#leave it to me [ neji replies ]

[cheapshrimpysheep]

There's a Calm Surrender

SUMMARY: The Bead Brawl tournament ends and Leona and the other three run away leaving you, Grim and Jack behind. This causes Neji(Kifaji) to reprimand Leona and trigger him into taking you on a ride to confess to you.

CHARACTERS: Leona Kingscholar x Reader 🦁

TAGS: Fluff; GN Reader; Love Confession; Kiss; Flirting

WARNING: Spoilers from Cloudcalling on the Savanna (Sunset Savanna's Tamashina-Mina) and its respective cards.

WORD COUNT: 2.200 words

COMMENTS: At first, I was going to write scenarios for all the event cards, but as Leona's was so personal, it ended up inspiring me to write a lot. So I decided to let him have his solo post. I'll still write scenarios for the others in a separate post.

By the way, I was undecided whether to use the name Neji or Kifaji, so I used both. 😅

I hope you enjoy. 😘

To escape from Cheka, Neji(Kifaji) and the palace guards who were with them, Leona rushed to the car to drive back to the hotel. Vil, Kalim and Lilia went with him. And you, Grim and Jack were left behind in the rain.

I mean, Leona wanted to escape and the car didn't have seats for everyone but... still... it made you a little sad. At least you had Jack who never left your side. Eventually, Cheka and Neji(Kifaji) reached you, after Leona and the others had already fled. Of course the first thing Neji(Kifaji) did was apologize for Leona's rudeness and offer to take you back to the hotel.

During the ride back, Cheka wanted to stay with you, especially after finding out that the name Leona used to win the tournament was yours. You were like his new favorite person. He even started calling you Unca, like he does with Leona.

There was a moment when it seemed like Neji(Kifaji) was going to correct Checka, perhaps explaining that since you're not married to his uncle, calling you “Unca” as well wouldn't be correct. But for some reason, he interrupted himself with a smile and just said amused: "Yes, they are the real Unca [Y/N]."

SUNSET SAVANNA - SUNSET VILLA

When you arrive at the hotel, you decide to take a shower to clean yourself from the rainwater. And after that, you hear two voices arguing in a nearby room. One is from Neji(Kifaji) and the other from Leona. You can't contain your curiosity and lean against the door to listen.

“The other three only went with me because they wanted to!” Leona says “I could have left alone.”

“And you, as a prince, would leave all your guests behind?” Neji(Kifaji) replies “In the middle of the rain? It would be shameful enough if it were discovered that you did it to three of them.”

“There were no more seats in the car.” Leona says in that smug tone of his. “It would be dangerous if I took more people. I took whoever I could and you took the rest. And for that I thank you. For bringing my other dear colleagues when I couldn't.”

“Hum, dear colleagues. Fu fu.” Neji’s(Kifaji) tone sounded like he was smiling in amusement. “Is that all they really are to you, prince Leona?”

“You know even the ‘dear’ part was deceiver sarcasm. And I don't like that smug on your face.”

“Oh, forgive me, Prince Leona. Far be it from me to insinuate that I know, for knowing you, what feelings you hide for them.”

“Feelings? You don't really think they're my friends, do you?”

“I wish. But I didn't mean all of them. I was referring to [Y/N].”

“And what exactly were you referring to?” Leona's voice lost its smug and sounded slightly annoyed.

“You know, Prince Cheka liked them very much. He even started calling them Unca [Y/N]. Something tells me you would like the sound of it.”

“No, I wouldn't. And it's a good thing those thoughts and assumptions of yours never leave your mouth ever again! Or be written in any way!” Leona had a growl in his voice.

“But of course, Prince Leona. I would never do such a thing.” and his tone became more serious. “You let them get closer and at the same time they are the first person you push away.”

“I didn't ask them to come. The furball insisted that he wanted to come and he is unbearable without his caretaker.”

“You are trying to deceive others by deceiving yourself.”

“Mind your own business and get out of mine!” He roars. There is silence for a few seconds.

“Very well. I will withdraw now. Forgive my intrusion, Prince Leona.”

“I will not.”

“But there is a limit to which a person can be pushed.” His footsteps and voice approach the door and the last thing you hear before leaving is the phrase: “Until they find someone who is willing  to embrace them.”

SUNSET SAVANNA - SUNSET VILLA (later)

It was night. You were only going to return to NRC the next day. You were in your room with Grim and he was already fast asleep, when someone knocks on your door. With your pajamas on, you open it.

Leona looks you up and down. “If you want to come on one last ride, get changed and head to the entrance in half an hour.” He tells you and leaves.

You did as he said and a few seconds later you hear a car approaching. Leona stops, the front passenger door right in front of you ready for you to open and step inside. There's no one else in the car other than the two of you. You can't contain a little smile.

SUNSET SAVANNA - LEONA'S CAR

You ask him where you are going.

“I don't know.” He responds, very naturally.

What did he mean he didn't know? Why did he invite you to take that ride? What was happening?

“I know you heard our conversation.” He says, without taking his eyes off the path and speaking as he normally does. “I heard your footsteps and smelled your scent.” He smirks. “What a rude guest. If he knew maybe he wouldn't praise you so much.”

You apologize.

“It's a little late for that, don't you think? You already overheard a private conversation. And between a prince and the chief chamberlain of his royal family. Few would have such insolence.” he was grinning smugly.

“And what are you going to do with me?” you ask. “For this so-called insolence.”

“I could have you arrested for espionage. I invite you, out of the kindness of my heart, to introduce you to my country and culture, for you to betray me and try to find out personal information about the royal family of Sunset Savana.” He finally looks at you, from the corner of his eyes and with a serious face. “You know I could really do that, right?”

You immediately looked worried and flinched a little.

He laughs. “I’m kidding. Don’t be frightened of each little joke. It's not like I mean any harm to you.”

“Then... what is this?” You ask.

“A night ride.” Leona answers. “Just enjoy it. Look up.”

You do it and you see a beautiful, clear, dark sky full of stars you didn't even know could be seen from earth. He was calmly driving, which made you also feel like everything was okay and that you could relax too. He ended up making his way to the arena where the Bead Brawl tournament took place. But he continued driving toward the colossal boulder that was the tournament's background.

SUNSET SAVANNA - PRIDE ROCK

He parked right at the base of the stone. He gets out of the car, knowing you would follow, and walks up to a locked steel door. He takes a key out of his pocket and opens the door. You ask if you can be there.

“I can. I have the key, don't I?” He starts to climb the stone stairs and you follow him. “Close the door, will ya?” He turns on the lights in the passage and you close the door behind you.

You go up the stairs until you reach a kind of room with a large opening, like a cave. It was blocked by a fence with a locked door, probably for the safety of visitors. You look outside and see that extensive ledge in front of you, the most striking point of that place.

“When planning began to turn this place into a tourist spot,” Leona explained “they thought about placing the fence outlining the stone, to create a landscaped balcony, I think. But the stone has an unstable shape to support a lot of weight, so they blocked the passage here. For the tourists.” He takes the keys again and opens the fence door. “You're not afraid of heights, are you?” He laughs and walks along the ledge.

You go carefully after him. He stops halfway, takes off his cloak and spreads it on the ground. And he lays down beside the cloak.

“I know I'm hot, but wouldn't you rather lie down next to me and see the stars? You can admire me all you want at school.” He was referring to the cloak, it was for you.

You lie down and look back at that wonderful starry sky. It was calming.

“Legend says that it was on this stone that the shaman presented the newborn prince or princess to the other animals.” he tells you, and points to the tip of the stone. “The shama would go there, right on the edge and lifted the cub. Like the golden statue in the city center. I wonder if any lion has ever fallen from there.” he laughs. There's a short moment of silence. “Sorry.”

“Hum? Sorry for what?” you ask

“For leaving you behind in the rain.” he explained looking at the stars. “But if you had been faster I would have brought you too.”

“You’re apologizing?”

“Why are you herbivores always surprised by that?” he sighs.

And then he rolls over and positions himself on top of you with his arms stretched out. Making you look at him with the starry sky behind him.

“And just so we're clear, I didn't want to bring you because this wasn't a vacation. I was just trying to resolve an inconvenience. I didn't want to involve you in these matters, and I just wanted to get this over with quickly.” he smirks “However, I admit it wasn't bad that I had the opportunity to show off in front of you.”

You get flattered, maybe even blush and end up looking down instinctively from his face. But when you do this, your gaze ends up stopping at his torso, with that tight top and the muscles on his abdomen exposed and flexed. And you end up looking to the side, even more flustered, and with a little smile. He interprets this as a green light.

“You heard what Neji(Kifaji) said, right?” He wasn't smiling, but his face was relaxed and he was looking at you with strangely tender eyes. “About you.‘You let them get closer and at the same time they are the first person you push away.’... And you're still here.” he sighs. “Fine, then. I surrender.”

“What do you mean?” you ask “Surrender from what?”

He bends his arms, now supporting himself on his forearms and getting closer to your face.

“From the fight. You’re too persistent. Stronger than me apparently. Always wanting to see me happy. Always present with that smile. You looked like a puppy excited to go for a walk when I let you and Grim come with us... Cute... I’ll put all my cards on the table and give you a choice. And make sure you listen to me because I won't repeat myself. I like you and I'm willing to make you mine. I will give you the choice: Look away and refuse me or kiss me and accept me.”

You take your time. You look at his lips instead of looking away.

“It's your choice, herbivore. Let me be your number one and I'll make you mine... [Y/N].”

You kiss his lips and he lets his body move closer to yours. Until you're in each other's arms. You had started cuddling each other when he tells you:

“Don't tell anyone about this yet. I don't want Neji(Kifaji) to get all cocky thinking he was right and that he had a hand in this.”

“And he didn't?”

“He doesn't need to know that. No one needs. I never thought I'd say it this way, but...” with an arm around your waist he brings you closer. “Hakuna Matata... Let's not worry about it tonight.” and he kisses you again.

You will start to feel him more relaxed, even more than usual. He has nothing left to hide anymore, no feelings to fight against. Instead, he is free to behave however he wants, to hug you, kiss you and fall asleep next to you, especially if you pet his ears. But don't worry, he'll still wake up easily if you need to escape before you two get caught there and people start asking questions.

SUNSET SAVANNA - SUNSET VILLA

The two of you return to the hotel, when you are getting close to separating to go to your rooms, you say good night to Leona and turn to go to your room. But he holds you by the waist.

“And where do you think you're going?” he asks with a smirk. “I skipped the parade, but I still want to celebrate my victory.”

“Do you mean my victory?” you say “After all, I'm pretty sure that masked mysterious warrior that appeared last minute had my name.”

He laughs. “Whoever we celebrate, I want to do it in my room. And I want you there with me.” The way you smile is enough for him to know that you want the same. He picks you up and takes you with him to the prince's bedroom.

If you would like to read more from me, you can find it in my pinned post: INDEX

[animeomegas]

I live for you and your writings <3

Anyway, I do have a request if you would like to fill it!! - how would the naruto boys (itachi, neji, sasuke, naruto) react to a stranger telling their pup off or/ scolding them for a small little mishap that happened while their back was turn? And they only realize it after a good few minutes of their pup being shouted at?

Hehe ty for all your hard work

Thank you so much!! You're so sweet <3 I really, really loved this prompt; it has taken me so long to finish, but I wanted to to it justice! I've just done Naruto and Itachi and Sasuke. But I really hope people enjoy this one!

WHEN A STRANGER SCOLDS THEIR PUP (Omega! Itachi + Naruto + Sasuke)

ITACHI

Itachi's eldest and only son, Yasu, was a very independent and responsible little boy, even though he was only 7.

So it came as no surprise when Yasu asked if he could wait outside the nesting shop instead of coming in with Itachi, because it was a beautiful day and he wanted to stand in the sun.

Itachi was originally hesitant, but with his newborn strapped to his chest, he begrudgingly agreed, knowing that it would be unfair for him to expect Yasu to be mature when it came to his baby sister, without giving him any of the benefits of that maturity.

"You must stay touching this wall at all times," Itachi said seriously, taking his little pup's hand and pressing it against the front wall of the nesting shop. "No leaving this wall unless you're coming inside the shop to find me, promise?"

"I promise," Yasu said, a serious smile on his little round face. "You can trust me, oma."

"I know, my love," Itachi whispered. He pressed a kiss to Yasu's forehead. "I won't take long."

"Okay, don't worry, oma, I'm a big brother now!"

Itachi laughed gently, standing and patting his son on the head as he did. His son was so much like him, and yet nothing like him at all.

But things only stayed sweet for about ten minutes.

Because as Itachi was wandering around looking for a new blanket for Yasu (a strategy other parents had recommend so that he didn't resent his new sister for taking up so much of Itachi's time), he heard crying.

He heard Yasu crying.

He dropped the basket to the ground with a clatter and ran out of the shop as quickly as he could, cradling his newborn safely to his chest.

What he saw caused a flash of anger so hot, he wasn't surprised when his sharigan activated on instinct.

There was a man, towering over his son, shouting and spitting at him, a large finger pointing accusatorily at Yasu's face.

Yasu's face was red as he choked on his tears. His little hand was still pressed up against the wall, but it now shook in time with his sobs.

Itachi's fingers latched onto the man's wrist with an iron grip, twisting the arm with the precision of a shinobi, just enough to hurt, but not quite enough to break. All at once, those shinobi instincts came flooding back even after all these years. He wanted to hurt this man for making his son cry, and he knew full well that he could do it.

"What do you think you are doing shouting at my son?" he said coldly, instead of breaking the man's spine like he desired.

The man's face went pale immediately. Itachi squeezed his wrist harder when the man didn't immediately reply.

"I- I-" the man stuttered, losing even more colour from his face. "I was just..."

