#btb neji

[okamirayne]

Beautiful Art by Ysvel

Every time ❤️

So many ways to say those 3 unspoken words…

[noodle1807]

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

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

[nejibrainrot]

Hi 

[beesandboswells]

“Please. Don’t make me hurt you...”

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

ORIGINAL

[akumisan]

Podfic: On the Cusp

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

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

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

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

Also, responses to messages will be gotten to.

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

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

First Chapter Previous Chapter Next Chapter (coming soon!)

[teacup-tai]

Tai Recs: Crazy Looong Fics

My best friends used to have a running joke about my fanfic reading habits, saying that "Tai wouldn't touch anything shorter than 50k". Let's say they were not far from wrong. xD #facepalm

I am a sucker for really long stories. How writers provide us with a crazy amount of world building and character's development/study, and all kinds of mix of Slow Burn, Scorching UST, Brilliant Case fics, Political Plots, Adventure, Action, Beautiful Slice of Life & etc!

I devote my whole heart, gratitude and appreciation to all the Monster Writers, for such incredible long rides, for your time, hard work and for sharing this huge gifts with us!

Welcome to the: Crazy Long Fics 'Rec List! (>300k)

Drarry Favourites

TURN by Saras_girl (E, 306k)

One good turn always deserves another. Apparently.

A classic. No one in the Drarry fandom can go without having read, or attempted to read, Turn. The kind of fic that make you question your life and decisions. The kind of fic that don't let you go untouched.

Twist of Fate by Oakstone730 (T, 302k)

Draco asks Harry to help him beat the Imperius curse during 4th year. The lessons turn into more than either expected. A story of redemption and forgiveness.

ToF is another huge Drarry classic. It goes without saying that it will grab you and not let you leave without finishing. The angst is brilliant, the canon rewrite magnificent. A must read.

Foundations !verse (Series) by Saras_girl (E, 364k)

Harry is about to discover that the steepest learning curve comes after Healer training, and that second chances can be found in unexpected places.

This series is composed by 2 main fics (Reparations (87k) and Foundations (236k)) and 11 adjacent oneshots. Healer Harry wasn't something that I knew I needed until I read this. I learned so much with this universe; about being human, about learning from one's patients, about working with people. Reparations is my fave Saras_girl fic.

The Secret Language of Plants (Series) by @llendrinall (373k)

“Just… tell me. Tell me what is going on, Snape.”

What was going on was that Severus Snape had no trouble tracking down one Petunia Evans, now Dursley, to a little town in Surrey where he saw how exactly she was treating her nephew. Which somehow led to last night and Severus knocking on Lupin’s door with a toddler half-asleep in his arms.

This amazing series is composed by 4 parts, and it starts with Snape and Remus stealing and raising Harry, while falling in love with each other. It's bloody amazing how Endrina retells the story with such a nice canon rewrite, and gives us Drarry with such a nice twist <3

Tales From the Special Branch (Series) by @femmequixotic (E, 1.214k)

When Gawain Robards asks him to form Special Branch seven-four-alpha, Harry Potter knows they'll have to work outside the confines of the law--even though they are the law.

This is one of the most intertwined and interesting Drarry plots I've ever read. The amount of world-building in this 5 amazing fics is insane, the backstories to all the characters are impressive, how everything connects in such perfect way is amazing, how the plot thickens is breathtaking and the sex- lol hotter than firewhiskey. A mix of Action-politics-scorching hot smut-Slytherins being aurors-Harry Potter being a hot mess. (warning: WIP. ;_;)

Next in my to-read list:

Hush of War by @lol-zeitgeistic (E, 453k)

Conscience by sordidhumor (E, 1,450k)

Blood Magic by houseofhebrideanblacks & Thestralsofspinnersend (E, 335k)

My Favourites Outside HP fandom

I'm adding 2 non-HP series, bc I honestly think it is such a loss that there are folks in the world who never read it, so here, have at it:

Death Note (L/Light)

Those Who Stand For Nothing Falls For Anything - The Hinterland Doctrine Series by @halfpromise (E, 676k). 4 fics, WIP.

