#cousin!choji

[umemiyan]

Cousin choji pinning you to the alleyway wall, murmuring into your neck about how much he missed you as he ruts against your leg and fumbles with the button of your shorts to get his hands down your panties

ANON U FEED ME SO WELL ILY 😭😭

he’s disgustingly eager to have a taste of you, he always has been. you’re just the coolest cousin he’s ever had, always playing along with his antics throughout the years adding some spice to his life.

“i can make you feel really good, y’know?” he says with the childish lilt he has, innocent sounding even as his fingers start inching beneath the hem of your panties. choji has that strange charm about him that’s always been difficult to deny, keeping you on your toes.

“choji, there are people around the corner…” you say, trying to convey your uneasiness despite how you’re starting to slick up between your thighs. you grasp for a final excuse to keep yourself from going too far with him and possibly regretting it.

“that’s okay,” he reassures and rolls his hips against you. “you can bite down on me if you want.” as if keeping you quiet will stop someone from rounding the corner at some point should they choose to.

choji’s fingers dip into your wet folds, and he is delighted at the sensation. “oh… you’re even softer than i imagined.” and he’s always imagined it. you realize this now.

“i never wanted to stop kissing you,” he admits, sliding two fingers into your cunt with ease. “it wasn’t fair.” he’s a little petulant, pouting, but completely captivated by your wet pussy. “but now we can kiss as much as we want, right?” choji sounds hopeful, trying to lead you with his tone. “we can do whatever we want.”

[sakuraharuno156]

I really don't understand the hypocrisy of some Naruto fans - a rant. Part 3

(Trigger warning - anti Hinata)

The things that I have seen in the Fandom really make me question people's ability to read.

PART 13

(I want to provide manga as a proof, but Tumblr has a limit of pictures i can add, so I'll do it in parts)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The nicest person in the series according to Hinata fans:

(Aka rubbing in her cousins face that he is a slave and essentially pushing him into being punished (even tho he asked her many times to just give up) because her crush was watching)

Cannonicaly THE NICES character in Naruto:

(Aka the person that was called the nicest time and time again)

A person who loses intentionally, because they are too nice according to Hinata fans:

(Aka just being weaker than someone. The "she is too nice to fight with her sister" argument is just wishful thinking. That was NEVER stated in manga.)

A person that CANNONICALY cannot hurt someone because they are too nice:

(Aka the person that couldn't even hurt an enemy, because of memories that he had with Asuma when he was still alive)

The most beautiful female character, according to Hinata fans:

(Aka the canonicaly invisible girl!)

The most beautiful female character CANNONICALY:

(Aka TSUNADE, canonicaly the most beautiful woman on the planet)

Strongest Hyuga member/head of the Hyuga clan according to Hinata fans:

(Aka the girl who lost all her battles)

Strongest hyuga member CANNONICALY:

(Aka Neji, who at 13 canonicaly surpassed the whole Hyuga clan)

The head of the hyuga clan CANNONICALY:

(Aka Hiashi - that never changed)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To "prove" their point, they use datatbooks (essentially a guaid through the series) that are notorious for getting things wrong and stating stupid stuff like:

Choji has the most powerful jutsu (when we know Naruto and bijuu dama exists).

Sakura being an "elite junin by birth" (when we know she was from a civilian family and was born noone).

Kurenai having just as strong Genjutsu (or in some translations EVEN STRONGER) than Kakashi (when we know what she did or rather didn't do against Itachi)

Kakashi being stronger than Guy in first part (when we know that Guy was already able to use 8 gates and Kakashi was barely able to get Mangekyo)

Etc.

Or even funnier, they use wishful thinking and their own imagination!

They think Hinata is nice so therefore she didn't lose to Hanabi - SHE WAS JUST TOO NICE TO FIGHT WITH HER, and then they repeated it until other people think that it's too popular to be fake so they take it as a fact.

Or EVEN EVEN FUNNIER - they choose what facts are true and what facts are fake.

I even met a Hinata fan that said that databooks are 100% true, but when translation is right.

How do they know what is right? Do they speak Japanese? No. The ones that support their claims are true but the ones that don't are obvious FAKE.

(EVEN when I showed them two statements from the same page - they said that "one is well translated and the other is false". ON THE SAME F*CKING PAGE)

One day I'm seriously gonna lose it.

[animeomegas]

How would Choji react if Alpha introduced him as his future husband before they were in a relationship?

"And this is Chouji," you said, introducing your mate to family. "And he's my future husband, so be nice."

Chouji immediately switched from light nerves but primarily excitement at meeting your extended family for the first time to a combination of embarrassment and thrill that left his face looking like a cherry.

Several of your cousins cheered playfully while your parents and a few aunts aww'ed at the declaration.

"Look at him, he's gone all red, what a cutie," your grandma laughed, looking like she wished she was still agile enough to hop up and pinch his cheeks. Chouji's face only got redder at all the teasing.

You chuckled, nuzzling him a little and seeming unsurprised at the way your family was reaction. He bashfully pushed your face away much to the amusement of your brother.

"It doesn't look like he agrees with the whole future husband thing yet," he cackled, standing up and giving Chouji a playful thump on the back. "Probably because he has good taste."

Chouji floundered for a moment, torn between defending his mate, agreeing with his mate's family whom he was trying to impress, and burying his face in his hands to hide from all the attention.

"Stop bullying your sibling," you mother said, swatting your brother over the head with a tea towel.

Chouji felt like this was karma for the way his massive family had all overwhelmed you the first time he brought you home to them. But somewhere, burning underneath the embarrassment, Chouji felt elated at the way you so proudly showed him off to your loved ones as your future husband.

And somewhere deeper, beneath both the embarrassment and the elation, Chouji only wondered why you were waiting so long to make it official.

[scrivenger-grimgar]

buckle up folks, its a long one

the Hatake turn into an animal during puberty, any animal and any Hatake-by-blood. after 24 hours, they turn human again and can then form contracts with bonded animals of their type.

adoption by blood is the Hatake's most coveted jutsu, though entirely unknown by other clans. the adopted lack the Hatake white chakra, but their children will have it!

Kakashi turns into a samoyed dog and this sparks great joy for Team Minato. this is why he has a bunch of dogs.

Sakumo is an arctic gray wolf and could bond with Fire Country's wolf packs.

Orochimaru is a blue coral snake. he adopted Anko, who is a boomslang snake, as well as his other kids; Kimimaro is a pangolin, Suigetsu is a leopard seal, Jugo is a tiger, and Karin is a giant river otter

Touka is a grizzly bear. she has several sun bear friends just to freak out the Senju elders.

Tobirama is a clouded leopard, and specifically took on missions to new places to look for leopards of different kinds, along with Touka for cousin-sibling bonding time!

if Kakashi starts using the blood adoption jutsu on his friends/students, well... that's clan business.

Sasuke turns into a nightjar! Itachi is a crow (obvs), and Shisui is a raven.

now, Kakashi didn't adopt Shisui. Shisui is Kagami's grandson, and Kagami was adopted by Tobirama, meaning Shisui has the Hatake white chakra! Kagami is a magpie.

