#lazy genius (shikamaru)

[dark-elf-writes]

Shikaku: the bigger Shikamaru’s eyes are, the greater the judgement. The greater the judgement, the more likely he won’t be quiet about it. The more likely he won’t be quiet about it, the less likely I am to care that he isn’t. Therefore Mr. Danzo, do see yourself out.

*ten mins later*

Shikaku: remind me to buy you a new blanket kid :)

SHIKAKU USES HIS TINY SASS MACHINE CHILD AS A THREAT AMD THATS WHY SHIKAMARU IS AROUND SO MUCH WHEN HIS DAD IS WORKING

(Well that and baby shika was very clingy with his dad when he was little and wouldn’t sleep if he wasn’t around which was… so much worse than the occasional roast of whoever was unfortunate enough to wake him while being carried by his dad.)

The Hokage questions whether Shikamaru should be possibly hearing so much classified information once and then the child lifts his head to drop a better strategy than most of Hiruzen’s logistics team could come up with in a week much less ten minutes while at least half asleep.

[daddydaichis]

Oh my… 🫦 I always have Shika thoughts bubbling under the surface.

Hair down Shika is such a mood. Like I can just imagine the noises he’d make in the back of his throat if you tugged his hair loose, peeling away the leather strap keeping it in place. And don’t get me started on how he practically purrs if you scratch your nails against his scalp. Mm mm.

HAIR DOWN SHIKAMARU BECAUSE WE NEED THIS!!! And the smirk!!! HAIR! DOWN!!! And! The! Smirk! 🫶

[arabella0001]

More than just a genius

Pairing: Shikamaru Nara x Reader Anime: Naruto

Synopsis: what was supposed to be a simpe training session with Shikamaru quickly turns into something much more intense

new to smut, pls be gentle (eng not my first language)

Warnings: praise kink, teasing, rough sex, all characters are of age/aged up, dirty talk, breeding

shikamaru leaned against the wall, arms hanging loosely at his sides as his half-lidded gaze drifted over the village. The weight of boredom settled in his features, tugging his expression downward. "what a drag..." he muttered under his breath.

there was something about the way he carried himself—lazy, uninterested, yet somehow impossible to ignore. even now, you caught yourself watching him a little too long, wondering if he ever noticed.

“what’s bothering you, shikamaru?” you asked, amusement lacing your voice.

you’d seen this look a dozen times before, but it didn’t stop you from lingering near him. maybe it was habit, or maybe it was the fact that standing next to him didn’t feel like wasting time.

his eyes flicked to you, the edge of his irritation dulling just enough to let curiosity slip through.

his gaze lingered for a second longer than it needed to, drifting over your face in that quiet, thoughtful way of his—as if he was piecing something together.

"nothing much, just bored out of my mind here."

he sighed, arms crossing loosely over his chest. “a mission. training. hell, even paperwork would be better than standing around like this”

you tilted your head, lips curving into a sly smile.

"well i’m pretty bored too, want to spar with me?" your tone dipped, just enough to catch his attention, the shift was subtle, but intentional so if he caught on, he didn’t say anything. typical.

his brow arched, eyes narrowing faintly.“spar with you? what exactly are you thinking?” he asked, skepticism in his voice. still, the glimmer of curiosity was unmistakable. “and don’t think for a second i’m going to take it easy just because you’re asking nicely.”

your smile deepened. “oh, but i didn’t say you should be easy, i like it rough.”

his eyes flickered—just for a second—before he smoothed his expression, masking whatever had crossed his mind. still, that glimmer lingered, before he shifted his weight, like he was trying to brush off something he hadn’t quite placed yet.

“rough, huh?” shikamaru shifted, pushing off the wall and rolling his shoulders as he stretched his neck. “alright then. let’s see what you’re made of.”

he stepped closer, his stance easy but attentive, watching you carefully. “so, what's the first move in this 'rough' training session of yours?”

the way his gaze dipped lower, trailing briefly along your figure, didn’t go unnoticed. he caught himself quickly, but the flicker of interest remained, no matter how fast he tried to bury it.

you held his gaze, mischief dancing in your eyes. “let's start with a little taijutsu spar, shall we?” without waiting for a response, your hands began forming seals, and you lunged, aiming a swift kick at his midsection.

“whoa, slow down" shikamaru sidestepped at the last moment, his voice carrying the faintest trace of a chuckle. his sharp eyes tracked your movements, already dissecting your technique

“you don’t mess around, do you?” he mused, circling you with the ease of someone who had done this a hundred times over. then, without warning, he lunged, fist arcing toward your jaw.

you ducked, spinning to slip behind him and drove an elbow toward his shoulder blades.

“hey, watch it! that hurt more than it needed to,” he grunted, jerking slightly from the impact.

“relax, it’s just sparring,” you teased, breathless but grinning.

shikamaru exhaled sharply through his nose. “alright, alright, I get it. you want to play dirty. fine by me.” in a fluid motion, he grabbed your wrist mid-strike, twisting it just enough to throw you off balance and put your hand behind your back.

“see how you handle this,” he said, his voice dropping slightly as his grip tightened playfully.

you gasped, stumbling. “alright, alright, i give! ow! enough!” laughing, you raised your other hand in surrender.

shikamaru loosen his grip, the ghost of a smug smile tugging at his lips. “come on, that wasn’t so bad. you’re tougher than that, you can take it” he teased, but there was an edge to his voice, something lingering beneath the surface.

he leaned in just slightly, his voice dipping into something more deliberate. “but since you’re clearly not winning this fight, i guess i could cut you some slack...” his eyes lingered on yours, the weight of his gaze unmistakable.

there was something different now—more focused. his usual lazy gaze had sharpened, like he was finally seeing you in a way he hadn’t before.

you held that gaze, tilting your head. “sparring’s not the only way to pass the time… but if you need that spelled out, maybe I misjudged you." you pause for a second "i wasn’t exactly talking about sparring when i said i like it rough”

his eyebrows shot up. silence stretched for a beat, and then a slow, knowing expression spread across his face. “oh.”

his fingers brushed your wrist, the contact brief but enough to send a ripple through the space between you after he released it, he watched the spot where his hand had been, as if surprised by his own reaction. he glanced away quickly, the air shifted between you, tension thickening into something else entirely.

“guess i shouldn’t have assumed you meant sparring,” he tilts his head, studying you with renewed interest. "so, care to elaborate on what exactly you had in mind? because I have to admit, i'm rather curious now."

you let your gaze flicker over him, from his face to his lips, lingering just long enough for the message to sink in.

“you’re smart guy, shikamaru. you know what i mean.”

he watched you closely, the smirk tugging at your lips more distracting than he cared to admit. this was getting troublesome—and not in the way he minded. you caught the faint flush at the tips of his ears.

