#break to breathe shikaneji

[okamirayne]

BREAK TO BREATHE UPDATE 🚨

HEAVEN HOLD US CHAPTER 9

😅🫠💀….ENJOY!!

*passes out on fic notes *

[noodle1807]

I'm reading the BtB series for the first time and I'm currently on "On The Cusp", so how about a little drawing of Shikamaru's cone hat? (that's how I imagine it lol)

Eventually, when I have a drawing table and my skills are better, I hope to be able to make several fanarts of this wonderful story! ❤️

[nejibrainrot]

GENGHIS KHAN - SHIKANEJI - PAGE 3

(Link to cover: x, Next page: NOT AVAILABLE YET)  

Song: Genghis Khan by Miike Snow

[alchely]

Ok, I'll admit that I am pretty much skipping all non-shikaneji moments in this reread of the Break to Breathe series, and I know I'm gonna regret it because I distinctly remember in the last part of the series the Yamanaka OC made me ugly cry and it was all because the author was building up the storyline since the beginning to a perfect peak.

Anyway the shikaneji in this fic is killing me softly, the yearning...

I have such scattered memories of the last part of the fic (tbf I have very little memory of the middle fics) so it's been fun to revisit.

Now it's on to the epilogue of the second to last fic and then on the very last 500k+ behemoth lol.

[whotookmysenbon]

I'm gonna come out of hiding real quick for this: Hi Hello, I'm Sunny (aka Ray), 100% sure you figured already.

Have you read Break To Breathe by Okami Rayne? It's a beautiful, very long ShikaNeji centric fic but features my current obsession, a very complex KakaGen dynamic and...

I've made a playlist for BtB Genma and thought I'd share hehe

I’ve seen it but haven’t read it, although it’s definitely on my list! I’m a little too young for ff.net works and the way the site is set up irritates me, a bit. But it’s been on my radar for a while! And the playlist looks great, definitely cannot wait to listen to it while I read! - em

[beesandboswells]

“Please. Don’t make me hurt you...”

ShikaNeji redraw for @okamirayne‘s Series,  Break to Breathe

ORIGINAL

[teacup-tai]

Hey my lovely Tea Twin, I have some questions for you that others might be interested to know too ;) 1) Does writing energize or exhaust you? 2) As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal? 3) What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk? <3 <3 <3

Rayne, thank you so much for such interesting questions! I miss you my dearest Tea Twin! ❤

1) Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Argh, I'll take it only about creative writing and not academic writing, because they are completely different processes for me. So, it depends. If I'm writing because I got this very nice idea or prompt, it definitely energizes me. It gives me a huge bust of happiness to see feelings and emotions and images and whole scenes coming out of my brain into the paper/screen. But, when I write because I chose a nice prompt from a fest/challenge and suddenly it stops being so interesting in the middle of my creative process and I start struggling and obliging myself to write, then that's just very exhausting. I normally end up not finishing writing. It also happens with my WIPs (most of them in Portuguese in ffnet), I have really long fics there that are bloody nice stories that I can't make myself finish because I changed during the process or lost interest. That's why I've been avoiding writing long stories lately, or publishing multi chapter stories that haven't been finished.

2) as a writer, what would you choose as your spirit animal?

Oh well. Not only as a writer, but I think I'll always go for elephant 🐘 Hehehe community animals, family oriented, feelings of coziness even though I may be writing angst. Or maybe snails 🐌, I love that even though the are very slow they respect and keep their pace and when needed they can return to their shells (do we say shells for snails in English, I'm not sure! 😂)

3) what would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Omg, I'm not even sure. Maybe, I normally need to smoke at some point when I'm writing, which is a terrible habit I'm trying to stop, but it's been with me such long time that I'm on a peak of a scene that exhilarates me I always end up with a rollie between my fingers.

Apart from that, I don't normally plan much. If I plan I end up losing the interest most often than not, so I kinda have directions and some scenes written down that I want to write, but not much. Otherwise the creative process is completely blocked for me (this explains my terrible habit of not finishing writing long stories, bc I normally don't know where to take it).

I also like to have tea while writing, and setting specific moods with music. The upcoming Wolfstar (Sirius/Remus) fic for the @siriusblackfest was written while I compulsively listened to David Bowie songs 🎵.