Light is a politician. What could go wrong?

Look at me: this is THE BEST POLITICS AU FIC I'VE EVER READ IN MY WHOLE LIFE. This is crazy long, crazy intense, it has a very very dark sense of humour, a very narcissistic and unreliable first narrator (Light) and it is such a toxic relationship. It's a utter delight to appreciate how Laura put it so well together, this is a literary recommendation for those with a strong stomach. Check the tags. (I've read it twice)

Naruto (Neji/Shikamaru | multiship)

Break to Breathe (Series) by @okamirayne (E, 1.240k). ffnet | AO3

Neji has always been in control. There's just one problem. It's killing him - and only Shikamaru can tell. But sometimes being pulled back from the edge is just as dangerous as being pushed there.

If you like Naruto and deep psychological plots, you should read this masterpiece. BtB is one of the biggest loves of my life. It should be published in a big editing house! xD Ninjas gone deep and real and raw and in love! This is a monsterfuck rollercoaster wrapped up in 4 books (1.240k). Rayne does a really good job in delving her fingers in the characters and making them hers but never making them OOC. Now my favourite Monster Writer is back and giving us a bit more of deep angsty-post-war-vibes <3

[fizzypunks]

it was v sexy when neji tried to kill shikamaru in btb

[okamirayne]

Old Hyūga vs Nara throwback (gods what a time ago!) whilst cranking out this next damned HHU chapter… 💪🏼

Hiashi’s POV + sad music = ❤️‍🩹👌🏼#hitmehardfeels

[okamirayne]

BtB Throwback… Stirring the old feels as I plod along with chapter 9 of HHU…these Hyūgas….💔

[okamirayne]

Heaven Hold Us

ShikaNeji nostalgia 💔❤️‍🔥❤️‍🩹😭

[okamirayne]

Rayne, last episode was awesome!! Just here to remind you that your work is loved by everyone! Shipps in fandom tend to have a person, yk, that internet usser that opens people's eyes and teaches them about a rarepair like its a master class. For me, you are that person. 💗💗 You've done a lot for the shikaneji community, I don't know a single person that ships them and doesn't know about you! You kinda inspired me to learn english years ago because I'd just straight up translate everything with the google translator extension 😂 It's been years since then, and now I read the btb series comfortably in its native language. And there's where I have to ask you something: To celebrate the new HHU's chapter, I'm rereading the whole BtB series. I'm currently in Requiem, but something it's been in my head making noise enough for me to come here and ask you! In Break to Breath, chapter 28, I think they're in Hanegakure and the boys did what hot traumatized boys do... However they're woken up next morning and it is said that Sikamaru tied up his hair with Neji's tie, what Neji did with his hair wasn't mentioned so I always thought that they used each other's ties from then on... Until the very end. Because during the war, Neji isn't using a hairtie, maybe he didn't want to lose it and he save it along Shikamaru's note.

It's never explicitly stated that they got their hairties back, so my favorite headcanon (having people creating headcanons over your fanfic? ur the GOAT) about BtB has allways been that Shikamaru didn't give Neji his hair tie back, and viceversa.

Like when you have a partner in real life and, well, you cannot make a public statement about being together o maybe you cannot see them everyday, so (if you have long hair) you give them your hair tie for them to use in their wrist or properly in their head.

To summarize, what are your thoughts on this? 👀

It's been a while since I last reread the series, so I don't remember this fact being brought up again, at least it wasn't ever mentioned again in Btb nor OtC. Hair ties are mentioned again, but not this. So I live in delulu and imagine them playing with the hairties when they feel lonely/sad. However if it indeed was, then I'm blind and I'm reallyyyy sorry you had to read this 😭

Again, I sincerely love you and the works put online, they're masterpieces and, knowing about the author's block you suffered these years, I hope you're not pressuring yourself on writing! I think we will always wait for you, wheter its BtB universe or your original works 💗

English it's not my first language so I'm sorry if you encouter trouble reading this! xoxo

Sweet Anon 💗💗

Please forgive me if I struggle to find the right words - always a challenge when I am hit so hard by the mega-feels that I'm reduced to a puddle of pure emotion...