"Not good enough," Itachi said coldly, sharigan spinning. The man whimpered pathetically. Itachi had no patience for bullies, especially those targeting his family.

Itachi held eye contact with the man for a few moments longer before he suddenly released the grip he had on the man's wrist and deactivated his sharigan. The man stumbled backwards and just barely avoided falling to the floor.

"Leave," he said coldly. The man wasted no time in doing as he was told and Itachi, despite having been the one to tell him to go, had to supress the urge to follow and eliminate the threat to his pup.

"O-Om-oma- oma," Yasu choked, tears and snot streaming down his face. He held one arm up in the universal request to be picked up, but he seemed too scared to stop touching the wall and approach Itachi himself. "O-Oma, I-I- didn't-"

Itachi suppressed the anger as best as he could and dropped down beside Yasu so that they were eye to eye. Yasu immediately barrelled into his side, still careful to avoid his baby sister.

"I'm so-sorry, oma, I didn't me-mean to! He said- he said- but you said I- I- couldn't move a-a-and-" he wailed, pushing his face into Itachi's collar bones and gripping his clothes tightly.

Itachi shushed him, "It's alright, sweetheart, you didn't do anything wrong." He rubbed Yasu's back firmly, anger burning through his veins as he felt his pup's tiny shoulders shake. While Itachi didn't know what had caused the conflict, there was nothing that Yasu could have done to warrant such a disgustingly aggressive reaction.

His newborn, clearly unhappy with being smushed, soon started up her own wailing, until Itachi was crouched outside the nesting shop with two distraught pups.

Itachi could feel himself becoming frazzled as none of his attempts to calm either child worked at all. People were giving him looks, some kind and some less so, and while he had never cared much what random people thought of his parenting, it was a stark reminder that he was far from the safety of home.

"Itachi?"

Itachi actually sighed in relief when he heard you come up beside him. You were planning on meeting him here after he finished shopping, but thankfully, you seemed to be a little early.

Itachi didn't waste any time greeting you, he simply scooped the wailing baby out of the sling on his chest and passed her to you.

"What happened?" you asked, sounding baffled as you accepted the infant and immediately began soothing her. Itachi ignored you and readjusted Yasu so that he could hug him properly. The boy cried heavily into his shoulder, but at least Itachi could fully cocoon him and keep him safe from the outside world now.

It took a few minutes, but with two pairs of hands and the ability to pick Yasu up properly, both the pups started to settle, their wails turning into little sniffles.

Itachi's face must still have promised murder however, because you kept your eyes focused warily on the surroundings and didn't ask for clarification on what had happened again.

"We're going home, darling, I promise we'll be there soon." As far as Itachi was concerned upset pups needed to be at home where it was safe, so he immediately abandoned the idea of finishing his shopping.

You followed his lead and you both made it home in record time, Itachi holding Yasu and you cradling the baby. Neither of you spoke as you walked. There was a mutual understanding that you'd address what happened after you were safe.

By the time you got home, both pups had fallen into an exhausted sleep.

"What happened?" you asked quietly as you gently closed the front door behind you. "Is Yasu alright?"

Itachi took a breath to smother the barely contained burning rage, "Some fully grown adult," he emphasised the word like it was the worst insult possible, "thought it appropriate to shout at Yasu when he was waiting outside the nesting shop."

"For what reason?" you asked, baffled and angry.

"I don't care." Itachi's voice was tinged with a growl and his hands flexed protectively around Yasu. "I believe he was too frightened to get the words out regardless."

You snorted, "Good."

Itachi's smile was tinged with gleeful cruelty, "Indeed."

NARUTO

When people asked him what he disliked most about being Hokage, Naruto would always make a joke about paperwork.

That answer wasn't exactly incorrect, as he did find the paperwork tedious and irritating, but it wasn't actually the part he disliked the most.

The part that he disliked the most was how much the job kept him away from his family.

Especially his three-and-a-half year old son, Riku, who was the most precious person in the world and who was also having a hard time adjusting to Naruto not being at home as much, even though it had been almost a year since he took up the role.

He tried to make as much time as he could for Riku, sending a clone to tuck him in at night, spending his lunch break eating with him (and his mate) in his office, hell, Naruto even had a tiny pair of noise cancelling earmuffs in his desk so that Riku could sit on his lap while Naruto heard mission reports.

It wasn't perfect and it didn't feel like enough, but it was all the Naruto could do at the moment.

And today was one of the days that you and Riku would be joining him for lunch in his office.

Unfortunately, a spontaneous mission debriefing had started before he could slink away for lunch.

And while Naruto knew that it was not this team's fault that their mission had increased in rank and thus required an immediate verbal debrief, (this had happened to Naruto himself more times than he could count), he was finding it hard not to feel frustrated with the group in front of him.

They were keeping him away from his son which was making him antsy.

A glance at the clock confirmed that his family were certainly waiting for him outside by now, and the guilt was difficult to push down.

It was at that moment that the door to his office suddenly creaked open. Naruto's eyes jumped automatically to it as the team leader stopped speaking. Naruto's secretary knew he was in a meeting, so who was at the door?

At a much lower height than expected, the intruder's chubby little cheeks peaked nervously around the door. His tiny hands were held cautiously to his chest while he chewed on his bottom lip, but it was the head of bright blond hair that had Naruto's heart jumping into his throat.

It was Riku.

Naruto was already half way out of his seat when Riku finally saw him. His whole body relaxed and a smile crept onto his face as he toddled into the room. Naruto felt his own exhaustion melt away in response; his son was the cutest thing he'd ever seen.

"Oma!" his son cheered. "You're here!"

Naruto laughed, forgetting all about the debrief, as he moved around his desk. "Of course, I'm here, silly. Where's appa? How did you-"

Suddenly, another person entered the room, his face twisted angrily. He grabbed Riku by the wrist, startling him and Naruto in the process.

"What did I say?!" the man, Naruto's secretary, demanded, squeezing Riku's wrist. "I told you to wait quietly, and that you weren't allowed in yet, but you barged your way in when my back was turned! Out! Right now! I'm so sorry, Hokage-sama, I won't let this happen again."

Naruto had heard far worse from far scarier people when he was Riku's age, but Riku wasn't like him. He wasn't capable of the bravado and retaliation that Naruto had used to limp through his childhood, no. Riku was a sensitive child. He needed everyone to like him, to be gentle with him, and Naruto knew that he wouldn't be able to cope with such blatant negative attention.

Naruto watched as his pup's anxiety spiked, and he felt his heart drop in response. Riku's wide eyes bubbled over with heavy tears that covered his little flushed cheeks. His mouth moved like he was trying to speak, but he was simply too frightened to get any words out.

Naruto's secretary was not happy with the lack of movement. "Out, now!"

Riku was frozen, and when the man tugged him, knocking him off balance, all the colour drained from his face and his breathing became harsh and disjointed. To make things worse, his darling pup, who had only been out of nappies for a short few months, lost control of his bladder from fear.

Naruto saw red. A wave of killing intent swept over the room. It was so strong that Naruto was distantly aware that his guard was shifting nervously where they were hidden, and that several members of the debriefing team had fallen to their knees. Naruto only had eyes for one person though.

Naruto's secretary dropped his hold on Riku like he'd been burnt and fell heavily into the door frame, shoulder first. Naruto had fought in a war, but he'd never moved as fast as he did in that moment, as he planted himself between his secretary and his son.

"Get. Out," Naruto ground out, somehow keeping control of his voice. Naruto had never attacked a civilian, and he didn't want to start now, but if this man wasn't out of his sight in the next three seconds, something was going to snap.

Thankfully, the man didn't need to be told twice. With a terrified face and wobbly limbs, he stumbled out of the office with all the grace of a newborn giraffe. Naruto felt no guilt when he heard the man retching on the floor.

Wasting no time, Naruto spun around and grabbed his pup up and into the safety of his embrace. He didn't pay any attention to the dampness, and some of the furious anxiety left him as soon as his instincts registered that his child was safe with him.

Riku was still very stiff, but he did reach out and grab Naruto's collar. His breathing was worryingly sporadic.

Naruto cooed and purred at his pup, rocking him gently from side to side. His rage was still bubbling below the surface, but he kept his outward presentation comforting and gentle.

"Oma's here," he whispered into his pup's hair. "Oma's got you. You're safe, Riku."

Naruto sat back down in his chair and arranged Riku on his lap so that he was cocooned in his Hokage's robes. He then grabbed the earmuffs from his desk and slipped them over his pup's ears to help him calm down.

The team that had been debriefing were still stood awkwardly in front of his desk. They were all back to standing upright, but they seemed unsure of what to do seeing as it was hardly appropriate to continue the debriefing, but they also hadn't been dismissed.

"You guys can go. Just leave the report on my desk."

They all bowed and scurried out of the room.

Naruto ended up sitting there in silence for a few minutes, just processing what had happened while he calmed down his son.

He hated using his power to make others afraid. He loved being a friendly hokage that everyone could trust and look up to. But he had been so angry that he had lost control.

He was still angry, if he was being honest with himself.

And he also felt guilty. Because that small part of him that always questioned whether this job was a selfish desire, was suddenly so much louder.

This wouldn't have happened if he had been at home with his family for lunch like most parents with young children.

He was broken out of his thoughts when you arrived, fresh from your bathroom break, having walked into the aftermath of chaos.

Of course you were there; you always joined them for lunch, it had just escaped Naruto's mind until you were in front of him.

Riku had calmed down a lot, but he was still staring at the wall, holding Naruto as tightly as he could with his little hands.

"What happened?" you asked quietly, coming straight over to him and Riku. You smoothed a hand over Riku's hair and crouched down beside him. He kept one hand on Naruto and latched the other one onto your hand as soon as you were in range.

Naruto just shook his head, feeling exhausted all of a sudden. "Let's just head home. Riku needs a change of clothes and a nice bath with lots of bubbles."

To your credit, you didn't ask why, you simply nodded and allowed Riku to bury himself in your arms while Naruto gathered his things. He wasn't coming back into the office today, and he told you as much.

"Are you sure?" He pretended that your surprise didn't hurt as much as it did.

"Yes," Naruto said shortly. He needed to find a better way to balance his job and his family, because this just wasn't cutting it.

"Okay," you said easily, rocking Riku. "Let's head home then. We can talk there."

SASUKE

Some people called Sasuke an overprotective parent, but Sasuke knew that his parenting style was entirely justified.

If someone was rude to his daughter, they deserved to have their life ruined as far as he as concerned.

If teachers made up lies about her, Sasuke would refuse to listen.

If his daughter was bullied, Sasuke would go and... speak... to the parents of the bully to 'encourage' them to be better parents.

This was an entirely normal response in his opinion. That was his daughter, his child, and while he sometimes struggled to verbalise his love, his daughter would never question his dedication to her.

She was still only seven, and needed his protection.

One day, when he was walking to meet her halfway from school, he noticed that she wasn't alone.

A tall woman, much too old to be a peer from school, was standing close, shoving her finger in his daughters face. His daughter didn't look cowed. She was staring, with her arms crossed, but this didn't stop the woman from her tirade.

She started shouting about how rude his daughter was, and how that was to be expected when her oma was the village pariah.

How dare she?!

He acted without thinking.

The kunai flew from his hand before Sasuke had even registered the movement, piercing the hand of the woman who had been pointing aggressively at his pup's face.

She shrieked as the pain registered and blood began running down her arm. Sasuke watched, stoic faced, as he walked towards them. The only emotions her pain brought to him were positive ones.

His daughter whirled around and he was privileged enough to see her face turn from confused to delighted as she recognised him. She was truly the light of his life.

"Oma!" she cheered, happily. He nodded back, a small smile on his face. He was proud to see that she didn't look scared at all, but that certainly didn't excuse the adult that had been shouting at her.

"Are you crazy?!" the woman hissed, holding her hand to her chest. Her face was twisted with rage and pain instead of fear, which cemented her in Sasuke's mind as an idiot. "They'll take away your shinobi licence for this!"

Another kunai found its place in his hand. These kunai really had a mind of their own today. "Are you threatening me? After you so blatantly attacked my daughter?"

"Attacked?! That rude little-"

The kunai flew from his hand again, this time flying less than an inch from her ear. It shut her up immediately.

"Choose your next words carefully." His daughter came over to his side and hugged him around the hips. He rested a hand affectionately on her head.

"I'll be reporting this to the hokage," she hissed. Sasuke was not scared; the worst thing Naruto would do is give him a disappointed look. His lack of fear must have shown on his face because the lady stormed off, far less injured than Sasuke would have liked.

Sasuke watched her go before he knelt down to his daughter's level and scanned her from head to toe. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." She grinned at him and adjusted her school bag on her shoulder. "That asshole couldn't have scared me if she tried."

"Language," Sasuke admonished gently, poking her in the forehead.

"Am I wrong, though?"

Privately, Sasuke agreed. "Let's just head home, your appa should be along any minute."

When you did meet up with them, you had to listen to your daughter singing about how she had the coolest oma in the world.

And when you wholeheartedly agreed, Sasuke could no longer keep the blush off his face.

[mochinek0]

Beautiful Boy

Marinette sank into the hospital bed, as the nurses checked over her newborn son.

"You did so well, M'Lady." Adrien whispered in her ear, "Our son is finally here."

Marinette smiled as the nurse brought their son over to her. She looked down and could see the little tufts of blonde hair. When he blinked, she could see blue eyes. From the corner of her eye, she saw the nurses leave to give them some privacy.

"A mix of us." She spoke.

"The world better watch out." he stated, making his wife giggle.

"He's so cute Adrien." Marinette declared, "What should we name him? I had some ideas, but I want your opinion, too."

"What were your ideas?" he asked.

Marinette blushed, "I sort-of....always liked the names Hugo or Louis."