Thanks again for the questions my lovely Tenshi.

I know most of my followers are from the HP fandom, but if any of you like Naruto and want to read an intense, beautiful, real and raw immersion on Shikamaru/Neji , you guys should definitely check @okamirayne 's masterpiece series Break to Breathe. It's probably one of the best things you will ever read in your life 🖤

[akumisan]

Podfic: On the Cusp

written by Okami Rayne Chapter 5 run time: 57 minutes download links available here 52.2 MB

HOLY SHIT.  I’ve been dead for a year.  Goodness.  I am sorry, honestly. But boyfriend and I have made podfic/podcast promises to actually get back to work on the projects we love but stopped doing for really no reason whatsoever.

So here we go!  Half of this chapter was done last February and the rest I did just this last week.  We are go.

And honestly, in the year, I think I figured out how to do Kiba better, which…ya know…important lol.  Here’s hoping I can get Kakashi a little more spot on in the coming…uh probably years.

Also, responses to messages will be gotten to.

This fic was not written by me and I do not claim any ownership of the writing or the characters.  Break to Breathe belongs to Okami Rayne and Naruto belongs to Kishimoto Masashi.  Please read the original fic here

UPDATES MONTHLY (for now, I’ll figure this out when I get back into the groove of my posting schedule)

First Chapter Previous Chapter Next Chapter (coming soon!)

[okamirayne]

BREAK TO BREATHE UPDATE 🚨 HEAVEN HOLD US

HEAVEN HOLD US: CHAPTER 10

Aaaand here we go! I hope those following enjoy. If you do, please consider supporting your crazy BtB traindriver by sharing your thoughts and feedback. Big love! *salutes*🫠💜

[rollingpenguin]

I have a problem, I've been re-reading that ShikaNeji and now I'm too deep into it to study. And that's it. Happy Valentine?

[nejibrainrot]

You know I love you, but you might be the death of me.  Hold me down, Suffocating, Please let me Breathe. Kiss, kiss, lights out,  I've got to, we've got to, You know I love you But you’re gonna be the death of me.

Edit: I forgot to include this in the original post but pose credit goes to Kibbitzer on Deviantart! Love their reference sheets please give them lots of love too! 

[ncji]

Hey! Do you have any fanfic recs? Something angsty, something with clan politics, that sort of thing?

[ Off the top of my head? I don't know about clan politics, but most of what I've read is angst.

Okami Rayne's Break to Breathe series is a slow burn, but it will stick with you for the rest of your life. It's the first thought I have when I see ShikaNeji art. Her portrayal of both Neji and Shikamaru are

A more modern twist on Neji is portrayed by Cel in Caged Birds. There actually is a touch of clan politics in there. Hiashi, WHY!?

I'm sorry I don't have more to offer. I don't read that much. :l ]

[okamirayne]

😍 Thank You so much for creating and sharing this gorgeous piece!! 🥰 @tboesart

Well this was totally out of left field but I decided to do a fanart of my favorite Naruto fic Break to Breathe by @okamirayne over on ao3 and ffnet lololol still too much of a coward to attempt hair and too lazy for any references but I got hit right in the nostalgia-feels over this fic and had to do something for it 😁

(seriously guys this fic wrecked me for like a solid month after reading. I was a changed person 😂 highly recommend it 👌👌👌)

[shikakunaras]

idk if it’s too late for this but 45 for shikaneji?

Nope it’s not too late :)  I have a soft spot for ShikaNeji. I read a fic that was so fucking good. Break to breathe. Loved it and fell in love with the pair. 

Ao3 Link 

Neji’s vision became spotty and his breath quick. He couldn’t seem to focus and settle his heart beat. His lungs constricted as he battled for air.

He heard someone shouting something that sounded like his name but it was muffled.

He felt hands on him but he couldn’t move. Someone was moving him, lowering him on the ground and pulling his knees up under his chin. He stayed that way, kind hands rubbing soothing circles on his back.

The smell of cigarette smoke grounding him. Asuma must’ve seen him.

It took a few moments but Neji was finally able to control his breathing.

“You okay Neji?” The voice sounded familiar. Not deep. Not Asuma.

