shino wanted to see your reaction. He truly thought you would like the tea, potentially more so now that his unrequited feelings weren't attached. Cautiously, you took the box from Shino but didn't open it.

"You just wanted to what?" You asked, still so concerned over the man before you. "Where's your jacket? Shino, please, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, it's not important."

"Something is clearly bothering you, and it is important," you rebutted, acquiring a slight edge. "What's bothering you? If you don't tell me, I can't help."

Fuck.

"I love you!" He shouted, putting every single emotion he felt into his words.

Fuck.

Feeling like he was going to cry, Shino turned on his heel and walked. He didn't want your reaction now, he just wanted to save face, if that was even at all possible, at this point.

"Shino," your sweet voice said timidly, right behind him.

Stopping dead in his tracks, Shino hung his head lowly. The bugs were no help, just saying your eyes were as glossy as his.

Slowly, you came around to face Shino and bent lowly enough to be in his view. You smiled up at him and he couldn't help but smile back, taking in the odd posture you assumed as you let the wooden box rest beside your feet. Everything felt so silly. So trivial.

"Yeah?"

You straightened out, making Shino's head follow you as his eyes stayed glued to your face. Your beautiful face.

"Before I make myself look stupid-" Your sentiment made Shino scoff a laugh, because no one could look more stupid than him. Sweetly, you just smiled, continuing, "Do you love me platonically, or romantically?"

He took a deep breath, blinking slowly, before answering, "Every single way under the sun."

"Good," you beamed, taking a step forward and taking the lapels of Shino's flak jacket into your hands, pulling him forward. On your toes, your face came closer to his than it ever had been before, your petal soft lips brushing against his so gently as you said, "I love you too."

Not wasting a moment, not getting in his head, Shino knew that this was it.

He leaned down, closing the small gap, and met your lips fantastically. Not even Shino's wildest, wettest dream could've prepared him for the utter decadence of your kiss. His hands found your hips, pulling you as closely as he had needed you to be for months. But it wasn't enough, for either of you.

Leaning even lower, Shino's left hand cascaded down your lower back and you got the message. Immediately, you jumped up and he caught the bottom of your thigh, squeezing your tender flesh with his left hand while his right explored your back, sitting you atop his hip bones. Your legs locked behind Shino, squishing his waist in a way he didn't know he craved so badly. Warmth exuded from your being, a warmth that Shino longed to be blanketed under and hidden within.

"Come back to my place," you said between kisses. Shino just smiled and started to walk, but then you stopped kissing him, making him stop on a dime. Running your fingers up his lapels and allowing his neck the sweet contact, you laughed, "What's in the box, if you can just leave it in the middle of the street?"

With a chuckle, Shino turned around. He noticed Kiba had left, and he felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him. Not putting you down, Shino knelt and picked up the heavy box with his right hand, holding it behind you.

You groaned, scratching his neck lightly, "My stars, you're strong."

"You never noticed?" Shino joked, though a feeling of pride surged through him.

"I've noticed you're impressive in a few different respects," you replied with a teasing lilt. Moving your hips, Shino felt a friction that was positively dream-like and you purred, "Don't you want to impress me?"

"More than anything." And he meant every syllable.

"Good," you hummed, placing a lingering kiss to Shino's lips. You looked at him, eyes more obviously filled with desire than Shino had ever thought visibly possible. "Take me home."

By his lucky stars, Shino would gladly do so for the rest of his life.

Part 2 - The Art of Mutual Pleasure

[sexyzuka]

kiba really said "🐶"

[thenightwinggraveyard]

😂 Actually, do you have cool Naruto fic recs for someone who's never seen the show? I keep itching to start it so I can understand some of my friends' interests better but I would just rather... read things. And I know that the fics might not be accurate to personalities or plot, but if you have anything beginner-friendly or fun that might help my brain get more excited to make the effort and watch, I'll take it. I personally like relationship drama but I'm cool with whatever you've got.

i do!!! i watched naruto as a kid but i completely forgot most things so i got into it again by fanfiction. also as a side note; i apologize but i don't read from narutos point of view very often if at all as that is just a personal preference of mine, just a warning in case thats what you were looking for-- and my favourite character is sakura which you'll probably see lmao 😅

without further ado, here are some;

BEGINNER FRIENDLY NARUTO RECS

Pray My Name by Chancy_Lurking [G] [ONE-SHOT]

"Your name sounds like the kind of thing you say when you’re afraid,” Sakura finishes.  “A prayer,” Sasuke offers without looking away from the window.  (Team 7 takes a quiet moment to talk about what their names feel like.)

notes: there isn't much of a plot with this one but its a wonderful showcase of the bond that team 7 shares/could share. it floats beside canon not really connected but it could be, and i think its just a great introduction to the way team 7 should be imo!!

tdlr; team 7-centric, friendship/love, acceptance

Terror feeds the Soul by Pleasedial123 [ONE-SHOT]

Sakura is not an idiot. She was praised for her intelligence, reached Top Kunoichi at the Academy for her brains.  So it doesn't take her long after being placed on the powder keg that is Team Seven to realize she is going to die.  Kakashi, career shinobi since age-six, has no idea what the hell is going on with his little pink-haired student or why there is such fear in her eyes. So he gives her head-pats. That's what you do for scared puppies isn't it?

notes: some really good characterization with this one and a deeper look at the subtle hint of corruption/injustice in the shinobi world that canon already gives us.

tdlr; sakura-centric, sakura & kakashi, good characterization, worldbuilding

Just Killing Time by Elizabeth Culmer (edenfalling) [G] [ONE-SHOT]

After Wave Country and before the chuunin exam, Team 7 kills time while waiting for Kakashi to show up.

notes: an adorable small fic consisting of freindship and the idea of found family, they're just cute little kids in this and it makes me smile so hard.

tdlr; team 7-centric, friendship, found family, fluff

An Improper Apology Properly Backfires by rex101111 [G] [ONE-SHOT]

Sasuke Uchiha apologizes, or at least makes an attempt. Sakura thinks he could do better than THAT.

notes: its not every day i find a sasusaku fic that i genuinly enjoy, but this one both cracked me up and actually convinced me that they could work as a couple lmao, after some bad canon events, this fic shows a completely done sakura dealing with the fallout and it is gold. featuring naruto and kakashi as unwilling bystanders.

tdlr; sasuke/sakura(canon ship) and team 7-centric, anger issues, canon compliant(mostly), humour

Wildflowers and Incisors by Chancy_Lurking [T] [ONE-SHOT]

There’s a boy Sakura loves the way Naruto loves Sakura, in a shameless and open, but painfully unequal way. There’s a boy Sakura loves the way Hinata loves Naruto, in a way that feels no more like a choice than breathing. Neither of those boys need pretty girls. “We are all really pretty, though,” Ino assures her with a haughty sniff, crossing her leg the other way so her calf rests on Sakura’s shin. “They’re going to be strong, maybe even the strongest ever in the Hidden Leaf,” Sakura says and Hinata doesn’t need convincing, they both know it, so she doesn’t belabor the point. “So, we have to be stronger than them.” (The girls of Konoha band together as friends. Girlhood is easier in a group.)

notes: a wonderful look at the kunoichis in naruto, with friendship for once more important than love. gives them the character development and attention they deserve, but didn't quite fully get in canon.

tdlr; naruto girls-centric, girlhood and friendship, good character development

The Language of Faces by Empatheia [T] [ONE-SHOT]

Ino decides to help Sai learn to function in society. Sai does his best to keep up.

notes: now we're taking the focus off the main characters of naruto to focus on some great side characters-- ino and sai are both charecterized awesomely in this fic. they're awkward and don't really know how to function in society (being a ninja will do that to you) but they clearly grow to care and love for eachother dearly.

tdlr; sai/ino-centric(canon ship), great characterization, awkward first dates

Pushy and Loud and Brave and Proud by bluecatcups [M] [ONE-SHOT]

When Temari meets Shikamaru, she is twelve years old and she is everything she has ever been; pushy and loud and brave and proud. This is the story of who Temari becomes.

notes: thanks to this fic i fell in love with temari as a character. it is a character study at its heart and therefore it has SUPERB characterization, with believable romance and a theme of self-love. i adore this fic.

tdlr; temari/shikimaru-centric(canon ship), character study, romance, found family, self-love (TW for smut and suicidal thoughts)

NOT SO CANON COMPLIANT FUN

coming from afar & reaching for the stars by SafelyCapricious [G] [ONE-SHOT]

It had been two weeks since the trial. Two weeks since Sasuke had been given the choice of surrendering his eyes and being allowed to leave, or being stuck for five years without ever being allowed to leave the village. He had chosen the later. And Sakura isn't avoiding him on purpose, but it's still happening and she's kind of okay with it.

notes: a not so romantic retelling of sasuke coming back to konoha. i really enjoy the way sakura is characterized in this and the way all her friendships are potrayed (especially her and sai they are besties). instead of running into sasukes open arms, she decides she doesn't mind keeping to herself.

tdlr; sakura-centric, friendships, good charecterization, awkwardness, self-love

Rules Were Made to Be Broken by MotivationIsDead [T] [COMPLETED]

Kakashi wasn’t entirely sure he wasn’t hallucinating. Or suffering from heart failure. “I thought you were dead,” he said blankly. He might’ve been going into shock. Obito winced and rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish grin. “Yeah,” he said, tone stilted. “There’s actually quite the story behind that.” “I should hope so,” was Kakashi’s bland response.

notes: kakashi and obito if obito decided to not go through with his villainous plan. it is a ship, but the way the bond is potrayed just hits so good. something more than friendship and simple love and instead a deep trust, with banger characterization and development. a couple steps away from crack, i laughed so goddamn hard.

this entire fic can be summarized by;

kakashi and obito: fuck it we ball.

tdlr; kakashi/obito-centric(fanon ship), fix-it fic, humour, BAMF kakashi and obito (has an ongoing sequel!!)