There is so much I am thankful for in your beautiful message. The reassurance and kindness of welcoming me back onto the writing stage after such a crippling absence. The sweetness of your incredibly high praise and regard for my work, and the intense combination of humbleness and amazement, learning that you came into the BtB story via Google Translator and took a chance on a fic not in your native language. THANK YOU, for giving my mad story that opportunity, time, investment, and love. I am so touched that the fic gave you traction regarding learning English and that you can enjoy the fic in his native language. Thank you for crossing that language barrier to read my work...again, I'll never not be humbled by that...💗

Thank You for Every Single Word of Kindness and for the monumental love and support your message has contained. I'm so, so touched and so very thankful 💜❤️‍🩹🙏🏼

To celebrate the new HHU's chapter, I'm rereading the whole BtB series.

Aww! I sincerely hope you enjoy the ride once again, sweetie. 🙏🏼

Regarding your question about the hair ties!

[...]...and it is said that Sikamaru tied up his hair with Neji's tie, what Neji did with his hair wasn't mentioned so I always thought that they used each other's ties from then on... Until the very end. Because during the war, Neji isn't using a hairtie, maybe he didn't want to lose it and he save it along Shikamaru's note. [..] It's never explicitly stated that they got their hairties back, so my favorite headcanon (having people creating headcanons over your fanfic? ur the GOAT) about BtB has allways been that Shikamaru didn't give Neji his hair tie back, and viceversa.

Oh I do love where your headcanon has gone.

To summarize, what are your thoughts on this?

I can confidently say, it's a yes. Insofar as Neji allowing Shikamaru to keep his tie when Shikamaru's goes pinging off into the bowels of whatever place they're ravaging each other in...although, I won't lie and say there aren't a few instances where one or the other fight over the last hair tie...

Of course, said fight for the almighty hair tie is always instigated by Shikamaru absolutely refusing to be caught with his hair down, whereas Neji doesn't particularly care, unless he needs it tied back for practical reasons, in which case...may the best genius win. Good luck. 😂

So I live in delulu and imagine them playing with the hairties when they feel lonely/sad. However if it indeed was, then I'm blind and I'm reallyyyy sorry you had to read this 😭

OMG don't apologise! I loved reading this 💗. I'm so happy your mind plays in the BtB madness and again, there's truth to the hair tie sharing (Neji doing the sharing lol and Shikamaru the stealing)

Again, I sincerely love you and the works put online, they're masterpieces and, knowing about the author's block you suffered these years, I hope you're not pressuring yourself on writing! I think we will always wait for you, wheter its BtB universe or your original works 💗

I love and appreciate you in return, dear Anon. BtB would not have happened - would not STILL be happening, if not for the kindness of readers reaching out to share their thoughts, feelings, feedback etc. on the work. You make it possible for me to do it. And for all the words I could ever hope to possess, none of them will ever adequately describe or encompass the enormity of the gratitude, joy, healing, and love I feel hearing from you. 🥰

I honest to gods have no words when it comes to my Original Works and your interest in them...I am just an utterly melted heart, spilling all over the floor of emotion at this point....and I thank you for that beautiful mess and the peace, joy, inspiration, motivation, and reassurance it grants me...bless you, sweetheart. 🫶🏼

Thank you also for your compassion towards my burnout and for the reminder to not pressure myself. Coming with so much sincere love and support, it soothes that awful workaholic and over-thinking streak that has my brain on non-stop and constant insomniac spin. The simultaneous stillness and sky-high floaty feeling I get from your message is a beautiful little cocktail that chills me the hell out when I need it most...and I needed it today, whilst eyeing Chapter 9. 😉😅

English it's not my first language so I'm sorry if you encouter trouble reading this! xoxo

Holy heck, are you kidding me? *bows down in respect* If I tried to write in another language, I would butcher it so hard there'd be no recovering at all. You are fluent, my lovely - coherent and awesome. The only trouble I encountered reading your message was trying to keep my heart from detonating in my chest from the overload of feelings. 💜💜 I thank you for that. It beats the hella insane nerves that eat at me as I return to writing. There's so much heart and healing to be found in this message that I'm sincerely at a loss now....thank you, so, so much.