“Shikamaru?” Neji turned to see the Nara, his face close to his own.

“I saw you grab your chest. I figured you were having a panic attack.” Shikamaru’s cigarette was hanging from his lips. Neji never noticed how full his lips were. The man was always so far away from him.

“A panic attack?” Neji has had something similar happen to him but nothing like this. He didn’t know it had a name.

“Running away from the Hyuuga compound can make anyone panic. Are you in any pain?”

“Why would I be in pain?”

“They didn’t use the mark?” Shikamaru touched the visible curse mark, Neji’s headband was on the ground, it must’ve fallen off in the moment. Shikamaru’s fingers were soft, slightly cold, but it felt nice. Just like the hand that was still on his back.

“No.” Neji took a deep breath and sat up straight. He let his legs fall, he needed to stretch them out. His bones were aching. Could be from how hard he ran, or his body can feel what’s to come. “Not yet.” His voice came out scratchy, fear was sinking in.

“Not while I’m here.” Shikamaru removed his cigarette and snuffed it out, carefully placing the remains in his front pocket. “You’re on Nara land. Hiashi can’t step a single foot in here without Dad knowing.”

Neji raised a brow. “That won’t stop him.”

“If he wants to keep the peace he won’t test my father.” Shikaku let out a dry laugh. “The Hyuuga clan has done it before. Pissed Dad off I mean. Why do you think Hiashi is so respectful towards me and my own?”

Neji decided to take Shikamaru’s word for it.

“I can’t stay here forever.” He looked around, the trees were beautiful in the moonlight but there was no shelter.

“There’s a cabin not too far ahead. You can stay there until Hiashi cools off.” Shikamaru stood up and took Neji’s hands. They dusted the dirt off each other and then Shikamaru led the way to the cabin. Neji trudged behind the Nara. He had no choice.

The cabin was huge, sitting on top of a hill surrounded by flora and fauna alike. It was well hidden. Shikamaru opened the door and walked to the fireplace. Neji couldn’t see in the pitch black and he wasn’t tempted to use his byakugan. He heard a match strike and the smell of ozone before the fireplace roared to life.

“There’s a lantern or two around here somewhere.” Shikamaru shuffled around, only hitting his foot once on a piece of furniture. With a curse Shikamaru grabbed the two lanterns and lit them. He placed them on the hooks on the ceiling, further illuminating the space. Neji couldn’t help but smile at hearing Shikamaru mutter expletives. He sounded like Shikaku when Neji had the pleasure of helping the older Nara in his office.

“Are you sure I can stay here?”

“Yeah. Dad doesn’t care.”

Neji walked into the house and placed the bag he had on the ground. It was all he had to his name. There was something odd Neji couldn’t put his finger on about the whole situation.

“How did you find me?”

“Like I said. No one can walk in here without Dad knowing. He told me someone was in here and I left to find who. I figured you’d run away. Just didn’t know when.”

“I was yelled at by an Elder for protecting Hanabi. They were cruel to her. Preparing her for the curse mark.” Neji hated the way she screamed. “Hinata was removed from the clan however, they still assume she will take over. Hiashi did nothing for his daughter.”

“For either daughter. Or brother.” The last part was under Shikamaru’s breath. Neji felt a pain in his heart, Shikamaru knew.

“Thanks for helping me out. I owe you one.”

“No, you don’t.” Shikamaru walked closer to Neji, his eyes scanning the curse mark. The mark practically glowed. He carefully pressed his forehead against Neji’s. “You don’t owe me anything.”

Neji closed his eyes and let Shikamaru’s arms wrap around his waist, foreheads still pressed. He could feel the warmth coming off the Nara.

“I don’t understand.” Neji wasn’t used to this much kindness.

“Just shut up and breathe. You’ll be safe here. I promise.” Shikamaru felt Neji relax.

It took a moment to register that what Shikamaru was showing him was affection. Something he hadn’t felt in years. Since his father was still alive. Neji tried to memorize the feeling of Shikamaru’s hands, the smell of cigarettes and damp wood, and the warmth radiating off the Nara in front of him.

Neji didn’t want Shikamaru to leave. “Can you stay here?”

