Iteration
folder
Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male › Naruto/Sasuke
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
119
Views:
2,761
Reviews:
1203
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male › Naruto/Sasuke
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
119
Views:
2,761
Reviews:
1203
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
This story has some of Masashi Kishimoto's characters from Naruto in a universe of my own devising. I do not own Naruto. I do not make any money from these writings.
The Picnic - Realisation
‘Iteration’ is part of the space saga that began with ‘In the cold of space you find the heat of suns’ and continues in ‘Tales in Tarrasade’. There is also a one-shot ‘Silver Leaf Tales: Tying the knot’.
OK, this is it – the final chapter. As always, the story ended up being far longer and far more complex than I intended. Huge thanks to Small Fox for being my muse and my beta. Without him this story would have never been started, never mind having made it to the end.
And thank you to those readers who have written a review. I read and appreciate every one. There have been many times when it has only been feedback from readers (and Small Fox) that has kept me writing. After all, Iteration has taken over a year to write and runs to over 350,000 words.
Particular thanks to Midnight Essence, sadie237, toosweet05, TanuKyle, YamanashiOchinashiIminashi, liby318, silentnight, angelj232000, v, unneeded, Dorkchic, GreenEyedCat, KL, Aflyingmonkey123, Moonmoore, richon, SidonieStarr, disembodiedvoiceofthedying, cynaga and Prism0467 who reviewed after chapter 118 was posted.
See author’s note at the end for news about future stories.
Apologies if the characters have grown differently in their new environment.
This is posted in the Naruto/Sasuke section because it is part of a Naru/Sasu/Naru space saga. However, it does feature many other pairings (and a few threesomes). This chapter does contain some Naruto and Sasuke action.
Chapter one hundred and nineteen: The Picnic - Realisation
Udon had been uneasy about attending the ‘picnic’. He had resisted giving an answer to Moegi’s invitation until two days ago but then Kamatari had sought him out and told him, bluntly, that Moegi would not enjoy the occasion if he was not with her.
So he was here, at the edge of the crowd of people that Moegi thought of as her family, feeling uncomfortable but trying to hide it. He distracted himself by watching the children, all of whom were excited and some of whom were rushing this way and that.
They set off for the ‘park’. Moegi had one of the smaller baskets and he another. They were walking behind Kisame-san, his two lovers and their children. The sharkman had a huge basket in his left hand and a small boy riding in a carrier high on his back. Itachi-san, who was and was not Uchiha-sama’s brother, walked to his right; he was carrying a small girl. The little girl looked remarkably like Haku-san, who was walking at Kisame-san’s left.
When he saw the huge doors, Udon was reminded of seeing the stars through the Level 1 viewport. However unlike space, which was black, infinite and cold, the decoration on the doors was rich and colourful and immediate.
Shikamaru-san spoke, the huge doors slid apart and the children ran off into...
Udon’s mind froze. The space beyond the doors was huge. The plaza had one tree in it and was big. This had countless trees in it and was...
“Udon, what is wrong?” Moegi demanded.
He managed a weak gesture towards the space through the door.
“It’s agoraphobia,” Itachi-san stated.
“No it isn’t,” Haku-san disagreed sharply. “It is a perfectly normal reaction to the unfamiliar. Not a phobia at all.”
Udon found himself clinging to Haku-san’s words. “Normal?” he managed.
“Quite normal,” Haku-san insisted. “Kisame will go get some things, we will use them to get you accustomed to not having a ceiling and it will be fine.”
“Fine?” Udon echoed.
“But...” Moegi began.
“No buts,” Haku insisted. He turned to Kisame. “Put the basket down and give Shou-chan to Ita-san.”
Kamatari came over. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
“We should have thought a little more about Udon-san’s unfamiliarity with open spaces,” Haku-san answered. “Nothing serious. We just need a few things from the household. Perhaps you could go with Kisame to find them.”
Kamatari smiled. “No problem. We’ll be quick, Udon-san, so there is no need to worry. Why don’t you and Moegi step back from the open door? Then there will be more ceiling.”