Huge, HUGE love coming at you from all sides, sweetheart. 🥰

[okamirayne]

Do the clan elders harbor any resentment toward Hiashi for his 'confliction' with Neji, and Hiashi's "inability' to produce a male heir? Neji's talent is undeniable,& as Hizashi's and not Hiashi's son it makes me wonder if the elders think the wrong son was cursed? Since Neji has been around Hiashi more than Hizashi now, does Shikaku's words about him being his father figure cross his mind at all anymore in present day? Especially with Neji's death does he feel he failed Neji more or Hizashi?

Hey there Anon!

Great question - and kind of serendipitous considering I'm writing from Hiashi's POV at the moment in the upcoming chapter.

Do the clan elders harbor any resentment toward Hiashi for his 'confliction' with Neji

They most certainly do. Some individuals more than others.

Neji's talent is undeniable,& as Hizashi's and not Hiashi's son it makes me wonder if the elders think the wrong son was cursed

Bull's eye! Indeed, this is absolutely one of Hiashi's deep and abiding conflicts/wounds and one of the main reasons he privately struggles with (yet still meticulously upholds) his position in the clan...even though it's cost him so much. 😭 Hyuga Hitaro also needles this wound whenever he can.

Since Neji has been around Hiashi more than Hizashi now, does Shikaku's words about him being his father figure cross his mind at all anymore in present day?

Yes, they absolutely do. I hope this will reflect in HHU. There's a lot Hiashi has to contend with regarding Neji's death, considering his clan's politics/expectations...especially his Father's (Hyuga Hijikata in BtB)

Especially with Neji's death does he feel he failed Neji more or Hizashi?

Potential spoiler territory ahead.

I hope you'll forgive me sidestepping this for the sake of upcoming chapters! Thank you for the excellent ASKS - again, I find it so uncanny as I'm deep in Hiashi's headspace atm, so it came at the perfect time! Thanks, Anon! 💜💜

[okamirayne]

Heeeeey Rayne *trying to be casual* I always wanted to know how you would include Neji in The Last, because your take on him is the best out there 🥺 I know the BtB universe is canon divergence so have you ever even thought about adding/referencing the Otsutsuki threat to your story? Idk if you have answered this before 😭 really love u <3333

Heeeeey Rayne *trying to be casual*

I see your sweet casual vibe and I raise you a creepster over-confident hello, my lovely.😉

Aw. Thanks for taking the time to drop your ASK!

I always wanted to know how you would include Neji in The Last, because your take on him is the best out there 🥺

Aww hell...*immediately loses all sense of false cool* That's incredibly kind of you, Anon...🫠🥰 I'm so, so happy to know you enjoyed my take on Neji. 🫶🏼💜

The Last. Yes...ah...*squints, trying to remember the full storyline*...forgive me, Anon. I've been on a Shippuden series/movies rewatch to get back into the Narutoverse for BtB and I've yet to rewatch The Last. That said, I recall the major events, so I'm on the same book as you, my luv, just trying to get the pages straight in my demented head. 😅

Well...if following the BtB-verse...that entire movie might look oh so very different...I can't say too much without giving away spoilers for HHU...though I can certainly say that Neji would've been present when Hanabi was taken, so how that kidnapping played out would definitely have involved a showdown with Neji. He'd also have been deployed on the team to recover Hanabi. Again, because I'd be sticking to the BtB-verse there are several things that would've played out differently in the events of The Last. Sorry I can't give a fuller take on this, luv.

I know the BtB universe is canon divergence so have you ever even thought about adding/referencing the Otsutsuki threat to your story?