"Hugo Agreste. Louis Agreste." he spoke, looking down at their son, "What about Naruto Agreste?"

"N-Naruto?" Marinette questioned.

"We-We don't have to!" Adrien immediately backtracked, "I liked your names, too!"

Marinette looked down at their son.

"Naruto Agreste." she smiled.

'It must mean something in Mandarin.'

"Wait. Really?" Adrien questioned.

"Yes." she replied, "Little Naruto Agreste."

"So, did you guys pick a name?" Alya questioned, over the phone.

Nino shouted, "Yeah, tell us!"

"I gave Adrien the two suggestions I liked, but he wanted a different name. I like it. It sounds nice and I think it's in Mandarin." Mari answered.

"Cool." Nino smiled, "What did he pick?"

"Naruto." the new mother answered.

"Naruto?" the other couple shouted.

"Yes?" Marinette replied, "Is-Is there something wrong with the name? Is it too weird?"

Alya just laughed and walked away. Nino smiled and took his phone out of his pocket.

"You do know you married a weeb, right?" he questioned.

"Don't tell me." Mari sighed, closing her eyes.

"Meet Naruto Uzumaki." Nino chuckled, as Alya continued to die of laughter in the background.

Marinette opened her eyes to see a blonde haired boy with blue eyes, similar to their newborn son.

"I'm gonna kill him." she answered.

Adrien walked back into the hospital room with some food and drinks from the hospital cafeteria. He wasn't expecting to see his wife so upset. She looked scarier than his father ever had.

'Had something happened to their son while he was gone?'

"M-Mari?" Adrien stuttered out.

"You can choose Hugo or Louis for our child's name." Marinette declared.

"What about-" he began.

Marinette turned her phone around and showed him Naruto Uzumaki.

Adrien winced, "Oh." and then smiled, "Middle name?"

"Hugo Naruto Agreste?" Mari questioned.

"Louis Naruto Agreste?" Adrien offered.

Marinette sighed, "Louis Naruto Agreste."

Adrien smiled happily and brought the food closer to Marinette.

"Your father drives me crazy sometimes, but I love him." She spoke, picking up their son.

"And I love you, M'Lady." Adrien replied, kissing her cheek.

"Dork." Marinette giggled.

"Still yours, though." He answered.

"Yes, you are." Marinette smiled, "Adrien?"

"Yeah?" he asked.

"You are not doing that ever again and if I find out that you went behind my back, I'm changing my name back to Dupain-Cheng." she growled out.

Adrien gulped and quickly nodded. Marinette smiled sweetly up at him.

"Good. That includes video game characters." Marinette continued.

"Aw, come on!" the new father whined, "Imagine having a girl named Zelda!"

"Adrien." she spoke.

"Or we can name it Link, if it's a boy again." he continued.

"Adrien." the new mother called.

"But they'll be so cute!" Adrien defended himself, "Emma Zelda Agreste! Hugo Link Agreste!"

"Adrien!" Marinette shouted.

He pouted, "It's unique."

"Aren't all of those for blonde children?" she questioned.

"Maybe." he answered with a smile.

"What if they get my hair or are brunette like Papa?" Mari asked.

"I'll come up with names for those, too!" Adrien exclaimed, "Oh, Maybe Hinata or Neji. There's Rikka, Rimuru, Levy, Asuna, Tomoya, Yui, Haruhi, Kaname, Tai, Lucina, Sakura, -"

Marinette looked down at her son in her arms and smiled.

'Why do I feel your father is going to be more of a handful than you?'

TAG LIST: @animeweebgirl @a-star-with-a-human-name @meme991001 @vixen-uchiha @abrx2002 @alysrose-starchild @fandom-trapped-03 @dood-space @moonlightstar64 @saltymiraculer @marveldcedits20 @09shell-sea09 @icerosecrystal @animegirlweeb @insane-fangirl-of-everything @blueblossombliss @nickristus-dreamer @megawhitleycalderonpaganus

[lavender-long-stories]

Spoilers for Lavender Letters | Chapter 1 | Rated M

Hinata thumbed through the mail, pausing on one with familiar government postage. She took that one out for herself and left the rest. 

“More mail from you’re degenerate?” Neji pulled it out of her hand.

Hinata snapped it back before he could pull it out of her reach. “We’re not having this conversation again.”

Neji frowned at her. He wasn’t happy when Hinata signed up for the prison pen pal program. She knew because he reminded her frequently. “He is a…”

“Murderer, I know.” Hinata finished for him. “I knew when I started writing to him. I knew last week when you told me and the week before, and I’ll remember when I write him back.”

Neji sighed, collecting his bag to leave. Hinata waited for him to say something else, but this time he was going to let it go. 

Hinata tore the seal to get to her letter. She had long since learned to read chicken scratch, or maybe he just got better with time. The letters were long rambles, sometimes over multiple days, that didn’t usually have a point, but there was something there, even if he wasn’t doing it intentionally.

It started when Hinata was in university with a clipboard someone asked her to sign as she came out of class. Hinata hadn’t really been paying attention. She thought that she was signing up for a policy for prisoners to be able to send more letters to their pen pals, not become one. Putting her address down should have been a red flag, but she was in a hurry. 

Hinata thought about not responding when she got the first letter. In fact, she almost didn’t read it when she saw the name on the letter. No one could escape Hidan’s name on the local news while his case was ongoing. It didn’t help that he was erratic in court, and there was a new story every week about something he shouted disrupting the trial or boldface claimed on the stand.

There was a debate on whether Hidan was actually insane or if his theatrics were just for an insanity plea, but he did brutally murder several people and desecrate their corpses. That was insane in itself.

What made Hinata pick up the letter and respond was a nagging in her gut because she knew one of the victims, and it may make her a horrible person, but she was happy to hear they were dead. The creep from her first internship that she never felt comfortable around. A married man that sat a little too close, putting his arm around the back of her chair, and she knew she wasn’t the only one. He didn’t try anything worse with her, but that didn’t mean that he didn’t try it with the others. There were also rumors that he was skimming from the company, so no one was really sad to see him gone. 

It made her wonder if Hidan knew.

It was a question she had never asked, and it was an answer she couldn’t really determine from his ramblings because it was similar to his theatrics in court. He said what he wanted to, when he wanted to, with very little filter. 

It was unclear if there was ever a motivation for what Hidan did, even replying to her. At first, he complained about how ‘prude’ she was with her wording and speech. He could tell she didn't like it even if she never scolded him specifically for his language. It made her laugh when he started writing out the swear and then scribbling it out for her ‘delicate eyes.’ So at least, he considered being considerate.

Hidan was a bastard, but he knew he was a bastard. At least he wasn’t lying to himself. 

“Aren’t you late?” Hiashi’s voice called from down the hallway.

“I’m heading out now,” Hinata told him. “Have a good day.” Hiashi didn’t respond as he disappeared back down the hall. Hinata wasn’t expecting anything, but hope would get the better of her once in a while. 

Hinata collected her bag on her way out the door with a sigh. She would have to respond to the letter when she got back.

--**--

Hidan laid back in his creaky uncomfortable bed and tried to drown out the usual sounds of prison, including his cellmate’s annoying way of flipping pages. If you were audibly sliding the page across another every single time, it was deliberate. Fuck him.

Mail came in the morning, and if his little pen pal was as predictable as usual, she would have replied already, and tomorrow would come faster if he fell asleep. His eyes fell on his small portion of the world plastered on the wall with her little doodles and the pictures she sent. He only had one picture of her, the university ID picture that was originally sent with her first letter. It had been a few years, and she was older. He knew she had cut her hair. He didn’t really care how she looked. It would make the mental picture more complete. 

It started out funny, the convicted serial killer signing up for a pen pal program. He chased the first few people off, but this girl never stopped sending a letter back. Even when he was purposely trying to get on her nerves, she just scolded him and eventually just ignored the parts of his letters that would annoy her.

Hidan got the picture. He wasn’t chasing her off. He wasn’t going to get to her. Hinata knew who and what she signed up for, and he wasn’t going to surprise her. It took a weird pressure off of him to keep the act up. Hinata never asked him why or how he did any of his murders and squashed his theory that she was writing a book. She could have made one by now if she just collected and printed the letter he sent over the years. It would probably be that long. 

Hidan always wondered if the last one he read would be the last one he would receive, and he would have to find something else to make his prison life interesting. He’d be damned if he was going to do something stupid like get a degree in here. There were a few dumbasses who thought they might get their life sentence overturned by showing they ‘changed.’ 

Speaking of damned, the edges of his collage were Jashin symbols, along with the one he was going to get in trouble for carving into the wall… again. He sighed, laying his head back. He wanted to sleep, damn it!

--**--

Hinata tucked her hair behind her ear as she crouched down at one of the small desks in her classroom. She pointed at a mistake on the page and waited for her student to make the correction. “Good job.” She praised as she stood back up to continue looking around at the children’s work.

Kids this young wore her out, and her father hated that she was teaching primary school and not university classes, but she would take helping blow a few noses and being patient with tantrums over being hit on by students to get better grades. She had enough of that during her teaching assistant days to last her for the rest of her life. 

Now she just had to worry about the occasional single parent and the, unfortunately, more common married parent, but she rarely had to talk to parents.

Hinata felt a light tug on her skirt and crouched down to another desk. The little girl held her hands up to show her broken pencil and pouted. Hinata could help the smile that spread across her face. Children were so pure and simple. “That’s okay. We can get you another one. Pink, green, or blue?”

--**--

Hidan crossed his arms, waiting for his state-appointed hour of sunlight and fresh air to be over. Then he could go back to his cell while everyone else went off to do chores. 

Why wasn’t he doing chores? Simple, they didn’t want him to. He got banned from cleaning for spraying cleaner in someone’s face because he wouldn’t stop talking, then the next time for trying to drown someone in a toilet. He got banned from laundry for trying to put someone in a drier to see if it would be a fun ride. The rumor of him being a cannibal kept him from the kitchen, and maybe that one time, he successfully stabbed someone with a spoon. In his defense, he didn’t know it was going to work as well as it did. 

All things he told Hinata and all things she never asked a reason for, and sometimes he did have reasons. She seemed to assume he had a good reason, or they ‘must have done something too.’ To be fair, prison didn’t have a lot of completely innocent people, so maybe she was assuming the worst of everyone.

Hidan was nudged and broken out of his thoughts to scowl at Kakuzu holding out a pack of cards. “Stop praying and play with me.”

“Piss off,” Hidan grumbled. Kakuzu liked one thing in life, money. It’s what got him in prison in the first place. An embezzlement case. He wasn't embezzling. He killed the man embezzling from him. Which, in Hidan’s opinion, was a ‘play stupid games, win stupid prizes’ situation. Just because it was rare to get murdered for white-collar theft didn’t make it safe. Only after looking into his business did the police realize all the investment money for the business came from people who had mysteriously had someone in their life missing.

When asked, Kakuzu admitted that he had been a hitman for hire for years and had the records to prove it. He went through a few cellmates before they were jammed together. His body count was beyond impressive, so Hidan at least was happy with the match. He couldn’t stand the whiny bitches that were in for beating their wives or selling drugs. You got caught doing something stupid. Suffer in silence.

Kakuzu just smacked his arm with the deck again. “Come on. I need you.” Kakuzu wanted him to cheat at cards with him, and he wouldn’t mind it if it weren’t what he did every single day. 

“Greed will send you to hell.” Hidan shot over his shoulder, knowing that it would make Kakuzu grind his teeth.

“We are already here.” Kakuzu shot back.

Hidan shrugged. “Maybe you are.” Prison was probably where Hidan belonged, and might as well enjoy it. 

Lavender Letters

Description: Hinata signs up for a prison pen pal program and is assigned to Hidan, a serial killer known for his brutal murders. Hinata becomes friends with him despite his crass nature. And, oh yeah, they kill her father.

Pairing: Hidan x Hinata

Rating: M for Violence and Strong Language

Tags:  Romance  |  Fluff and Angst  |  Hurt/Comfort  |  No Relationship Abuse  |  Happy Ending  |  Alternate Universe - Modern Setting  |  Prison Pen Pals  |  Serial Killer

[leportraitducadavre]

Naruto re-read XXVII

Chapters covered: 218 - 226 Twentyfifth Volume of the manga

Site used: https://manga4life.com/manga/Naruto (VIZ translation of the manga)

Disclaimer: This is intended as a list and simple observations of the topics that particularly interested me in the aforementioned chapters, in that sense, do not expect a linear -or totally deep- analysis.

Tumblr’s update doesn’t allow me to attach more than 10 pictures, therefore, all of them will be LINKED. Apologies.

319) “This time is you, huh?” (x). Sasuke’s question is linked directly to Sakura’s attempt to stop him, which Naruto associates with on his own; furthermore, the more he remembers Sakura’s distress the more upset he gets (x, x), as he remembers their most significant times together. Finally, he remembers Sasuke’s words regarding not wanting to let his precious comrades die (x), which solidifies Naruto’s idea that they all share an emotional bond between them, which Sasuke is willingly leaving behind (x).

320) “Chöji, Neji, Kiba, Shikamaru, and bushy brows… they risked their lives for you…” (x) This is, technically, incorrect, and I’ll allow myself to quote a phrase from a future post I’ll be posting shortly:

Once Sasuke leaves Konoha, he’s “followed” by Shikamaru and his newly formed squad (you can see an analysis about sexism here), and in chapter 202, we find this phrase uttered by the leader: “I should place more value on the lives of my teammates instead of the person abducted by the enemy (...) besides abandoning a teammate to protect yourself? There’s no one in my squad like that.” (x, x). However, Shikamaru is lying, both to himself and Tayuya. Sasuke wasn’t abducted, he left of his own volition (x). Shikamaru isn’t risking his life to save a kidnapped comrade, he’s risking his life so Orochimaru wouldn’t have the last Uchiha descendent by his side, which is proved by the way Tsunade references Sasuke’s deflection and Orochimaru’s “attempt to have the power of the Uchiha” (here); he’s protecting more Konoha’s possession of the last Sharingan user than Sasuke himself. 