“ah, i see,” he murmurs "well, when you put it that way…" Shikamaru takes another step closer, closing the distance,he reaches out, gently cupping your chin with his thumb and forefinger, tilting your face up to meet his gaze. "i think I can help you with that," he whispers, his breath warm against your skin.

the way you smiled, sharp and knowing, felt like playing shogi with an opponent too eager to win. dangerous. but he wasn’t planning to lose anytime soon.

your lips hovered mere inches apart, the anticipation thick as neither of you moved for a breathless moment. and then, slowly, he closed the distance, his mouth brushing against yours in low, intense kiss.

you moan in his mouth "fuck you taste so good" and he groans, his tongue slipping past your lips to tangle with yours as he deepens the kiss.

 "you’re not so bad yourself," he mumbles against your mouth, his free hand coming up to cradle the back of your head, fingers threading through your hair.

breaking the kiss momentarily, Shikamaru gazes into your eyes, a burning intensity reflected in his own. "I need more," he confesses mutters his lips seeking you again, the space between you dissolves, and he deepens the kiss with a quiet kind of urgency, as if savoring every second rather than rushing through it.

you take his hands and put them on your ass "then take what you need" your voice soft yet laced with intent. his breath catches—barely audible—as you gently guide his hands to your ass, his fingers digging into the firm flesh instinctively.

"you really don’t make this easy," he mutters, his voice low and edged with quiet amusement as his hips press forward, the subtle movement deliberate but restrained.

shikamaru lifts you effortlessly, settling you onto a nearby table with a smooth ease, his hands firm yet unhurried. he steps between your thighs, his lips finding yours in a kiss that’s deep but measured—like he’s savoring the moment rather than rushing through it. his hands trail over you with quiet confidence, fingertips grazing over sensitive spots as if mapping every reaction, his touch precise and lingering.

breaking the kiss, he trails hot, open-mouthed kisses down the your throat, nipping and sucking at you sensitive skin. "I need you right now," he pants against your neck, his arousal straining against his pants. "do you?”

kissing him rough and grinding on him "yes, please" you kissed him roughly while grinding on him, his hands roaming eagerly over your body as he undresses you with haste. you two can't wait anymore.

 "as you wish," he rasps, his own clothes falling away to reveal his toned physique. claiming your lips once more, shikamaru lifts your legs around his waist, positioning himself at your entrance. with a powerful thrust, he sheathes himself inside you, a guttural moan escaping him as your tight pussy envelops his throbbing length.

he sets a relentless pace, driving into you with primal urgency, the sound of flesh slapping against flesh filling the air. "damn… you're unreal," shikamaru exhales sharply, his forehead resting against yours as his grip tightens around you, grounding himself in the overwhelming pull between you. his breath is uneven, each inhale laced with the quiet groan he can't suppress.

you wrap your legs tighter around him and moans loudly as he fills you completely"yes, yes, just like that! don't stop! " hearing your desperate plea, his hips snapping forward sinking deeper into the intoxicating pull between you.

"feels like you were made for this," he gasps, his breath ragged against your ear. reaching between the bodies, shikamaru finds your clit, circling the sensitive nub with his thumb as he continues to rut into you with reckless passion. the increased sensation causing your inner walls to clench around him harder.

"come on… don’t hold back.," he urges, his voice strained with impending release. "let it happen for me"

"fuck you are so hot…fuck fuck fuck i’m cumming" he feels your pussy spasming around him as you hits your climax, the rhythmic contractions pushing him closer to the edge."that's it, shit..where.... "he groans, his own orgasm building rapidly.

"in me...please....pleasse" he groans and with a few more powerful thrusts, Shikamaru buries himself nside you, his member pulsing as he erupts, flooding you with his hot seed. he collapses against you, both of you panting heavily as the aftershocks of your intense sex wash over tyou.

after a moment, shikamaru lifts his head, his dark eyes locking with yours—calm but glinting with satisfaction. a lazy smile tugs at his lips.

"damn, that was hot," he murmurs, still buried deep within your warmth. "guess we make a good team, huh?"

your chest rises and falls, still catching your breath as you chuckle softly. "yeah… wanted to do that for too long. but you didn’t take the hints. such an innocent boy."

his brows lift, and he scoffs lightly, though the faint flush creeping up his neck doesn’t escape your notice. "hey, i’m not that dense… you just caught me off guard, that's all." the corner of his mouth twitches as he leans in, fingers splayed lazily, makes it clear he's in no rush to move.

pulling back slightly, shikamaru tucks a loose strand of hair behind your ear, his fingertips lingering to trail along your cheek. his gaze softens but never loses that familiar, calculating sharpness.

"but now that i've got you figured out," he muses, thumb grazing over your jawline, "now that i’ve got you figured out… maybe you’ll teach me a few more tricks"

you laugh, light and teasing. "oh, i feel honored to have caught you off guard—the smartest guy i know."

his expression warms at that, but there's a flicker of something softer in his eyes that he masks with his usual smirk. "well, i suppose even geniuses have their blind spots," he quips, pressing his lips to yours again, this time slower—like he's savoring every second. his arms snake around you, pulling you close until there's barely space between your bodies.

as the kiss fades, he rests his forehead against yours, exhaling quietly as if anchoring himself in the moment.

"but i'm glad you found a way to pierce through mine."

shikamaru's voice drops to that low, familiar drawl, the words laced with rare honesty. his nose brushes against yours, and he hums in quiet contentment, fingers tracing idle circles along your spine.

"what do you say we head back to my place? no rush… but i doubt you’re tired yet?" he suggests, lifting his head just enough to meet your gaze, a playful glint returning to his eyes. "i've got a feeling we're just getting started..."

his lips barely graze yours before he lowers your legs carefully to the ground, his hands lingering at your waist to steady you. you grin at his quiet attentiveness—always observant, even when his mind should be clouded.

as you both gather your clothing, the weight of his gaze is subtle but heavy with anticipation. the air hums between you, unspoken but understood.

shikamaru doesn’t rush as he buttons his shirt, but the way his eyes flick to yours now and then says enough.

yeah, you think, we're definitely just getting started.

Wattpad link

[konoha-forbidden-scrolls]

Soooo... A few of the Naruto characters reacting to their s/o using Naruto's sexy justsu on them, please? No specific characters in mind other than Itachi, so go wild! Looking forward all the future Naruto content! 🧡

These are very unserious, but I hope you enjoy!

Characters: Itachi Uchiha, Shikamaru Nara, Kakashi Hatake, Sai, Naruto Uzumaki

Contents: gn!reader, nudity

Itachi Uchiha

Given that he's got the Sharingan, you're highly unlikely to ever snare Itachi in a genjutsu, but that doesn't mean he can't see them or react to them.

That, and even Itachi can be taken by surprise when his guard is down. He notices you enter the room in his peripheral vision, but doesn't outwardly react, just a page in his book. There's his habitual cup of tea steaming on the low table in front of him, coils of steam rising from the clear green surface.