Great question. Hmn, yes and no. I wasn't a massive fan of how convoluted everything got with the introduction of the Otsutsuki, though I can appreciate certain elements of this narrative especially in relation to Hagoromo (Sage of Six Paths) and the explanation for the Rinnegan/Pein's Six Paths etc. Hagoromo's interference/involvement with Sasuke and Naruto, and the events just post-War is about as far as I'm willing to dive regarding the Otsutsuki, though mentioning their existence wouldn't be beyond the scope.

I wouldn't go too far along the timeline (she says, saying she'd never write Post-War, haha-joke's-on-me 😅)...I'd certainly never touch the Boruto-verse *hisses*, which is where I understand most of the Otsutsuki narrative plays out. That generation is hands-off for my brain, as many of the relationships don't play out due to the canon-divergence of the BtB-verse, also certain characters don't follow the Boruto-verse character arcs...and uh, yeah, certain babies don't get born. 😅😅😅

Idk if you have answered this before 😭 really love u <3333

Aw! No, sweetie, I hadn't answered this before, so thank you for your question surrounding this bigger branch to Kishimoto's canon world tree. I'm so chuffed you'd be interested in my insane take on this. 😘 You're a sweetheart. Big love and appreciation is coming at you for your warmth and kindness. 💜💜

[okamirayne]

Hi Rayn, I love spending time in the BTB world and have really enjoyed your style of writing through the years, and I'm so curious if we will see more of the Hyuga clan in the future should you return to this space. I loved Hitaro in all of his nastiness and love how you added meat to the Hyugas. Will we get a glimpse into more of the hyuga household or neji's experience in it while alive then when he returns *hiding* if thats more spoilery would love to hear thoughts on hyuga dynamic generally

Heya @virginhawks💜

Aww, luv, thank you for this lovely message. I'm so happy to hear that you've enjoyed the BtB-verse throughout the years. To know it's something you've given time to makes me a very happy and humbled storyteller. 🥰

The Hyuga clan! Well how could I resist if returning to that world? They're a fascinating political entity as well as a family community, what with their hardline traditions and customs.

I loved Hitaro in all of his nastiness and love how you added meat to the Hyugas.

Oh awesome! Thank you 🥰 I'm really chuffed to hear that, as you never quite know how OCs will hit. Hitaro was fun and interesting to write. I'd certainly enjoy revisiting his presence post-UtS. I'm really pleased you felt the Hyugas were fleshed out a bit. Again, like the Uchiha, Kishimoto drew them a pretty complex portrait...I do love filling in the details as they play out in my crazy noggin, and I'm delighted that brings you entertainment and enjoyment.

Will we get a glimpse into more of the hyuga household or neji's experience in it while alive then when he returns *hiding* if thats more spoilery would love to hear thoughts on hyuga dynamic generally

Oh, if I were to return to the BtB-world then I would certainly like to say I'd be keen to explore that. Both via Neji and through some of the other Hyuga members. Don't worry, it's not spoilery per se as a lot of stuff tends to unfold organically as I write it, unless I have very set plot points that I know for certain need to happen. Specific conversations etc. between certain characters.

Regarding my own thoughts on the Hyuga dynamics, generally speaking? Hmn. That's tough, as there are lots of different players involved. And a lot of emotions...especially post War. I mean heck...this happened..

So there'd be no shortage of perspectives to explore - in light of all that ugliness and tragedy. From the old-school elders, to Hiashi and Hitaro's generation, then of course Neji and the Hyuga sisters. In the background of those immediate choices, I would be tempted to look at the Hyuga mothers belonging to both castes, Branch and Main House. The pain those women would go through? Ouch. The impact that would leave on Hinata and Hanabi regarding having kids of their own? Double ouch. Yeah, it's a big fat angsty abscess wanting to be popped. Gross, sorry.

Thank you again for your message, luv. For bolstering my spirits and reminding me why I love storytelling and why I so deeply appreciate the kindness of readers such as yourself. 🥰😘

[okamirayne]

Greetings! I am re-reading the series again and I'm at ch. 46. "And you won't ever set foot here or in my home again..." Do Shikaku and Neji ever interact again after UtS?What are they like towards each other considering we have it confirmed Shikaku knows what Neji and his son are to each other?Does Neji ever set foot in the Nara home again, before or after Shikaku's death? I am pining to witness this dynamic, especially knowing Neji's been without his dad for most all his life. The feels</3 TY!

