#btb asks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*toasts you with tea*

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

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

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

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

Shikamaru:

Neji:

Kakashi:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi there, Anon! 🫶🏼

Cheers for dropping by with your ASKS.

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

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

As you can imagine, Shikamaru was less amused.

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

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

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

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

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

If I remember correctly, I just realised Shikaku, Inochi & Neji died within like minutes of each other, ouch😫

Anyway, did you have any favourite scenes, but couldn't include it/them for reasons?

Well, hello there Angsty-Reader...

If I remember correctly, I just realised Shikaku, Inochi & Neji died within like minutes of each other, ouch😫

Anyway, did you have any favourite scenes, but couldn't include it/them for reasons?

Oh gods yes. Trying to remember them all will probably require more charge than my brain can spark...but I'll try! A lot of the scenes that I enjoyed— but cut —were around secondary characters. Or flashbacks. There were some scenes that I actually wrote out, then those that just played out in my head for casual viewing in-between chapters which never made the leap from brain to page.

Some examples:

Ibiki and Anko — a few different scenes with these two that range from professional/work to personal.

Genma and Shizune — also ranging from professional to personal.

Shikamaru and Inoichi (post UtS) having a talk regarding Naoki.

Asuma and Genma — happier times between them. There was the bar scene with Asuma, Kakashi, and Genma that got cut. Then I had some flashback notes for a mission that included Asuma and Genma.

Shikaku killing Shuken with the help of his alters.

Raidō talking to Shizune about Genma (during UtS).

Shikamaru confronting Dr. Mushi — I was going to include this, where he seeks Mushi out post-UtS.

Shikamaru and the Suna twins, including some of what happened back in Suna around that time.

Orochimaru and Shuken scene — this might've included Sasuke, but I cut the idea at the time for later use (HHU).

Hizashi and Shikaku flashback (either sparring or playing Go/Shogi).

Ibiki and Hayate in the hospital (might still include this in future).

Genma, Naoki, and Karibi (mission flashbacks).

Shikaku, Inoichi, and Choza when younger and on a mission (namely when Inoichi met Sayuri, his wife).

Gai and Neji talking post-Kusa mission (so post-UtS) about Neji's decision to forfeit ANBU.

Shikaku, Kali, Shuken flashback — some of this got integrated into Shikaku's nightmares/dreams.

Hibari and Sakura talking about Sasuke in OtC.

OC scenes, like Naoki positioning himself to get recruited by Danzo, his 'fake death' etc...Karibi's death...a few Team Yōkai post-mission flashbacks.

I know there are others I've neglected to mention. When I re-read chapters then the deleted scenes tend to flit back to the forefront of my mind. Then there are those scenes that have yet to BE written that hover around the HHU timeline.

I imagine Kiba thinking back to Shikamaru's bday and Neji smelling like him🤣Poor Neji, doubt Kiba would toss the chance to give him flak.

Oohh, if Asuma and Inochi were still alive, what would be theirs? Inochi's reaction would be especially interesting considering. Would he be more accepting than he was towards Genma and Naoki?

Also, at what point do NejiShika consider themselves "official". Like, How would they answer being asked when their relationship started. I imagine it'd a "its complicated"😅 They had so many different stages of their relationship.

Heya Anon! ☕️

Ha. Glad you enjoyed those!

Yeah, Lee is pretty standard in his response. Afflicted by The Youthful Feels. 🫠

I imagine Kiba thinking back to Shikamaru's bday and Neji smelling like him.

Oh ho ho! His nose clocked it long before his noggin did.

Oohh, if Asuma and Inochi were still alive, what would be theirs? Inochi's reaction would be especially interesting considering. Would he be more accepting than he was towards Genma and Naoki?

Interesting question re: Inoichi. Probably his initial reaction would be this:

Inoichi:

Suspicion and doubt, an immediate urge to consider the source and do some fact-finding. Again, depends how he learned the information. But yes, after everything with Naoki and Genma, he’d be far more open and accepting after validating the truth.