Only to be blown away by the puff of smoke as you initiate your jutsu.

Itachi looks up, blinking. His Sharingan activates almost by itself, as he struggles to come to terms with what he's seeing. His lips part slightly, his tomoe spinning.

"...is there a particular reason you're floating naked amidst some clouds?" he asks patiently. "Or is this just a treat?"

Genuinely baffled, but appreciates the view nonetheless.

Shikamaru Nara

Shikamaru used to hang around Naruto when they were kids, so he's definitely familiar with the Sexy Jutsu—mostly when Naruto used to use it on authority figures to get out of trouble. Does he expect you to know it? Does he expect you to use it on him?

Hell no.

He might be a tactical genius, but some things are so far out of left field they can take even him by surprise. He's just minding his own damn business, when he sees you approaching. Normally, nothing to be concerned about, but there's a glint in your eye that has him tensing.

Ram hand seal.

"Oroike no Jutsu!"

Shikamaru's eyes almost bug out of his head. He stares at you, then instinctively looks away, before his gaze slowly inches back.

"What the hell?" he asks, as his ears slowly burn red. He clears his throat. "Where did you even learn that technique?"

He doesn't turn away again, though. Lazy or not, he's a red-blooded young man and you're the one who decided to use such a titillating jutsu on him. Can't blame him for looking!

Kakashi Hatake

Kakashi is widely regarded in Konoha as a bit of a pervert because of his habit of reading Icha Icha in public, but the novels really aren't that extreme. Kakashi's just the shinobi equivalent of a Booktok girly reading smut.

He's not exactly a hardened degenerate, so when you hit him with a Sexy Jutsu out of nowhere, he almost drops his book. You can only see a quarter of his face, but his visible eye darts back and forth, his face slowly reddening, as he takes in the sight of your naked, cloud-wreathed body.

"Book three," he says reverently. "Chapter thirteen. Page seven."

Unlike him, you don't have an encyclopedic knowledge of the books.

"Is that what happens in that scene, or is it what you want to do to me?" you ask.

"Both," he says, reaching through the genjutsu to grasp you by the hips.

Sai

This isn't going to give you the big reaction you were possibly hoping for, although if you've been with Sai for any length of time, his blank stare shouldn't be that much of a surprise.

He watches with mild interest as you make the Ram hand seal, but his expression barely flickers when the sultry illusion appears before his eyes.

He looks expectantly at you for a moment, before he starts rummaging around for a blank scroll.

"What are you doing?" asks the floating, naked babe.

"I'm going to draw you," Sai says, before pausing and turning to look at you. "Unless this is your way of asking for sex?"

Naruto Uzumaki

Naruto's come a long, long way since he was a snot-nosed kid with one pervy jutsu to his name, but he's of the opinion you should never forget your roots.

He doesn't whip out his Sexy Jutsu at the drop of a hat anymore, not if he wants to be taken seriously as a candidate for Hokage, but never think he doesn't still have it up his sleeve.

How does he react when you, his beloved s/o, turn his own jutsu on him? Do his nasal blood vessels exploded in a glorious spray, the creator finally felled by his own creation?

Not quite?

With a wide, wicked grin, Naruto initiates his own, improved "Sexy Jutsu: Adonis Version" which is just him, naked, with the barely-there clouds, and he gives you notes.

"You're hot, but you gotta make the clouds wispier! It's all about the suggestion that you're gonna see something you shouldn't. C'mon, try it!"

"I'm alarmed by how much thought you've put into this thing, Naruto."

[v-4-mpmistress]

My favorite annoyance. Shikamaru x fem!reader

'Teasing a genius sometimes isn't the best idea even if he seems lazy'

@2-c4ndy

Warnings: mostly fluff, established relationship, some suggestive stuff but now nsfw.

Short trip to the Nara forest.

You were not supposed to be here.

It had started as a random comment from your side about how pretty deer were when you encountered one during a mission. And of course, your boyfriend heard, and your boyfriend was a Nara. So now he had smuggled you into the Nara forest against all clan rules.

“Stop making so much noise,” he grumbled as you two walked toward his favorite spot.

“Sure, I’ll just make my feet not step onto the dry leaves all across the floor. Maybe I should fly to prevent that,” you replied sarcastically, making him roll his eyes.

“Don’t be stupid,” he grumbled again.

“And stop being so paranoid. It’s not like you haven’t gotten grounded before, and it’s not gonna happen anyway,” you said, poking his side. He flinched for a moment and swatted your hand away.

“I’m not. You’re just being troublesome,” he said, giving you a small glare—without any actual annoyance behind it. Then he looked away again, like he was waiting for his dad to materialize out of thin air and scold him.

You rolled your eyes but decided to shut up for the moment. The forest was beautiful—more than any normal one. There was something… ancient about it, almost magical. You could almost feel the trees breathe with the wind, the clan’s ancient runes carved into the stones adding to the pull of the place.

“They like you,” he whispered softly, so quietly it was almost imperceptible but calm.

Your brow furrowed a bit. “What do—”

Your words were cut off by a startled yelp as you felt something press against your back, followed by a very distinctive snort behind you. And despite all your ninja training or experience, your body reacted before your mind did. A very loud yelp left your mouth before you could even think, and your hands flew to grip Shikamaru’s arms, nearly jumping into them.

Then you looked back. Of course, it was a deer. A very massive deer, staring straight into your soul.

“...Why is he so massive?” Your voice came out in a whisper, torn between the urge to run and the impulse to pet it. It was cute—just extremely terrifying.

“You asked me the same thing last night, and you didn’t seem so scared,” he snorted teasingly, earning a smack to the chest.

“They’re just big. They’re not gonna attack you. They know you’re with me,” he said with a sigh, taking your hand in his and guiding it slowly but firmly to the animal’s fur, helping you get used to it.

Your body gradually relaxed, a small smile forming on your lips—both from Shikamaru’s closeness and from the way the deer seemed to enjoy your touch. After a few moments, the deer bowed slightly to Shikamaru before running off into the trees.

“See? That wasn’t so bad,” he said calmly, moving his hand to your waist and rubbing small, slow circles into your skin with his thumb, making you smile a bit more.

“Still… I wouldn’t have expected a chunin like you to get scared by some deer. A bit pathetic, don’t you think?” he whispered against your ear, making your smile fade into a smirk as you rolled your eyes.

“I will punch you,” you muttered.

“Troublesome woman… you’re the one who decided to come here, you know?” he snorted, his hand still on your waist, the other tucked in his pocket.

“I’m not the one causing such a scandal and breaking clan rules just to hang out with my girl,” you teased with a dramatic gasp.

“And I told you to keep quiet. Which we both know you don’t know how to do,” he replied, raising a brow.

“Yeah? And what are you gonna do tie me to a tree? Because Im not being loud. You're just too quiet,” you shot back.