Hey there Anon!

Aw, so lovely to hear that you're revisiting the series again! That always makes me so happy to know readers return to the madness.

Do Shikaku and Neji ever interact again after UtS?

Why yes. Yes they do.

What are they like towards each other considering we have it confirmed Shikaku knows what Neji and his son are to each other?

Shikaku is pretty much like this....

Neji...?

Heh...nervous much? Ah but Shikaku likes to mess with him. However, when they're 'on the clock' professionally speaking, Shikaku respects Neji as a seasoned Jonin. And he hasn't forgotten what Neji did for his son.

Does Neji ever set foot in the Nara home again, before or after Shikaku's death?

That was me searching the dust-caked archives of my brainpan where the BtB story lives. Uh, yes. That's a solid yes. He does indeed set foot on Nara land and in their home before Shikaku's death.

Aww, thanks for the Qs, luv! <3

[okamirayne]

Hi Rayne! truly love your series and cant wait to see what you produce in the future! I loved your oc's especially Hibari, i did have a question, i would love to know your take on gai and neji's relationship in btb-verse, in the series gai clearly cares for neji and im curious about them (apologies if this has been answered). in the naruto series it always felt like while gai cared it wasnt really shown especially since rock lee seemed to be his main focus. thanks!

Hi there, Anon!

Firstly, I apologise for the lateness of my reply to you. Been playing catch-up and am moving at the pace of a crippled snail at this point.

[...] truly love your series and cant wait to see what you produce in the future! I loved your oc's especially Hibari..

Aw! Thank you so much! 💜 Chuffed beyond measure. ^_^

i did have a question, i would love to know your take on gai and neji's relationship in btb-verse, in the series gai clearly cares for neji and im curious about them (apologies if this has been answered). in the naruto series it always felt like while gai cared it wasnt really shown especially since rock lee seemed to be his main focus. thanks!

Oooh, great question, Anon.

I agree with you, we didn't get that much insight into Gai and Neji's relationship -- bar Neji's embarrassment with the uh...theatrics of Gai's personality, gods love him. Gai and Neji have an interesting relationship and it's definitely one of those dynamics I'd like to look deeper into and explore.

Now, insofar as the btb-verse, I can tell you that Neji harbours a deep respect for Gai, given that his sensei has taken him down several pegs throughout his time as Gai's student (again, this isn't something I went into in the BtB storyline, though it's definitely something I'd be willing to explore if I were back in that world) due to arrogance and stubbornness on Neji's part. Gai's polar-opposite and playful disposition was a good fit for Neji and forced him to be a better team-player, despite his constant desire to gravitate towards a more serious and autonomous place.

Neji couldn't challenge Gai in the way he might have done if he'd had someone like Asuma or Kakashi as a sensei; Asuma would have defaulted to dismissal/avoidance and Kakashi would've come down like a lightning bolt to blast the cold steel-plating straight off Neji's ass. Neither of these approaches would've worked well. But Gai employed a completely different approach, using humour, lightness, emotionalism, experience, and strength that hid its claws -- and he diffused and dismantled the high ground constantly beneath his student. So Neji couldn't employ his usual strategies with Gai, as they just bounced off and didn't work.

Gai's emotionalism was, unintentionally, a very good tactic, given it was a weapon Neji didn't know entirely how to defend against when Gai used it with purpose. Also while Gai refused to engage with or entertain Neji's arrogance and rage, he didn't detach from Neji when Neji exhibited it, instead he redirected rather than reacted. It was an excellent match. Because when Gai DID get serious or angry, Neji was in NO DOUBT he'd gone done f*cked up real bad, so to speak.

I hope this explains some of their dynamic, luv! Thanks for the interesting ask. ^_^ It's a nice stroll down the BtB memory-lane.