Asuma:

He’d prioritise how Shikamaru felt about the whole thing. Because Asuma got a hint of Shikamaru’s possible involvement with a potential “He” in BtB, he wouldn’t be super shocked — however, a lot of his response/reaction would be dependent on the impact on Shikamaru.

Also, at what point do NejiShika consider themselves "official".

They don’t explicitly state this. It’s understood privately between them that they are exclusive; but given their day-to-day existence and the urgency of events leading up to the War, they’re not thinking ‘long-term’. They’re far too focused on living stolen moment to stolen moment in between the chaos.

Like, How would they answer being asked when their relationship started. I imagine it'd a "it’s complicated" & they had so many different stages of their relationship.

Ha yes. Definitely complicated. Ino would want all the details and Shikamaru would be like…

Both Shikamaru and Neji are extremely private and protective of what they have. It’s not something either of them would feel comfortable discussing. That’s not out of shame (though Neji would risk more backlash from his clan over this than Shikamaru). I mean, look at how guarded and private Asuma and Kurenai were. It’s partially-societal and particularly due to their private natures. I mean, hell, Shikamaru didn’t even want to talk about the Suna twins! 😜

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When did shikamaru first start crushing on neji? The night he chased him down.

When did he first realize he liked guys, or at least was wondering if he did? When he met “Shin” (flashback shows this in Under These Scars) at age 15.

Did he ever tell anyone that he was into guys? No. Given that he was equally attracted to women, it wasn’t something he felt the need to share -- however, if he hadn’t gotten involved with Neji two years after “Shin”, he’d perhaps have had to have faced it later down the line when his peers started to couple up and the pressure to disclose his personal life was on…said pressure resulting from the persistence of a certain Yamanaka loudmouth. ;) That being said, Asuma, Shikaku, Hiashi and Hinata are aware by the last BtB installment…not counting Heaven Hold Us, in which other characters are also aware.

Can we get the answers to these three questions but for Neji?

Hey there, Anon!

Hi! We're marauding through all the old asks and somebody should really compile all of this into a little BtB-lore-pamphlet or something... it's gonna have to be me isn't it... Wait is that even something that would be okay with you?

You know what, that's a solid idea! Might help me keep track of what the bloody hell I have or haven't answered. 😆 Also what I have or haven't shared about the madness that goes on behind the BtB curtain. My luck? Shit will change with the characters and plot and some of those older posts will become moot.😅 I blame the Dastardly BtB Showrunners as they regularly scramble the wiring in my cerebral cortex.

Regarding your ASKS, I'll endeavour to do the same for Neji.

Q1. When did Neji first start crushing on Shikamaru?

I'd say shortly after their altercation in the woods, though 'crushing' isn't the word I'd use for it. 'Crushing' feels too soft given the raw level of attraction and need...plus the somewhat visceral amount of annoyance Neji initially felt about the whole thing 😜.

Q2. When did he first realize he liked guys, or at least was wondering if he did?

Shikamaru was the prime mover. He woke up something in Neji after the events of the forest fight and remained the only guy Neji was interested in.

Q3. Did he ever tell anyone that he was into guys?

Ha. Can you imagine? Pulling teeth would be easier...and way less bloody, possibly.

Just a random ask.. do you have any inconsequential or random hc’s for characters that have almost no relevance in their overall lives? I’ll go first — I’ve always imagined that Neji developed a mild disgust/phobia of spiders ever since his fight with Kidomaru

Heya Anon! 💜

Just a random ask.. do you have any inconsequential or random hc’s for characters that have almost no relevance in their overall lives? I’ll go first — I’ve always imagined that Neji developed a mild disgust/phobia of spiders ever since his fight with Kidomaru

Oooh, that's a great question! And your example is solid. Wouldn't blame Neji thumbing his nose at the Eight Legged Freaks after his ordeal.

Hmm...I might need some liquid inspiration to answer this...