It was a good idea. Udon moved back until what he could see through the door was a view rather than a huge, cavernous space.
Itachi watched Haku reduce a potential phobia to temporary inconvenience by the sheer force of his will. Haku convinced Udon that he would be fine sheltering under a wide-brimmed hat as he walked through the park and then under the open-fronted tent Kamatari had erected.
It was one of Haku’s gifts; absolute and unshakeable belief. It was amazingly powerful; even infectious.
Like when Haku had taken the decision that ‘this Itachi’ was not ‘that Itachi’. ‘This Itachi’ was not the Itachi whom Haku loathed. ‘This Itachi’ was the Itachi whom Kisame loved. And, once the decision was made, Haku had never faltered or uttered one word that suggested that the two Itachis were one and the same.
Instead he had set out to mend Itachi for Kisame’s sake. And, although Itachi knew he would never be what he could have been without his father’s interference, he was now nicely and neatly repaired.
They settled on the beautifully woven rugs Haku had chosen to bring. Kisame was playing with Mai and Shou. Itachi watched them; three of the five people he loved.
The fourth was Sasuke.
And the fifth...
He moved closer to where Haku was kneeling setting out the dishes for their picnic. Haku paused and looked at him with suspicion. Itachi leaned closer.
“I love you, Haku-chan,” he whispered.
Haku’s huge brown eyes were momentarily vulnerable but then the usual defences were back. “That is good, Ita-chan,” he replied.
Kakashi sat next to Asuma near the crest of one of the small rises. He said nothing; he was there for support and it was up to Asuma if they talked.
He had been watching Kisame play with his children. Kisame had children; the thought alone made Kakashi want to smile.
Kisame had been a gift to Fugaku-kyou from some powerful ally and, even before the business with Itachi, Fugaku had been ambivalent towards him. He was the perfect spacer champion, unassailable, but Kakashi had always suspected that Fugaku was both repelled by him and feared him.
In many ways it had been Kisame who had led to Fugaku’s downfall. Fugaku could have tied Kisame to him personally but he had not, leaving the loophole that Kisame had persuaded Itachi to exploit. Once Kisame was sworn to Itachi as his Beloved Companion, Fugaku had lost his absolute grip.
Fugaku should have killed Kisame, Kakashi could see that. He had not, because he considered Kisame to be too great an asset. Kisame had protected Itachi, even when Itachi had proved to be the insane killer Fugaku had made him.
And Haku, somehow, incredibly, had picked up the shattered pieces of Itachi and Kisame’s tragic lives and created a family. Kakashi shook his head.
Asuma made an interrogative grunt.
“Kisame,” Kakashi explained. “Haku,” he clarified.
“Scary,” Asuma replied.
Kakashi agreed with him. Of the three of them, Kisame, Itachi and Haku, Haku was definitely the most terrifying.
Managing to have a whole conversation in three words and a grunt was strangely satisfying. Kakashi decided to change topics. From their vantage point they could see Akemi sitting with Shino and Anko, Keitaro refereeing some game the younger children were playing and Misora talking to Tenten and Shizune.
“Your three?” he asked.
“Good,” Asuma assured him. “She would have approved.”
Kakashi knew he meant Kurenai. “Yes,” he agreed.
Asuma shook his head and gave a short, low, deep laugh. “I used to treat her and the children so badly.”
Kakashi frowned; he could not remember Asuma being anything other than an excellent partner and father. Even so, he waited.
“I couldn’t tell anyone about them,” Asuma reminded him. “An Uchiha elite fighter wasn’t meant to have a family of his own. I had no credit to give them because we were never paid. Then Sasuke-sama came home and look.”
Kakashi looked with old Uchiha eyes. It was almost surreal.
“Thank you for making him what he is,” Asuma was saying.
Kakashi stiffened. “It wasn’t me. It was Ir-chan and Naruto.”
Asuma clapped him on the back. “And why was Iruka-san queen of the crew? Who decided to keep on a berserker hybrid as cat?”
Kakashi conceded that Asuma had a point. “Never underestimate Mikoto-san’s influence,” he insisted.