Smiles in Spring by Kalira [T] [ONE-SHOT]

One spring day when they are very small, Ino meets a little girl with shy eyes, a beautiful smile, and pink hair, and immediately knows what she wants in her future. Ino's never had any qualms bending the force of her will on the universe to be sure she gets whatever she wants.

notes: ino and sakura are made for eachother in this fic and the progression of their relationship is adorable. some bonus friendship with shikamarau and choji.

tdlr; ino/sakura-centric(fanon ship), romance & friendship, fluff

Genuinely Delighted by Chancy_Lurking [T] [COMPLETED]

"Lee, in spite of how brash he might’ve seemed, still appeared to be incredibly considerate and Shino would feel wrong to just brush him off. His enthusiasm about asking Shino out was completely genuine, and that was enough to make Shino feel flattered. And anyway, Lee would probably prove to be much more pleasant company than some of the other guys Shino knew."

notes: just a fluffy post-canon fic about some more wonderful side characters, with romance and friendship. lee and shino are so unexpected but work so well in this fic.

tdlr; shino/rock lee-centric(fanon ship), romance & friendship, fluff

In The Forest by Senka Hitomi (LadyTegan) [T] [COMPLETED]

When the genius of Konoha returns from a mission in a catatonic state, it is up to his old teammate to delve into the depths of his mind and pull him back out. But the dangers of the mind are many, and the road to finding him may be more difficult than she could have imagined.

notes: god i could gush about this fic for so long. everything about it delights me, the characterizations, character development, relationships and just the careful way the plot was constructed. it comes together to form a very inrtiguing and engaging fic.

tdlr; shikimaru/ino-centric(fanon ship), romance & friendship, amazing plot, great characterization

On Qipao, Flirting, and Buying Drinks by needdl [M] [COMPLETED]

Tenten turned beautiful when she was nineteen.

notes: an if neji lived au done so well. the romance is both believable and beautiful.

tdlr; neji/tenten-centric(semi-canon ship), romance & friendship, fluff, coming of age (TW for smut)

About Face by wroth_and_ruin [T] [ONGOING]

A little yellow-haired boy saves Sakura from the bullies. And everything changes.

notes: one of my all time favourite fics it is full of character and life, and the friendship between sakura and naruto is so pure yet all-consuming. they are eachothers persons, eachothers sun, and the world that is being crafted is so engaging. featuring kakashi with teenage angst.

tdlr; naruto and sakura-centric, friendship, found family, fix-it fic, character and plot development, worldbuilding

HONOURARY MENTION

Retrograde Motion by Crunchysunrises [T] [ABANDONED]

From sixteen to eleven didn't feel like a big jump until she realized that she was now the best ninja in their class. And that tiny Sasuke hates her for it.

notes: the reason this is an honourary mention is because this is the fic that got me into naruto! the first one i read, and the first one that captivated me to read all 100k words (yikes..). so despite the fact that its abandoned im still gonna share it with you in case it interests you ;)

tdlr; time-travel, sakura-centric, great characterization, shit gets done

(i didn't even realize so many of my fav fics were done by chancy_lurking!!! huge shoutout to them they are awesome)

i have some more but i think i'll leave it at this; i hope you find at least one fic that enraptures you!!

[eiloveir]

→﹐naruto hc! <3

‹𝟹 :: ⭑⭒  🗨 !!  naruto characters and their social media habits

warnings: rushed and out-of-character

note: this is just something I decided to create on a whim, though I was inspired by a post on a clock app. i imagined how these characters might use social media, so here it is.

characters: konoha 12

𓋭  ۫   ☔️ ﹒ ❊  ͚

uzumaki naruto

this guy’s the reigning king of shitposting. he’s got a knack for calling out anything he deems “overrated,” and he doesn’t hold back. his feed is a never-ending stream of complaints about everything from minor inconveniences to full-blown disasters. you might see posts about how his ramen was too hot or things like pineapple on pizza. he’s the kind of troll who wouldn’t hesitate to pick a fight with kids on roblox, turning every argument into a battle that leaves them in tears and scrambling to save face (konohamaru). he would also be the type to start internet beefs over the most mundane things. if you’re ever scrolling through your feed and see a heated argument about why a certain trend is lame, chances are he is behind it.

haruno sakura

the feminist and activist extraordinaire! she’s the type of woman who not only supports human rights in every way possible but also cheers on the LGBTQ+ community with gusto—because, spoiler alert, she’s part of it. she’s someone who’s fully aware of the impact social media can have and is determined to use it to amplify her voice and make a real difference. i also think she has multiple social media accounts like a pro—there’s her private twitter account where she rants about how messed up the government is, her ao3 account where she writes fan fiction with a side of social commentary, and of course, her tumblr where she’s a curator of memes, political discourse, and everything in between. (me)

uchiha sasuke

god, bruh. this dude is basically a social media ghost—he hardly ever posts anything, but when he does, it’s like the internet has just won the lottery. he’s that guy who seems to do absolutely nothing yet somehow manages to grab everyone’s attention. he’s not really into posting on social media, but when he does, it’s always so aesthetically pleasing that you’d think he has a personal stylist and a professional photographer on speed dial. he doesn’t even try to make his posts look good; he just rolls out of bed and somehow manages to be effortlessly cool. man could post a picture of his breakfast and it would still get more likes than your entire feed.

nara shikamaru

this lazy ass (me) would probably end up being a streamer, posting about his win streaks and achievements in every game he plays. despite barely lifting a finger to do anything else, he’d be all over social media, bragging about every victory and high score. he’s the kind of guy who’d stream his gaming marathons from the comfort of his bed, racking up followers while casually lounging around in sweatpants. If there’s a leaderboard, you can bet he’s at the top, and he’s not shy about letting everyone know it.

yamanaka ino

girlie is the famous influencer! she’s always buzzing with posts about the latest fashion trends, beauty tips, and social events. like, you know, the kind of Instagram girlie who’s always flaunting her ootd and setting style standards. she’s practically a fashion icon with every outfit she wears. she’s also the type to post inspirational messages like “wear whatever makes you feel good” or “your body, your choice.” she’s incredibly popular across all her social media platforms and has a tiktok account—she’s all about those thirst traps and dance covers.

akimichi choji

my boi would definitely be the type to either watch mukbangs obsessively or become a mukbanger himself. he’d spend hours trying to replicate recipes he’s seen online, turning his kitchen into a culinary experiment zone. and you can bet he’d be posting all about it—sharing his attempts, successes, and occasional fails. his feed would be full of mouthwatering food shots and videos of him devouring his creations, proving that he’s just as passionate about cooking and eating as he is about sharing it with the world.

tenten

she’d regularly post about her daily life, giving followers an inside look at her studies or work. her feed would be filled with a lot of photos showcasing her favorite books, snapshots of her workout routines, and candid moments with her for lifers. she’s all about fitness, making her social media a hub for health tips and personal growth. you’d see her posting everything from meal prep ideas to gym selfies. she’d be the type to inspire others with her discipline and positivity.

rock lee

lee would be the type to flood his feed with gym and fitness content, sharing everything from his daily workout routines to personal fitness goals. his posts would be packed with enthusiasm and motivational messages, like “don’t judge a person because of their appearance” and other self-improvement quotes. despite his positive energy, not everyone’s a fan—especially naruto and kiba, who might be more inclined to roll their eyes and make a shitty rant about his optimism.

hyuga neji

this dude, much like sasuke, is totally indifferent to social media. he doesn’t bother with frequent posts but when he does, they’re thoughtful and deliberate. you might see him sharing reflections on life, articles he’s stumbled upon, or insightful news about everyday occurrences. he avoids jumping into pointless online drama or trends, yet somehow, he’s always clued in. that’s thanks to lee and tenten, who can’t stop talking about the latest gossip and social media happenings. despite his apparent disinterest, he picks up on all the chatter and remains surprisingly well-informed about the buzz. so, even though he’s a low-key user, he’s never completely out of the loop.