Naruto becomes a maned wolf, which... well. Kakashi helps him find as many bush dogs and falkland wolves as possible, but they're rather rare critters.

Sakura becomes a lynx. she enjoys scaring the shit out of people with her calls.

Genma becomes a Komodo dragon, Hayate is a raccoon, Yugao a stoat

Sai is a burrowing owl, Iruka is an hourglass dolphin, Izumo is a sea eagle, and Kotetsu is a leopard shark.

Ino becomes a secretary bird, Shikamaru turns into an elk, and Choji is a giant salamander

Asuma is a gecko, Kurenai is a mocking bird, Tsunade is a bison, and Tenten is a porcupine!

Kiba is a borzoi and Hana is a newfoundlander

Hinata is a flemish giant rabbit and Neji is a badger

[readsalot1]

…I've got a whole au baked in my brain where a solid 80% of the civilian population thinks Hinata is:

1. not the heir (too shy, can't consistently string a coherent sentence together outside of political meetings and sisterly interactions)

2. a boy (based on younger character designs if I showed pictures of Hinata and Neji to someone with no context and asked which was the boy, they'd probably say her (sorry Neji guys in your family tend to be fairly ambiguous), and she's too shy to correct anyone who makes this mistake)

This leads to several very awkward conversations for the adults in her life and other clan kids that are "in the know."

(Someone says something to Kurenai about an all-boys squad; a number of the early D-ranked missions helping civilians have grannies talking about "such fine young men" and "how polite..." (accompanied with head pats for all the kiddos) and the full-face blush manifests outside of the context of Naruto)

((In this au, Hinata initially had a small fanclub of civilian-born girls. Another quiet, dark-haired "mysterious" kid who does not give off rage vibes all the time seems like a more realistic prospect. There are a number of their peers who are aware of this but aren't assertive enough to bring it up (Shino--too quiet; Shikamaru--thinks it's "troublesome"; Hinata--too shy), others who think it's hilarious (Kiba), and others who didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings (Choji), or are just glad that potential competition is elsewhere (Ino, who is still very invested in wooing Sasuke). They find out that they have been accidentally reverse-catfished when Hanabi gets to come with to pick up her sister after school--several years into the academy curriculum))

(((Neji is internally laughing at his cousin's pain. He most definitely does not talk under his breath about how she is destined to be mistaken as a boy whenever she's the only person within earshot; that would be *ahem* petty and below him, whatever are you talking about)))

[turboacek-blog]

Sai should have been Shino

I like Sai especially as outside of Shikamaru and Sasuke he's more of Naruto's best friend

But after his arc in Tenchi Bridge, he more or less is just there to fill that fourth member for Team Kakashi

As he's barely supporting more so to have someone for Naruto Sakura or Yamato to talk off of when the other two are doing something

And like a lot, his big moment is in the war where he more or less is used to just wrap his story up and he's one of the few to get that as Choji and Tenten are kinda the few, as they couldn't touch every person like Lee, Kiba, Shino and etc

So I think in a lot of ways Sai became unnecessary his debut arc as the friend role can be played by any of the Konoha 11

Neji can give the wiser advice, Lee can be supporting, he can butt heads with Kiba, etc

Why Shino?

I think Sai has four main traits as a character that you would have to replace

Anbu/Root connection

Brother plot

Ink/Sealing

Non-normal communication skills

And I think of the existing Konoha 11 characters I think Shino can fill those traits the best

Anbu/Root connection

Based on Torune and the other lore-like characters like Yoji Aburame, the Aburame clan are the most anbu-ready skill set-wise

And of the Konoha 12, he seemed the most likely for Anbu with the only other contention would have been Sasuke if he stayed

Brother plot

So Shino doesn't have a brother but it's been stated that he viewed Torune as a brother who is his cousin kinda similar to Neji and Hinata (they're just half siblings due to fathers being twins) so you essentially can make Torune Shino’s Shin and still kill him off during the time skip and make that be what has Shino wants bonds and such

Plus it helps the Anbu/Root connection as well

And due to using Torune this where you can either just use any other Anbu member for Torune in the summit arc or even put Sai here in a weird twist of fate

Ink & Sealing

So it'll take some more expansion of his insect usage to be similar to Sai’s Ink but I can see his insects doing a lot of what Sai’s ink creations can do from forming into different shapes, to scouting, lifting people up etc

The only thing would be if the insects can do the equivalent of “punching” that Sai’s ink jutsu can do but we've seen things like Gaara’s sand and Shikamaru’s Shadows being used like that so Shino using a ton of bugs in that way is plausible I feel

Sealing is that area where it matters in the war arc but before that it isn't as necessary so if you need to you can make some weird insect-sealing jutsu to justify it or add a character in those moments to seal it such as you can give a character like Tenten the sealing capabilities if necessary

And with the Anbu connection that can just be hand waved saying all the Anbu have minimum sealing ability

Non-normal communication

Shino was already the character that got ignored and people don't talk to normally so they have that in common

But would Shino do the same insults or lack of understanding of what others are feeling? Probably not so those would need some general writing fixes

But in other ways his anbu/root training can change his outlook on things since its a timeskil meaning we can be more flexible with his personality

So concept wise Shino can replace Sai as he covers the main traits Sai has and other things would be dialogue changes and backstory tweaks

Practicality wise…

The big change is the Tenchii bridge arc

A lot of the tension was that Naruto and Sakura didn't know or trust Sai so if it's Shino that wouldn't be the same even if Shino changed from the Anbu/Root they would be approaching more the aspect that he changed

As I can see Shino being willing to kill Sasuke and butting heads with them over that even without the change so putting him here can work in the character aspect

Obviously, more dialogue changes as Sasuke would know Shino and vice versus, Yamato would be more of the odd man out, etc

Other arcs

Shino might not be the one to be checking on Naruto in the hidan and kakuzu arc as he might be busy I don't see him as the replacement for Sasuke as Team 8 still exists but he also can be here just because but again this can be anyone from Kiba to Hinato to Tenten even

In the pursuit arc would just need to fill the missing slot since no Sai as Shino is already here and mostly anyone can fill this part even someone like a Konohamaru

Summit, basically someone to have Narutos back and again Shino’s skillset does the same thing as Sai for the most part

If anything he might be more resistant to Sakura’s poison and shakes that story up more

War arc, not much put his anime filler moment against Torune in place of Sai vs Shin alongside Kankuro against Sasori and Deidara, which can be nice as Shino and Kankuro have that history from part 1

And have the few moments like aiding team 7 towards the end and etc can stay

Boruto

So the main thing is the Sai-Ino thing and canon Shino being the Academy teacher

In a world where Sai doesn't die, I can still see him with Ino as their main relationship development was through novels so Shino isn't forced to be with Ino meaning Inojin can stay the same as it would just be more like Choji with Karui where it was fully in the novels and not focused on

Now would Shino be Anbu’s head like canon Sai or teacher like canon Shino

Honestly, it can be either or

Shino as a teacher ties into his want for bonds and helping others and etc and the Anbu backstory can make that even more heartwarming that this trained assassin wants to just teach kids and in that case, a alive Sai or just a different character can be Anbu's head like imagine if while Konohmaru is head Jonin his friend Udon is anbu head or something

And vice versa if Shino is head anbu he can still lead a team in the anime and the Academy teacher can be someone like Tenten instead of her just owning an empty weapon shop

So my reasoning in why Sai should of been Shino

Its basically just me saying we didn't need another new character when we have so many existing side characters that could be used

Written Nov 11, 2023 (clearing drafts lol)

Update 7/26/24

Did some spelling and format fixes

No real change in my opinion

But I will say Kishimoto didn't use his characters it just feels in comparison to some other animes like My Hero or even One Piece from what I've seen he doesn't give them their moments to the highest quality

Like the pursuit arc, when they were being stalled by Tobi, if there was something a little more spectacular to look at there it wouldn't feel that Team 8 focus was bad in comparison to Team 10 and Team Gai. It really does feel like they're the fourth team even with Hinata’s relevance

[uzuma-take]

This probably won't get many views here or Twitter, but I'm genuinely thinking of writing my own version of Naruto.?? The relationships won't change. So Hintata will still get together with Naruto .