“No,” Asuma replied. Kakashi saw him looking at each of his children in turn. “That’s how I know that Kurenai will always be with them, like Mikoto-san is with Sasuke.”
Kakashi understood Asuma taking comfort in that.
At that moment there was a flash of gold among the trees, accompanied by much childish laughter; Naruto was chasing the children. Kakashi was uncertain of the rules but it appeared that ‘home’ was where Sasuke and Iruka were sitting with the triplets.
Kakashi watched him. Naruto would finish the job that Mikoto had started. While Sasuke could never be completely free of old Uchiha, his children would be. For them life would be about love, not fear. They would build rather than annihilate. If they had even a fraction of Naruto’s optimism and zest for life, new Uchiha’s future was assured.
Haru and Ran had darted from cover and were running towards ‘home’ with Naruto in pursuit. Kakashi watched as Haru was swept up and kissed, putting him out of the game.
Naruto put him down and Haru skipped off towards where the other captured children were sitting around Keitaro. Then Naruto was off, in pursuit of Ran, who had taken advantage of Haru’s elimination.
Instead of continuing to run towards Iruka and Sasuke, Ran was coming towards them. Naruto laughed and followed; closing the gap but not too quickly.
Ran raced up the slope and threw himself into Kakashi’s arms. “Home!” he gasped.
Kakashi found himself hugging his son, who was hugging him back. It was strange but good; very good.
Naruto stopped three-quarters up the slope. “Very clever, Ran-chan,” he acknowledged and dashed off after Yoshimi and Yasushi, who had taken advantage of Naruto’s detour to make a dash for Sasuke.
“You are my parent, so you can be home,” Ran explained.
Iruka was surprised when Ran changed direction but delighted to see him and Kakashi embrace.
“A big day for Ran-chan,” Sasuke observed. “Smiles, laughter and hugs for Kakashi-sensei.”
Iruka was distracted by Yo-chan and Ya-chan being swept up and kissed. When he looked back, Ran was sitting close to Kakashi. They were still touching.
“Yes.” He looked about. “This may prove to be a magical place.”
“Well, it was created by a wizard,” Sasuke reminded him.
Iruka could not see Shikamaru. Sumiko was with Ayame, Kotetsu and Izumo. He suspected that Shika was showing Neji the new onsen. On second thoughts, perhaps he was just lying on the grass listening to the leaves. Instead he studied Sasuke, who was watching Naruto chasing Kuuya.
The last seven divs showed in his face; when you looked at him you no longer thought how young he looked.
“New Uchiha is you, Sasu-kun,” Iruka reminded him. “Not Shika-kun, not even Naru-kun. You.”
Sasuke coloured slightly. “It is all of us, Iruka-sensei. That is what makes it new Uchiha. People working together to build something wonderful instead of one man pursing unfettered power with no care for anyone else’s welfare.” He pulled Tsuneo to him for a hug and a kiss. “My job is to raise my children so that they understand that.”
Tsuneo decided he liked this new game and gave his Papa second helpings.
“By the Lady, I am the luckiest man alive,” Sasuke declared, burying his nose in Tsuneo’s hair.
Iruka looked towards Kakashi and Ran. Maybe he would not contest Sasuke’s claim to be luckiest, but he was sure he was within the top ten.
They had not decided in advance when the picnic would end; even Haku had been content to allow the event to play out. A moment came when the children were tired and it was obvious that they should go home, leaving the adults who were not parents to continue to enjoy the park and perhaps sample what the onsen had to offer.
Iruka helped Haku supervise an unhurried withdrawal. Decisions were made, rugs folded and baskets packed. Inari, Konohamaru and Tayuya offered to make sure the leftovers, props and debris made it back to the kitchen.
The little ones were lifted into carriers. Kisame had Mai and Shou. Fu had Naomi. Teruko and Takara were with Naruto. Sasuke had Tsuneo and Konan was carrying Nagato. Sumiko was insisting on walking, so Shikamaru and Neji had a hand each; Iruka expected to hear a demand to be carried before they reached the doors.