“Don’t tempt me,” he smirked slightly, though you could swear you saw his eye twitch a little.

Then he leaned down, lips brushing the shell of your ear, his voice low and slow and entirely too effective.

“Yet I wonder what other sounds I could get out of you… out here, where no one’s around to hear.”

Your breath caught, and he chuckled, brushing a strand of hair away from your face like it meant nothing.

“But for now,” he murmured, stepping back with that lazy smirk, “you’re on deer watch.”

You blinked. “What?”

“Now behave,” he said, pulling away just far enough to smack your ass—not too hard, just enough to make you gasp while somehow making the gesture seem casual. Of course, he resumed walking like absolutely nothing had happened.

“I hate you,” you grumbled, walking beside him again, but any other complaints died on your tongue the moment you arrived at a small body of water.

There was a tiny cascade, with baby deer learning to walk near a big tree, others grazing nearby. It felt… safe.

“…It’s beautiful,” you whispered in awe.

“I know,” he said softly, barely audible, as he moved to lay on the grass, tugging you down with him to sit.

“The forest likes you,” he murmured again, pulling you to lay across his chest.

“Is that because I like you?” you chuckled softly.

“Don’t get sappy… but yeah, most likely,” he whispered, hugging you a bit closer, eyes closing for a moment.

You didn’t know how much time had passed, but the sun was already beginning to set when you opened your eyes again. He stirred a little, still holding you close.

At first, you thought the distant voice was your imagination.

“Shikamaru, are you there?”

That was Enshui’s voice—just a few feet away.

…Yeah, it was time to escape.

[dragonsoulage]

What a drag...going shopping with his pretty girl

feat. Shikamaru Nara

Poor Guy, for some occasion you need a new dress, even when his lazy ass wouldn't move, but seeing his girlfriend in a stunning dress could be worth it..

warnings: fluff

Wordcount: 1,4k

Hello world, so since I do my little stuff, here a short glimpse of what it would be like to go shopping with our genius Shikamaru 🤌

English is not my first language and I suck in proof reading lol 👁️👄👁️

Oh he already groaned in frustration when he heard you wanted to go shopping because you was invited to the wedding of your sister.

Shikamaru was already aware that he not only needed to attend the wedding but also going shopping with you. He sat there looking at you with tired dark eyes while he had a toothpick between his lips, watching how you paced around the room while talking to your mom.

With his oh so smart thoughts he tried to get ready like morally to go shopping with you. Not that he disliked it per se but alone the fact that it was a store full of clothes, hours would go byfor you to look for the "perfect" dress, and he just wanted to chill under the clouds.

But as your boyfriend he knew his duties, aware he needed to do it with you  after all why should he pass the option to "decide" what dress suits you the best. When you then hung up on the phone you looked at him, your gaze loving and excited because of the news.

"Not even a little glimpse of motivation huh." You mused out loud when your eyes locked with his. He took out the toothpick from his lips before he stretched his back.

"We both know I won't even stand a chance against the shopping thing or the whole wedding thing." Shikamaru yawned before you stepped closer to him. He sat on the edge of the bed and you placed yourself between his manspread legs. Laying your hands on top of his shoulders gazing down at him.

"You know when it's really thaaaat bad for you I can-" you wanted to tell him when je really would dislike the idea of going to a wedding ceremony or even shopping, he wouldn't have to, after all you was indeed really understanding. One of the things je loved about you. But the clever shinobi interupted you placing his hands on your waist, pulling you just a little closer and looking up into your pretty face, what showed him how concerned you was. You was could smell the faint scent of cigarettes. He wasn't uncomfortable to go, he was just an lazy ass and he knew that. So Shikamaru would do it, for your sake.

"Nah, even I am aware that this is one of those boyfriend duties I need to attend. And I love you even more than my holy sleep or watching clouds. I will get over it." Shika spoke maybe a little grumbly but that was his decision to accompany you in this. You chuckled then and laid a hand on his cheek marvleing at his skin and you found it endearing how knee he just an lazy ass. A handsome and smart lazy ass to be honest.

"Boyfriend duties hm? But fine I won't complain so get ready, baby. We go shopping this weekend. After all I need a new dress." You Said with that little wicked smile and your sarcastic tone. Why you was just an evil but so pretty temptress? Why does he sacraficed his sleep and lazy afternoons just for you? A mircale he probably would never solve.

And the minute you two stepped into a store he straight wanted to go to the dress section, although you seemed to have other plans, you wanted to browse a little through the store, not just to look at what you need but to see what you might want.

"Babe, you look at this clothes, eyeing saying 'this is cute' just to not even take it to the changing room. So where is the point in that?" Shikamaru asked with that irritaed voice, watching you browse through the section. A small smile tugged at your lips before you turned your head around.

"Not everything has to be logical right? I just want to see what I probably would like but mostly can't afford or don't really need. But I still want to look." You tried to explain that, although it was just typical behaviour for you. He shurgged his shoulders continued to walk behind you.

After you was done and took a few dresses to the changing room, Shikamaru sat down on this armchair in front of it, like the typical boyfriend should do. Just waiting for you to present him the dress you tried on. After all it should be fitting for a wedding.

You took some minutes as you stepped out of the cabin. This dress was indeed really good but you kinda looked not really convinced. His eyes ranked you up and down before they settled on your unsatisfyed face. "Whats wrong, babe?" He asked then, before he would give his opinion. The shinobi was a smart man, not saying something wrong before he would clearly knew what was disturbing you.

"Don't know kinda looks...cheap on me like with those rhinestones...I thought it would be cute but it isn't at all." You sighted and then he cocked his head to the side, his eyebrows pulled together before he rested his chin on his oalm. Yeah he wasn't the one for shopping but he would give you feedback when you really wanted it.

"Well cheap is the wrong word, it's not cheap. It just not bringing out the best. You have better dresses at home." His voice collective as he eyed you. Even when this dress wasn't ideal you still was a sight to behold.

After some more dresses were he always looked up and said something to it. Shikamaru sat there looking down to his fingers that fidget with the hem of his vest. Before you stepped out again. And this time it was the perfect dress. Black and long, flattering your figure and curves. Your waist snatched with a slit in the right thigh. Gorgeous. It was just absolutly gorgeous. When he looked at you he runned a hand through his hair, cleared his throat. Just observing you before he made a move with his finger, what means that you should turn around for him.

Even your backside, he indeed liked it really much in general was breathtaking. The usually so composed and lazy shinobi gluped hard, so his adam apple bobbed in his throat.

"What you say? It's a little bold maybe, usually I don't wear this but-" you wanted to start your explanation but before this could get iut of hand he stopped you. Besides the fact that this was indeed stunning on you this was the opportunity to go out of this shop, you found the dress you would need.

"Take it. You Look good, actually more than good. Flattering even." He replied, still his eyes roamed over you. Such a pretty girlfirend, the young man thought to himself.