I have ideas based on interviews with kishimoto. Like Team Gai and Team Kurenai being sand Ninja (yes, that means the Hyuga , Inuzuka, and Aburame clan won't be leaf ninja) . Had the idead since I read Gai in particular wasn't originally planned to be a leaf ninja. That he and Lee where made on the fly for the exams.

One thing to mention is that all teams have four students. This is to include the filler students like Sora , Yakumo, and Yagura (yes, gai had a student named Yagura)

Team Gaara also has new people from the chunin filler being Shira , Sen, and Yami.

But what happened to Kankuro and Termari? Well, dear reader, that will come in due time..

Here's the major changes I have in my head so far, starting with Team 7.

Naruto

He's still an orphane born of the 4th homage minato. He's maybe a year older than Sakura and sasuke . Due to flunking the graduate exams . He was adopted by the third Hokage. In this version He's younger and much more naive than the original. (More on hiruzen later)

Sakura

She was a girl who witnessed her parents constantly fight . They both struck at each over multiple times, and eventually, she was but in foster care. Not really being taught violence wasn't the way she'd often lash out at people, including her teachers. When being put into team 7, she was scared of kakashi after some of the stories she'd read about him. She actually sometimes tries to hit Sasuke , Naruto and Sai

Sasuke

He's still the same, only real difference being that he looks more like Fugaku . He's still broady and crabby even more so with Sai.

Sai

Joined Team 7 much earlier on and is one of the reasons Sasuke left the village. Being a spy for Danzo, he worked with orochimaru closely and slowly wormed his way into Sasukes mind convincing him to accept the sound fours offer.

Kakashi

Born of a Samurai clan, that later fled to the leaf and a Inuzuka / Hyuga (haven't decided) mother from the sand . He's much the same man from the series except he's got a secret pacht with the sand due to his mum being from there.

Team Asuma

Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji are pretty much the same. I really don't see any change Nessasary .

Asuma

The brother of the third hokage it inst until after the sand attacks the leaf he fall head over hills with kurenai yuhi of the sand . At first, he has no idea she's a sand Ninja. When he initially finds out her secret he's of course, horrified . Kurenai was from the village that tried to destroy his home and ultimately took his brother from him. During the time skip they do make up and eventually start dating in secret..

Sora

Same as filler exept hes the new five tails after it recarnated, he just joins the team early on . He's constantly worried because he doesn't fit in with Ino-Shika-Cho formation. Asuma tries to help him .

Team Kurenai

This is where the divations really begin .. as Said before Major clans now live in the sand village. Hyuga , inuzuka, and Aburame. Inspired by two things . The concept of gaara owing a dog and the interview stating Gai was from another village.

Hinata .

Apart from location a lot hasn't changed. She first met Naruto in the Exams and really liked his energy and will never give in. The thing that made her mind up was the fight with Neji. The Cousin she was going to be forced to Marry eventually. Naruto does the same shouting. But this time, her motivation is based on 'why does this stranger I've maybe met one or twice cheer me on?' She actually goes on the journey with Jiriya, Naruto , Sorra, Neji, and Gaara. (Three jinjurki and three people to sort out if anything goes wrong)

Kiba

He has a strong rivalry with his Twin Gaara and says he's going to beat him at being kazakage. Gaara doesn't really care but later on indulges him and challenges him to see who gets stronger during the time skip.

Shino

Same as canon just more dessert like bugs

Yakumo

Uses paintings much like Sai, but instead of physical . They trap people in genjutsu, which are much like in her filler episodes.

Team Gai

It's pretty much the same, except Lee now has two brothers. Yagura and Shira . Both whom he likes to to one up. Gai was 16 when he had a one night stand, resulting in Lee and his brothers. He never really knew their mum. He's regretted ever since. He has a major Crush on a certain Spikey haired leaf shinobi. Whose to say that man doesn't share the same feelings .

Team Gaara

The filler characters are the same

Baki is the sensei.

Gaara is the twin of Kiba, and he's pretty much the same as canon . The biggest difference is his dog. Don't hurt, or else shukaku will come out. After the Konoha Crush, he softens quite a bit and looks very different from how Naruto met him.

Temari and Kankuro are Sand Anbu like shinobi that are the older siblings of Kiba and Gaara. They resent Hana at first for caring about their brother, whose only seen as a weapon. It's not until rasa dues do the realise that Gaara, if taught correctly, can harness his powers, so they set up a meeting with the leaf village . As long as Gaara is safe and cared for, then could he train under Jyriya. Tsunde reluctantly agrees... that's all I have so far...

part 2

[tranzfalgar]

Who was the parental figure at the weddings at the end of naruto shippuden?(plus other what ifs)

so, we know naruto asked iruka to be his father/parental figure in his wedding, but what about everyone else?

just made a couple of hcs of who they would be, and i add some hcs to it too!! (i am american so i might accidently include things sorry for that)

Canonically Wed Characters

Naruto

His father in the wedding was Iruka

Iruka cried like a bitch at the ceremony, and then got drunk later on off sake and cried some more LMAO

Hinata

Her father in the wedding was Hiashi

Her mother in the wedding was Kurenai

Bonus: Mirai was the flower girl @ her and Naruto's wedding

Ino

Her father in the wedding was Choza

(Since her, Shikamaru and Choji all grew up together, I thought he would do this for the kids, as well as his two friends)

Her own biological mother was alive at the time of her wedding

Sai

His father in the wedding was Yamato

Yamato father figure to Sai real bc I said so

Sasuke

His father in the wedding was Kakashi

The only reason he had a father figure at his wedding is because Sakura wanted him to

Kakashi is the closest thing to a father he has (if you say 'but Orochimaru' I am gonna tear u apart with my teeth let me have this)

Sakura

Her father, Kizashi and her mother, Mebuki, were both at her wedding

Ino was her maid of honor <333

Shikamaru

His mother, Yoshino Nara, was alive at the time of his wedding

Choza offered to give a toast from himself, Shikaku and Inoichi

Temari

She had no father or mother at the wedding

It was her and her brothers :)

Choji

His father was there, and his mother as well I believe :D

If only...