inuzuka kiba

his socials would be about random rants and memes. he’d post exaggerated complaints about the most trivial matters. his feed would be a fucking mess of humorous and offbeat content—think sarcastic comments, goofy polls, and plenty of memes featuring akamaru. he’d frequently stir up controversies, posting impulsively and diving headfirst into debates. his online presence would be a whirlwind of arguments, especially with naruto, where they often argue over who’s the dumbest between them.

hyuga hinata

she’s the type to be a crocheter, the kind you see on tiktok with an account just for her yarn creations. her feed would be packed with posts showcasing her latest crocheting projects—everything from cozy blankets and stylish scarves to adorable amigurumi (crocheted plush toys). she’d share detailed photos and videos of her work. her account would also feature tutorials and tips for fellow crocheters, helping them improve their skills. she might post about her extensive yarn collection, offer free patterns, and give followers a peek into her crafting process. whether she’s showing off her latest masterpiece or sharing a behind-the-scenes look at her studio, her feed would be a inspiring hub for all things crochet.

aburame shino

the random entomologist on your feed. he would be all about his shit for insects and the natural world. his posts would feature photos of various bugs, often accompanied by educational captions about their behavior, ecology, and characteristics. his feed would include updates from his fieldwork, observations on insect behavior, and informative posts about conservation efforts. while he might occasionally share glimpses of his other interests or hobbies, the focus would remain firmly on nature and entomology. whether he’s showcasing a rare beetle he’s spotted or sharing insights on preserving insect habitats, his content would be a treasure trove of knowledge for fellow nature enthusiasts.

[bucket-hat-benjamin]

Hey folks, trying to write fic for myself with alternate genin teams. The idea keeps coming back every couple months.

How each option would probably pan out:

Choji: this is the option I keep leaning towards. Choji’s frustrated as fuck with his team since he’s been raised from diapers to put an emphasis on teamwork. He doesn’t really bother talking to his team at this point and is happy to tell Ino or Shikamaru anything about them. The bonus to Choji being on team 7 is that Ino, Kiba and Hinata would be together under Kurenai- she’d probably be a great teacher for all of them, but the important part is that the team would be messy. Ino and Kiba would constantly butt heads, and I don’t think they would be cruel to Hinata but neither of them would notice how distressed she gets when they argue.

Ino: could be really comedic, probably a lot better team dynamic on team 7. Also would probably mean I would push for some InoSaku which would be adorable. I think it would be funny if Ino and Sakura were both screaming at each other and one upping each other, talking about Sasuke as if he’s some trophy husband as both teams watch from the sidelines. Can you see the vision. Team Kurenai would also be more functional I’d reckon.

Kiba: team Kurenai would be more functional, and team 7 would have lovely drama with 3-way screaming matches. Frankly, this option tempts me because of how isolating it would be for Kiba. It would make is character very fun for after the Sand Invasion and during the time skip.

Hinata: would give her a painfully awkward position in team 7 since, like Kiba, she really needs a stable, safe adult in her life (which Kakashi is for sure not), so it could be pretty interesting for her character. It would slather just that extra bit of angst unto her character. This option wasn’t that appealing to me at first, but I could see it working. I still think writing the other options would be more interesting, but I wanted to see what people thought anyways.

Team Kurenai probably would be more functional with choji on it instead of hinata. And choji would probably find Ino and Kiba’s fights amusing, if not a little sometimes frustrating.

[old-danmei-fan]

Holy crap, I wrote this way faster than I thought I would. It started as just some Shino drabbles and morphed into a kinda fic? I'll get it rewritten into a fic with better dialogue since I didn't have any in the first half lmao

Anyways, no warnings besides a little bit of alcohol and bets. It is also sfw. I tried to make it gender neutral and there's no description of the reader's physical appearance. I am open to feedback so please let me know if you've got tips or suggestions for me!

Enjoy ☺️

When you meet as kids, shino is standoffish. He figures you're going to be grossed out or scared of his Kikaichū so he's a little shocked when you don't run away the first time you see them.

You keep coming up to him to just stand next to him and talk even though he doesn't respond much or volunteer any info of his own. You figure he's not telling you to go away so he must not mind your chatter.

You'll tell him about the most mundane parts of your day, about the flowers you saw starting to bloom, or even how you're craving a certain treat your mom made when you were a child. Shino will just stand or walk quietly with you, absorbing every little detail you give up to him.

You only realize Shino is actually listening and not just humoring you when he brings you your favorite treat after he notices you're having a rough day.

After that, you become inseparable from each other outside of missions and other duties. When you aren't training with your team, you go find Shino to train with and vice versa. Whenever you both have time, you'll go grab something to eat together when you're done with training.

Now that you two are friends he doesn't stop talking as long as you show interest in what he's saying. He still makes sure to pay attention to you when you're talking as well and will now interject with questions to keep you talking, no longer making you have a one way conversation.

As you get older and become older teens and even young adults, Shino becomes more and more protective of you. He's not sure why he feels the need to do so, but he figures it's because you're his best friend and that's what friends do.

Realistically, he knows you're a skilled and strong Shinobi, so why does he always feel the urge to step in for you when he knows you don't need him to?

All of your friends can see how close you and Shino have become over the years. They all know you two aren't actually dating, but there are most definitely bets going on about when it will actually happen.

When the Konoha 12 get to go out together, you two find that you gravitate to each other. Even when you drift away in separate conversations, you end up next to each other again eventually.

Shino is always the one that makes sure you get back to your house and in the door safely. As soon as your door starts opening he tells you to have a good night and off he goes.

He really wants you to ask him to stay so you can just hangout together and talk more outside of the noisy bar, but he doesn't want to be rude and ask you to come in.

One time while you're away on an extended mission, Shino and the rest of the of the 12 still in the village, go out to their usual bar for drinks. After a few rounds, Kiba decides to do a little light hearted goading and ask Shino if you two have decided on a date for the wedding.

Shino is more confused by this question than any other question in his life. Why would you two be getting married? You're best friends and he's positive you don't see him that way since no one else in the village ever has.

Kiba apologizes and explains everyone has just assumed you were dating since you're always together and have never shown romantic interest in anyone else throughout the years.

The rest of the night continues on like normal, Shino staying sober and keeping an eye on the rest of the group as they continue drinking. It's not as rowdy tonight as it normally is though so Shino finds himself thinking about your friendship over the years.

He thought about how he always looked forward to your training sessions together, walking you home everytime he could, the way he could tell you were having a bad day by the look in your eyes and how you slightly slumped your shoulders, the way he knew that surprising you with some chai or pastries would bring a smile back to you face.

A face that he just now realized that he misses terribly when you or he are away on missions. A face that brightens his day when he sees you crest the hill leading to the training grounds.

It's like a lightbulb goes off and Shino's eye grow wide behind his glasses with the understanding that not only are you his best friend, you are also the only person in his life that he ever really wants to see. That he has ever really cared for besides his clan. That he is in love with you and never knew it.

While Shino is completely oblivious to the conversations going on around him, Shikamaru leans over to Kiba to ask "Did he really just now figure out he's in love with them?"

Kiba with a smirk on his face responds "He sure did. I bet you 20 he'll be waiting by the gate when they return from their mission."

With that Shikamaru reaches his hand out to Kiba to shake on it.

A few days later as you're starting to see the gate of Konoha, you notice a tall figure leaning against the wall. As you get closer you notice it's Shino and your breath hitches since this is the first time he's been waiting for you at the gate.

As you reach him you frantically start asking what's wrong and if everything is ok since it's not normal for him to be waiting for you. Shino let's you get everything out before telling you nothing is wrong and that he simply missed you and wanted to see you.

Your blush is immediate and you stammer a little as you think of what to say. You've always harbored a crush on your best friend but never thought anything would come of it. Shino never showed any sort or interest or attraction outside of friendship.

However

As you start walking together you think about how he doesn't spend as much time with anyone, outside of his team of course, as he does with you. You abruptly stop walking and as Shino stops and turns to you, you ask him why.

"Why what?" He responds with a look of confusion on what little you can see of his face.

"Why after so many years of us being friends do you decide to wait for me after this mission? It wasn't particularly dangerous. There was no need to worry yourself over me." The question you really want to ask doesn't come out though.

Shino is quiet and contemplative for a moment before he says "Because I have come to the realization that I want to be the first person you see everytime you return from missions." He paused to grab your hands and his voice is a little softer when he continues. "Because after years of you being my best friend, I have come to the conclusion that I'm in love with you."

You stare wide eyed at Shino, extremely surprised, but elated at his confession. You squeeze his hand as you say "Shino, I have been waiting for you to say that to me since you let me talk your ear off as a child."

With that shino surprises you even more as he lifts you from the ground in the tightest hug you've ever experienced. As he puts you down, he grabs your hand to walk with you to give the mission report. "Let's go get dinner after your done giving your report." Shino says as you start the walk to Hokage Tower.