Sure, he does have a sense of duty in lieu of Sasuke being a comrade and it wouldn’t be weird for them to think that Sasuke was forced into accepting Orochimaru’s help as Tsunade is incapable of replying to Shikamaru’s question (she isn’t even sure of the answer as nor Kakashi or Jiraiya spoke to her about their suspicions); yet what interests us here is the weight that surrounds the use of the word “save” as it’s likely more for the children’s benefit to put them under a “savior” mindset in order to build their sense of duty and the imperative necessity of bringing Sasuke back; as it’s also likely that they gave sense to Sasuke’s escape by attributing it to kidnapping since they cannot conceive one of them deflecting. Here, the savior complex shifts, as we learn that it isn’t an individualistic ethos that it’s solely linked to Naruto’s character due to his background (it’s simply far more visible in his case), but it’s a learned mindset (un)consciously taught to ensure loyalty and obedience (“I’m not the bad guy, I’m saving you”; “this if for your own good!”; etc); it’s not really different to how real-life soldiers are told to perceive themselves.

321) “Does Konoha mean nothing to you?!” (x)

Peak perfection in the sense of the nationalistic mindset Naruto has been constructing during the whole first portion of the manga, here, Naruto’s sparkles of revolutionary interests are crushed –and I mean, they were never bright to begin with. He never questioned Konoha’s importance but rather Konoha’s structure when it presented challenges or preconceptions of his nature as Jinchuuriki that he needed to overcome or modify, as they did in Wave where he refused to become “just” a tool like Haku was (x), as a tool doesn’t need nor deserves recognition; which he craves. Here, the nationalistic mindset of Kakashi (which I’ll be posting soon I swear), gets reflected upon the student, as Naruto internalized the Will of Fire and exposes it (and rather clearly) here: He’s thinking of Sasuke abandoning him and Team 7, which is the primary fuel in his quest and hurt, he barely mentions the team that Shikamaru gathered (per Tsunade’s orders) to bring him back; these are individuals that put their life on the line to “rescue” him, yet Sasuke cares not. Naruto’s words are not a coincidence, he never states that they’re Sasuke’s friends (they aren’t, they never interacted in a significant way), the only thing they have in common is their village of origin and loyalty. For Naruto, that’s enough for a bond, for Sasuke, it isn’t.

Sasuke himself put no one in danger, as he fought nor hurt anyone, it was Tsunade who sent inexperienced gënin to search Sasuke in order not to give Orochimaru the “Uchiha’s power”, Sasuke deflecting put no one in any immediate danger as he was, at most, to be killed and possessed by Orochimaru (which, alright, can be argued his body might have been used to destroy Konoha later on –despite Orochimaru being quite capable of doing so prior to having Sasuke’s body as well, so him having or not Sasuke isn’t detrimental for possible retaliation from the Sannin) which, as he states, isn’t important (x).

322) Contrary to what people think of me, I do believe that this specific claim: “You think I’m just gonna let you go?!” which is the culmination of Naruto’s speech about how Orochimaru will grant him power in exchange for his life (x) is understandable as Naruto is both hurt by Sasuke abandoning them and scared for his friend’s life (Sasuke is even leaving despite being aware that he’ll be likely killed, which is quite worse as not only Naruto feels pain in lieu of his only friend escaping, but also him leaving to certain death). Naruto’s primary knowledge about Sasuke’s goal (killing Itachi) is that he’s willing to die for it (x) that, in regards to Naruto’s own goal, it’s unfathomable –as death is not one of the lengths Naruto is prepared to go through in order to get the acknowledgment he seeks. Furthermore, Sasuke’s death will automatically jeopardize his own objective, as Sasuke’s recognition is the one Naruto craves the most (here and here Naruto remembers Sasuke denying Naruto the equal status he wants, and Sasuke once again refuses: “Who cares what you want?”). Naruto, however, fails to understand Sasuke’s reasoning, and in doing so -at least by the end of this specific volume, he fails also to ask Sasuke if he can help him to achieve his goal (x), as he’s solely focusing on Sasuke’s current actions (leaving to go to Orochimaru) rather than Sasuke’s true ambition (becoming stronger to defeat Itachi).

323) I’ve spoken about Sasuke’s reasons for deflecting a little bit before, but here’s the gist of it: one and two. Not only do we get insight into how Sasuke considers Konoha’s shinobi to be weak, as Orochimaru (like Naruto states) killed their supposedly most powerful one, but also he found that he acknowledges that his strength dwelled as he formed bonds with those inside Team 7; and since once “accepting” Orochimaru’s seal (in the sense of exploiting its benefits as the Sound Four and not denying it as Anko did, since that seal was forced upon him) he became far stronger than before, being able to punch Naruto quite easily, his decisions get cemented (x).

Jiraiya stands there with a disappointed look, yet neither Kakashi nor he reprimands Naruto as Kakashi reprimanded Sasuke. Naruto’s desire is, first and foremost, to be recognized by Sasuke -which is the reason why he chases him; while Sasuke doesn’t allow himself to recognize Naruto, as in doing so he’ll acknowledge his (self-perceived) failure. What Kakashi doesn’t know -but we do, is that the core of Sasuke’s questioning doesn’t come just from Naruto’s growth, but rather the perception of him being left behind after becoming “too soft”. This is: he was just fine during the first stages of Team 7, excelling in every field, but after his sacrifice to save Naruto back in Wave Arc -and his growing feelings towards his comrades, he started “halting” in his growth, which is why he believes that Itachi’s dogma is correct.

Source

“My dream isn’t in the future, my dream is rooted only in the past.” (x) –and since his dream has nothing to do with his future, he doesn’t care what happens to him after his goal is reached. Since Naruto’s whole dreams rely on him becoming Hokage (future), he can’t die. Here, we have the same dichotomy once again: Future bonds vs. Past bonds – Naruto vs. Sasuke.

Chapter 220 is called “Brothers”, a total of five entire chapters are dedicated to Sasuke and Itachi’s bond and their respective relationships with their father –this holds immense weight in the narrative as it’s made to throw light on which bonds and past Sasuke is choosing above Team 7.

324) Precious small baby (x)

325) “Our ancestors organized and founded the police force.” (x). Either Itachi is lying, or they taught a different story from what actually happened, as it’s canonically mentioned that it was Tobirama who founded the police force and gave it to the Uchiha clan. Furthermore, Sasuke’s first dream was to join the Police Force and be like his father (x) –I personally detest the fandom that paints Fugaku as abusive and evil towards Sasuke as if Sasuke didn’t love him and wanted to get his praise, he loved Itachi, he also admired him, yes; but Sasuke wanted to be like Fugaku, he wanted his father’s recognition (x, x).

I understand why Fugaku not attending Sasuke’s Entrance Ceremony to the Academy is seen as cruel (I mean, to me is far crueler to send twelve-year-olds into war-like scenarios, but who am I to judge?), yet Fugaku isn’t only Sasuke’s father, but also the clan’s leader (x), and since the clan decided the coup already, he had to move in concordance with the people’s wish. Furthermore, if the coup is envisioned enough to put Itachi inside ANBU, then why would Fugaku care for Konoha’s bureaucratic structure (the Academy included) if he deemed all of it to be constructed under a mindset he considered oppressive? (even Mikoto spell this for you lot)

Sasuke is constantly compared to his brother (x), who is deemed a gifted child (x). So much so, that he trains all day until night (x) –he’s naturally gifted, I won’t lie, but he trained hard to achieve praise.

326) Shisui was the best at teleportation (x).

327) It’s hilarious how Itachi accuses the Uchiha of being narcissistic and arrogant when they cling to their clan instead of their nation (and this is a direct continuation of his speech to Sasuke when he said that the strongest are isolated and become arrogant), yet he’s performing the exact same thing, as he too is narcissistic (as he thinks he’s not only physically superior but also smarter as he was able to “free himself from the clan’s chains”) and arrogant, he states that the clan “fears what they don’t understand” as if the bureaucratic system for which they’re considering uprising is not making it apparent their distrust and distaste for Uchiha since the village’s foundation. 

And while this might be an act in order to sell the idea that he became “power hungry” for Sasuke later on (x), it’s never canonically mentioned as such –furthermore, this could’ve been taken as an admission of betrayal (x) while at the same time, is pure idiocy: “Obsessing over wordless things like a clan (…) you can’t achieve real change as long as you’re bound by regulations and restrictions”, he claims, yet he’s bound to Konoha’s regulations and restrictions. If this is Itachi trying to be “smarter” than his peers, then he failed miserably, furthermore, is beyond stupid as he’s contradicting the dogma he actually upholds; one can easily use this same argument to defend their clan rather than Konoha for, as we saw previously (point 321), the only connection Sasuke has with most members of Shikamaru’s squad is that all of them are from Konoha, so why this bunch matters and why Uchiha’s do not?

WoF relies on the notion that their soldiers are expected to die for someone or something they don’t know or don’t especially care for under the premise that they were born and/or inhabit the same geographical space, yet that same mindset (albeit with minor tweaks) when used by a clan is frowned upon (CoH) –as dying in lieu of those born inside the confinements of your family or in lieu of obtaining something that’ll benefit your clan isn’t viewed as positively, somehow. 

What are the parameters to establish one is inherently good and the other one inherently bad? Uchiha detractors keep saying that Uchiha were jeopardizing Konoha’s stability and threatening “innocent lives” yet I can’t imagine something that will put it in such a grand-scale problem as their most powerful clan vanishing from one day to the next, innocent children amongst them. Furthermore, those same people that were killed were the ones that controlled and “monopolized” the Police Force, so not only Konoha had to deal with potential invaders that might consider not having to fight the Sharingan enticing enough to strike (yet somehow didn’t, hilarious, the threat of invasion is always present yet never materializes), but also internal struggles, as there still are, apparently, shinobi that commit crimes (which Itachi claims were so important they put an entire clan to survey them yet the moment Uchiha disappear so does vandalism who would have thought?).

“Those inconsistencies are Kishimoto’s fault!”

No. They’re not, I’m not as good to explain so I shall use @persephone-falling-into-darkness's post in order to convey why the issue isn’t as much Kishimoto’s writing but rather the system on which it is based:

WoF entails bearing hardship through cooperation, right to the bloody end, and quite idiosyncratically for the sake of the village at that. As Hashirama lightly puts it, shinobi are just people who endure to reach an end goal.

This new dogma is based on fascist gnosis and is meant to be syncretistic by definition. In this sense, "Syncretism" isn't to be interpreted as the mere combination of different forms of beliefs or practices; such a combination must tolerate contradictions.

Every Konoha shinobi blessed with the Will of Fire must love, believe, treasure, obey and battle to safeguard the village, as prior generations had done before them. The entire village must be perceived as one, like an extended family that transcends blood and clan…

All these catchphrasey axioms do contain a germ of wisdom, but when they clash with the other facets that permeate Konoha's ideology, producing oxymoronicity, it's only because they all allude, allegorically, to some primitive truth.

It doesn't matter that Leaf's horrific expansionist endeavours sacrifice countless children in the process, despite Tobirama's fervent emphasis on how striplings must be adamantly protected as they're destined to be the successors of WoF, because fascism incorporates incongruous and conflicting edicts by definition!

As a consequence, there can be no advancement nor development in the village's testament. The truth has already been announced once and for all, and shinobi can only continue to interpret its obscure message: with an impoverished vocabulary and limited instruments for complex and critical reasoning, shinobi can never challenge the status quo. There is only one acceptable language, and it's rooted in reverence of the village.

(Source)

328) In every chapter around Sasuke’s bonds with his family (Itachi, Fugaku, and the clan) there’s a Crescent Moon (symbol of Indra - the Uchiha) x, x, x. Itachi (embracing WoF) killed his clan during a full moon (symbol of Ashura and the Will of Fire) -@fucktobirama made a post about it, I link it here.

329) Didn’t that Itachi Shinden, that awfully written thing say that Fugaku had the Mangekyou? Well, he doesn’t, here.

330) This motherfucker showed a child the death of hundreds (their parents amongst them) and people still use him as a moral parameter, you’re all insane. (x)

Fuck him (x)

331) Can you imagine what would’ve happened if Sasuke actually followed through with this? Even if that child wasn’t, you know, the nine tails jinchuuriki, Sasuke would’ve committed treason still. Why would he say this? Why wouldn’t he challenge Sasuke and go? Why did he have to add this stupid phrase if it put Sasuke in a similar type of danger to the one he was “trying” to get him away from? If he wanted Sasuke to obtain the MS… why did he lie? He knew he didn’t obtain the MS as he claimed he did, so why would he freaking do that? And I mean, Sasuke just saw you massacre his clan, your point about being “bad” and going “crazy” got across just fine already, you don’t have to lie to your brother thinking that he might do the opposite because there’s a fifty-fifty chance he’ll do as you say you stupid fuck! (x, x)

332) Sasuke had to wash his parent’s blood from the floor (x).

333) “In the Nanako shrine’s main hall… under the seventh Tatami mat from the far right, there’s a clan meeting place. There’s a reason why Uchiha have ocular jutsu… the truth is written there.” (x) Itachi is referring to the stone found by Madara (and manipulated by Zetsu, who changed its original meaning).

334) Children, that are shown to have no specific clan, know about the massacre and Sasuke being the only survivor (x); which means that Team 7 in itself (perhaps not Naruto, as he has no way to learn this information unless he hears it from someone else on accident) know about Sasuke being an orphan.

