As The Leaf Turns

Eleven: Wedding Bells and Puppy Poop – A Special Day for The Village


Iruka understood the needs of his former student, so he allowed the visits.
He watched in awe as Sasuke showed unusual adeptness in caring for little Hebichani and when the baby had fallen asleep in his lap he decided to mention it.
“Sasuke. That kind of ability only comes from practice, and I haven’t known you to be around babies much.” He said, and the dark haired young man looked up.
Naruto was sitting in the kitchen with Kakashi eating the dumplings that were left from the families lunch and though Sasuke and Iruka could see the men from where they sat, they couldn’t hear the conversation taking place so assumed that they were also in private.
“I never used to be around babies at all.” Sasuke began. “But I had to take care of this really cute baby on that last mission and now I realize that I need to practice if I am going to revive my clan.”
“I thought you and Naruto had moved in together. I mean, how will you bring children into the home then?” Iruka asked suddenly suspicious.
Hebichani rolled a little when his bed became a bit stiffer. Sasuke shifted against the couch and the baby smiled in his sleep.
“Well, I have been asked to take the new baby that the girl Meichan is carrying. It is like him.” He said smoothing down some of the baby’s dark soft hair. “One of the clones. I also have this idea, but I don’t know if it will work. Iruka-san, I think I am in love with Naruto, so don’t be surprised by anything that happens, all right?”
“Naruto is a very vibrant person. To fall for him is not surprising, but he is also a surprising character, so I won’t promise that. But, I will do my best to accept whatever the two of you decide to do. Just promise me that you will be careful.”
“I will. I have a lot of adjusting to do. Just admitting that I can feel anything but the hatred that consumed me for so long is hard. He saved me, you know.” Sasuke said, and almost like a homing signal the voice of the blond came to the two men in the living room.
“I do not, Kakashi-sensei. Sasuke tell this old scarecrow that I don’t mumble secrets out in my sleep. You would know better than anyone, you sleep with me more often.”
Sasuke did a very good job of fighting the rush of blood that was aimed for his face and he glared at the arriving blond with as much force as ever.
“Dobe. You mumble when you are awake, why would sleep be different. However, nothing you say is coherent enough to be understood, so you’re safe from being labeled a traitor. Now, stop saying useless things. You’re too loud and you’ll wake up Hebichani.”
“No I won’t. I came here lots before we went on that mission and I never once woke him up. He could sleep through anything. Can’t he Iruka-sensei?”
“Let’s just say he has become immune to Naruto. He still wakes up when Sakura comes in real loud.”
“If we had known you liked babies so much, we would have invited you over too, Sasuke.” Kakashi said.
“I wouldn’t have appreciated it before. I think we should go, Naruto. I need to get some things before the stores close.” He said shifting the baby into his arms and passing it to Kakashi who took him easily. Hebichani never even squinched up his face as he was traded off.
“Yeah, like what?” Naruto said as they reached the door. Sasuke leaned close and whispered something that had the blond’s face drop and color rise to fill it.
Iruka smiled at them, seeing that the Uchiha had had his revenge for Naruto’s earlier embarrassment, whether he and Kakashi had heard him or not.
“What? I am not going to help you buy those. Sasuke! I hate those stores. The girls will start bothering me, and that means you have to do the . . .” his voice trailed off as they closed the door.
“What do you suppose that was all about?” Kakashi asked him as they both stared at the closed door.
“It’s none of our business Lover. Stay out of their lives. Now, put him to bed and come give me a hand.” He said as he rose and headed for the hall.
Kakashi caught up with him in the bedroom as he pulled the sheets down and began tossing blankets into the basket on the floor.
“We are doing laundry?” Kakashi asked. Iruka nodded and then suddenly found himself on what was left of the sheets. He rolled over and was pinned by the taller Jounin. “I think we need to get them dirtier first.” Kakashi added.
Iruka stared blankly for a minute before smiling up at the other. “Well, okay. But then you have to help me with the vacuuming, too.” He said.
Kakashi looked down and nodded slowly. Iruka pulled his mask down to reveal soft pink lips in a big wicked smile. They descended to Iruka’s lips and moved carefully over them.
Iruka was no fool. He knew very well what would happen if he suggested any work involving the bed to the grey haired pervert, but this was a pleasant way to pass naptime and it always got him help with the other chores. It was a good trade in the long run.