Neither of you noticed Kiba and Shikamaru in the shadow of a near by building watching you walk away. "What a drag" mumbles Shikamaru as he pulls a 20 out of his wallet to give to Kiba.

[wing-ed-thing]

Honey Cakes (Shino x Reader) Chapter VI

Synopsis: You were stupid. You made a stupid choice; it left you with the first real heartache of your life, and you could safely admit that you deserved it. But then the war came. And as quickly as it came, it was over. So what about you and Shino? Sequel to Honey Stand.

Chapter I Chapter II Chapter III Chapter IV Chapter V Chapter VI

Word Count: 3.9k

Warnings/Tags: No Reader Pronouns, Post War, Slow Burn, Slight Canon Divergence, Aged Up Characters, Angst, Language

Notes: uh... meow?

When you got home, the first thing you did was take a long, hot shower. Only when you changed into a fresh set of loungewear—reinvigorated by the clean clothes and the steam wafting out of your bathroom—did you turn your sights to unpacking your mission pack. 

It sat on a tattered mat by your door. The dye on the thick, hardy fabric had faded early in your career, and the dense threads were caked with dirt and other stains that would never come out. Sweat had probably penetrated every stitch. You hauled it by the top strap into your workshop, and from there, you began unpacking. 

The dirty clothes were tossed into your laundry basket. Your unused kunai and shuriken were placed in a pile on your workbench to be repacked into your smaller bag for patrols. You’d inspect them later. 

With you and Shino home again, you knew it would take no time for the both of you to be incorporated back into the schedule for patrols, guard duty, and other routine responsibilities for experienced shinobi. The leftover equipment and tools used for your installation went back into their proper places in your organization system (or at least what you called “organized”). 

Tap. Tap. Tap.

You perked up at the sound, instinctively turning in the direction of the window between your lounge area and your kitchen. You padded out of your workshop, and before you sat a messenger hawk on its outside perch. It pecked again, although gently, at the glass. The surface was still scratched and weathered. A neat little card sat in its beak.

You unlatched the window, sliding it open to take your message from the bird. You took the card from the messenger hawk, which let out a delighted shriek, flaring its wings. It motioned with its head, and upon further inspection, it appeared that the hawk carried several messages. All of them were crammed into the message canister so tightly that you thought you would have to take the whole harness off, but with a bit of effort, you managed to retrieve your cylinder of communications. You sent the bird off with a small treat before closing the window again. 

You read the first of the bird’s communications. You started with a lilac-colored note as you rinsed your hand off in the sink. The square-shaped envelope carried a letter written on quality, heavy-duty paper. You studied your name written at the top in neat penmanship. 

“We would like to formally extend an invitation to our wedding rehearsal…” the first line read. You skimmed the rest, quickly absorbing the time and location details before flipping the card over in acute confusion. 

You didn’t think people usually sent out invitations to wedding rehearsals, but you had, after all, been unreachable as of late. You had also never planned a wedding before, so you decided that perhaps you weren’t one to judge a couple’s abundance of communication with their wedding guests. 

You flipped past a few bills and other documents you deemed ignorable for the time being. You were late on a few annual trainings and had to renew some certification or another. Deadlines for various menial tasks were approaching somewhere off in the near-distant future, although it wasn’t something you were remotely worried about. 

The documents were so crammed together that they were hard to separate. But amongst the curled notices, you instantly recognized a formal insignia. Your fingers fumbled, quickly separating it from the rest, only to find that there were two official messages. Your name was printed sternly at the top of both, and together they read,

“I am pleased to offer you the position of Senior Commanding Jōnin at…”

— “Fort Azuma, the eastern base affiliated with Konohagakure…”

— “Fort Nantou, the southeastern base affiliated with Konohagakure…”

That was… horribly fast. However, you weren’t too surprised that the satellite bases were hurting to acquire some experienced leadership. So much had changed after the war, including the mass of shinobi who decided to retire and those lost on the field. 

It was a good thing. It was what you wanted. And yet, you couldn’t help the beat of hesitancy that wracked your body. 

You stood, holding both offers in your hands. You traced the letters with your eyes; their shape served as an oddly harsh and surreal reminder of reality. You had taken the steps to transfer out of the central village. You dreamed about the opportunity to escape your routine, to become someone new somewhere else. And yet… perhaps you didn’t consider you’d get this far.

A single, curled note floated to the floor from somewhere behind your offer notices. It was printed on intricately official paper directly from the Hokage’s office. Only one word was printed on it.

“Drinks?” It read. 

You let out a heavy sigh.

“Fuck yes,” you breathed.

***

 Shikamaru had a usual place that he liked to escape to both after and during hours when it came to lulls on busy afternoons. It allowed for smoking and wasn’t too far from the Hokage building. You arrived shortly after receiving his note, knowing that it was more likely than not that he was still there. If Shikamaru wasn’t at work, he was at home with Temari; if he wasn’t at home with Temari, he was here. 

The sun still shone light in the sky, but its orientation was slowly sinking as if trying to slink off behind the horizon without anyone noticing. It wasn’t too dissimilar to the way Shikamaru had slinked off to his corner bar seat. 

The bar sat half inside and half outside, with the outside part coiling around an unfortunately placed pillar near one of the outer walls of the building. But the awkward orientation made for a quiet, out-of-sight nook for Shikamaru, his drink, and his ashtray.

“You’re hiding,” you frowned, sliding onto the seat next to him. You plucked a little rectangular menu out from under Shikamaru’s ashtray.  

His back pressed against the wall behind him as he sat sideways on his chair, lounging laxly with a cigarette between his fingers. He took a drag on it with a shrug.

“You found me anyway,” he hummed. You didn’t humor his sarcastic reply; you already engaged with the bartender who took your drink order. Shikamaru couldn’t be bothered to pay attention to what you asked for. He slumped a little farther down against the wall, letting his knees spread on his seat. His free hand rested on the back of his chair. 

You turned to Shikamaru, “Food and drinks are on you, right?”

Shikamaru exhaled a puff of smoke, brow cocked. 

“Who said anything about food?” he huffed, but you were already handing your little menu off, and the bartender went on his way. After eating nothing but boring base food and field snacks, you were itching for something with a little flavor. A little something that would surely clog your arteries didn’t sound too bad, either. 

Shikamaru sighed, extinguishing the butt of his cigarette in his ashtray. He was planning on charging the tab to Old Man Kakashi anyway…

“How was the install?” he asked. You didn’t notice the delayed drag of his words as Shikamaru tried a little too hard to remain casual. His eyes flickered toward you, then down as he brought his drink to his lips. 

You didn’t say a word. Instead, you pulled the offer letters out of your pocket and gently threw them on the table. They fell perfectly, the pages sailing to a spot on the counter between you, where they sat overlayed with each other. 

Shikamaru nearly choked, taking little more than a second to recover as he stared at you with wide eyes.

“Oh shit,” he coughed, “You really went through with it.”

In his state of shock, neither you nor Shikamaru knew if his words were a question or a flabbergasted statement. The bottom of his glass was quickly placed back on the countertop. It hit the surface with a tiny splatter, his cup sweating far too much condensation from the time he’d been sitting there and nursing it. 

Shikamaru tugged the top letter down just enough to see the contents of the paper underneath, even though he already knew what it said. 

“I mean…” he trailed. Fuck, he needed another cigarette for this. Shikamaru dug around in his pockets. “Congrats.” 

He took his pack from his pocket, summoning a cigarette upward with a sharp flick of his wrist. Immediately, he took it into his mouth, lighting the end with an acute sigh of relief. 

Shikamaru had an inkling this would happen. You mentioned a transfer in passing a few times, and no matter how often he made grunts to the contrary, you seemed to always have it in your mind that condemning yourself to a satellite base would make you feel accomplished. 

Kiba also did a stint at the southern base when he was having a quarter-life crisis. He called it a tour of the boonies before he came back to the village with his tail between his legs to finally buck up and settle down with Tamaki. 

You frowned, quickly shuffling the offer letters away. 

“I wasn’t expecting a big reaction out of you, but jeez,” you huffed. You waved your hand in the air to try to dissipate the smoke that seemed to pour from Shikamaru. 

“What?” he said with crinkled brows. “I said congrats.”

“Uh-huh,” you hummed. Try to be less excited. Please, Shikamaru, this is embarrassing.” Your drink was delivered sometime between mockeries, and you wasted no time bringing it to your lips. The appetizer you ordered followed closely behind. 

Shikamaru rolled his eyes.

“No one’s gonna jizz their pants because you got a position you’re overqualified for.”

“Thanks for that.”

While the satellite bases were nothing to look down upon, they hardly got much action after the war. Armed with skilled shinobi as they already were, having you there would be like fortifying an anthill with a bazooka. 

The generation most responsible for the Leaf’s successes during the war was the most accomplished class in a long while, with each and every one of you being a powerhouse in your own right.