(previous post) - (next post)

[anime-x-readers]

Thinking of him

Guys, english is not my main language, but I'm in love with fics and I want to share them with you. Hope you like it ♡

Anime : Naruto Shippuden

Pairings : Gaara X Reader

Genre : Cute, Sfw

Summary : When your best friend Tenten has caught you drawing stars, hearts and rainbows on the back of the notebook, and she's sure you have a crush on someone.

You had no idea what Guy Sensei was talking about. He was explaining the technique that Neji was learning lately, but you were too concerned to think about your last missions. You never knew why Kakashi sent you on those missions, but you knew that you had started feeling some things you could not escape from.

You knew that he was not that type, and that what you feel is in vain. But who knows what the future could hide, right ? Maybe he would get to know you and feel the same. Maybe he doesn't catch feelings as fast as your naive heart. But one thing you knew. You didn't want the past to repeat, when you gave up fighting for the person you loved, just because you thought you would not solve anything. So this time you decided to fight. For your feelings.

But you could not stop poking small drawings on the back of the notebook. It was like an animated diary of your emotions. You had a red pencil in your hand, because you wanted to see him again. There were many obstacles that prevented you. The distance between villages, the fact that he is a Kazekage and probably has a lot of work. You knew it was a rigid type, and it does not show its feelings, always wearing the same expression on the face. You cannot decipher it, but something about him fascinates you that you cannot stop your thoughts.

You imagined how his hair of such a special colour was worn by the wind, how you lost yourself in his eyes that were so deep. All of his features fascinated you, and made your cheeks look exactly like his hair.

"Y/n, when do you have to talk to me ?" Tenten had put her hands in her hips, while standing in front of you. You supported your back from the hard bark of a tree.

"Uhm, I don't know what you are talking about" you are trying to get rid of her questions with the most classic reply. But you were 90% sure it would not work.

"Come on, you have been doing this for weeks. You cannot lie to me. I saw what was behind the notebook. I am your best friend" she now sits on the grass next to you, leaving Guy, Lee and Neji to continue the training.

You decide that it might be time for Tenten to know your secret, but at the same time you knew why you did not want to tell her. You knew that she would say that Gaara is not a guy you could feel like this for. And she will remember you what he has done in the past, and that he is too harsh and cold to give back what you want to show him. Love. Show him that somebody cares about him.

But you didn't want to give up. You didn't want to repeat the mistake.

"Tenten... I don't know what you're gonna say about it. I always wanted to tell you, I swear, but I couldn't. I thought you would say that it was stupid" her face was worried. She probably doesn't expect that, thinks you fell for a common friend between you and her.

"You can tell me anything. Come on, Y/n" your friend tries to smile but your face gets a shade of pink.

"I like a guy" Tenten looks at you with some bright eyes, but she will probably be disappointed when she finds out who you were talking about. She always thought you liked Neji. "No, Tenten, I don't think you'll be happy because I like a guy you hated a few years ago"

"Why ?"

"Because it ruined Lee's life" you say while your stomach is loaded with dozens of emotions. But Gaara has changed since then. You saw that on the missions you had together.

[alumort]

Ao3

For @alybur635 !!

There was something… different in the village that day. Not necessarily bad, but Neji could feel something had changed.

Training with his teammates didn't change this, not even walking around with his friends in search of some treat to share between the three. He could feel a familiar chakra somewhere, but a long time had passed since he last felt it– the boy decided to ignore said feeling and instead spend time with Lee and Tenten, who seemed to notice something judging by their smiles.

"What's going on?" Neji asked with a frown, knowing that they were leaving him out of the loop for an unknown reason. They didn't reply, but they had no reason to.

A pair of arms hugged him from behind, and soon a chuckle could be heard– a voice that he remembered fondly, of someone he had exchanged countless letters with across the years.

"Neji, I'm back! I missed you so much! Jiraiya said our trip is over now," the person said, and Neji could hear the smile in his voice. "I'm never leaving for so long again, believe it!"

He turned around and returned the hug, allowing Naruto to quickly leave a soft kiss on his cheek without anybody else noticing it. His face became warm as hell, though, and that didn't go unseen by his friends, though.

"Ooh, the lovebirds are back together!" Tenten teased, and Neji immediately heard a soft 'ouch' coming from her as Lee tried to stop her from pestering them by hitting her with his elbow.

"Tenten! Please accompany me, I must show you something! I got a new weapon, and maybe you are able to help me with it…"

He would need to thank his rival later. For now, Neji would spend some time with his partner, who excitedly began telling him all about his travels and training– although Naruto had told him in his letters already, Neji loved to hear him speak as they went to Ichiraku's just as they used to do years ago.

[roleplayfinder]

Dear future partner,

About me └➤ So, a little bit about me: I am 22 years old and a university student working for my Masters as well as a proud cat mum. I have been roleplaying for a very long time. I like to get to know my roleplay partners and create a friendship bond. I usually get pretty invested in a roleplay, sending fanarts, headcanons, random stuff so finding someone that is able to reciprocate that would be amazing! Anyways,…let’s get into more details below!

Fandom └➤ Fandom-wise, I accept both AU versions and Canon versions but with changes of our own of course. Please see below my fandoms I am interested in and willing to Roleplay!⬫ Final Fantasy XV: Noctis Lucis Caelum ⬫ Naruto/Naruto Shippuden: Sasuke Uchiha or Neji Hyuga ⬫ Avatar the Last Airbender: Prince Zuko ⬫ The Legend of Korra: Mako ⬫ Jujutsu Kaisen: Satoru Gojo ⬫ Love and Deepspace: Zane 

Rules ⬫ Rule one: I never roleplay with one-liners. I feel as if I am being robbed of a better response. If I do not get the detail needed or more information on what’s going on with your character, I don’t know how to react. Please, do not get offended if I ask for more from a response you give me! I am guilty of this too, so ask if you need more from me! My writing style is usually Semi Lit, Lit or Adv Lit, depending on my partner. But I’d prefer someone that can write 500-700+ words.⬫ Rule two: I need a detailed character layout before we start the roleplay. Everything I say or respond with is based on who your character is, not just who my character is. Your character is just as important as a factor on replies as mine is! ⬫ Rule three: My life can become hella hectic sometimes, however, I will never leave you hanging for a reply. I will tell you what’s going on and let you know when I’ll be back so that we can continue. And the same goes for you! ⬫ Rule four: Beware that I roleplay with individuals over 18+ or 20+, also I only write in the 3rd person. ⬫ Rule five: Do not rush me into a response. Thinking of a good reply is very important to me and might take a while. If you feel I have just bugged you out, send me a little message. Though that does not mean telling me to hurry up or that I am taking too long. ⬫ Rule six: Regarding pairings, here it depends. If we are going to do a 1x1 roleplay I only do FxM and I am playing the female role. Sorry. If we are going to do a Doubling roleplay I can do both FxM and FxF. Regarding Fandom roleplays, I only do CanonxOc.

Do’s and Dont’s └➤Do’s ⬫ Be 18+ or 20+ ⬫ Develop the plot with me and contribute. This means as we are making the plot and roleplaying I will not be the only one carrying the plot out. ⬫ Match the amount I am roleplaying with. This means give me the same amount of information to build off of that I give you. ⬫ Tell me when you’re leaving or can’t reply for a while. Also, tell me when you’re back so that we can continue. ⬫ I only Roleplay in third person!!! ⬫ Be actively communicative and invested in the roleplay as I am, otherwise it is only one sided and it is not fun. 

└➤Dont’s ⬫ Don’t message me if you believe yourself to be a shy person or someone that does not want to talk OOC or someone that is purely dry in responses. I will not waste my time because I want to become friends, I want us to simp over our characters, and talk about whatever! ⬫ Attempt to just branch off what I say and only give reactions. I cannot carry the weight of the roleplay all on my own. This causes me to become frustrated and annoyed with the roleplay. ⬫ Reply with something that gives me nothing to reply with. That’s how a roleplay dies. ⬫ Randomly leave and expect me to not be confused and annoyed. Understand I am impatient when I think you are ignoring me. Even if you just don’t want to reply, let me know.

Where to contact me └➤ I only roleplay on Discord, but I prefer being reached out on here privately first. In your message, I’d like you to sell yourself to me, and by that I mean: tell me your name, age, about yourself, why do you think we are a good match, what caught your eye in my ad, give me an example of your writing, etc. That kinda stuff you know? I will not accept a simple “Found your ad, let’s rp”, like what happened to Hello, How are you? Sell yourself to me!!! I will be giving my discord tag if we are compatible, and I hope we are.

Looking forward to hear from you!

[laniuchiha7]

Wait for Me

“Are you not enjoying yourself?”  Sasuke whirls around to see the princess approaching, a shy smile on her lips and green eyes shimmering in the moonlight. They stand on the second-floor balcony, overlooking the East garden.

“I am, Your Highness. I only needed some air and wanted to collect my thoughts.” he replies.

“I’m glad to hear. I hope the people of Konoha have been kind to you thus far.” Sasuke only nods in response, making Sakura’s smile grow wider. “And please, as I’ve told you before, call me Sakura,” she says before turning her attention to the night sky. 

Three weeks have passed since Sasuke came to the Land of Fire’s capital, and three weeks since he’s been taken in by the King and Queen. Coming to the Kingdom of Konoha under the guise of a traveler, even he couldn’t help but be enraptured by Sakura’s beauty, and overwhelming kindness and warmth. Conversing and spending more time with her only solidified his growing affections for her.

“For as much as I love parties and balls, I, too, find them suffocating at times,” she says, gaze never leaving the sky as she continues to speak. “This one more than others it seems.”

Gazing at the pink-haired princesses, Sasuke couldn’t help but notice the melancholic expression now painting her usual joyus features.

“Any particular reason?” However, based on the discussions he’s overheard tonight, he thinks he already knows the answer.

She sighs deeply, eyes lowering to the garden. “When I was a child, I imagined having this wonderful wedding alongside the love of my life. A handsome prince who would sweep me off my feet, and cherish me as much as I do him. Someone smart and protective, who only wants best for his people,” a small smirk forms on her lips. “Marriage for politics is not uncommon, as I’m sure you’re aware. My parents wed in order to bond the Land of Fire with the Land of Flowers. Even after learning of my betrothal to Prince Neji, I thought we could learn to love each other over time, although I suppose that was wishful thinking on my part.”

“You don’t love him?” Sasuke questions. From what he’s seen during his time in the palace, the young couple look like the perfect couple.

“Not for lack of trying,” she confesses. “But his heart already belongs to another.”

Following her line of sight, Sasuke sees two people having an intimate conversation in a private area of the garden, likely thinking no one would spot them. The guy he recognizes as Neji but the other, a woman with twin-buns, he doesn’t.

“TenTen works for the Hyuugas. From what I can tell, they’ve been in a secret relationship since before our engagement,” she informs him. “And to answer your earlier question, my upcoming nuptials was the topic of almost every conversation I had tonight. My soon-to-be loveless marriage. At least Neji and I have mutual respect towards each other, for which I’m grateful, but…”

“You’re not satisfied?” she hums in agreement.

“Something along those lines. I want him to be with the one he loves, and I want to be with someone who will love me.”

Would he be able to fill that void for her? Sasuke wonders. Could he make her as happy? If he came from a noble family, would they have met during one of her family’s infamous balls?

Once upon a time, the Uchiha name was well known across the lands, until a fateful night over 10-years ago, when Sasuke lost his whole family in a single night. In truth, Sasuke came to Konoha after learning someone fitting his elder brother’s description is staying in the kingdom.

The young princess happened to meet Sasuke after he saved her from a bear, earning her love in the process. When the King learned what happened, he invited the Uchiha to stay in the palace to show his gratitude. 

While reserved and aloof when he first came to the kingdom, little by little Sakura broke down Sasuke’s barriers and wiggled her way into his heart. 

However she believes he doesn’t feel the same way, although she knows it won’t make a difference since she’ll still have to marry Neji regardless.

“Sakura,” he says in a low tone, prompting Sakura to turn her head. Sasuke raises a hand to cup her face, brushing a calloused thumb across her smooth, soft skin, making the princess blush at the gesture. 

She knows she should leave, that if someone were to catch them like this it will only cause trouble, yet Sakura can’t bring herself to care while she gets lost in his onyx irises, so full of desire. She wants this, she wants him, and now she knows he feels the same.

“Have you seen the princess? The queen is looking for her” One guard asks another from the ground-level. The voice stops both Sasuke and Sakura, just before their lips touch.

“No, but she cannot have gone far,” the other replies, and both return inside to continue their search.

Rationale returns to Sakura, and she steps out of Sasuke’s grasp and composes herself. “We should return to the party,” she drops her gaze, unable to look at him.

“Sakura –”

“It would be unfavorable if we were caught together, alone. We should part before someone finds us. I hope you enjoy the rest of the ball,” she turns to leave, but is caught by a strong hand on her wrist.

“Wait for me,” he tells her. Sakura turns her head and furrows her brows in confusion. “I…there’s something I must do. I came to Konoha in search of someone, and once I find them, once I make them atone for what they’ve done, we can be together.”

“It’s not so simple, Sasuke. I have a duty to my kingdom, my people. If I don’t marry Neji, his family may end our alliance,” she tries to pull away, but he only tightens his grip.

“I may not be a crowned prince, but I promise to cherish and protect you for as long as you’ll allow me.”

Sakura ponders for a moment, wondering if she could really run away with the man she’s fallen for. She doesn’t doubt Sasuke’s words, but can she leave her family and people behind for him? She thinks she might know the answer, but needs to consider every option before making a decision. Perhaps Neji will sympathize with her? She can only hope

“Can I think it over?” she asks. “It’s not that I don’t want to, but I need some time.”

The weight on Sasuke’s shoulders feels lighter with her response. “Yes, of course.” He lets go of her arm. “Thank you.”