Lee & Tenten (separate weddings just the same father figure)

GAI SENSEI WOULD GLADLY FILL THE ROLE

I will cry simply at the idea of this shit, if someone finds a story that has this aspect, please hand it over, I will cry

Kakashi has quite the time at both of these weddings simply bc Gai won't stop crying

Yamato

HEAR ME OUT- Tsunade. I have a little HC that her and Yamato are kinda like brother and sister or cousins bc wood style thing.

She sees he has no other family, so she deems him a Senju due to his wood release.

I really like this hc I needed to include it somehow

In a different timeline (just hear me out okay?)

(this is a parental figure besides their own bio parents btw)

Neji

Hiashi. Just think with me for a second. *cries so hard i crumble to the floor*

He would say smth like "you're father would be proud of you," and Neji LOSES HIS FUCKIGN SHIT

Kakashi

Just. Listen. for a second. Minato, Kushina, or Maito Dai. Just. *bites a rock*

Iruka

Hiruzen. Just consider <3

Naruto

Listen I don't like the guy either, but Jiraiya as his father at his wedding would have killed me /pos

"Minato, Kushina, your son is a good man, I'm sure you two are proud."

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Tsunade

If she did get married after her grandfather passed, I think Tobirama would have filled his place if he was alive

if u read this far, thank u!! also, please feel free to add more to this idea or alter mine !!

[chrimson-oc-central]

Character Profile - Aiko Osaka

*~*~*

BASICS

Name - Aiko Osaka

Birthdate - April 5

Age - 10-11 Years

Birthplace - Konohagakure (Village Hidden in the Leaves)

Pronouns - She/Her

Nationality - Hinokoku (Land of Fire)

*~*~*

APPEARANCE

Hair Color - Brown

Eye Color - Blue

Height - 4'2" (~127 cm)

*~*~*

PERSONALITY

Best Traits - Kind, Intelligent, Positive

Worst Traits - No Filter, Ignorant, Proud

Mannerisms - Left-handed, tilts head when confused, speaks formally to strangers

What they hate the most - Being alone

What’s most important to them - Her family, friends, village, and clan.

Secrets - Is terrified of her destiny of becoming the head of the Osaka Clan. Sometimes feels like an unfit heiress to Chihiro. Can be jealous of her brother sometimes.

Do they get along with or avoid other people - Aiko gets along pretty well with others! Can make friends easily.

*~*~*

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Parents/Guardians - Chihiro Osaka (Mother), Neji Hyuga (Father), Makoto Osaka (Grandmother)

Siblings - Shoto Hyuga (Older Brother)

Significant Other - None

Children - None

Other Notable Family Members - Boruto Uzumaki (Cousin), Himawari Uzumaki (Cousin), Naruto Uzumaki (Uncle), Hinata Uzumaki (Aunt), Hanabi Hyuga (Aunt), Hiashi Hyuga (Grandfather/Great-Uncle), Hizashi Hyuga (Grandfather), Makoto Osaka (Grandmother)

Pets/Animal Companions/Summons - unnamed wolf/guard (working on it), The wolf pack from Mitsumine Mountain

Teacher(s)/Sensei(s) - Shino Aburame (academy sensei)

Friends - Metal Lee, Boruto Uzumaki (Cousin), Himawari Uzumaki (Cousin), Sarada Uchiha, Shikadai Nara, Chocho Akamichi, Inojin Yamanaka, Rock Lee, Tenten, Akua Koizumi, Kaori Yumeno, Hanabi Hyuga (Aunt), Anko Mitarashi, Might Guy

Best Friend(s) - Shoto Hyuga, Himawari Uzumaki

Enemies - Kara, Otsutsuki Clan, Hyuga Elder(s) (to an extent), Osaka Elder(s) (to an extent)

Acquaintances - Kiba Inuzuka, Akamaru, Shino Aburame, Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akamichi, Karui Akamichi, Kakashi Hatake, Kurenai Yuhi, Tsunade, Gaara, Temari Nara, Sai Yamanaka, Sakura Uchiha, Sasuke Uchiha, Hiashi Hyuga

*~*~*

OTHER AND FANDOM SPECIFICS (Naruto)

Occupation - N/A

Rank - Academy Student

Chakra Nature - Fire

Kekkei Genkai - Osaka Shapeshifting

Affiliations - Hinokoku (Land of Fire), Konohagakure (Village Hidden in the Leaves), Hyuga Clan, Osaka Clan

Other Names/Nicknames/Aliases - Aiko Hyuga

Blood Type - O+

Favorite Food - Beef Bowl

Least Favorite Food - Pumpkin

Hobbies - Origami, Reading

*~*~*

Brief Description:

Aiko has long, dark brown hair and wears it in a twin tail style. She has blue eyes.

She is the youngest child of Chihiro Osaka and Neji Hyuga, as well as their only daughter. Inheriting the Osaka Clan's shapeshifting abilities, she has been recognized as Chihiro's heiress, and a future head of the Osaka Clan. Despite her natural abilities and talents, she feels a sense of pressure to do well for both her sake and the sakes of her parents.

Aiko enjoys reading, especially non-fiction books. She has such a hunger for knowledge, and enjoys sharing her little fun facts with others (even when they are not necessarily wanted). Lately she has been reading anatomy texts, and is considering studying medical ninjutsu in the future. She is not afraid to speak her mind, and can be a bit too honest at times. But she always means well, and is quite a happy-go-lucky girl.

Like her brother and cousins, she has also studied Gentle Fist, even though she does not wield the Byakugan.

[galaxythixf]

@sumiiregarii said: ⭐show me everything u have for me <3 Send a "star / ⭐" and I will list muses I would be interested in throwing at yours, or potential muse combinations if you are also a multi. (If you are a multi and you want to see which muses I would be interested in throwing against a specific muse of yours, send ⭐+ that muses name) || Accepting

Alright this got long as fuck. I included your other blogs so have fun with this. If anything interests you feel free to elaborate, comment or IM me of course but these were just my little blurbs.

Midori/Asuka - Well I absolutely have to give you your favorite. He's here to be terrible as usual, so you're welcome to have Asuka react to his terrible soul any time. I'd be specific but he's unpredictable tbh. He'll egg her on just fine doing something absolutely vile.

Alice/Asuka - I have no reason other than this could be hilarious.

Ryo/Asuka - If Asuka wants someone to bicker with, this is the guy for the job. He's the "bad boy" stereotype right down to the motorcycle. He's generally pretty rude, competitive and unfortunately has the skills to back all of it up. He has dimension-related abilities that allow him to teleport, clone himself, become invisible and travel through dimensional "rifts". Anyway, he loves to tease and he's a fantastic fighter. Fighting is his love language.

Akira/Nunzia - Coincidentally, Akira has a knack for befriending idols. Weird idols, but idols nonetheless. He's a teenage delinquent that specializes in underground fights and he takes a cut of whatever people bet on him. Illegal, but it makes him the money that he needs. He's pretty standoffish and not very bright but he'll appease his little cousin that he adores. His little cousin happens to love idols, so she could have dragged him to a Nunzia concert or had him listen to a few songs. Akira isn't a believer in the occult but ironically, he has occult powers. His self-proclaimed Bloodmetry allows him to view whatever events transpired like a flashback whenever he touches someone's blood. His senses are all heightened, and he's unusually strong. There's a chance he'll be rude to Nunzia unless he's trying to do something for his cousin.