Shikamaru shook his head, putting the butt of his cigarette out with a bit more force than necessary. It wasn’t an angry action but one of laziness as he let his wrist almost drop down amongst the ashes.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

“You don’t gotta prove shit,” he muttered, but not lowly enough for you to be able to ignore him. You frowned, crossing your legs as you continued to nurse your drink. He reached for a bite of your food with a shadow he didn’t think you’d notice, slowly inching the basket closer. 

“You don’t get restless?” You glanced at him out of the corner of your eye. Shikamaru shrugged.

“Only the ambitious get restless,” he sighed, pressing his cheek into the palm of his hand. “I’m gonna live here, die here, and that’s plenty for me.” 

“You’re in a mood today.”

“You’re starting to sound like my wife,” Shikamaru mused with a grumble before letting silence wash over the two of you. Idle chatter from around you melded together into white noise along with the low music that played from somewhere. He took a shallow breath in.

”Stop that.” 

“Stop what?” 

“Breathing like that.” You swiveled slightly on your seat to face him. Your eyes narrowed. “I know what you’re thinking. Don’t even ask.” 

Shikamaru’s eyebrows bounced as he dug a bit deeper into the food. The basket appeared to have grown just slightly closer to him. You didn’t like the self-assured dip of his lip. 

“So it’s about him after all,” Shikamaru sighed, reaching for another bite. You pulled the basket away before he could, much to Shikamaru’s visible dismay.

“Don’t even go there,” you warned, glaring. “It’s not.”

“But it’s at least a part of it.” He appeared otherwise unbothered. “Can’t you two just kiss and make up already? This has been going on long enough—”

—“I’m not the one who brought it up—”

“Talk about emotionally constipated…” 

“I’m not talking about this because there’s nothing to talk about. It’s not about him, okay? It would be stupid if it was.” You slapped his hand away from the last bite of your food, meeting his gaze as you shoved the last of it into your mouth. Shikamaru’s posture visibly deflated. 

“Now that’s just uncalled for.”

“Get your own.” You swiveled back around to face the counter, still guarding the now-empty snack basket. You slumped back against the back of your seat, arms crossed. “Besides… We talked about it plenty. Probably too much. It’s just…” Shikamaru’s intent stare made it easy for him to catch your eye. It made it even easier to see through the slight smile you tried to offer him. “… time to move on, isn’t it?”

Shikamaru tore his gaze away from yours, already digging for another cigarette. 

“It seems like you’ve already got your mind made up…”

***

“Is everything… okay?” Kakashi’s eyes narrowed. He clasped his hands together, leaning the tip of his chin on his folded fingers. 

A vein in Shino’s forehead twitched in confusion.

“Yes…?” He spoke slowly, thrown off by the intense stare that bore into him. Kakashi sat unmoving despite Shino’s answer. He gazed straight ahead, almost as if he were expecting more. “Why?”

“I thought I’d have better luck getting an answer out of you than—” Kakashi motioned to the empty space next to Shino where you had just been standing. You dashed out of his office after delivering your report quickly. It would be a few more hours until you met Shikamaru for drinks. —“That one. Nearly ripped my doors off the hinges coming in and out of here.”

“I can’t say I have anything else to report,” Shino said, the corner of his lips pulling slightly downward. He buried his hands in his pockets. “If you don’t need any other information about the installation, I’ll be going—”

Kakashi waved his hand in the air with a sigh.

“I’ve heard all I need to about that,” he said with another huff. “I wanted to know what was going on with that weird chakra between you two.” Kakashi raised a lazy finger, gesturing between Shino and the empty space again. 

Shino’s frown only deepened. 

“You can’t possibly be this bored.”

“It’s not like you to be getting into fistfights.” Kakashi shrugged, sitting back in his chair with his arms coiled over his chest. His words weren't scolding as much as they almost sounded mocking. He was getting at something; if Shino was good at anything, it was picking up on subtleties. 

“Fair enough, you’ve made your point,” Shino was quick to speak, his words spitting out with more force than he intended. 

It caused Kakashi a slight pause, not so much taken aback as silently self-satisfied in an unspoken hunch. Perhaps he was bored after all. He sat up just a bit taller. Kakashi’s arms remained crossed over his chest, his elbows now resting on his desk as he leaned forward. 

He didn’t say anything else, simply staring at Shino with an unsettlingly unreadable expression under his mask. And then, without warning, he rose, slapping his fingers on the surface of his desk.

“A personal matter then… None of my business.”

“Am I dismissed then?” 

Kakashi hummed affirmatively, and Shino paid little mind as Kakashi slowly meandered around to the front of his desk. Rather, Shino turned quickly, eager to get home and shed his gear. 

“But if I could give you one piece of advice before you go…” Shino had just reached the door, his hand hovering over the handle as Kakashi spoke. He cringed, eyes pinching closed just slightly as his head ticked to the side. 

He ironed his expression back out before he turned around, eyeing Kakashi with a little less restraint for his annoyance. Although, his demeanor wasn’t too far from his regular appearance. 

Kakashi leaned his hip against the front of his desk, a few papers in his hand. He didn’t look at Shino when he spoke, shuffling through the same three pages.

“If you’re going to make a decision, I would do it sooner rather than later,” he said. Shino didn’t have time to respond. Kakashi lowered the pages, finally making lazy eye contact. “I’ve been getting quite a few base transfer requests lately. I suppose a change of scenery is in high demand right now.” 

Shino eyed him warily from behind his darkened shades. 

“I suppose it is.”

***

Kiba was apparently looking for him. He had been banging at Shino’s door a few times a day, much to the dismay of Shino’s neighbors and the rest of the Aburames at the family compound. But if Kiba was anything more than a nuisance, he was thorough. Several different people reported Kiba’s ruckus to Shino but also carried a message: Kiba wanted to meet and soon.

Even so, Shino took his sweet time meeting his fellow squad member. The whole change of scenery thing stuck with Shino more than he would’ve liked, but he thought that with all the bustle about the wedding, there would be plenty to distract himself with. Konohamaru had apparently been working on some grand video in Shino’s absence, and everyone in their class was brainstorming creative ideas and gifts to bring to the celebration. At least, that’s what his beetles were reporting back to him.

“Ew! A bug!”

“Catch it! Catch it!”

Shino’s head snapped to the side just in time to catch a small group of children rapidly closing in on one of his beetles. Shino lunged forward with a yell, with a bit more urgency than was necessary if he were actually thinking, startling the group as the beetle swiftly escaped to its host. But with his bug safe and his 194cm form now hovering menacingly over a group of small children, Shino considered damage control.

“That bug’s my… friend.” He cringed as the words spilled off his lips. The sheepish crinkle of his brows was well hidden behind his hood and dark shades. To Shino, the statement made sense. Still, he was aware enough to understand how his words could potentially come off as absolutely insane. 

“You’re a bug summoner!” one of the kids exclaimed in recognition. Shino let out a subtle breath that he didn’t realize he had been holding. Great, he couldn’t even talk to Genin in a coherent way without help.

“Yeah,” Shino affirmed, and what little control he had over the interaction vanished as the group of kids swarmed him. And being the sucker he was (Mirai’s made him soft in recent years), Shino was commanding his beetles to do tricks before he knew it. He contorted them into different shapes, answering questions and entertaining chatter about the children’s various shinobi ambitions. 

“I’ve never seen a bug-user in person before!” Well, now you have.

“Do you have to summon them one at a time?” No.

“Are you popular at parties?” No.

“Do you want to become an insect summoner?” Shino asked a boy whose hands were just about saturated with beetles. The boy glinted up at him with wild eyes, hands poised up in the air like a surgeon ready for a procedure. 

“No way!” he exclaimed with certainty. A thick layer of bugs crawled over his palms and fingers. “I’m gonna become Hokage one day and surpass Naruto Uzumaki as a ninja.” 

“The Hokage, huh?” Shino hummed with seriousness. (He could ignore the implication that an insect summoner can’t be Hokage.) “Well, if you want to surpass Naruto, you’ll have to become Hokage, right?”

“You get it!” One of the other children chirped. 

Shino nodded, memories of Kiba and his bragging prevalent in his mind. It almost made Shino crack a smile. A group of two boys and one girl… They even looked a little like Team 8. 

“Yeah, I know someone else who wants to be Hokage. And if you ask me, you’ve got him beat already.”

The boy’s eyes glittered. 

“Really?”

Shino didn’t have it in him to stifle the way the corners of his mouth turned upward. 

“Really,” he said, “I can’t say I know anyone who says they want to become Hokage as an afterthought. You’ve got a serious dream, alright.”

“Was your dream to become an insect user?” The little girl asked. 

Shino faltered. His logical side wanted to say no, that the Aburame clan established their hives at very young ages as part of a long-held tradition. However, he was reluctant to say that what amounted to upholding his birthright wasn’t his dream. But no one had asked him outright what he wanted out of life before…

Once again, Shino didn’t get the opportunity to speak. 