She gives him a half smile, the same warmth returning to her cheeks as before. “Goodnight, Sasuke.” Turning around, Sakura walks away to return to the party. 

Behind her, Sasuke tries to bite back a smile of his own. He came to Konoha with a clear goal in mind, and fell for the princess along the way.

[feather-rose]

Nice pants.

.....

(Cafee Konoha.)

Sai: Um, do you know where I can find a phone booth?

Ino: Oh Yeah! There's one towards the toilets's section, through the hallway.(Points up the back and right behind the couch to where Neji was sitting with the basketball while Sasuke was trying to read a red book, Little Women with a frustrated frown. While Shikamaru was sipping a his coffee far away from the couch, onto his own table.)

Ino: Need a coin?

Sai: I've got one, into my sock, here.

And brought up his leg onto the the edge of the couch, where it left Neji quite and nearly surprised as his eyes went wide.

The guy was wearing short shorts but with no underwear!

And that was quite close to his eyesight here. Oh man!

He pushed or more leaned himself to Sasuke's back in order to avoid Sai's 'private parts.'

Which the last Uchiha had found odd as he dropped his book and sighed, annoyed as he felt an sudden pression to his back.

Sasuke(Annoyed): What are you doing? Just because your cousin married my best stupid friend, doesn't mean we have to be that close..(Shoves him away with a push as Neji quckly shuts his eyes with disgust.)Get back to your side--Oy yeah--Hello!

The idiot had finally caught it.

Oh man! Seriously? Sasuke's eyes were petrified by the sight as he waved off Sai or more his junk. Now I know why Hyuuga went onto my back..

The guy had no underwear! Oh crap!

Sasuke: Hi, I'm Sasuke.( Shakes Sai's hand, as he was grinning, wide but uncomfortable.)

Sai(Totally confident): I'm Sai!

Neji: Neji..And you're the guy with no underwear on..

Shikamaru: Shikamaru, dude.

Sai: Nice to meet you, guys! (Then walks away to go to the toilet. Leaving the boys snickeredly laughing.)

And to Ino whom retrieved her coffee and exchanged a weird look towards the three guys laughing.

Ino: Man, what are you laughing? What's going on?

Shikamaru wipped off his eyes while Sasuke and Neji kept on laughing like idiots.

Ino: Um, guys..

Shikamaru: No worries.

Sakura(Leans over Ino's ear as she held cabaret with two coffee mugs and whispered.):If Sasuke and Neji are laughing together in the same room, I'd be worried if I were you, Ino. I'd think the world would be ending..

And leaves to see the costumers, much to the boys delight.

Sasuke(Gives a teasing puch onto Neji's shoulder, when he heard Sakura's reply.): Hey! We're not making a war, right?

Neji: Not with you, though! You wouldn't last! (He wipes off a tear from his eye.)

Sasuke: Not you, either!( And he cracked even harder!)

And the boys kept laughing, too much for Ino's confused sight as she sat down between the two guys who were holding theirs stomachs as they were in pain.

Ino(Looking confused, still): Why, you don't like Sai?

But the two boys kept laughing on her question.

Ino: Guys--

Shikamaru(Waved off with a hand, still grinning.): Calm down, Ino. There's no need to be tasty!

Neji and Sasuke: No way!(They laughed off again! A Hyuuga and a Uchiha laughing together. The world had gone insane!)

Ino(Getting impatient): Guys!

Neji(Tried to calm down as he put a hand over his chest and tried to sound a bit serious, now.): I'm sorry. We're sorry..It's just that Sai isn't concealed through the shorts area as one may hoped...You get it, right?

Ino(Suspicious): What the heck do you mean?

Sasuke: I'll show you..(Still grinning.)

Sai walks in the scene, much to her shock.

Sai: Hi ya! (Walks again back to the scene and sat onto the sofa at Neji's left side.)

Sasuke: Hey, Sai. Could pass me up the cookies?

Sai: Yeah, sure!( Lift himself up and lean over the table to the get the cookies as Ino blushes hard at the sight when she watched him stretch out his legs. While Sasuke thanked him with a smirk.)

Sai: So? Wanna game?(Getting too much comfortable here much to everyone here.)

Neji: Sure.(As he looked away when his fingers made the ball move.)

While Ino was too stunned to say anything back as she looked away with a hand to cover her mouth.

.....

[jazthestampede]

month 0.

Smaller than a grain of salt.

It started on top of Neji’s raggedy, old, summer camp sleeping bag. All heat and mouths trailing wet kisses down necks, across collarbones, on hips; two pairs of briefs hitting the floor, a raspy, whispered yes, then a slick slide. He still doesn’t know exactly how they got there or when—must have been sometime after doing lines in Naru’s lap in the backyard, encouraging the other boy turn into his slutty alter-ego, and watching him give the new kid in town a lap dance so thorough that he thought he saw one of the town’s resident bottle-blondes shove a twenty or two in the front pocket of those tight-ass shorts Naru loves to wear.

Seventeen days later, his nipples are sore and he’s nauseous when it hits him. They didn’t use a condom. He has no idea when his last cycle was beforehand.

So, what does he do? He makes an emergency run to Konoha. Naru will know what to do.

 Naru, does in fact know exactly what to do and say to soothe his frazzled nerves. He doesn’t have a problem slapping the two garish, pink boxes that will tell him if his life is over—one as a pre-test, and the other final—on the counter along with the money, giving the cashier the finger, and rolling his eyes at her as she judges him.

Meanwhile, Gaara’s just trying to ignore the eyes burning twin, bug eyed holes into the back of his head. It’s not working so well. But he’s always been a master of the art of diversion.

“Fuck’s her problem?” He says to Naru once they exit the store.

“Hell if I know,” Naru says, shrugging his shoulder, “her mama can’t stand me, and I guess the apple don’t fall far from the goddamn tree.”

He lets out snort a snort and replies, “That’s so sad. You’re a fuckin’ gem, Naruto Uzumaki.”

Naru gives him his signature million-watt grin, “Ditto, Gaara No-Last-Name.”

It never fails to amuse him how Naru has heard his last name plenty times and still hasn’t figured out that it’s his.

When they get to the car, Gaara opens his mouth and asks, “Wanna go see Kiba for a lil’ bit before I get outta here?”

Naru tilts his head to the side, hand frozen on the door handle, “I thought you came to spend time with me?”

Gaara rubs his neck as he gets into the driver’s seat, “Don’t get me wrong, I did.” He says, tone apologetic, “But I gotta be back before six-thirty ‘cause my mama gotta be somewhere before seven and her car’s in the shop.”

Naru nods and ducks into the passenger’s seat, shutting the door with a quick slam, “Let’s do it.”

“Plus, I gotta go rescue Kankuro, Kiba’s mama look like she eats lil’ punk kids for breakfast.”

Naru laughs, something that never fails to cheer Gaara up. “She ain’t gonna eat him,” Naru says, “that’s Kuromaru’s job.”

Gaara cranks the engine and grins at Naru, “Like hellI’m finna miss that. So, where am I headed?”

“When you get to the end of the lot, make a right, keep straight, and it’s two blocks over. It’s the place with big house, a big sign, and all the dog toys in the yard. Sign says, “Inuzuka Kennels” on it.”

“You got it, boss. Kankuro drove in, and I was sleep most of the way, so I don’t know where the hell I’m goin’.”

***

The car ride is short, maybe five minutes with the midday traffic but Naru fills the car with loud music and a slew of questions. Gaara tunes most of them out with generic answers, because Naru asks him stuff all the time and won’t remember it twenty minutes later. But the boy asks one that cuts through to him.

“You gonna be okay?” He says with a look so soft and sincere it almost makes Gaara want to cry and hurl up the egg salad sandwich he ate before he got here.

Gaara decides to answer him honestly—not that he ever really lies to Naru, “Don’t know.” He says, “Guess I’ll find out soon enough. Naru nods and leaves it at that as he points out where to turn into the driveway.

And if the knot in the pit of Gaara’s stomach somehow loosens then tightens back up, well that’s his own business.

***

Hellcat practically barrels Naru over the second he says his hellos to everyone in the house and waves Gaara inside. Naru hugs his boyfriend back like he hasn’t seen him in years, when really, it’s only been a day or two. Gaara rolls his eyes, He hopes he never gets that lovesick.

Kiba’s mom is a delight, though. She pulls him into a gentle hug when she walks into the kitchen to greet them properly, then offers him a hielito from the refrigerator freezer. As he sits at the small, kitchen table, eyeing the kitschy decorations on the wall and focusing his attention on the can of Money House Blessing air freshener, he almost forgets about the black grocery bag with those two pink boxes inside on the car seat. Almost.

***

“So what’s in the bag, baby bro?” Kankuro asks once they’re on the freeway, leaving humid and hazy Konoha behind and heading into the perpetual dust storm that covers Suna.

See, Gaara might never lie to Naru, but he doesn’t mind lying to his older brother at all. “Remembered I was outta pads. Figured I should grab some before mommy leaves.”

 Kankuro sniffs, but doesn’t make a face like he does when Temari mentions needing personals. “I would’ve taken you to get some before we got home.” He says, squinting at the road. “I don’t mind.”

Gaara sucks his teeth, “And have to sit there and watch you suck the life force out of your boyfriend? I’d rather watch paint dry.”

“Jesus, you wound me.” Is the last thing Kankuro says for the rest of the ride, too busy focusing on the road. He even has the radio turned all the way down so he can see better. Gaara snorts, maybe he should mention that Kankuro needs glasses to his mom.

Their house is less than five minutes away from the freeway, tucked into one of those fancy, wannabe gated communities where only half of the houses are built because the construction workers can’t work when the dust storms kick up too badly. Which means they just take the whole summer off, lazy bastards.

Kankuro pulls into the driveway and Gaara grips the plastic bag so hard it might rip. It’s not like his parents can see through it, and he can stash it under his bed until he’s ready for his life to be over…So why is he so nervous?

“How was your trip out, honey?” his mother asks the second they walk in the door and past the living room.

“Good.” He and Kankuro answer in unison, Kankuro heads into the living room and Gaara shoots up the stairs before she can ask anything else.

Two lines. Four, if you count both tests glaring back at him from the bathroom sink.

He’s fucking pregnant.

Nami wraps him up in a hug and he feels himself getting light headed. Fucking pregnant, he thinks, whose gonna take me seriously now?

[kiljoius]

master list

Being tagged made me realize I should have a master list, so here we go

Mostly Naruto, but I dabble. I won’t be posting my old stuff so the list is a bit small, but I do have projects I’m working on!

I post everything to Ao3 here: KilJoius

And some of it is on fanfiction.net, here: KilJoius

My handle is the same on all platforms

I am an interactive writer with readers!!! If you comment, you WILL get a reply and appreciation. Feedback is life. Feedback is love. Always comment on fics (as well as all creative works, art, gif sets, roleplay, etc.) you like <3333

Naruto

It Was Okay Series

Ao3 Link

KibaHina

Small Love

Ao3 Link

KibaHina

When she first gave him a flower, he ate it. Or: a series of KibaHina/Team 8 one shots and drabbles.

It Was Okay

Ao3 Link

KibaHina

When she stuttered, it was okay. When she blushed, it was okay. When she fainted, it was okay. But when she cried, it wasn't okay.

Plaything

Ao3 Link

KibaHina

Pure Smut

Truth in Change

Ao3 Link

KibaHina

A series of one-shots/drabbles of a domestic KibaHina family.

Trapped In My Mind

Ao3 Link

KibaHina

“Hinata…” Naruto spoke quietly, scanning her face. He hesitantly moved forward before opening his arms. Her stomach did somersaults, her heart shot into her throat. It took everything she had, every ounce of will power not to pass out. No, her second instinct was to turn on her heel and bolt. Run far, far away… A girl in love is a fool.

Accepted

Ao3 Link

Team 8/Shino-centric

Abandonment issues were always present in Shino as Kiba, Hinata, and Kurenai knew. It would take a very long time for him to finally reveal exactly why that was, but in the meantime, they always did their best to ensure he felt included. Kiba often invited him on walks with Akamaru. Hinata taught him how to press flowers. Kurenai personally trained with him, as his own clan was often too busy to train with him like Kiba did with Hana or Hinata did with her father or Neji. They didn’t realize how much it meant to Shino.

Clan Education

Ao3 Link

Team 8

“While I’m gone, I want you three to visit each other’s homes and educate one another on your clans.” This was the instruction left to them by Kurenai as she was due to embark on an A-rank mission with Asuma and Gai. They had been on a team together for about four weeks now, and Kurenai was disappointed to find they hadn’t bonded as well as she had hoped. Kiba was still adverse to Shino’s beetles, Shino was still adverse to Akamaru, and Hinata was adverse to speaking louder than a whisper.

Thank You

Ao3 Link

KonoHana

Hanabi finds herself babysitting Mirai temporarily, and may have bit off more than she can chew. A certain Sarutobi comes to her aid.

Tag

Ao3 Link

KonoHana

She was the firework, sparking in the shadow of his leaves. He was the brat, bathing in her sun. Somehow, she was always following after him. And he was always waiting for her.

Or: Watching Konohamaru and his team wreak havoc around town, Hanabi desperately wants to know what it’s like to be a kid. Follows Hanabi and Konohamaru from academy students to sensei, a fully fleshed out story.

Cookies & Hot Chocolate

Ao3 Link

KonoHana

Just as snow touches the ground of the Leaf, Konohamaru is faced with a very important mission: bring hot chocolate to Hanabi. Just as importantly, Hanabi also has a mission: help her niece deliver cookies to every villager in the Leaf.

Year of the OTP (KonoHana) - Series

Ao3 Link

KonoHana

12 separate one-shots of KonoHana, one for each month following the Year of the OTP prompt list.