Shikamaru smiled. “Yeah.” he lifted his forehead off of Neji’s - much to his despair - only to replace it with a soft kiss. “Of course I’ll stay.”

Neji let out a sigh. He was at inner peace.

For now.

[beesandboswells]

Wip Redraw of Shikaneji fanart I drew 10 years ago for @okamirayne“s Series, Break to breath. It’s a damn good read. Very plot heavy. If you are not a shikaneji fan, this fan novel might change that.

[ayyyez]

shikaneji shippers come get your juice!

a/n: no but seriously I freakin love this ship! It just has some unique substance that makes me go mhmm the potential, the love, the healing! Ugh they just get each other and it makes me go yes!  warnings: none just angst and fluff

-It starts during the mission to rescue Sasuke. The foundations for respect and understanding are formed. Their first encounter in the Forest of Death during the chunin exams is practically forgotten. 

-Neji had heard the rumours of Shikamaru’s skill during the final exams (he was made a chunin after all) he wished he hadn’t missed it. And Shikamaru knows all about Neji and he sizes him up pretty quickly, as expected. 

-When they ultimately fail and Shikamaru breaks down he makes it a point to apologise to Neji later once he wakes and and can recover. Neji insists it was the only case scenario and he did the best he could in that situation - they all lived after all even if they did fail the mission (they did better than the jonin).

-They stay on friendly terms after that and get closer slowly. Neji makes is a point to try and be a better person and talk to people other than his team. Shikamaru doesn’t really mind Neji’s company, he is actually really curious after hearing about the Hyuga clan. He asked his father about such practices but ultimately the secrecy of some clans prevents the moving forward of the village. Shikamaru wanted to change that.

-Shikamaru also decides he can’t just sit on the sidelines anymore he needs to get better and mix it up a bit. So he asks Neji to train with him on the rare occasion and pick his brain on certain topics. Neji is flattered to be considered and still holds Shikamaru in a very high regard. 

-They start hanging out as friends properly after awhile. They meet for lunch or a stroll around the village whenever they have free time. Neji finds he begins longing to hang out with Shikamaru and feels a little anxious about it. Shikamaru finds he is being more social when Neji is involved and can never say no to the Hyuga. He doesn’t dwell on the feeling because he knows it will only raise more questions he doesn’t have time for. 

-For Neji he realises his feelings toward Shikamaru when he is around other people and not him. He finds he wants to be the one Shikamaru is listening to intently with a half smile. He wants to be the one he is taking time out of his busy schedule for. But he doesn’t know what this means and he panics and over analyses everything. 

-The day Shikamaru says no to Neji that he really understands. He can feel a pain in his chest, nausea in his stomach. Shikamaru explains he has to meet with Temari and work on the next chunin exams. 

‘It’s a drag I know but someone has to do it and what after happened last time well it’s going to be different.’ He smiles and pats him on the shoulder. ‘I’d say come along but since you’re taking the exams this time it wouldn’t be fair.’

‘I understand.’ Neji nods with a fake smile. ‘Another time then.’

‘For sure.’

Neji swallows hard as he watches Shikamaru walk away with Temari by his side. 

-He starts to avoid Shikamaru as he comes to terms with his feelings. The way he feels about him is different to that of a friend. He wants to reach out and touch him, feel him, hold onto him. He quells the thought immediately. It’s enough to make Neji want to cry but he doesn’t. He just bites his lip and internalises the pain. 

-Shikamaru realises it around the time of the second chunin exams. He spends all his time forming the first test and confirming with Temari and the other proctors that he barely has time for his usual routine. Barely has time to see Neji. At first he misses his company but he soon realises it’s something more, that feeling that has stirred within him for awhile but he ignored. Troublesome. 

-He liked to think he was unbiased when he was watching the first test but honestly he wanted his former classmates to pass. He wanted Neji to pass since he was far beyond a genin level. He was intelligent and strong which is why Shikamaru admired him. Well, that and he could take a punch when he needed too. He chuckled thinking back to the previous chunin exams. 

-As Shikamaru watched he couldn’t help but feel taken back by Neji. Not just his quick thinking in figuring out a way to communicate to his other team but also by him as a person. He had never noticed how beautiful he looked? Damn it he had lost focus again. He forced himself to put it out of his mind. 