The month of August was not the most eventful in the village, but the mission list was not as long as usual, probably because it was too hot to cause trouble and though they had heard that Akatsuki was once again active, the ninja’s were all actually becoming bored.
So a celebration of any kind was a welcome thing.
Thus the wedding of Shino and Hana was to become one of the most attended festivities in the history of the town.
The couple had wanted a small event with only family and close friends, but found themselves in something that had the feel of carnival and every person available was either enlisted to help or invited as a guest.
Hana was nonplussed but Shino, being somewhat reserved, was tense.
Kiba laughed at his friend, and was rewarded by the cold stare as they stood in the small room awaiting the beginning of his marriage.
“Hey, if my sister wanted to elope with you, I would understand. But, she did okay this, so I guess you’re stuck.” He said.
“I hope your wedding makes you so nervous you throw up.” Shino returned.
“My wedding? Who says I am ever getting married?” Kiba said with a look of a trapped bear.
Shino smiled and leaned closer. “I have it on good authority that you are being maneuvered. You will be married before the year is out, and you’ll think it’s your idea, too.” He said.
Kiba blanched but did not reply as a voice came through the door.
“It’s time, Shino. Come on, Son.” His father said, and Shino shifted is jacket, missing his long coat and stepped up to the door.
In his nervousness his inhabiting bugs were restless and he had to keep sending them reassurances.
Kiba watched him go with his hand in his pocket, his fingers closed around the box that he had just purchased, only being able to pay it off a week ago. “Maneuvered?” he said to himself. “Well, if that is the case, it worked.” He said as he released the ring in his pocket and headed out the door to stand with his best friend as the man married his sister.

Tsume stood with the crowd, as her daughter and the Aburame boy were married. She smiled only to the well-wishers that constantly informed her of how lucky she was. Her mind was not truly on this ceremony nor was she sure that it was for the best.
Her eyes traveled the crowd and came to rest on the three young men that she had chosen for her daughter.
One at a time they had courted her and failed to win her heart.
Tsume sighed in frustration. It was easier to find the perfect mate for her dogs, and they were so much more agreeable to it when the time came.
Hana had always been a good child, but when it came to this the girl had gone around her in everyway and now was marrying the child of the bug family.
Tsume knew it wouldn’t last, so she would just sit back and bide her time. Wait it out.
“Tsume-san! Tsume-san!” came a call and she turned to find her assistant in the break of the people. He was an Inuzuka and a cousin. She would trust no one else to care for her pack while she was away.
“What is it?” she said, when he reached her, panting from his haste at reaching her.
“Kasshokuchan, she is delivering her pups. They are being born even as we stand here. There were four when I left.” He said and Tsume stared at him.
The pups were due in about a week so it was not bad, but to birth on the day of a wedding was a very good sign, and if there were five . . . .?
Tsume turned to where the couple had said their vows and were sealing it with a kiss. The audience roared it’s approval and Tsume stared in amazement.
Perhaps she would have to rethink this whole thing?


::: Now I know I titled this Puppy Poop and there really wasn’t any, but I could add it if it’s needed

Ah, Vashta – Go to the dentist and be sure to tell him it was a sap issue. They have special tools for those. So, there is another couple of couples if you add the little thing about Kiba and Hinata.
I may have a little side story about them that was suggested and I don’t think I will include it here.
And I got Iruka and Kakashi in, too. Woo hoo! I’m on a roll.

Next chapter is And the Leaf Rolls On