Choji/Nunzia - Another delinquent type but this time eerily joyful. Overly excited and affectionate, but he struggles to empathize with people and loves a good physical fight. Incredibly impatient and sometimes a little feral but I'm just interested to see if he'll annoy her or get along with her. Maybe he's run into a few times in town.

Ryo/Camilla - Biker friends. Ryo's basically the definition of the "bad boy" stereotype, including the rude attitude, but he could probably get along with her if she's fine with being teased. If she's competitive maybe he'll challenge her to a race.

Finlay/Marie - They seem like complete opposites. Finlay's a very spontaneous, wild and free person that's always getting into mischief and Marie almost seems like she's burdened by what she already knows. Finlay's immortal, the fact that they cannot truly die defies a lot of what should be possible. They've died several times already and thus have an interesting relationship with death. I think they could rightfully amuse/annoy her.

Jamie/Kaede - I just think he could annoy and intrigue her. If she's interested in someone that heals and regenerates through fire, then yes, he's perfect. He can conjure flames from seemingly thin air and control them at will. His own flames will heal any wounds he has, he can also use it to come back to life, like a Phoenix. Blinding people is also a possibility. However, he's very arrogant and self-important. He loves the spotlight and bragging about himself, which might ultimately get annoying to hear. Honestly he's quite soft and insecure. I'd say deep down but I feel like once you get to know him it's obvious that he's sensitive and kind.

Shin/Kaede - Damn this is just the saga of giving Kaede all of the pathetic men. Is this her blessing or her curse. You know about Shin already so I'll spare you the details but who doesn't want a pathetic little man to bully?

Keiji/Kaede - This is the only bone I'm throwing her. For some reason I feel like their mutual curiosity may conflict with one another. Keiji has a habit of poking his nose into places or stories he shouldn't, it's only natural he make an interesting impression. He could have very well met her years ago when he was still a police officer and they still talk every now and then.

Shin/Ki-Hoon - I think he'd die with the way they speak and he may even get annoyed, but that's the thrill of it, there's potential there. Bother him at his shitty part-time job, he'll loathe it more.

Sunwoo/Ki-Hoon - Sunwoo's a generally nice personality tbh and a nice and kind person. Deep down she's incredibly insecure and her being scorned by the rest of the world is making it worse. She used to be a professional chef, but one day her powers manifested and she accidentally tore the entire restaurant to shreds in a tornado. Not long after she was framed for being the main suspect in a terrorist attack, making the world label her as "dangerous" and forcing her to hide her appearance in public. Now she's bitter about it but she'll deal with it in unhealthy ways. It's usually through flings. She can be cocky and competitive but she's usually good about keeping it playful. Usually.

Finlay/Ki-Hoon - I think these two could be real good buds. Finlay's a little nerdy but they're also a little shoppaholic. If Ki-Hoon is ever looking for a shopping buddy Finlay's their person! If they like chatty little troublemakers, that's Fin too! Or going out to party? They're there!

Liam/Gilbert - Military friends. They could be old military pals that talk about their stories and still hang out sometimes!

Alice/Noah - For some reason I just feel like … this could be interesting. I have no reason for believing so other than just … vibes.

Harue/Dilynn - Unsure if Dilynn is interested in housewives that are unbelievably unhinged after trauma they'll never quite recover from but that's basically Harue. After the tragic loss of her son she's never really gotten over it and she's practically estranged from her husband, teetering on divorce likely. It's been hard for her to go outside until recently, when she gained an eerie power that's likely preying on her vulnerability. During the night she can ignite anyone that carries an open flame or anything that's capable of emitting fire. A good influence is really all it takes to keep her from straying too far.

[hyuganejiswife]

Out of My Mind | Chapter Two

Masterlist | Previous / Next

Shikamaru Nara x GNReader x Neji Hyuga

Coming from a prominent and secretive clan in the Hidden Leaf Village was already bad enough. Your justu was rarely ever seen and mostly hidden by the protective nature of your father and the elders of your clan. You were taught from a young age how to fight and you were easily one of the best fighters your age. Your secretive nature doesn’t keep the attention off of you, especially not from two of the brightest people in the chunin exams with you.

| not edited, mentions of an awkward Neji, Shikamaru is probably gonna end up trying to establish dominance over Neji 🫡 and no, I have no idea who YN is gonna end up with

Word Count: 1435

Shikamaru had barely left your bedside in the days following the preliminaries. He saw no point in training for something you wouldn’t be able to do with him, regardless of Asuma and Choji warning him that when you woke up, you’d probably kick his ass for not taking this seriously. You’d been friends with each other since your early days at the academy, and since you were older and growing into your roles to hopefully become jonin one day, you only began to grow closer with one another.

In spite of the elders of your clan warning you that Shikamaru was a good for nothing, lazy bum, you still remained friends with him. You often invited him over to your family home just to irk them, knowing how much they despised seeing him making himself right at home and even Choji more often than not, raiding the kitchen.

Neither man was their favorite guest, despite your father warning them to mind their tongues, they made sure to you and your friends well aware of their distaste for them. And in return, you made sure to have them over as often as possible.

The dark haired man looks up from his lap when the door to your hospital room slides open. There was yet another nurse there to administer even more medicine. He’d lost count at this point of how many times they would come in each day to drug you up again. He wasn’t allowed to know what they were giving you, he wasn’t family. So he would bid his time for your father to come and see you while he was there because he always seemed to just miss him each time.

“I know the drill,” he sighs as he stands, the nurse nodding as he leaves the room, sliding the door shut behind him so she could tend to you. He heads down the hall to the waiting room, standing at the window with his hands in his pockets.

He couldn’t remember a time when he’d been more terrified than the sight of you at the end of your match lying lifeless on the ground. In fact, he’s certain that was the first time he may have ever felt true fear. He was riddled with it, frozen. He has never frozen up like that before.

It was the reason why he never left your bedside until Asuma came and forced him away for the night or the nurses came in to check on you. But he was right back by your side the next morning, always bringing an extra breakfast sandwich just in case you were awake. It has been four days now and the doctors were saying you were due to wake any moment now.

He looks over his shoulder when he hears footsteps approaching, huffing when he sees Neji and TenTen. The woman smiles at him, raising a hand to wave, “How’s Y/N doing?” She offers a warm smile, hoping to bring a sense of comfort to the man who looks like he hasn’t slept in a week.

“Still not awake, such a drag…” He tucks his hands into his pockets and glances over at Neji, images of his fight with his own cousin and one of your closest friends flashing through his head.

Neji narrows his pale eyes at the man, holding a basket of fruit that TenTen was forcing him to carry. She said it would make him look like a caring friend to their own teammate who had yet to wake as well.

“All that fruit will rot before Lee wakes up too, you know?” Shikamaru turns back to the windows, leaning against the windowsill as he watches the street for Choji, knowing that now that it was around lunch, he would be showing up with something to eat for both of them while they both visit you.