After you paid for the dress you and Shikamaru walked out. Indeed it had been a while but it was not so long, as what he thought it would be. A small smile tugged at his lips, a smirk perhaps, a smart smirk. As soon as you two were outside again he lit on a cigarette took a drag before looking at you. "You know probably this wedding we need to attend won't be too bad, then I can oggle you the entire time." Hlhe Snickers at his own words. Before you have him, quiet a playful nudge. "Oggle me huh? I will oggle you too, after all we still need to get something you can wear too, Shika." You spoke and he could swear for a moment he saw a devilish grin. But then the realization kicked in he took the cigarette with two fingers out of his mouth.

"What do you mean with for me?" Poor hoy thinking shopping was over, you still needed fitting shoes and besides that he would need a suit. And Shika probably would look so good in it.

"Like how I said it, clever boy. We need a suit or something like that for you. Oh don't give me that look." You teased, patted his cheek.

"For someone who always knows every move I could make and has like battle strategy plans...you should have known that we are not done yet." You said to him with a small giggle. Then you leaned forward placed a cheeky kiss on his lips before you walked further.

"You will be the death of me." Shikamaru meant before he literally didn't have a choice and continued the shopping spree

[delirious-donna]

an: this is a commissioned fic, and I'm super excited that it was for Shikamaru! It's been a while since I gave the lazy genius the attention he deserves so thanks to the person who commissioned me! <3

pairing: Shikamaru Nara x gn reader

warnings: SFW, a little angst with a happy ending, use of shadow possession, implied 'friendship' (read as they were fooling around) between reader and Shika

“You could have been killed.” 

Kakashi stated the obvious, and for the first time since your return to Konoha, you gulped, ashamed. Of course, you knew deep down that he was right, but hearing it said out loud, so matter-of-factly, it wedged a tight lump into your throat. 

“I know, Lord Hokage, I apologise. I-I was reckless and take full responsibility, there is no need for anyone on the squad to be punished,” you offered solemnly, hanging your head so you didn’t have to look into his steel grey eyes, or worse, look at the man standing behind him. 

Shikamaru radiated an energy that you were unfamiliar with. He was known for his cool, collected demeanour and his seemingly unflappable nature, even when in a crisis. Today he was practically vibrating with anger. That was much worse to face than anything Kakashi could say or do, and that was saying something in itself. 

“That won't be necessary,” Kakashi said with a sigh. He waved a hand in the air, somewhat dismissive and yet you knew he wasn’t quite through with you. “I think you’ve learned your lesson, and you won’t go running off on your own during an assignment again, right?” 

You nodded emphatically. This wasn’t simply lip service, you really were sorry. It would take a lot of grovelling for forgiveness from your friends, their feelings were hurt, and you understood well how lowly it was of you to have put them in that position.  

“I swear it, never again.” 

“That’s what I thought. However, I also want you to take time off from your squad and work on some aspects of performance that I believe can be sharpened. Shikamaru, can I leave that in your hands? Arrange for them to be tutored by someone you trust.” 

Shikamaru stepped forward, a dark expression masking his features. His eyes bore into you, and your stomach flipped over before plummeting to your toes. This wasn’t helping your long-standing situation with him, and you only prayed that he wouldn’t choose to train you himse— 

“Leave it to me, Kakashi. I’ll see to it personally.” He addressed the Hokage whilst continuing to stare into your soul.  

Why did he have to be so handsome, even when more pissed than you had ever seen? The dark patch of hair beneath his chin was a new addition, and you weren’t certain if you liked it yet, but everything else... the man was a god. A lazy god but a god, nonetheless. 

Your mouth opened as if you would dare to object and Kakashi’s sleek eyebrow rose until your mouth slowly closed once more.  

What were you going to say anyway? “Sorry Lord Hokage but I don’t think I can train with your advisor for fear I might try to jump his bones.” or “Don’t you know he and I have this... thing going on and it’s all complicated because I don’t know what I want, and he isn’t very patient.” No, either were an option. Instead, you stood there and bowed your head in resignation. 

“Tomorrow at noon. Meet me at the training field over in the far north corner. Wear something you can train in, and don’t be late,” Shikamaru ordered before striding for the door. He hadn’t been dismissed, but Kakashi wasn’t one for being overly formal. 

“Good luck, it looks like you’ll need it,” Kakashi added, amused. 

“More than you could know.” 

~ 

The next day you walked the route that would take you to your predetermined destination. It was warm, the sun slid along your back as you wondered what kind of training you would be in store for. Given it was near noon, the village was at full hustle and bustle, and you had to actively avoid faces that would try to hamper your journey. This was not a time to be answering questions or having to admit why you were headed to the training grounds, never mind that you refused to give Shikamaru the satisfaction of arriving late. 

The training ground came into sight—large flat land edged with trees that would stretch into a forest in the north and east borders. It was empty. Not even the sounds from the nearby market stalls could be heard from this part of town.  

A lone crow cawed from the canopy of a tree, taking flight and disappearing into the dense foliage. Your feet scuffed into the dirt, turning on the spot and frowning. He had the audacity to insist you not be late only for him to be late! What a fucker... 

With your arms crossed, you walked the perimeter and scoped out the surrounding area. There was nothing here, no sign that he was lying in wait or had been called away for something more important. 

“Typical Nara.” 

The trees were to your back so you could watch his approach, whenever that would be, and show your smug face to him that you at least could follow instructions. That was your first mistake. 

Your shadow was also behind you, and you should have come prepared for this.  

There was a moment where you felt your entire body jolt to attention, hairs prickling with the alert of imminent danger, but it was too late. You were frozen, unable to move an inch, or whirl in the direction you could feel the hint of presence from. Not even your eyes could swivel enough to bring the man lounging along a branch high up in the tree’s canopy into your line of sight. 

“Sloppy,” he stated, droll and unbothered. 

He released his shadow possession suddenly, your body sagging towards the ground like a bag of rocks. You managed to stop before your knees hit the dirt, but the effort was immense. 

Shikamaru leapt far too gracefully down from his perch. His hands interlaced behind his head as he stalked towards you, smug. He was so self-assured that it forced your molars to grind down. He had been here all along, watching and not saying a word. 

“Tomorrow, same time,” he said. 

You blanched, jaw slack in disbelief as the Nara made to walk back towards the centre of the village. There was no time to admire his form, not when you were dumbfounded by his words. 

“Wait! That’s it? You’re leaving already?” Your voice was higher than you’d like, and you took a couple of steps towards him involuntarily before you could stop. 

He turned; head cocked and hands slowly lowering from behind his head until they could fit snugly into his pockets. “It’s annoying when someone walks away from you when you’re not ready for them to go, isn’t it?” 

Warmth erupted over your skin at the implication.  