“Oh,” one of the little boys asked, seeming to sense Shino’s hesitation, “Are you one of those shinobi that just want a wife and kids?”

The other little boy smacked the back of the boy’s head. 

“Not everyone wants a wife, stupid.” He turned to Shino. “He can have a husband,” he said with assertive certainty. He nodded profusely. “Or like, I dunno, something like my parents!”

“I really have to be going,” Shino cleared his throat. Judging by the sun’s position in the sky, he was already late for his meeting with Kiba, and his conversation with this genin group was beginning to sound like an Aburame family gathering.

So, when Shino and Kiba gathered to discuss wedding presents, Shino thought that the lightness of the topic could keep him well-distracted. 

He thought wrong.

“It’s our final mission as Team 8,” Kiba said, glancing over his shoulder at Shino with a wide grin. “Once Hinata gets married, we won’t get to work together the way we used to, right?” He was too lost in his grand proclamations to see the visible tension in Shino’s figure.

“Yeah…” Shino muttered. “That’s true.” 

Shino knew— yes, the thought had crossed his mind— that Hinata getting married would mean the end of Team 8. Hinata was hardly enthusiastic about mission work anyway. Despite all she did to do her part in stepping up during reconstruction, the donations of her time and efforts were more out of the goodness of her heart rather than a passion for late-night patrols. 

Her wedding would mark a perfect opportunity for her to retire. Shino knew Hinata had always wanted to be a mother, so retiring and having a baby or two would be a well-deserved dream realized. Shino was more than happy for her, but it was another thing he had never heard spoken out loud before. 

Kiba had even said it lightly. We won’t get to work together the way we used to, as opposed to Team 8 will never fight together again. (Unless Hinata grew restless for a bit of field action, Shino couldn’t recount the last time he witnessed Hinata restless.)

And so, despite Kiba’s abundance of excitement to set out on a quest, Shino quickly took the lead. They both set off quickly, searching for the perfect gift for Naruto and Hinata.

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

Notes: Hi hi hi I'm sorry for the... 2 year delay 🥲 I finally figured out what I want to do with this story and I guess it took this long. No timeline at the moment, sorry!

Chapter I Chapter II Chapter III Chapter IV Chapter V Chapter VI

[sweet1delusi0ns]

What they call you in bed ──☆*:・ﾟ

Fem!dom!reader + suggestive/smut obviously

This is for all y’all fellow doms out there😋

Characters: Naruto🦊,sasuke🗡️,Itachi🥀, kakashi🍃, kiba🐺, shikamaru🀄️,shino🪲,neji🎋,Lee🥋,choji🍥,gaara⏳,kankuro🪆

Naruto🦊-*

He’s vocal so honestly he will call you anything you want or find attractive~

He mostly calls you ma’am though, ever since he started calling you ma’am during argument he found it very hot to call you ma’am while you dom him~

Other that that it’s mostly just your name!

He loves being ‘punished’ for being bad just so he can say things like “yes ma’am~ I’ll never d-do it again AhH~” “what are you gunna do to me ma’am?~” “no ma’am I would never disobey you~” (he would)

Sasuke🗡️-*

He’s timid but kinky when it comes to you, calls you authority like names like miss or ma’am, and sometimes just your name with a whimpering tone~

“Miss…please…I need y-you” or “y/n, can you please help m-me…” is mainly how it started. He likes your authority even though you barely use it, He’s a good listener so there is no need to use your authority

Itachi🥀-*

He wants to act like all he wants to call you is just your name, but in the moment he sometimes lets a little ‘mistress…’ out

“M-mis…y/n… don’t stop please..” “what were you going to say?~” “M…mistress…” “Mmm oh I like that~”

Other then that he’s relatively quiet other than moans n cries (cutiee)

Kakashi🍃-*

Doesn’t admit it but he loves the idea of you ‘owning’ him during private moments

Naturally he calls you master sometimes but also calls you mistress as well. Sometime puts on a necklace of some sort just so you could pull on it and call him a good boy~

“I’ve been a good boy master I promisee~” “mistressssss pleaseeee i cant wait any longerrrr!” He’s not shy necessarily, he’s more shameless than confident mostly, so he isn’t scared to get your attention by calling you names only reserved for the bedroom~

Kiba🐺-*

Also calls you mistress, he does it to tease since he is VERY confident (borderline bratty honest) and he just likes the name, but also calls your name as well

“Don’t be a brat with me Kiba I’m in no mood!” “Ooo is mistress gunna get rough if I don’t listen? Ohh no!!” He openly likes it when your rough we all know. Also such a tease sometimes he just gets on his knees in front if you And start biting your thighs and when you tell him to stop he really goes “oh but y/n~ I’m not doing anything wrong though~” then continues to nibble at you until you lose it

Shikamaru🀄️-*

Mama’s he 100% calls you mama’s. Mommy isn’t his thing mama’s is more laid back he feels. So when you start pulling his hair or overstimulating him he always praises about how hot you are

“Oh god~ your so sexy mama’s~! M-more~” or “your so hot when your pinning me down mama’s~” he finds you so attractive when you dom him so he’s gotta make it known. He’s such a sweet talker😋

Shino🪲-*

He isn’t the best with names so the main pet name he calls you is also what he calls you in bed, which if flower obviously! But just because he isn’t good with names doesn’t mean his vanilla. One of his favorite things is overstimulation but that’s for another time

“I-it’s too m-much flower p-please…” or “don’t stop!!! Please flower dont stop Ahh~”

Neji🎋-*

He doesn’t like you being rough, he’s rather you be gentle and sweet, so he calls you sweetheart! Of topic but I feel like he doesn’t cuss during sex idk why but it’s cute!

“Sweetheart ngh…please c-can you go a little harder…” even though he likes it soft he sometimes wants it a litter rougher “OH~~ Gosh~ NGHH S-SWEETHEART…”

Lee🥋-*

WORSHIPPERRRRR! He can worship you ALL DAYYY so obviously he calls you ‘beautiful goddess’ or just goddess. He’s a worshipper but is so energetic to the point he doesn’t know what to do

“My beautiful goddess can I PLEASEEEEE pleasure you!! I’ll be good this time I promise!!” “Y-your so beautiful NGHh~ g-goddess please~” he’s so hyper you literally have to tie him up just so he stays still long enough for you to do anything!

Choji🍥-*

He’s also a worshipper but different from Lee, Lee can worship all day long but Choji needs diversity, one second your ‘goddess’ the next your ‘master’ and even ‘mommy’ but rarely

Also he gets very drained easily but get regain the energy when he eats, so sometimes you have to stop just to feed him which he loves “open up baby~” “yes master~” he would gladly eat off of you while calling you “goddess”

Gaara⏳-*

Mommy issuessss, he also isn’t good with nicknames but one day ‘mommy’ slipped out while you were leaving marks all over him and it stuck

He doesn’t mind you doing literally everything but sometimes he wants to help but doesn’t know how “mommy…I don’t really know what I’m doing uhm, can you show me…?” Other then that he’s a classic softy sub!

Kankuro🪆-*

Mommy issues + brattyness! He starts off all teasing and bratty. One time he dead ass called you “dommy mommy” other then that it’s either ‘master’ or ‘mistress’

I’ve said it before he loves being a bad boy so he can get punished. Punishments are expected from you. “Ooo I’ve been a bad boy master~ please pull my hair!! Tie me up!! anything!!!” “Well your not shy huh?” “Nope I just want my dommy mommy to rough me up~” “don’t ever call me that again, seriously your slutty side is showing-” “FUCKK CALL ME THAT AGAIN MISTRESS~”

[spiderbaby123]

Shino's eyes are definitely honey badger brown and I will defend that with my life. They're like brown and gray at the same time and I would Frick the frack out if I could.

[phantomstatistician]

Fandom: Naruto

Character: Shino Aburame

Sample Size: 792 stories

Source: AO3

[obito-in-disguise]

| Avoiding their touch |

Pranking male Naruto characters by avoiding their touch.

Uchiha Sasuke

At first, Sasuke ignores your strange behavior. If you wanted to be weird, that was your headache, not his.

But when you sidestep him during a mission as he reaches out to steady you after a jump, his eyes narrow.

"What's your problem?" he asks, deadpan, stepping closer and reaching out for you again.

You shrug innocently, dodging his touch once more. His jaw tightens, and he retracts his hand.

Sasuke is surprisingly patient after that. But after you dodge his touch a third time, that patience snaps. Determined to keep up the charade, you move to avoid his arm when he tries to protect you again.

"Whatever" did you seriously think he had a problem with not touching you?

He doesn't even bother with words anymore. Playing along with your game, he grabs the back of your shirt and effortlessly flings you out of harm's way.

"Hey!"

"You wanna play games? Fine," he mutters, completely unfazed by your wide-eyed glare.