-Something new stirred within Shikamaru now. He could barely look Neji in the eye when he congratulated him afterward. He really needed to put in a recommendation for him to be a Jonin. That way they would see each other more when it came to missions. okay that was for his own benefit. but Neji really did deserve it. Wow he really wants to reach out and touch his hair..

-After the chunin exams are over Shikamaru makes it a point to seek out Neji more and Neji makes it a point to avoid him when possible. Shikamaru wants to chase the feeling and see what it means but Neji is afraid, afraid to even think about the possibilities. Ultimately it’s a while before they hang out again.

-Shikamaru wants to ask why but he can see something has got him torn up inside. He wonders if it’s his clan or the curse seal. He always wondered about that. ‘Sorry to bug you and drag you out.’ Shikamaru sighed. ‘I can see you’ve got something going on.’ Neji looked at him wide eyed. ‘What do you mean?’ Shikamaru shrugged. ‘You’re not yourself so I figured you have something going on, if you want to tell me you can but I won’t push.’

-Neji kind of wishes he would push but ultimately he can’t say it. ‘Sorry.’ Is all he can muster as he looks down at the plate in front of him. He has no idea what to do or what to say anymore. It’s like his mind goes blank every time he sees Shikamaru. Well he can think about how much he wants him but that’s about it. 

-Shikamaru reads the vibes and decides to call it quits for the day. He pulls out money and pops it on the table. ‘I’ll be off then, todays on me.’ He stands. ‘Whatever is going on, I hope it works out.’ He gives him a smile before he steps away. Neji turns and calls, ‘wait!’ Shikamaru turns. ‘I do want to see you again.’ Shikamaru smiles. ‘Yeah, let’s do it again soon.’ Then he leaves and Neji feels a little better.

-But it doesn’t happen soon. In fact Neji get’s back to back missions and then with Naruto coming back they barely have time to talk let alone see each other. It’s almost months before they can speak. It’s when Neji has returned from a mission. They meet each other in the hall, alone and hearts pounding. Shikamaru is happy to see him again and Neji is nervous. Those feelings are very much alive and well.

- ‘I hear you’ve been doing well.’ Shikamaru says, resting a clipboard against his shoulder. ‘Even leading some successful missions.’ Neji nodded. ‘I do what I can.’ He can feel the words scrape against his throat. Shikamaru tilts his head a little to observe him then reaches out to lightly tap his palm against Neji’s cheek. ‘Keep up the good work.’ Then just as quickly it’s gone and so is he.

-Neji blushes furiously questioning whatever that was. Shikamaru frowns and asks himself ‘what the hell was that?’ but neither of them know the weight of that action until later that night when both of them crave more of each other in secret. The yearning intensifies more than they could have imagined. 

-It’s not until after the village is attacked by the akatsuki and their chances to do something about their feelings lessen by the day. It’s after when Naruto has saved them and they are rebuilding. Shikamaru’s leg has healed and he is standing alone inside one of the larger tents. Neji’s hand trembles has he lifts the flap and enters. 

-Shikamaru turns to find Neji standing there, his cheeks red and his gaze on the floor. ‘Neji.’ His name sounds so gentle coming from his lips. ‘How’s your leg?’ Neji asks still not looking at him. ‘All fixed.’ ‘I’m glad.’ 

-There’s a heaviness in the air filled with some much tension built up over the years. It’s so fragile yet strong at the same time. They just needed to find the right words. ‘Neji-’ but before Shikamaru can say any more Neji is walking toward him and wrapping his arms around him. ‘Sorry.’ Neji murmurs against his shoulder and Shikamaru chuckles, wrapping an arm around him. He can feel his body shudder against his and the heat he was radiating. Oh wow. 

-Neji pulls back and looks down at Shikamaru and the world stops. Shikamaru reaches his hand up to gently pat his cheek before he quickly leans and kisses him. It’s hard and long, filled with everything that had built up between them throughout the years. Neji is stiff but he kisses back with the same fire, the same need. 

-When they finally pull apart they rest their foreheads against each other. Their breathing is mixed and heavy. ‘After everything is over.’ Shikamaru promises. ‘After.’ Neji nods. And that promise is what pulls them through to live another day.