Neji grits his teeth and yet calmly walks down the hallway to his teammates room, opting rather to ignore the man’s rather brash comment. He pauses about halfway there when he sees you in your hospital bed. It wasn’t the first time, though this time you were slowly moving, pushing yourself to sit up the best you could with how weak and sore you were.

He looks around and sees no one who he could get to help you, ultimately and reluctantly stepping in and setting the fruit basket down on your bedside table. Your gaze snaps up to meet his own as he slips an arm beneath yours, his other arm going around your waist to help you sit up against the headboard.

You hiss in pain and lean back, closing your eyes and letting out a deep breath. “Thank you,” you whisper, turning your head to meet his. Your throat feels scratchy and your mouth is dry. When you notice the fruit basket, you look up at him rather confused, “You brought a fruit basket?”

He has a moment of brief panic, but he can’t bring himself to tell you no. He knows you were expecting to see Shikamaru by your bedside and despite the echoing of his father’s words to make you his friend, of which he was still a bit put off by, he simply offers an awkward and weak smile.

You don’t say anything, taking note of how awkward he seems and you simply tear your gaze away. You look around the room and spot the water on the table beside the window. “Um, Neji…” He remains motionless, waiting for you to speak. “Can I have a glass of water? My throat… It hurts and my mouth is dry. That sound guy really took me out…” You laugh nervously and you don’t notice the brief flash of anger on his face, simply casting your gaze in the opposite direction of him.

He jumps up a little too quickly, going straight for the pitcher of water, pouring some into the glass before returning to your side. You take it and just like someone with absolutely no manners, you practically chug the water, a drop or two sliding down your chin. You sigh as you lower it, licking your lips and wiping your mouth, coughing quietly.

Neji looks at you with a bit of concern, opening his mouth to ask if you’re okay before your name is called rather loudly from the door. Choji rushes in with three bags of food in his hands, bringing way more than enough for the three of you to eat. Shikamaru steps in behind him and narrows his eyes at Neji, quickly wiping the look of distaste away as he sits beside you, setting the now empty glass down beside the basket.

With your attention elsewhere, answering all of Choji’s questions of concern, Neji quietly slips out of the room, abandoning all plans of going to see Rock Lee, mumbling to TenTen about whatever important business he has to tend to.

It briefly crosses his mind as he listens to you laugh and converse from down the hall of whether or not Lee and TenTen would have the same dedication to visiting him as your teammates do to you. He sighs softly, stepping out on the street and walking back towards his small apartment away from the Hyuga clan’s villa.

“Neji brought me a fruit basket,” you speak up, gesturing to the array of fresh fruit on the nightstand. Shikamaru raises an eyebrow, confused. As far as he was concerned that basket was meant to be taken to a still unconscious Rock Lee.

What had taken place to have caused Neji to leave it there?

He was someone who normally acted on impulse.

“Oh boy! That was nice of him! He must have a crush on you or something? He doesn’t usually do stuff like that!”

“No way!” Shikamaru huffs, “That guy doesn’t care about anyone but himself. There’s no way he’d have a crush on anyone.”

You laugh it off, shaking your head and throwing a rather annoyed and amused glance in Shikamaru’s direction. Choji looks between the two of you, taking a break from stuffing food in his mouth. He’s quiet, the only sound could be heard from the ruffling of his bag of chips.

“Don’t ever say something that stupid again, Choji.” He nods a bit, not taking Shikamaru’s words to heart. It wasn’t a big deal, he was joking.

Well, mostly.

Smack!

“Don’t hit them, you idiot!” Shikamaru groans, snatching the bag of chips from Choji that you had tried to take a few from, passing it right to you much to the other man’s dismay.

Taglist: @shikamarunaraaa @niktwazny303 @writers-whirlwind

[umemiyan]

🥺y'all moved on but I'm still stuck on cousin Choji I'll forever be stuck on him. And then he's so yandere coded too? He definitely makes you take his dick he loves watching it go in and out of you it amps him up even more than the sounds that your pussy makes when he's up in it. I'd definitely go to cousin Choji's house everyday for his dick- every. Damn. Day. God and he loves it when you too have a moment of silence between your moans and he just hears the wet gushy sounds your pussy is making? Trust it makes him go from holding back and being gentle to brutally pounding into you almost fuckin himself stupid with your coochie and it definitely drives him crazy when you pull him in for a kiss when you're already a moaning mess he just wants to eat you, devour you whole, make you completely his and his only. Who tf cares what the family would think this is HIS pussy... God I'm in love

babe i feel you ✊🏻 i’d be hitting him up too LMAO and i agree with you that he could def be a weirdo little yan who just goes absolutely nuts over you, especially while fucking 😵‍💫 the obsessiveness/possessiveness grips his soul and he just goes into breeder mode ykwim. i said it before but i’ll say it again: he fucks like a bunny on crack and i swear it would have your brain turning to mush. but he can also bite like a lion.

he’s the type where he just can’t help himself once he finally gets a taste. the little selfish streak really kicks in and he starts chasing his pleasure and satisfaction, prepared to do just about anything to get it. if you met him with a similar energy/intensity… he’d be losing it in the best way. just prepare to have him attached to your hip forever, because he’s obsessed.

once he flips the switch into indulgent mode, he really does get extra nasty 😵‍💫 does everything he can to hear each noise your pussy makes and also not even care if anyone else hears. he’s too wrapped up in what’s going on in the moment, plus he wouldn’t be mad about other people knowing you belong to each other.

he might not act overly possessive out in public due to the nature of your relationship and just because he’s got that happy-go-lucky attitude, but he can switch QUICK if something goes down. if he ever saw someone else trying to screw with you… first, they’d be getting their teeth kicked in, but second, he’d be clinging to you immediately; maybe with a happy little smile and giggle, but he’ll be thinking about getting you alone…

[tranquil-turbulence]

SS Month ‘23 - Day 1

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

Prompt: Non-Massacre AU

Warnings: N/A

She was hiding behind the tree again.

A shy little thing, he often noticed that she tended to shrink away from the crowds of children during recess. He didn’t blame her; all of the girls in class did nothing but gather together and giggle - and they all seemed to flock around him like mice to crumbs.

Six-year-old Sasuke had little time for things like girls and crushes; he preferred to spend his time practicing his skills. All of his teachers spoke of him highly, but they always tended to bring up Itachi, and if he wanted them to praise him the same way he had to become the greatest shinobi of his class.

His best friend didn’t share the same goals. Naruto was clever and energetic, always playing around and carefree. All he wanted was to hang out with Shikamaru and Kiba and Choji, and despite looking up to Itachi the way his few friends tended to do, the only person he idolized was his dad.

Uncle Minato was great, but he wasn’t Itachi-niisan.

Sasuke let out a quiet sigh, walking over to the makeshift target he’d made out of the old tree stump in the corner of the schoolyard. This was the only place he was able to practice his throwing without the teachers telling him to go somewhere else. He hoped the gaggle of girls wouldn’t migrate over today - some peace and quiet would be nice.

“Cousin is coming over a lot more nowadays,” he thought irritably, “and so is that girl Itachi likes.”