...argh, what's so annoying is that I tend to discover my hc's as I write the characters - does that make sense? It's really bizarre. You'd think that I'd have a tonne of head cannons just filed away, but what tends to happen is they drop into my headspace as I'm writing, rather than me actively thinking about them...I think maybe because 98% of my brain is engaged in plot most of the time (given how long BtB is), the character aspect (my favourite part, oddly enough) churns out based purely on organic in-the-moment writing and inspiration/instinct...which is probably why I love it so much, it's more intuitive than intellectual and way more fun.

Sorry, that in no way answers your question...

I'm thinking but....

Seriously...zilch...on demand, nada...

And yet, undoubtedly, I'm going to discover those head canons as I write. Some random examples below (some which obviously have significance), most of which have been disclosed already and discovered whilst writing, but give some good cases of BtB-verse HCs...if some could be called that?

how gift giving is one of Ino's biggest love languages

how Hiashi prefers Go to Shogi

how Raidō is a stickler for rules and enjoys sudoku

how Shikaku got his scars (Shuken)

how Kiba is ridiculously loyal once romantically attached despite his flirtatious and rascal-like behaviour

how Kakashi treasures his Team 7 mug decorated by his students before Sasuke defected

how Kakashi suffered from migraines due to the Sharingan

how Ino's old eating disorder issues were related to a critical and image-obsessed mother, and to Sakura rejecting her friendship as a kid because of Sasuke (leading Ino to believe she was always going to be in competition with other women and that female friendships are fragile)

how Sakura hates how much she loves Sasuke

Chōji allowing Ino to decorate him like a Christmas tree whenever she drags him into shopping sprees (she feeds him for it, which is a win-win)

Shikamaru requiring Chōji to do the thinking and the legwork when it comes to purchasing gifts for Ino

Asuma's cigarette brand is hard to get hold of

Genma is a whole head canon in himself - Halloween is important to him and not just because of pumpkin soup

Genma's issues with care homes - hints of his past as a kid

The significance to Neji of the words "every time" when he speaks them to Shikamaru

The importance of the words "I hear you" between Shikamaru and Asuma, and generally when Shikamaru says this, regardless of who he's speaking to

Neji's blind spot being an erogenous zone

Shikamaru being an utter sucker for head massages

Shikamaru loving Niji's coffee (second to none)

Genma being attracted to Kurenai (much to his supreme annoyance)

Inoichi having a wicked sweet-tooth, leading to him sneaking off to indulge in various confectionary (usually at the Akimichi household) so his wife didn't lose her shit (which led to her believing he might be having affairs)

Yoshino being incredibly sensitive to Shikamaru's security whilst in the home - the only control she feels she has over his safety given his life as a shinobi

Orochimaru's severely messed up behaviour with Sasuke and the oddness of his rules surrounding it (not sure you'd call this a head canon, as it's not something I enjoy entertaining - not that all head canon's are fun)

Kakashi somatising his emotions and his body carrying most of his pain

Kakashi preferring to live in a complex with older veteran shinobi rather than his peers (quieter, less intrusive)

Shiba (Kakashi's ninken) suffering bouts of claustrophobia

Ino, Inoichi, and Naoki's habit of cracking their thumbs

Ibiki's arthritis in his hands (worse now due to chakra sickness)

Kiba's nostalgic love/hate for silky thread grass

Shikaku's involvement with the Hyūga during his youth

Inoichi being a pretty-boy when younger and having to infiltrate a geisha house (where he met Sayuri, his wife)

Shikamaru harbouring mild paranoia of losing anything Ino buys him (the risk of ballistic head injury is very real)

The playful battle of Ino keeping a mental score of "you owe me" vs Shikamaru keeping a mental score of "I'll remember this"

Tenten messing with Neji by adding spice to his food

Argh, there are loads more; but those are the ones that just randomly came to mind whilst trying to kick my marbles around. There will undoubtedly be more to come, especially with characters such as Naruto and Sasuke, but also Neji, Shikakmaru and the rest.