You flashed back to that night so many months ago where you had been unsure of what to do, what to think, and had run instead of facing your fears. You knew what the hands in his pockets felt like on your skin, how the rough callouses scratched in that pleasant tingly way when he stroked your arm. The phantom scent of tobacco wafted into your nose, and you inhaled it, or tried to. 

Shikamaru was hurt, that much you knew. That he was this hurt seemed unreasonable. He was a war hero, and you were... not. Didn’t he deserve someone far more worthy than you? That was certainly what you thought when he first showed you interest, even though at the time you played into it, tipsy on liquor and high on the back of a successful mission. 

“I... Shika, I’m—” 

He interjected before you could apologise. 

“Tomorrow, noon. Your training will be complete when you can find me before I find you,” he said without a hint of emotion. 

You watched as he walked away. Excuses and explanations heavy on your tongue, but you believed none of the lies you tried to concoct. At the end of the day, you hurt someone that you admired, cared for, maybe even loved.  

It didn’t seem like a fitting punishment for your crime, but then again... you never could see the wood for the trees. 

~ 

At exactly noon you entered the training grounds for a second time, and this time you were far more wary of your surroundings.  

Every rustle of the wind could have masked movement amongst the lush green leaves of the trees facing you. You scanned each mighty tree with as much scrutiny as you dared to allow, scared that if you spent too long focusing on one, that he might attack from another. 

 That was your second mistake. 

Just like yesterday, your danger sense was a fraction too slow. With one foot raised in the motion of turning to whirl around, your body jerked and froze in place. Looking down, you could see where his shadow connected to yours. Two long lines joined into one and you silently cursed. 

“You’re meant to be better than this. Or at least, shouldn’t that be the case for someone hotheaded enough to go running off on their own during a fight?” Shikamaru’s tone was as cool as the previous day, his body was not. 

You could feel him at your back and how very unprotected you felt right now. Had he truly been the enemy, you’d be dead before you even knew the killing blow had been struck. Instead, you felt the heat of him.  

He was careful not to touch you, careful to maintain the few inches of distance that would keep this looking decent, but there was a low yearning in your belly that wished he would stop toying with you and take what he clearly wanted. In the same breath, you knew he wouldn’t. 

“Is this really the training the Lord Hokage meant? It doesn’t seem to be teaching me much of anything except that you’re a sly bastard when you’re mad,” you hissed, giving in to your wounded pride. 

Shikamaru chuckled and you wished you could shove your palms against his chest until he was forced to back up. As suddenly as your body had frozen, again it was released without warning. The desire to push him thrummed through you and you stumbled into a weird pirouette, carried by the momentum of your desire. 

He caught you before you could fall. His hands beneath your elbows so that when he drew you back up to standing, he was right there, right in front of your face. Sure, you had to tilt your chin up to gaze into those clever, calculating eyes but he was so close now that it made the proximity of moments ago pale into insignificance. 

“You really don’t get it...” he breathed, a crease forming between his brows. “It’s like you believe you’re an extra in your own story. Never the protagonist, always the comic relief.” Shikamaru shook his head as if he might laugh, but there was no humour to his claims. 

You swallowed, unsure of how to respond. Heat prickled your eyes and the lump in your throat grew tenfold until you could barely breathe. Weren’t you the side character? That was what you felt like growing up, and even now that you were grown and more mature, the feeling never changed. It was like how on each birthday, you never actually feel any older, not until one day you look in the mirror and realise you are no longer a child. 

“Running from your squad was a reckless action and it only served to show that you have no regard for what you bring to your team. You are not just a cog in a machine, nor are you a side character worthy of only a handful of minutes of screen time,” he said quietly, almost too quiet. “To your friends and to... to me, you are so much more and I’m not sure how to get that through your thick skull.” 

Shikamaru placed a fingertip against the middle of your forehead, letting you absorb the message and remaining silent over the tears that were slowly tracking down your cheeks. So, this was what he was trying to show you, that you were important enough to warrant attention. Maybe he had already reasoned that was why you had run from him when he offered the invitation of something more than friendship. He was a genius after all. 

Tentatively, he stroked a thumb across your cheek to collect your fallen tears and you leant into the affection. He let out a soft whoosh of air, like he was finally satisfied that you weren’t going to take off again, and you smiled, watery but genuine. 

It would take some time for this particular lesson to sink in, but if you were in fact the protagonist of your own story, and he was the love interest, then surely you could embrace him in the way you wanted? 

You tested the theory; arms lifting so they could rest on his shoulders, fingers delving into the silky black ponytail until the tie came loose and he made a small noise in his throat. His forehead lowered to rest against yours, eyes softly shuttered whilst his skin warmed from the touch of your fingers through his hair. 

“This is new,” you mused, touching the patch of coarse hair at his chin. 

Shikamaru nodded. “When you ran from me that night, the night where I thought I had made it clear that I wanted you and no one else,” he looked at your sharply then, “I decided that something had to change and this happened.” 

“What you really mean is that you didn’t shave for a few weeks and then couldn’t be bothered to finish the job when you finally got around to it, right?” 

“I am not that lazy,” he snorted in good humour. 

Your smile slipped when his hands skimmed your sides, stroking up and down until they came to pause at your waist, fingertips dipping into your skin enough to feel it. You chewed your lip, caught in a moment of indecision. 

It didn’t last more than a second or two, not until you finally took the leap of faith and pressed your lips to his. He let you lead, moving in time with you and sighing contentedly when your tongue stroked the plush of his bottom lip, enough to let you delve a little deeper. 

He tasted minty, but there was a familiar smokiness to it that you remembered from those times months ago when kissing like this seemed like nothing more than a game. Now, it was much more, and the weight of your feelings being reciprocated only heightened the experience. 

“I promise not to run anymore, and...” you paused, nudging his nose with yours as he waited for you to continue. “I’ll try to stop thinking of myself as being the side character. I think I have a few more apologies to make, but the one that matters most belongs to you.” 

Shikamaru shook his head. “Don’t. No matter how it made me feel, we wouldn’t be here today, like this, if things hadn’t played out as they did. I’m not sorry you were scared, but I am sorry I didn’t notice sooner. Keep your apologies for your friends, they might not be so easy to win over.” 

“Damn, yeah. I guess this means my training is over?” 

“No chance! Your perception skills are terrible. We’ll be here every day at noon until you improve,” he enthused, turning you both so you could begin the walk back to the village. 

“But...” you made to lace your fingers through his and squeezed when he welcomed it. “Maybe we’ll both set off from the same place tomorrow morning.” 

Shikamaru nearly tripped over his foot, and you grinned, devious and happy. 

“... let’s see what happens.” 