Shisui was fun company, but he could sure be energetic.

He felt a presence nearby, but he didn’t even have to look before he spotted a little head of mauve hair pop up in his peripheral.

He couldn’t quite remember her name, but she was quiet and stayed out of the way, so he figured he wouldn’t say anything.

Narrowing his eyes at the target, he readied his arm and in one swift movement, he let the shuriken fly.

It cut through the air cleanly, swiftly, and landed with a thunk in the bark of the stump. A bullseye, right in the crudely-cut circle in the center.

“Yesssss!” He fist-pumped the air with a hiss of victory, before grabbing his next shuriken and pausing to aim.

Another throw, this one slightly off-kilter from the last. He kissed his teeth in annoyance before shambling over to grab them both.

He felt her eyes on him again and let out a sigh before turning to the nearby tree. “Are you just gonna watch me the whole time?”

There was a pause, and then slowly, sheepishly, a pink-haired little girl peeked at him from behind.

“S- sorry,” she shyly murmured, looking down so that her hair covered her eyes. “It’s quiet here and… and I like watching you practice.”

She was smaller than he first thought she was. The tree practically swallowed her behind its bark, and her hand was even smaller than his.

“Well…” he said, folding his arms, “... okay, I guess, but… just don’t stare at me so hard. It makes me lose con-- const-- con-cen-tra-tion.”

“Okay, I’m sorry,” she nodded, clutching the bark tighter in her tiny fingers. “I’m Sakura.”

“Uchiha Sasuke.” Picking up the shuriken again, he turned to the stump.

With a smooth throw, he landed a perfect bullseye. When he turned to grin at her, her answering blush and shy smile made his heart lift in pride.

[azurelyy]

Nejiii :3

Omg <3. Thank you for the ask, darling!

Edit: TW FOR DEPRESSION!

1: sexuality headcanon

Neji is a secret softie. He really loves the intimacy of sex, and hasn't had many partners due to that. If you get the chance to go to bed with him, that means he really cares about you and he is going to treat you like a pillow princess. He'll allow you to dom him if that's what you prefer, although he does prefer to pleasure YOU - but so long as you're happy, that's all he cares about.

2: otp

To be honest, I really don't ship Neji with anyone in particular. TenTen is the best match for him, but I wouldn't call them an otp.

3. brotp

We didn't see them interact much, but I have a feeling Sai and Neji could have been good friends. Like I just picture them both confiding in each other about their crushes and it melts my icicle heart.

4. notp

I don't have super strong feelings about any of Neji's relationships and I don't really not ship him with anyone. Obviously he wouldn't work with Sakura or Ino, and Hinata is his cousin... so, I guess that would be my choice lol. I am sure people ship him with Hinata and it's a no from me.

5: first headcanon that pops into my head

Neji loves giant lollipops. Like the ones that are the size of your hand. And Choji somehow discovered this about him and now uses it as leverage lmao.

6: favorite line from this character

"Naruto... Sometimes, your eyes are even better than mine."

7: one way in which I relate to this character

I'm pretty sure Neji is depressed... so, same. He always talks about how death is the only way to escape... poor guy.

8: thing that gives me second hand embarrassment about this character

He is literally such a dick. Like I'm sorry, but he was. It's embarrassing. If I were him, I'd be embarrassed by how much of an asshole I was as a kid.

9: cinnamon roll or problematic fave?

He is problematic for suuuure. Definitely not a fave of mine, but I like him well enough. Sorry, Neji!

[depressedhatakekakashi]

Got any head canons For Kakashi's relationship with Gai's parents in his teacher lifetime? I ask for that one specifically because technically, that is the only life time Gai he introduces God Kakashi to his parents as his actual boyfriend! In his first and third lives, he may have met Dai but he was introduced as a childhood friend. In his forth to sixth the parents all died before he met Gai (or in 4th's case with knight Gai, he onlybhad that one night and he wasn't going to use it asking about his mums!). In the seventh life he met travelor mum before he met Gai (hilarious), so he never introduced her, and in the lifetime after this, they are introduced as childhood friends.(we don't talk about 2nd Gai's parents 😒)

But Teacher Gai has the rare opportunity of getting to Date Kakashi right away. And as such his parents get the honor of meeting Gai their son's boyfriend! Do they approve right away? Do they ask personal questions. Are they excited when they learn he's also trans because they know Gai is dating someone who truly understands him (or if Gai only started transitioning lately, maybe he can help him with some new things!)? Are they a little disappointed at no grandchildren but love the 8 dog babies? Do they share Gai's enthusiasm over history? Do they ever catch on to his godhood before Gai XD;

I just love the idea of Kakashi having to earn parents approval (but getting it right away). And then some happy inlaw shenanigans happening. Maybe they ask to meet his dad/ siblings too...which might be hilarious in its own right XD.

Obito: Why do I have to wear a suit for this?

Kakashi: Because if my inlaws think for one second I'm shabby because of you- I WILL END YOU!

Sakumo: It's been so long since we've all been together 🥲.

Sister/gender queer sibling (whose name I forgot. Sorry): I can't wait to tell every single one of Kakashi's embarrassing childhood stories to Gai's entire family tree. 😈

(Kakashi getting invited to family get togethers and meeting grandparents, aunts, uncles cousins~ maybe siblings! A HUGE loving family for Gai ♡)

I think he’d get along well with them, and not just because Gai wouldn’t stop gushing about him for years before they actually got together XD

Kakashi is sweet, respectful, attentive, and really reigning in that arrogant attitude so he doesn’t give a bad impression. He’s not as open and excitable as Gai made him seem, but that’s because they’re newz

He’ll get there.

I’d say he has the best relationship with the other family members cuz dude has an ‘old soul’ (if only they knew the truth XD) and loves to talk about history and all of the festivals and beliefs of the village.

Gai’s siblings and cousin’s also start offering their help at the farm, so Kakashi ends up with with even more vegetables over the years as more and more people help him, meaning the villsge (and choji) get more

[lemony-snickers]

@loutrem - ficti-gram for you!

to: @loutrem from: @succikko-nebulae message: Enjoy this little treat my beloved, love you ♥ characters/pairing: shikamaru nara/choji akimichi prompt: a box of chocolates

Troublesome was not quite the right word, but it was the closest Shikamaru could come to articulating his frustration.

Of course, he should have known better than to ask Naruto Uzumaki, of all people, for help. But he had been so desperate for another opinion, he hadn't really considered whether the choice was good or not, only that it was the only one available.

Still, this had clearly been a mistake. But every time he tried to open his mouth to assure Naruto he was fine and no longer required the other man's input, it seemed Naruto had some other brash opinion to add to the conversation, his too-loud voice drowning out whatever Shikamaru had to say.

What a pain.

The day had started as easily as any other - sleeping in and waking slowly, letting the mid-morning sun stretch its fingers across his futon until it reached his face, finally forcing him awake.

Despite outward appearances, Shikamaru was not really lazy so much as he was unbothered.

He worked hard at his training when he had to, but his natural predelictions simply made it less important for him to devote countless hours to his own improvement. Instead, he nurtured his natural gifts and outsourced the rest, prioritized rest and relaxation because it was better than the alternative.