Prettiest Girl in the World

Ao3 Link

KonoHana

During a time of relative peace, missions were becoming more and more focused on criminals and illegal activity. Konohamaru and Hanabi are assigned a mission to scout out an illegal gambling ring. January Prompt: Fake Dating

Happiness, Her Whole World

Ao3 Link

SasuHina

He was her whole world, at one time. Now her brother is dead. And she wants him gone. Or: Hinata and Sasuke had always been together as members of sister clans. When he returns, she's unsure of how to handle it.

Stardew Valley

The View From Down Here

Ao3 Link

Fem!OC x Shane, light Fem!OC x Harvey

The view from up high was just so charming. What isn't charming is having no clue what you're doing, getting swept up in town drama, and being woken up at 6 am on the fucking dot every morning by nosy neighbors. From up high, it was scenic. From down here, it was bleak.

Euphoria

Suddenly Sundown

Ao3 Link

Fezco x Lexi

"Damn Lexi...how you always do that?" "Do what?" "Make me fuckin' crazy." Lexi bit her lip again, just to tease him.

Coming Soon

You're Pretty When You Do Not Speak

KonoHana

Ao3 Link

“Anyway, seriously. Can you believe Udon kissed a girl before me?” Hanabi thinks she might seal one of her own chakra points in the hopes it will force her to black out. She kneels down next to him as he stares up at the ceiling with a grimace. She grabs his cheeks with one hand, forcefully, and glares at him. “I’m so sick of hearing about this.” “Wha—?” he mumbles, lips puckered by her hand. She thinks he actually looks kind of cute like this, being put in his place. Not that she’ll ever let him know that. She squeezes his cheeks a little tighter. “If I kiss you, will you shut up?” February prompt: "If I kiss you, will you shut up?"

Cyberpunk 2077: Edgerunners? Something with Rebecca

[thehandmaidenofmischief]

Upon her return from Orochimaru's grasp, Sasuke found herself grappling with the weight of her choices and the stark reality of loss amidst the tumultuous shinobi world. It was during one of these vulnerable moments that she encountered Sakura, who bore somber news that shook her to the core.

"Sasuke," Sakura's voice was unusually subdued as he approached her, his expression tinged with sorrow.

Sasuke, her eyes narrowing with concern, met Sakura's gaze. "What is it?" she asked quietly, sensing the gravity of his demeanor.

Sakura hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before delivering the news that would shatter Sasuke's fragile peace. "Neji... he's gone," he finally managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sasuke felt her heart clench painfully at the mention of Neji's name. Though they had grown apart in recent years, there had been a time before the Uchiha massacre when Neji and Sasuke had shared a close bond, forged through training sessions and shared experiences as young shinobi.

"He... he's dead?" Sasuke's voice trembled slightly, disbelief and sorrow washing over her in equal measure.

Sakura nodded solemnly. "He... he mentioned you," he continued, his tone hesitant as he recounted Neji's last words, "his final thoughts were about you, Sasuke. He always admired you."

Sasuke's breath caught in her throat, the weight of Neji's unspoken feelings hitting her with a wave of guilt and regret. Despite their drifting apart over the years, Neji had held a steadfast admiration for her—a fact she had taken for granted amidst her own personal battles and quest for vengeance.

Sakura placed a comforting hand on Sasuke's shoulder, offering silent support as she processed the magnitude of Neji's loss and the impact of his final words. "I'm sorry, Sasuke," he murmured softly, his own grief evident in his eyes.

Sasuke nodded faintly, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. "Thank you, Sakura," she managed to say, her voice hoarse with unshed tears.

In the aftermath of Neji's death, Sasuke found herself grappling not only with the grief of losing a friend but also with the realization of how fragile life could be in their world of shinobi. Neji's unwavering admiration and his final thoughts about her served as a poignant reminder of the bonds they had once shared and the regrets that would now linger in her heart.

As Sasuke stood there, enveloped in sorrow and reflection, she silently vowed to honor Neji's memory by embracing the fleeting moments of connection and understanding amidst the chaos of their world—a world where even the strongest bonds could be severed in an instant, leaving behind echoes of unspoken truths and unfulfilled hopes.

•~•

The battlefield was strewn with chaos and devastation, the aftermath of a brutal clash between allied shinobi forces and the relentless onslaught of enemy troops. Amidst the smoke and debris, Neji Hyuga lay gravely injured, his breathing labored as he struggled to stay conscious.

Surrounding him were his comrades—Naruto, Hinata, Sakura, and others—each wearing expressions of anguish and determination as they fought to protect their fallen friend. Neji's eyes flickered weakly as he gazed up at the faces of those he held dear, his voice barely a whisper yet carrying a weight that demanded attention.

"Sasuke..." Neji's voice trembled with effort, his gaze searching for someone who wasn't there, someone he knew had drifted into darkness.

Hinata knelt beside him, her own tears threatening to spill as she gently grasped his hand. "Neji... what is it?" she asked softly, her voice choked with sorrow.

Neji's eyes found Naruto, the determination in his gaze unwavering despite his fading strength. "Promise me," he rasped, his voice barely audible above the din of battle, "promise me you'll bring her back."

Naruto's brow furrowed with confusion, but he nodded solemnly, sensing the urgency in Neji's plea. "I promise, Neji," he replied firmly, his voice carrying the weight of a solemn oath.

Sakura and the others exchanged worried glances, understanding the depth of Neji's request. They had all witnessed Sasuke's descent into darkness, her path veering further away from the bonds of friendship and loyalty that once defined their shared journey.

Neji's breathing grew shallower, his strength ebbing away with each passing moment. "She... she needs us," he continued, his words faltering as he fought against the darkness threatening to claim him.

Hinata squeezed Neji's hand gently, tears streaming down her cheeks unchecked. "We'll bring her back, Neji," she vowed, her voice filled with determination and sorrow.

Neji managed a faint smile, a flicker of peace crossing his features as he felt the weight of his request acknowledged by those he trusted most. "Thank you," he whispered hoarsely, his eyes closing briefly as exhaustion overtook him.

In the midst of battle, surrounded by the echoes of conflict and the loss of their comrade, Naruto and the others bowed their heads in solemn respect for Neji's final wish. They knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges and peril, but they also knew that Neji's unwavering belief in Sasuke's redemption would guide them through the darkness.

As the battle raged on, Neji Hyuga, a shinobi of unyielding strength and loyalty, slipped quietly into the embrace of eternity, his final thoughts lingering on the hope that one day, Sasuke Uchiha would find her way back to the light, guided by the bonds of friendship and the promise of redemption.

•~•

In a quiet corner of the Hidden Leaf Village, amidst a serene grove of cherry blossom trees, Sasuke stood before Neji's grave. The air was calm, the soft rustling of leaves a gentle backdrop to the solemnity of the moment. Neji's final resting place was adorned with fresh flowers and tokens of remembrance, a testament to the profound impact he had left on those who had known him.

Sasuke's expression was somber as she knelt beside the gravestone, her fingers tracing the engraved characters that marked Neji's name. Memories flooded her mind—of training sessions together, of shared missions, and of Neji's unwavering determination and loyalty. Despite their drifting apart in recent years, Sasuke felt a pang of regret for not having reconnected sooner, not having bridged the distance that had grown between them.

"I'm sorry, Neji," Sasuke whispered softly, her voice carrying a mix of sorrow and remorse. "I wish... I wish I could have been there for you, like you were for me."

The wind whispered through the trees, a gentle reminder of the impermanence of life and the fragility of their world. Sasuke closed her eyes briefly, her thoughts turning to Neji's final moments—the weight of his request for them to bring her back from the darkness still heavy on her heart.

"You believed in me," Sasuke murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, "even when I couldn't see a way back."

Sasuke bowed her head in silent reverence, offering a moment of quiet reflection and gratitude for the friendship and guidance Neji had provided, even in his final moments. She vowed silently to honor his memory by finding her own path, one that would bring her back to the light Neji had believed she could reclaim.

As Sasuke lingered at Neji's grave, the cherry blossoms above gently swayed in the breeze, casting a fleeting sense of peace over the sacred space. In that moment of solitude and remembrance, Sasuke found solace in the knowledge that Neji's spirit lived on—in the hearts of those who had known him, in the memories they shared, and in the unwavering hope he had entrusted to them.

With a final, silent farewell, Sasuke rose from her place beside Neji's grave, her resolve strengthened by the bonds of friendship and the promise of redemption. She carried with her the weight of Neji's last words and the belief that, one day, she would find her way back—to honor his memory and to forge a future worthy of his faith in her.

[lillieghoul]

Here in Your Arms

#a NejiHina insert #Anniversary of the end of the Fourth Great Ninja War #Neji is the perfect gentleman A girl had come up and requested a dance with Naruto, and many lined up in waiting, eager for their turn. Hinata looked at the scene sadly but shrugged, accepting her defeat as a sense of resignation washed over her. Perhaps tonight was not the night she danced with Naruto. Kiba was successful in his bravery to secure a dance with a girl of his interest. She was not. Naruto had even left her present on the table just like that, along with a mountain of others.

She sighed. That just left her and Neji standing idly at the corner. The night was still young, and she could perhaps still salvage some enjoyment out of it. She turned to look up at Neji expectantly, her eyes conveying a message he did not understand.

"What is it, Hinata-sama?" he asked. She shook her head, her eyes widening with unspoken turmoil. Neji puzzled over her cryptic message, scanning their surroundings for any clue. He saw Naruto involved in a sexy dance with a huddle of girls. He wondered if she wanted him to interrupt on her behalf, and he felt a surge of apprehension.

"Do you want me to fetch Naruto?" he sighed, but she shook her head indignantly, and relief flooded into him.

He was actually relieved that Hinata no longer intended to skulk around Naruto at the moment, but it still stressed him to wonder what was going on in her mind. He knew not to probe her, or she'd just retreat back in her shell.

As the song ended and the soft strains of another slow song filled the air, Tenten returned to them without Lee, her cheeks tinged with pink from the exertion of dancing. Neji, noticing her return, raised an eyebrow in mild amusement.

"Where did you leave your dance partner?" he inquired, scanning the room casually.

"He went to get drinks," Tenten replied with a shrug, her gaze drifting towards the refreshment area.

Meanwhile, Hinata fidgeted nervously, her gaze alternating between Neji and the other couples twirling gracefully on the dance floor and as more couples made their way. Sensing her hesitation, Neji and Tenten turned their attention to her, waiting for her to speak as she twiddled her thumbs, bringing up the courage.

"Umm..." Hinata began hesitantly, but her words trailed off as she blushed and glanced away.

Neji, ever patient, gently prodded, "What is it, Hinata-sama?"

Unable to voice her desire, Hinata shyly averted her gaze once more, feeling a pang of longing as she watched the others enjoying themselves. Standing idly by with Neji was not quite the experience she had hoped for amidst the lively atmosphere of the party. She wanted to have some fun too.

"Do you want me to get you a drink as well?" Neji finally asked, unable to comprehend her glances to the dance floor.

She shook her head wildly, turning away once more.

Sensing her discomfort, Tenten let out an exasperated sigh and intervened, realizing Hinata's unspoken wish. "You fucking idiot," she stated bluntly, smacking a hand against her forehead in frustration at Neji's obliviousness. "She wants to have a dance with you," she said.

Neji blinked in surprise, a faint blush coloring his cheeks as he comprehended Tenten's words. Hinata, flustered by the sudden attention, glanced away once more, feeling a mix of embarrassment and hope.

Gathering his composure, Neji cleared his throat and addressed Hinata directly. "Ahem," he coughed, drawing her attention. "Hinata-sama, would you like to dance?"

His invitation sparked a bright smile on Hinata's face, her eyes shining with delight. "I-I would love to, Neji-niisan," she stammered, accepting his outstretched arm. Tenderly placing her fingers in his, she allowed him to gently lead her towards the dance floor, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

As they began to sway to the rhythm, there was an undeniable sense of grace and elegance in their movements. Tenten smiled at the pair, happy that Neji - though he would never admit it to anyone else but her - got to realize his wish for a dance with Hinata tonight.

Neji, ever composed and refined, led with a confident poise, his hand resting lightly on Hinata's waist. His movements were deliberate yet fluid, guiding her with a gentle yet assured touch.

Hinata, her delicate frame nestled against Neji's, mirrored his steps with a softness and grace of her own. Her hand rested lightly on his shoulder, fingers trembling slightly with nervous anticipation.

As they danced, a subtle yet undeniable spark seemed to flicker to life between them. It was a fleeting moment, easily missed by an outsider. In the gentle press of their bodies and the shared rhythm of their steps, there was an unspoken energy that pulsed between them.

Neji's gaze softened as he looked into Hinata's eyes, seeing a depth of feeling starting to mirror in her own. There was a warmth in her smile, a tenderness in her touch, that spoke volumes without the need for words.

For him, every movement felt electric, as if a current of electricity passed between them with each step.

Hinata, likewise, felt a sense of closeness, of connection, that she hadn't experienced before, and it filled her with a quiet sense of wonder.

Neji couldn't help but wonder if Hinata saw him as more than just a friend and a cousin. He longed to tell her how he felt, to pour out his heart and lay bare his emotions, but uncertainty as usual held him back, and he feared it always would.

What if she didn't feel the same way? What if his confession only served to push her further away? The thought sent a chill down his spine, and he tightened his grip on her hand, as if seeking reassurance. He could not lose her.

She was in love with Naruto. And he was her protector and guardian, and there was nothing more to it. And if that's what she wanted, if that was what would make her happy, then that was what he would help her achieve, and he would learn to keep his feelings buried, like he had done so for years.