[cherrydyedsocks]

hc thoughts again but I like to think that shikadai initially tries to be like his father and just not. really try in school. he still passes of course but his grades always look like he's barely scraping by.

see the key thing is he TRIES to be lazy but then temari ends up finding out about it after a parent teacher conference. consider her holding up a bunch of shikadai's school work and she's just. "I KNOW. you know how to do this. and you just put a big question mark? are you serious right now?"

and shikadai first tries to say he didn't know how to do it, but temari doesn't but that for one second. she knows her boy is a genius. so then shikadai tells her he just didn't 'feel' like doing it.

which leads to a period of a few months in school where shikadai suddenly puts in effort and becomes the star student of the class. 😭 then as the months go by he slowly starts purposely doing worse and worse till he's barely scraping by again.

the next time temari finds out about it, she tells shikamaru and she's like "talk to your son, he gets all that lazy from you in the first place."

and shikadai is just expecting his father to tell him he has to start trying again, only for shikamaru to be like. "I'll make time to go to your next teacher conference. I'll just say you've been improving or something."

and so the laziness prevails once again. till temari inevitably finds out about it again

[animeomegas]

What kind of headcanons do you have about Shikamaru?

Hmm, let's see~

I think that Shikamaru is actually prone to depressive moods. Sometimes his 'laziness' is performative, some of it is his personality, some of it was his pre-emptive attempt to take it easy when he knew he had a stressful life ahead of him because of his intellect and family. But I also think sometimes he has periods of extreme low energy caused by a depressive mood.

Shikamaru finds it amusing when people find him attractive, and he can normally tell. Unless he likes them too, then he's completely oblivious.

For all of his genius, I don't think he's very self-aware. I think it's a big part of what differentiates him from his father.

He's a quiet drunk.

He prefers for this clothing to not get too far up his neck. He hated it as a kid, and while he got over the uncomfortableness in his teen years, he still prefers lower necklines.

His mum cuts his hair for him. Even when he's an adult.

Purring vibrations put him straight to sleep.

He's prone to stress dreams, but rarely gets nightmares.

Ha, that's all I have for now. I had to cut out loads of depressing stuff though, I don't know why, but Shikamaru is someone that brings out the angst headcanons in me lol.

[rwbyangst12]

Nara twins reincarnated as the Kagari twins au

Shikako being extremely unsettling to those around her and to the Luna Nova characters because ven if she did manage to resist most of it she was still socially conditioned to be a child soldier along with her brother.

Shikamaru being the same level of unsettling to the Appleton boys and because of this they won't say anything about her sister being at Luna Nova because he genuinely freaks out so many of the people their.

Both twins having the exact same level of IQ of over 200 and applying in different ways.

Shikamaru/Atsushi is creative and strategic using his genius in political and diplomatic or business scenarios and learning to grasp onto the social structures of this new society and using it to his advantage in different ways. Shikamaru is the better communicator despite how lazy and grumpy he is and is better at handling social situations without getting put on governmental watchlists for saying the wrong thing.

Shikako/Akko is better at handling the more dangerous things the pair get into having been able to write up several theories on how this new worlds magic work and having been able to recreate a few of her old jutsu and seals using an artificial wand and magic while at the same time being able to see the hidden potential of these girls and helping them emotionally and unintentionally establishing important connections. She's not good in social situations because of her paranoia and just in general being awkward and thinking she can pull off the innocent inconspicuous look like she did when she was a little kid.

Both twins being socially, emotionally and logically smart and strategic/tactical with and without eachother and their personalities making it seem like their just reading the others mind with just a look or gesture.

The twins being unnerving geniuses to everyone they meet.

[the-konoha-daily]

Shikamaru was seen calculating the number of naps he could take without compromising his duties as a Jōnin. His latest strategy? A “shadow clone nap relay,” where each clone naps in turn so he technically never misses work. Genius or lazy? The village may never know.

[qlsvn]

so uhm erm shikanaru transmigrator au where shikamaru is the tm and things went a LITTLE bit different where naruto never got the love and acceptance in the OG and uhm.. Bingge’d it up (sans the 600+ wives) and no one, including Shikamaru, rlly gave Naruto the time of day,

and tm shikamaru is all like “omg im in my favorite animanga !!” but then also like “but as side character cannon fodder oh no” haha wtf

(so like ironically he doesnt rlly like any of the side characters for their mistreatment of naruto despite his jinchuriki status) but he does admit he relates a lil bit to shikamaru’s laissez-faire attitude and quiet lazy genius reluctantly meanwhile everyone who knows him and the story is like “that’s TOTALLY you dude what r u talking about !?”)

so anyway in true svsss fashion (bc its my favorite transmigration story shut up) he makes it his goal to befriend naruto and stay alive unknowingly completely throwing “canon” (the canon of this universe at least) off through Naruto

UNLIKE w sqq its not him directly who befriends and changes everyone, he just befriends and changes Naruto. Naruto does the rest

I’LL ALSO ACCEPT Naruhina w transmigrator Hinata bc i love love LOVE Shikanaru and Naruhina more than ANYTHING !! ♡

i’ll also maybe accept transmigrated author uhhh Shino or smth idk if anyone sees this u can decide this was a very shitty synopsis bye

[depressedhatakekakashi]

i just read that it was a surprise that kakashi was made hokage bc apparently people from konaha saw him as (only) the son of a broken hero (sakumo) and just a shinobi who is lazy and likes to read soft porn in public?

i swear naruto fans don't know how to read

dumbest fanbase

Shikaku literally nominated him as soon as he realized the position was going to be taken by Danzo. He nominated Kakashi because he believed him a stronger leader than himself or anyone else available

Like, do these people forget that Kakashi is a tacticle genius and one of Konoha’s best leaders?

Do they ignore rhat all of the other kage agreed on KAKASHI as the new hokage they could work with after they find out the truth anout Danzo?

Did they put on blind folds and ear plugs when Kakashi’s name caused both the fire daiymo and Onoki to say ‘the son of the white fang’ in a POSITIVE way

Sure rhere were def people who viewed Kakashi in this way, and in Shikamaru’s book even he see’s Kakashi as lazy at the stert (as if he can take) but they ALL realize this is not true

Anyone who knows the real Kakashi and not this bs view some people have of him because they’re judgey little pricks (including the ‘friend killer’ bs) knows that he is one of the hardest workers, the best leader, one of the strongest shinobi in Konoha even with Naruto (Sasuke not counted cuz he’s rightfully not in Konoha or an official konoha shinobi) and a prime choice for Hokage

Anyone saying he was ‘just a filler’ or his being made hokage was ‘random’ or ‘a surprise’ simply wasn’t watching the show

Like at the base there was an entire arc where Kakashi almost became Hokage BEFORE the war because Tsunade was in a coma. Had she not woken up he would have been the Hokage to replaced danzo’s crap ass

[dark-elf-writes]

I have a thought: Everyone thinks the Copy Ninja is Shkiamaru, a super genius teenager who is a grad student despite being Naruto’s age.

However Naruto KNOWS that Shikamaru is actually computer illiterate. He can fake it well enough but he can't hack, bitches about having to send things online and prefers to hand write stuff.