Shikamaru did, however, have a terrible flair for procrastination. And as he realized what day it was--what day he had known it would be, having watched it creep every closer on the calendar for weeks--he knew he could no longer put off the errand he had avoided for so long. He wanted the gift to be perfect, though, and he worried he might make the wrong decision.

So, he endeavoured to enlist the help of a friend to assure him of his path. To offer their perspective and bolster his confidence in his choice.

Of course, Ino had been the first person he wanted to ask, but when he wandered into the Yamanaka flower shop, where she normally worked on Wednesdays, he found an unfamiliar cousin behind the counter intead. Apparently, if the boy could be trusted, Ino had been whisked away by her father--something about improving her interrogation technique--deep into the bowels of the Hokage Tower for training.

Shikamaru considered trying to follow, but shivered, the dark corridors of T&I not a place he would ever go willingly.

Instead, he stepped out into the springtime sunshine and huffed, that creeping insecurity snaking its way back up his spine, to his scalp. Shikamaru dismissed the feeling, fingers twitching in his pockets as he scuffed his way down the street.

Without Ino, he didn't know who else to consult.

And then, like a beacon of opportunity, Naruto Uzumaki's bright blond hair had come into view around the next corner and Shikamaru had counted himself lucky.

How wrong he was.

Before running into Naruto, Shikamaru had three potential gifts picked out for Choji's birthday. Three gifts he thought might convey, at least a little, how much he cared for his oldest friend and the person he had grown to love most in the world: a kunai sharpening kit with a butterfly engraved on the side of the stone, a new scarf knit by a civilian woman known for her craft, and a set of jade earrings carved by hand.

While he hadn't purchased anything yet, he had found each item in a store within Konoha and mentally bookmarked them. Now, it was time to choose.

Naruto had been all too eager to join Shikamaru for his errand, elbowing the other man conspiratorily in the ribs and waggling his eyebrows good-naturedly. Shikamaru grumbled, not at all comfortable espousing his affections in public, but could not help the smile that spread its way across his face all the same.

When they stepped into the first shop, Shikamaru tried to dim his excitment. But when he asked to see the earrings in the case he had spent far too long gawking at in the weeks prior, he could not help the giddy smile which spread across his face as he showed them off to Naruto. For a moment, he had convinced himself these were it - the perfect gift.

And then Naruto had turned, face scrunched into a terrible frown and asked, "Really?"

Though the response had dimmed the flicker of excitement in Shikamaru's chest, he didn't lose hope entirely. There were still two gifts to go, after all, and one of them was bound to be perfect.

But Naruto had reacted the same to the scarf, much to the irritation of the old woman behind the counter, and had been even more virulent in his distate for the kunai sharpening set.

"You're giving him work to do for his birthday?" The incredulousness of his response sat like a weight in Shikamaru's chest.

Defeated, the pair had departed the weapon supplier, Shikamaru's head bowed. Had he made some terrible miscalculation?

"Don't worry!" Naruto shouted, clapping him hard on the back, "I'll help you find a great present!"

That had been hours ago, and as Shikamaru stared at yet another utterly dumbfounding suggestion--a frog-shaped pillow for which neither Choji nor anyone else Shikamaru knew except perhaps Naruto himself would have any use--he felt his irritation finally spill over.

He turned on his heel, grumbling under his breath as he stormed out of the kitschy shop Naruto had dragged him to. He heard Naruto follow, heard his shouts of confusion. And when Naruto caught up with him on the street, reaching out to grab his elbow as he asked, "What the hell, Shikamaru, I was just--"

"Shut up!"

Shikamaru did not yell often, but the calm of the day had long since ebbed and he turned to glare daggers at Naruto, whose confused expression only served to further irritate him. Shikamaru breathed deeply through his nose, trying to calm his irritation before he said, "Thanks for the help, Naruto, but I'm good."

He wrenched his elbow out of Naruto's grasp, not waiting to listen to the other man's confused protests before he stormed off in the direction of the weapons shop.

Of course, by the time he arrived, the store was closed. And the woman refused to sell him the scarf at all, reminding him how rude his friend had been earlier in the day. As Shikamaru sprinted--well, as close to sprinted as he ever got--toward the jewelry shop with the jade earrings he loved so much, he felt panic, white hot and insistent, burning its way through his chest.

When he stared at the "CLOSED" sign on the shop door, the heat fizzled and turned to ice.

He'd really screwed this up, hadn't he?

Shikamaru's feet felt heavier than usual as he made his way to Choji's home. When he let himself in, kicking off his sandals as his nose detected the delectable scents of a delicious meal, his heart sank down to his knees.

Choji was in the kitchen, busying himself with dinner, unruly red hair pushed off his face with a headband as he hummed to himself. Despite the terrible day he'd endured, Shikamaru smiled, creeping up behind to press a kiss to Choji's neck.

Choji startled a little, but immediately relaxed into the touch.

"Pretty sure I should be on dinner duty since it's your birthday," Shikamaru said.

Choji laughed, full and loud, "I'd prefer to enjoy my birthday dinner, thanks!"

Shikamaru couldn't help by smile. He was a terrible cook.

They enjoyed their meal together, Choji filling Shikamaru in on his day and sharing the small gifts he'd received from their friends. With each new addition to the list, Shikamaru felt worse. Everyone had gifted some truly wonderful things, and somehow the genius Nara had managed to fall short.

He put off giving his present as long as he could, but eventually he could stall no longer, and Shikamaru pulled the box from its hiding place in the living room and offered it to Choji with red cheeks and a muttered, "Happy Birthday."

Choji beamed, rounded cheeks made even rounder by the force of his smiling, turning a little pink in his elation, as he peeled away the paper. "Ah!"

The red foil box shimmered in the low light, and Choji peeled back the cover to reveal its contents--a dozen chocolates of various kinds, the only thing Shikamaru had managed to scrounge up on his walk through Konoha as most of the shops were closing.

No one would have been able to tell the gift was so lame based on Choji's reaction, however. He immediately plucked a truffle from the box and popped it into his mouth, eyes rolling as he savored it. "Oh, these are wonderful," he said, mouth full and eyes sparkling in delight.

Shikamaru ducked, brushed an imaginary fleck of something from his pant leg as he shook his head, "It's nothing."

"They are perfect," Choji corrected, lifting another chocolate from the box and taking a bite. He hummed in delight and held the second half out toward his partner.

Shikamaru hesitated a moment, but then he leaned forward and Choji press the dessert into his mouth, letting his fingers linger a little longer than necessary on Shikamaru's tongue.

Shikamaru laughed despite himself, swallowing the chocolate as he watched Choji take his time choosing the next one.

Perhaps the gift hadn't been so bad, after all. And anyway, Shikamaru already had plans to buy the earrings tomorrow. If anyone deserved to be showered with gifts more than once for his birthday, it was Choji.

Maybe he'd even pick up that stupid frog pillow for Naruto to apologize for his rude behavior. Maybe.

For now, he settled in and enjoyed the next truffle Choji offered him, content to spend the evenining listening to the merits of dark versus milk and caramel versus creme, and eating chocolate until his stomach hurt.