For the rest of the day, Sasuke avoids your touch, despite your whining and apologies. This was your punishment for playing silly games with him.

Uzumaki Naruto

"huh??"

You must be tripping, Naruto thinks, watching you duck when he tries to pull you into one of his bone-crushing hugs.

Naruto is all about physical affection, high fives, random hugs, scooping you up into his arms. So when you dodge his hug, his jaw drops.

The look on his face is too ridiculous, you can't stop yourself from bursting into laughter at his utter shock of your audacity.

"You're so dramatic" you roll your eyes, pulling him into a hug as an apology.

Naruto grins and returns the hug twice as hard, lifting you off the ground for good measure. Ignoring your squeals of embarrassment, he parades through the village with you still awkwardly dangling in his arms as punishment.

"Put me down Naruto! You're so embarrassing!"

Aburame Shino

Shino is flabbergasted, to say the least. You never avoided his touch, and he loved that because you were the only person he was comfortable being affectionate with anyway.

His eye twitches, but his shoulders eventually sag in relief when he sees you struggling to contain your laughter. You were just playing a silly prank after all, thank goodness.

He discreetly releases a meliponine bee from his jacket sleeve, the little creature was harmless and couldn't sting, but you didn't need to know that.

The moment you spot it, your eyes widen.

"SHINO, ONE OF YOUR BEES ESCAPED!"

Shrieking, you leap into his arms. His lips stretch into a smug smirk as he catches you.

"Oh? What's this? I thought you didn't want me to touch you?"

You narrow your eyes, quickly connecting the dots. Jumping out of his arms, you smack his shoulder lightly.

"Touché"

Hyuga Neji

Neji was pretty much sick of your shit at this point, you've been on a pranking streak all week and it put him on edge.

Now he questions every little reaction from you, wondering if it was a prank or not.

Even now, he stood watching you, his posture stiff, an irritated glare on his face.

"Stop testing my patience y/n."

He grits out, reaching for you again, watching you move out of the way.

"Have I...have I done anything to upset you?"

he asks, voice shaky, exhaustion creeping in. He was afraid this time you weren't joking and he might've actually upset you.

You immediately drop the act, not liking the kicked puppy dog look on his face one bit.

"I'm sorry baby, I was just messing around" you tug him into a hug to which he returns with a glare, ultimately glad this wasn't anything serious.

He reaches down to flick your forehead.

"Ow!"

"You're an idiot. Quit it with the silly games ok?" he murmurs gently brushing his fingers over the spot he flicked.

"Ok ok"

Uchiha Itachi

Itachi chuckles, watching you sidestep his hug. He immediately knew you were playing games, no one craved his touch more than you did.

"Are you sure you want to do that? I'm leaving for a mission and won't be back till tomorrow"

You bite your lip, weighing your options. He was right, 24hrs was way too long to go without a hug.

You huff, shuffling into his still open arms with defeat. "Fine, I yield"

He laughs again, giving you a soft squeeze before pulling away.

"I'll see you in a couple hours" he says, placing a kiss on your hair before pulling away.

"See y- wait what! You said tomorrow"

"I lied" he calls out, smiling casually, like he didn't just decieve you, continuing down the path without looking back.

You can't help but chuckle at his cuningness, you were so going to get him back when he returns though.

Uchiha Obito

"Well aren't you a picture of domesticity" Obito muses, watching you make coffee in one of his button downs, the shirt large on you.

He can't help himself, he reaches out to feel your soft skin only to be met with air when you move out of the way, giving him a strange look.

If he paid more attention, he would've noticed the look on your face was you struggling to hold in your laughter, but his stomach was too busy dropping to his feet.

Obito was insecure, about his face, about his body, and his past. Despite your reassurances, a part of him never believed he was what you wanted.

He was chronically paranoid that one day you'd realize you could have better, and leave him.

It didn't take you too long to figure out what was going through his head when he froze, staring at you like a deer in headlights.

"Shit, this was a terrible idea" you immediately grab his hands, placing one on your cheek and the other on your waist "I'm sorry, I was just messing around"

He stares down at you for a few seconds gauging your sincerity before sighing, his body untensing in relief.

"You're a menace..." his arms snake around you, pulling you into his chest, happy this was just a joke.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry"

Hatake Kakashi

Kakashi notices but doesn't react right away. Instead, he silently joins your game.

Every time he sees you coming he makes a point to dramatically avoid touching you even by a hair's breath, dramatically bending and contorting his body into all sorts of shapes.

"You're terrible" you giggle, trying to grab him, watching him dodge your hands like his life depended on it.

"me? You're the one who started it"

he finally relents, letting you tug him into your arms.

"You could've seriously hurt my feelings you know? I'm sensitive"

You snort, Kakashi didn't give a shit and you both knew it.

You lean up, tugging his mask down to peck is nose as an apology "You're about as sensitive as that rock over there"

He chuckles, deciding to let your snark go, he won after all, you wouldn't be avoiding his touch again.

I just realized I've never done headcannons for the naruto characters at once, so enjoy!

Feel free to check out my other Naruto Shippuden fics and more stories!

Tiny taglist🥲: @catlover19282

[randomness-is-my-order]

She had thought, quite naïvely, that her own youngest progeny would be the biggest bane of her existence before Naruto had come stumbling into her home with deceptively innocent smiles and too-big faultless eyes.

“Why, in the name of kami, is he dressed like that?!” Tsume hissed the question to the guilty-looking chunin who had been assigned as Naruto’s personal guard for the week.

He was a capable young man–generally less boisterous than the members of her Clan tended to be, with a level head on his shoulders. Yet... somehow, under his careful watch, the blond troublemaking Namikaze had miraculously acquired the standard Aburame coat and their classic pair of glasses and was now adorning them in an imitation of their lovely rivals. “I need an answer, Kazu!”

–Chapter 5, Naruto’s Very Eminent, Very Influential Babysitters.

The fic has been updated, woohoo!! It’s a story about Naruto being raised communally by the various Clans of Konoha on a rotational basis. This chapter covers the Inuzukas and the Aburames. :P

[a-girl-must-have-a-new-name]

All of the Times Naruto Knew She Danced and the One Time He Didn't

Part Four

The fourth time was after the couple moved in together. While he had noticed Hinata dancing in the apartment from time to time, it was more of an unconscious movement. Hinata gliding and turning elegantly around the apartment came as simply and naturally as breathing.  

No, whatever this type of dance was, was  very… consciousable.  If that was even a word. Naruto thought to himself,  as he watched Hinata push their couch up against a wall, while Kiba lifted the dining table up over his head and casually walked past Naruto. A stupid smirk on his face as he plopped the table onto the couple’s bed. 

“Excuse me, Naruto, where can I put this?” Naruto jumped from the close proximity of Shino. Turning his head slightly away from the man. In order to avoid being cheek to cheek, Naruto felt a vein throbbing and his annoyance rising. Before Naruto could even figure out a nice way to tell Shino exactly where he could put his tv. Hinata’s sweet melodic voice crashed over him, calming Naruto.

“Shino-kun please bring the tv this way.”

Shino nodded as he moved around Naruto. Plopping the tv onto the coffee table that Kiba had also commandeered and moved towards the opposite wall. Naruto watched from his safe spot in the kitchen  as team eight continued to rearrange the apartment.

It was Tuesday night, and like his standing sparring session with Hinata, it seemed team eight had a routine all of their own. Hinata had asked Naruto a few nights ago  if he would mind if the boys came over.( It was her week to host the event.) Naruto was quick to remind her that this was her apartment now too, and she could do whatever she wanted. Hinata beamed and kissed him on the cheek. Promising him that they wouldn’t cause too much of a disturbance as she began to give detail of the night. Still focusing on the warmth of her lips, Naruto grabbed her. Effectively cutting her off and preventing her from moving away, as he pulled both of them onto the couch. The rest of the conversation was quickly forgotten.

But now, as he watched Kiba and Shino begin to stretch in his small apartment he thought maybe he should have listened a little more thoroughly. Surely they weren’t about to spar in here right? Looking over the small apartment he realized how cramped they all truly were. So much so that Akamaru was also banished to the kitchen as it was the only space left for the dog. Just as he was about to let his concerns be known Kiba turned the tv on and flipped to a station that played music videos. 

“Guys they’re on!”   The gasp of excitement that came from Hinata, was way too adorable as she scrambled up from the floor crowding the tv with her other two members. However, once he saw what was happening in front of him Naruto almost choked on the cup of ramen he had made. As the music video was starting Kiba, Shino, and Hinata all three got into their places and as the members of the boybands began to move, so did each member of team eight. 

Naruto could only think to cover his mouth as Shino started the dance by slowly walking out towards the middle of what was now apparent their makeshift “stage” and posed for just a moment before the music went into an upbeat tempo and suddenly Shino was moving. Arm for arm. Leg for leg, Shino matched the choreography perfectly. Then suddenly Shino and Kiba switched places as Kiba and his designated dancer took center stage. Both were powerhouses as they swung their bodies in all different directions and did hand movements. If he didn’t know any better he would have thought Kiba was going through hand signals for a  jutsu.