Shikamaru is also aware that Kakashi is the copy ninja but given if he pretends not to believe it Naruto pays attention to him…

Chouji: you're so gay.

Shikamaru: Im aware. Quick, help me pretend to hack

Chouji: Okay the computer has to be on first

Shikamaru gets crippling headaches if he looks at a computer screen for more than five minutes at a time, has entire notebooks full of what historians will one day study as someone’s dissent into madness (his chem notes) and when he actually turns in hand written essays they’re all in the most elegant cursive that could probably qualify as artwork.

How anyone thinks he’s the Copy Ninja both he and Naruto have no idea.

That being said if he pretends not to see the almost feral delight in Kakashi’s eyes when someone claims Shikamaru is a master hacker right in front of Naruto then Naruto will practically hang off of his arm demanding he tell him he’s not and Shikamaru is both a lazy and an incredibly practical man. The added benefit of his silent alliance with Kakashi is, of course, that he doesn’t have to worry about Naruto’s frankly terrifyingly jacked older brother kicking his ass while wearing crocs with dog charms in them for his very clear crush on Naruto.

It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement tbh.

[sagemoderocklee]

Hello, I hope you’re feeling well :).

I just wanted to have your opinion about Temari x Shikamaru? I love the way you write about them. I think Kishimoto would be jealous lol.

I also cannot wait for your updates, especially for “The Art of Love”. Please take care!

^///^ thank you so much anon! for the compliment and the well wishes!

all updates are currently only being done through my fundraising campaign for Palestinian families, but if you would like to see TAoL updated, that IS one of the fics that can be sponsored! The next chapter of TAoL is estimated at around 15k words for a total of $60USD in donations, which do not have to be all one person donating! I hope you'll consider donating to help families!

i absolutely LOVE ShikaTema and i love writing them into all my fics, even when they are barely there. their relationship had so much potential and then boruto ruined it.

kishimoto's problem--and thus Naruto's (and Boruto's) problem--will always be misogyny. i love all the girls (minus hinata), but no matter how bad ass or fun he makes them, they always suffer under misogyny (including Hinata), and so do their relationships--especially the romantic ones.

and this is getting extremely rambly so more under the cut

i think shikamaru and temari suffer more in boruto than in classic or Shippuden--i'd even go so far as to say that relationship suffers the most out of all the ones presented to us because the building blocks in Naruto/Shippuden never supported what Boruto delivered--but i cant speak broadly on that since i refuse to engage with boruto beyond some old silly jokes about metal looking like gaara. i do know through just hearing about it that temari gets the like the shrill, overbearing wife treatment, and obviously she went from being an active duty shinobi to being a housewife, which is so insulting.

if anything, shikamaru should be the stay at home parent. temari should continue her diplomacy work, she should not have just up and left her village for good, and she shouldn't be treated like an overbearing wife.

my preference is to always have Temari and Shikamaru split their time in Suna and Konoha. Shikamaru might ultimately end up being a stay-at-home dad but i do think he still wouldn't abandon his duties as the head of his clan. he'd have a proxy for when he's not in Konoha, but they'd still need to report to him regularly while he's in Suna, and he could always be recalled back to Konoha for big issues within the clan. i think at a certain point he does retire from being a shinobi to focus on the kids, while still being willing to be like a consultant for strategy if need be

but ultimately i think Shikamaru is just a wife guy. i think that's what was being set up for us. Shikamaru being this dumb pre-teen kid who thought girls were gross and was falling into these misogynistic ideas, only to have his world view rocked by Temari. i think she's the catalyst for his growth but not the sole reason for it. i think it was just like the women around him on a daily basis and his own just like growth as a person, but he needed someone to come in to put the first chink in the armor, so to speak. Temari was someone he didn't really know or have any notions about beyond her being a girl and what that meant to a 12 year old boy.

once she proved to defy his expectations and also challenge him, i think that's where he starts to grow.

i think temari and shikamaru's relationship has to be built on equity, respect, and understanding, which kishimoto and anyone else writing these relationships don't grasp.

one thing that should have been emphasized more, imo, is that Temari is on par with Shikamaru. i think she's a genius too, but she's not as lazy and bored by the world as he is, and i think that challenges him. i think she's interesting to him because she's his equal, and often times his better. like she pushes him. he's a lazy mf, but he's brilliant; she's brilliant AND not a lazy mf. she's driven, she's passionate, she's funny, she's playful, she's a lil mean sometimes but has a big heart...

like deadass shikamaru should WORSHIP the ground she walks on. he should be so in love with her, but he always keeps it close to the chest. he's not like tryna play it cool he's just like that. it's not like he's scared or even embarrassed, i just think he's reserved in how he shows that to he world, which works well cause i dont think temari is publicly very lovey-dovey either.

i think temari is just as in love with him--again equity and so on--but i do think she also has other priorities like her career. i think shikamaru could give a rat's ass about being a shinobi and the only thing he really cares about related to shinobi work is his teammates and his clan, but that's still all wrapped up in duty. temari is his choice. which i think is something that anyone from a clan really would be drawn to--clans are about duty, shinobi life is about duty. but loving someone outside of the clan, choosing who you marry--that's choice and that's freeing.

i think temari is freedom for shikamaru, and she needs freedom from him. he's not overbearing. he's not insecure. he's willing to do shit a lotta other guys wouldn't do--like be a stay-at-home dad. and he loves her without reservation and without expectation. i think for temari, expectation is the root of all evil.

she's the daughter of the 4th Kazekage, people expect things from her because of that. she's a shinobi--a kunoichi--a woman, so people expect certain things from her because of that.

get married. retire early. have kids. can't be too ambitious. not allowed on the council. so on and so on.

all these gendered expectations of her from the world around her, but not from Shikamaru.

like obviously he does wanna marry her and have kids, but it's not a demand. he never expects her to do anything she doesn't wanna do. and it's not like she doesnt want kids. she absolutely wants to get married and have a family, but she also wants her ambition. her career. her passion. she wants to change the world alongside Gaara, not sit idly by while the men in her life do and do and do.

shikamaru gives her that. she defied expectations because she didn't marry a man from Wind, she didn't retire, she's having kids who'll have dual loyalties which means from the council's pov her children aren't viable heirs to the Kazekage title, she retains all of her ambitions and passions and keeps fighting for the equity of women in the shinobi world.

Shikamaru is for Temari, what she is for him. he challenges her as much as she challenges him; he gives her what she needs from a partner, as much as she gives him what he needs. emotionally, mentally, and physically they both challenge the other, support the other, and understand the other.

they just make a good team. they make each other stronger and smarter and better, and they make each other happy.

anyways, this is all really rambly. not feelin that great today so i hope this rambling mess is fun to read!

thanks for the ask and for reading my fics <3

[violetnaps]

nagi facing actual consequences for his lazy genius characterisation is making me mad abt shikamaru again. he shouldve been the team healer