But as the music continued to play and they danced in silence, Neji couldn't help but hope that maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for something more between them. And as he looked into Hinata's eyes, he allowed himself to dream of a future where they could be more than just friends, where their love could blossom and flourish like the petals of a delicate flower.

An excerpt from:

Moon of My Nights

- A KibaSaku centric fic

✨ Ao3 ✨ FF.net

[alumort]

ao3

nejilee beach episode. enjoy

   His skin itched, yet there was no way anybody would take him away from the sea now. He would need to go through an intense hair treatment as soon as they returned to the hotel room– for now, Neji would enjoy swimming between the waves, hearing nothing but the ocean in his ears and maybe a couple of gulls here and there.

  He knew Lee didn’t like it, yet perhaps he could convince him to join if he asked him once again… although, the other man seemed too focused on his sand castle to care.

  Walking towards him while his feet buried themselves on wet sand, Neji tried again.

  “The water is wonderful. C’mon, love, stay here with me for a while,” he said with a smile, chuckling a bit at seeing Lee pout.

  His partner denied with his head, turning around to look at him in the eyes before replying.

  “I will stay here, dearest! I am more comfortable in land!” Lee promised, doing a thumbs up before focusing on his small building again. The only reason he ever approached the sea

  Being under the waves was freeing, somehow. Neji could move to any and all direction he imagined, not caring about anything as his goggles (that he had only because Lee insisted they weren’t goofy) would keep any and all water far away from his eyes. It was dark and, by mere impulse, the brunet tried to activate his Byakugan only for a headache to annoy his gaze.

  He had died in the war, even if only for a few minutes. His cursed seal had made it so his special eyes became as normal as a fly… he would never be able to use his Kekkei Genkai again– and it was alright. Though, finding pretty shells would be an arduous task now…

  At one point, a crab tried to pinch his fingers, defending something that seemed brightly colored with all its might. His chuckles made bubbles float by his side, and all Neji had to do was gently push the crustacean away to grab what he wanted, going back to the surface in no time.

  His hands were full of shells in a couple of minutes, and he deemed it enough to leave the sea, ready to go back to his partner to show him his findings– until he was met by an interesting situation.

  Lee was still distracted, digging up holes around him and not really caring about anything else– it was his chance. Neji was quiet enough as to not startle the other man, approaching him in silence but with a smirk on his face; he left the shells on the sand and leaned towards Lee, hugging him from behind and chuckling at hearing his surprised gasp.

  “Hi there,” the brunet mumbled, resting his ear on his boyfriend’s back, pouting as Lee dodged his touch. “Hey…”

  “You are cold!” he complained, crossing his arms over his chest. It was then that Neji showered his small treasure to the other man, whose eyes sparkled at the countless colorful shells. 

  “It’s Summer, Lee. I prefer to be cold… plus, I got you these,” Neji replied, placing the shells beside his partner, who looked at him as if seeking a silent approval. “I thought they would make your castle look better, what do you think?”

  In no time, Lee began ordering everything on the sand by shape, and his boyfriend helped him without saying anything at all.

  And just like that, their work of art was finished in no time– a sand castle with a couple of towers, decorated by the colorful shells that Neji had collected earlier on. Some feathers worked as banners and they doodled abstract patterns on the walls with their fingers, always careful enough as to not destroy it.

  “It is awesome! Thank you for helping, love!” Lee exclaimed, his eyes shining with pure joy. The brunet held his hand, still filled with sand, and made gentle circles on his palm with his thumb.

  Seeing how excited Lee got by seeing the small castle they made was enough to make Neji smile– he was like a little kid, sometimes still seeing the world with awe-filled eyes and neverending grins. He couldn’t help it but lean towards him, placing his lips on his warm cheek, giggling as he felt it become even warmer than before due to that small gesture.

  They had been together since before the war, and Lee still became a mess with his kisses. It was yet another thing Neji thought was adorable of him.

[the-letter-horror-lover]

Himawari's feelings by CarrotCake16

Anime » Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Rated: K+, English, Romance & Friendship, Himawari U., Inojin Y., Words: 2k+, Published: Feb 3

2Chapter 1

It was a satuurday evening, and the uzamazi girls where making their way to 'Yamanaka Flowers', a well know flower shop owned by the owned by the Yamanaka clan. the chime of the door opening was heard as they opened the door revealing the cashier counter straight ahead, and also, a 9 year old boy who just finished wrapping up the flowers for one of his customers.

"Look mommy! It's brother Inojin, Hes the one who called me sensai " himawari excitedly said to her mother, making the pale boy smile at her childish behaviour.

"I see" she spoke softly to her daughter as she made her way to the counter.

"hello Inojin-kun it's nice to see you, I hardly see u here, are you helping out" asked Hinata

Before inojin could answer.. "Himawari!" a voice called out and suddenly Ino came into view, running and enveloped Himawari in a massive hug rubbing her cheek against the like girls baby face.

"It's nice to see you Ino" smiled Hinata

After a good 3 mins cuddle Ino finally straighted up and walked behind the counter to stand next to her son.

" hey Hinata, you here for the sunflowers?"

Hinata replied "Yes, It's Saturday so.-"

" -we're going to give them to uncle Neji " spoke Himawari cheerfully, cutting off her mother by accident, with innocent intensions.

Ino smiled holding her face with her right hand " Inojin be a dear and get the sunflowers from the back please"

"On it"

He walked out of the counter and made his way to the door next to it to retreat the flowers.

In the meantime Hinata decided to start a conversation,"Inojin helping out I see"

"Yup! He usually doesn't work in the evenings since he's got training but … Sensai Moegi changed it up to training in mornings instead, so inojin will be helping out everyday on evenings only"

While they talked Himawari was smelling all the flowers which Ino noticed

"You know Himawari, Inojin's the one responsible for the sunflowers"

"He grows them himself" little Himawari spoke with sparkly eyes.

"Yup, waters them, plants them, the whole ShaBang"

And just like that Inojin appeared from the door and placed the flowers on the counter, he then made his way inside with scissors in his hand.

"Would you like them wrapped?" He asked

"Yes please" answered Hinata before continuing her conversation with Ino

Inojin redid his ponytail before he began to snip and wrap the flowers up

"aunt Ino said you take care of the sunflowers" said Himawari as she tried to climb the counter in order to get a better view at what he was doing.

"Yeah.. they my favourite flower" he answered, his eyes still focused on the task at hand

" their my favourite too! And mamas and uncle Neji!" she said

"Looks like we all got good taste" he spoke with a small chuckle as he snipped some ribbon and tied it around the wrapping

Once he was done, he walked out of the counter and squated to Himawaris eye level and handed the bouquet

Himawari held it giving it a small sniff, she then had a sudden idea. She looked back up at Inojin before placing her index finger to her chin as if thinking deeply "hmmm…"

"What is it Himawari" he asked

"Sunflowers are your favourite flowers right"

"That's right"

"I'm a sunflower"

Inojin laughed "yeah your name means sunflower as well"

"Sooo.. that means you like me too"

Inojin was taken back not expecting little Himawari to say such a thing.

He eyed her, she was giggling and smiling she was just being a kid, he shook his head 'she's trying to be clever' he thought

" we'll i guess your right, I do like sunflowers and you are a sunflower" he said mimicking her actions and placed his index finger on his chin

" It only makes sense that I'd like you as well" he said, looking back at her giggling face, he gave her a pat on her head 'so cute' he thought

The Uzumaki girls finally said their goodbyes and thanked for the flowers before leaving the flower shop with the flowers in Himawari's hands.

" it was nice meeting Inojin-kun right" said Hinata as she held her daughters hand leading them to her uncles grave.

Himawari nodded with a big smile.

A few mins passed and she looked down at the bouquet in her hands and she recalled the coversation and the pat on her head. For some reason her tummy felt warm and so did her face, not in an uncomfortable way, just.. warm, fuzzy you could say.

".. I can't wait to give uncle Neji the flowers" she said smiling.

Chapter 2

"Alright boys, time to go to sleep" spoke Hinata with her head poking out her sons bedroom door.

"alright mom, g'night"

"okay aunt Hinata"

"night"

"good night"

Hinata smiled at the four 10 year old boys, before turning off the light.

Once her footsteps were no longer heard, Boruto shifted his position in his sleeping bag so he was facing Danki, and grinned "Soooo.. hows it feel, finally your 'first' sleepover".

Denki smiled,"its been great, the video games, the snacks, movies, it was amazing", which only made Boruto grinn even wider if that was possible.

"meh wasnt too bad" Inojin said with his usually irritating smile, which later was the reason for the pillow that was thrown to his face.

"i agree, it wasnt as troublesome as i thought, it was- pretty fun" mummbled Shikadai before covering his face with his sleeping bag blanket and was the first to fall asleep.

"yup! i wish Mitsuki ,Metal and Iwabae could of made it though"

They contined to talk and secretly played one round of cards untill one by one Boruto, Danki, and Inojin yawned before it was finally decided that it really was time to go to sleep.

Only 30 minutes later Inojin got up, 'bathroom'. He got out of his sleeping bag, tiptoed to the door and closed it as queitly as possible.

He passed Himawari's room, making his way back to Borutos room, when he heard the movment of sheets. He took a few steps back so he was infront of Himawari's room, and pressed his ear against it

'..this is creepy, what am i doing' he thought and moved away from the door to get back to where he was going in the first place till he heard it again, again but with wimpers as well.

He went back over to her door, but this time he knocked, "uhh.. Himawari, are you awake" he whispered, he said it so lightly, that he was really suprised when he heard "big brother?"

"not really, more like big brother's friend"

there was a pause..

"can i come in Himawari"

"is it.. brother Inojin?"

"bingo"

he heard a giggle "alright"

He entered her room and left the door open, just enough so there was a crack of the hall light showing, he didnt want to give her the wrong impression.

He then walked over to her bed, "you good" he asked, she replyed with a nod and a sniff, "trouble sleeping?" he asked again

"just a little" her voice was soft so soft, and so quiet

"could you repeat that please"

she opened her mouth but suddenly her bottom lip started to tremble and she quicky covered it with her hand.

soon her whole body began to lightly tremble

"Himawari? are you-" but he cut himself of when she turned her face the opposite way covering it with her teddy

"Himawari, do you want me to call your mom"

she shook her head no

"i can wake up Boruto if you like"

hearing her brothers name gave her some reaction, she stopped crying and started to whimper a little.

"did Boruto say or do something to you, cause if he did, we still have some left over orange juice id gladly spill over him" he said with the effort of calming the little girl down but it didnt work.

he patted her head gently "whats wrong?"

"big brother he..he" she stopped mid way tears spilling out again

"he what?"

"he, he doesnt spend time with me anymore"

"what do you mean, he's always thinking about you, he 'loves spening time with you' "

"yeah, but.."she started trembling again. Inojin sat next to her on her bed and rubbed her back in encouragment.

"he.. he spends time with you and, and brother shikadai and has so many friends he always plays with you guys, and comes home late. *sniff* Soon he'll go on missions and not come home for days and- and he'll end up like daddy" her last words came out as high pitched whispers.

Inojin didn't push it any further, he pulled her head under his chin and wrapped one warm around her rubbing her arm soothingly while he used his other hand to pat her head.

"it selfish, hic* but hic*but.. he used to come home and say the food was great and that it was because i helped out that it was so yummy, and-and then we'd brush our teeth together, he'll ask about my day and i'd ask about his, and he'd read me a bedtime story"

"im sure your mom would gladly brush her teeth with you and read you a book" he siad

"she does!, but its not the same!"

there was another pause between them..

"he comes home late and gets so tired he doesnt even want to play 'if i went to the moon' we always play that game, every night. If i say 'pretty please' he'll play but only beacuse he'll feel like he has too or because mommy will tell him too."

"whats 'i went to the moon?.. can i play?"

Himawari seemed to like the idea and rubbed her tears away, "first, we need to lay down so where facing eachother"

just like she said they both lied down facing eachother with a decent amount of space in between, " now we each take turns saying things we'd take to the moon, it can be anything. Ramen, a bunny, video games, anything. I'll start by saying 'if i went to the moon i'd take a ..teddy' then you'll say 'if i went to the moon ill take a teddy and.. a umm.., a sandwhich' and we play the rest of the rest of the game like this. Oh, and we need to close our eyes and imagine it like its real"

"okay, why dont you start"

she nooded her head, 'if i went to the moon, i'd take.. a pony"

Inojin chuckled "okay if i went to the moon id take a pony and.. my super beast scroll so we can draw there"

Himawari smiled "if i went to the moon i'd take a pony, your super beast scroll, and a picnic"

"if i went to the moon i'd take a pony, my super beast scroll, a picnic, and a flash light"

"big brother would always take one as well, if i went to the moon i'd take a pony, your super beast scroll, a picnic, a flash light and a *yawn* a picture of mommy, daddy, big brother and me "

Inojin could tell it wasnt long untill she was going to fall asleep, "if i went to the moon i'd take a pony, my super beast scroll, a picnic, a flash light and a picture of.. hmm, Himawari would i be taking a picture of my family or your family?"

she didnt reply

"Himawari?"

when she still sisnt reply he opened his eys, she was asllep. He got up and tucked her in, walked towards the door and looked back, "good nigh Himawari"

Okay now he was really tired, he needed to get back to his sleeping bag. But, what he didnt notice was that Hinata was watching him, she was about to go to bed but noticed Himawari's door cracked open, she was going to close it before she saw Inojin inide, she watched untill Inojin started making his way towards the door, she brisk walked behind her bedroom door.

Once Inojin was in Boruto's room she went inside and checked on Himawari, the little flower was asleep cuddled with her teddy bear and a pinkish tint on her cheeks 'she's probably too warm, i should turn down the heating, or maybe- no shes still so little hardly 8 years old.. but then again i was only, hmm' she pressed a kiss on her forehead and went to her room.