Suddenly the chorus of the song rose and with it the three team members in complete sync did the full routine together. It was quite silly to see these three moving forward towards the tv arms wiggling before all skipping backwards, arms windmilling behind them. On and on they kept going, as a new member would perform a solo so would one of team eight. It was only as the final beat of the chorus ended  and the team in front of him hit their final poses that Naruto finally couldn’t contain it anymore and let out a chuckle. 

Three pairs of eyes (Four if he was counting Akamaru) turned to him. A smile on Hinata’s face, while Kiba looked unimpressed and Shino, well he really couldn’t tell what Shino was thinking.

“Got a problem, buddy?” Kiba demanded, still in his final pose. That caused Naruto to outright laugh. Clutching his stomach as he did so.

“I’m sorry-I really am not trying to be rude, I just didn’t expect that!” 

“Why not? Routine dances are a good form of exercise and a valuable training tool.” Shino spoke up as the group moved out of their pose to face Naruto.

“Training tool?” Naruto’s interest peaked as the three nodded vigorously.  

“Come join us, Naruto-kun!” Hinata urged, suddenly excited over the idea.

“I don’t know Hinata I-

“Please!” she begged, her eye’s big and wide with hope. Naruto couldn’t deny her. With a resigned sigh he made his way over to the three, choosing to ignore the sound Akamaru made as he passed (which sounded suspiciously like a laugh.) Once he was in front of the tv.  Hinata very seriously began to explain. 

“When on the field you need to be able to assess a situation in a moment's notice. Correct?”

“Correct.”

“ So you must be able to adapt quickly and move almost without thinking in order to counter an attack.”

“Yes?” 

“So here’s what you are going to do. Whatever song comes up next, you are going to pick a person to focus on. You’ll have a few seconds to figure out how they move and then you are going to copy their movements to the best of your ability. The goal is to be able to calculate your opponent or in this case your dancer’s  moves almost before they even know what they will do. Ok, Naruto-kun?”  Suddenly this didn’t seem nearly as silly as it had been a few seconds ago. It actually did sound like serious and useful training.  Excitement pumped through Naruto’s veins as he moved to the front of the tv. 

“Yeah! Let’s do this!” Naruto shouted, hyper focused, and ready to take on whatever came his way. 

“Wait, what?” Naruto fumbled as the very next video was a girl group.  He looked at all of the girls in the video, a very different concept from the fast paced energetic one that had previously played on the screen. Maybe he could try the next video.

“Quickly, Naruto-kun, get in position!”  Hinata exclaimed. Naruto jumped, nodding as he quickly scanned the girl group and made to move to the center spot.

“No way! That's my spot!” Kiba barked as he yanked Naruto behind him. Naruto was about to strangle the man but the music had already started. Giving Kiba one last glare he moved into the same starting pose as the girl standing behind Kiba’s. Naruto had less than a second to question what he was even doing before the girls started to move. 

If anyone outside of his living room had asked him how he did, he would have said it was a piece of cake.  However, the truth of it was a very different story entirely. The poor man stumbled around for what felt like the longest four minutes of his life.  At some point he just stood rigidly still, only offering late hand gestures. It took Hinata’s encouragement for him to keep going, and so he powered through running in tempo to his positions, swaying and moving his body, most notably his hips, in ways he was not all that used to. A fact that Kiba felt the need to yell out from across the room.

“For someone who used to change into a sexy babe for fun, you sure have no feminine grace about you!” Kiba mocked as he himself shimmied slowly towards the ground before moving back up and jutting a hip out. The jab was the insult it seemed Naruto needed to up his own ante.

“Fuck off Kiba! I’ve got twice the feminine grace you do!” Naruto shouted as he aggressively snapped his fingers to the beat. Determined to prove himself, Naruto brought his arms in toward his chest before  throwing them up towards the ceiling. From there Naruto rotated his wrist as seductively as possible. Grinning to himself in victory when he caught Hinata blushing as she unabashedly watched the movement . Feeling encouraged and storing that information away for later, Naruto hit every move after it was only when the video ended that he allowed himself to drop to the floor gasping for air. 

“How..huff..was..that?!” Naruto gasped out as he laid on the floor.

“Terrific Naruto-kun!” Hinata beamed at him giving him a thumbs up.

“Very promising. Why? Because even though you have no rhythm, you have the will to work hard.”  Shino murmured.

“I’ve seen better.”  Kiba huffed as he turned his head away.  Naruto ignored the other two ‘s comments and jabs as he smiled up at Hinata as she bent over him smiling radiantly as she offered her hand. Naruto took it without hesitation as he got up.

The rest of the night was spent much of the same. New groups came on and Naruto would dance. Some groups were better than others and at least three videos from that first male group played throughout the night and judging by the excitement on team eight’s face as they danced, it seemed they were a crowd favorite. Though as the videos kept playing Naruto had to admit the girl group was his favorite and when by pure luck the first song he’d danced to came back on a second time Naruto made sure he hit every move. It was one of the best workouts of his life. So much so that as the group began rearranging the apartment back into it’s usual state. Naruto confessed his enjoyment and said he’d like to mention this to all of the teams and maybe have a large group training exercise.

 At that Kiba burst out laughing, clutching his stomach as he bellowed. Shino feigned a coughing fit though Naruto noted the grin he was trying to hide, while Hinata looked mortified. 

“What’s wrong?” 

“You-You really thought  we were training?!” Kiba gasped out in between laughs. 

“Kiba!” Hinata admonished her long time friend before taking Naruto’s hand.

“Naruto-kun, I must apologize, we  might not have been entirely truthful. This isn’t a training session, this is just a… Fun session…”

“A fun session?” 

“A hobby.”

“So you guys just meet up every week to dance?”

“Not every week. Why? Because some weeks we do karaoke.” Naruto whipped his head around to look at Shino who had calmed down enough to speak. Naruto gave him a hard look trying to decide if he was tricking him again. The image of Shino standing in front of a crowd singing seemed even more ridiculous than the idea of him dancing. He turned back to Hinata as she stood fidgeting, a look of shame on her face.

“We just wanted to include you, but didn’t want you to think it was silly!”  Hinata said earnestly which melted any indignation Naruto might have felt away. Coming up to her he pulled her into a big hug.

“It’s okay Hinata! I probably wouldn’t have joined in as willingly had you not spun it as training. But I really enjoyed it!” Naruto knew an innocent prank when he saw one. And while he was annoyed that he let Shino and Kiba get the best of him, he couldn’t be prouder of Hinata for keeping a straight face as long as she did.

In fact, the thought of Hinata pranking him kinda turned him on. So without hesitation he brought his head down and captured her lips using the surprised gasp from her to the fullest extent as he deepened the kiss. Ignoring the cries of disgust from their two friends Naruto pulled her closer and felt victory and satisfaction when he felt Hinata’s hands gently tugging at his hair and the telltale sound of his door slamming shut as the rest of team eight fled.

The door alerted Hinata  to pull away just enough so that she could look him in the eyes as a giggle of their own erupted out of the two of them. Pulling her towards their bedroom. A mischievous grin spread across his face.

“Come on Hinata, it's time for us to have a fun session of our own!” 

“N-Naruto!” Hinata gasped but quickly followed the man into their bedroom. Clothes being chucked as they go. It was much closer towards morning when Hinata and Naruto had finally settled down into bed intending to get at least a few hours of sleep. As they cuddled into each other Naruto thought back on Hinata’s dancing that night. Every time he thought he had Hinata figured out. Every time he thought he had her every step, every pattern, every movement memorized deep in his soul, she would surprise him. Naruto squeezed her tightly, daring to break the silence one final time.

“You know, I still think we should make it a big group training session. Maybe not on a Tuesday night though, maybe on a weekend.” Naruto pondered out loud.

“Sure, Naruto-Kun. I think that would be fun.” Hinata murmured groggily as she nestled even further into his warmth.

“Yeah definitely not Tuesday nights, keep those for team eight.”

“That would be nice.” Hinata replied with a yawn. 

“I would still be allowed to come though-right?” Naruto asked thoughtfully.

“Of course, love” Hinata gave him the most earnest bleary eyed smile as she pulled the covers up tighter around them, her eyes drifting shut.

“Awesome! Because if you're so sexy when you dance I can only imagine how sexy it will be to hear you sing!” Naruto quipped as he kissed her cheek goodnight and quickly fell asleep.

“Thank you, Naru- Wait what?!” Hinata’s eyes shot open as she bolted up, leaning on her elbow to look at her boyfriend who was snoring rather loudly, a suspicious grin twitching at the corners of his mouth.  

“Naruto-kun!” Hinata tried  again, as she shook the “slumbering blonde”  but all she was meet with was another playful snore.