Ayame was between Kotetsu and Izumo. Keitaro, Misora and Akemi were staying a little longer.
The kits and Ryuu were still running about showing no sign of weariness. Kiba was keeping them together by herding them gradually towards the doors. Hikaru, Hoshi and Haru looked tired, particularly Haru.
Iruka’s heart jumped. Kakashi and Ran were walking towards him holding hands. As they came closer Ran sped up, pulling Kakashi with him. Once he was close enough he took Iruka’s hand, linking the three of them together.
“I won,” he told Iruka proudly. “I was the only one who made it home without being caught by Naruto-san.”
Sasuke could feel Tsuneo’s sleepy head against his shoulder as he walked at Naruto’s side towards the household. He checked each of the other children. Haru looked a little too weary; Sasuke was pleased when Kiba offered him a piggyback and Haru accepted.
It had been a fabulous outing.
“What next?” Naruto asked.
It was a good question. It was only mid-afternoon. “Snug?” he suggested.
Naruto smiled at him, confirming that he thought it an excellent idea. “Snug,” he agreed. “I’m going to persuade Kiba that he should spend the rest of the afternoon with Choza,” he added.
Sasuke watched him speak to Kiba and take Haru from him. Kiba stayed where he was while they flowed by him before turning around and walking back the way they had gone.
Before long they were in a messy, sleepy pile on the huge bed. He could hear Naruto’s deep purr and the kits’ high-pitched equivalents. It was soothing, like being stroked. Sasuke found his eyelids drooping.
When he woke, there was just him, Haru and Haru’s plushie in the bed. He smiled, imagining either Kazuki or Yuki making a dash to the nursery to get the plushie so that Haru could be left sleeping alone once Papa woke up.
Sasuke made Haru comfortable and went to find Naruto. He was on the floor of the playroom, entertaining the triplets. The other children were doing stuff they enjoyed.
Kazuki was at his side in a flash, rubbing against him. Sasuke fondled his ears. Reassured, Kazuki dashed off to check on Haru.
He crouched down next to Naruto and ran a hand down his back. Naruto turned to him and smiled. It was, as always, like bathing in sunshine.
“How’s the back?” he asked.
Naruto’s whiskers twitched. “Fine.”
Sasuke sat down and pulled Teruko to him for a tickle and a cuddle.
They drifted through the rest of the day in a haze of contentment. Haru finally woke up. They went to the kitchen where those who were hungry ate and those who weren’t merely nibbled. The triplets bath time, story time and bedtime went smoothly while the big litter entertained themselves in their nursery.
They chose to have Papa play and sing for them instead of a story.
When he went to check, Sasuke discovered that a formal evening meal had been deemed surplus to requirements. Most people were selecting food from the array of leftovers on the kitchen table but Choza handed him a basket. It was filled with the foods he and Naruto liked, including the cherry tomatoes Konan grew.
They sat in the bath, floating a selection of the snacks between them. Sasuke had two mini-pies and some tomatoes before settling back to watch Naruto eat.
He waited until Naruto began pausing between snacks, taking time over the decision about what to eat next; it was a sure sign that he was almost full. Sasuke stood up slowly, stretched, turned and stepped up and out of the tub.
He took three more steps before checking over his shoulder. Naruto's attention was focused where Sasuke wanted it, on his butt.
Sasuke decided to push it. He began humming a tune and moving to it. Slowly he danced his way to the blowers, activated them and began moving this way and that in the stream of warm air, drying himself.
A splash, a golden blur and Naruto was beside him, sniffing his neck.
Sasuke kept humming and dancing. Naruto moved sinuously about him; almost but not quite touching. Occasionally Sasuke’s skin would be brushed by a whisker or the slightest suggestion of silken fur.
It was exhilarating. They were going to fuck and they both knew it. It showed in each part of their bodies and in every movement. At this moment it could go either way. It could be growling-possessive-Naruto or fluffy-soft-Naruto. Naruto was leaving it to Sasuke to choose.
Sasuke considered. Both were incredible and the wonderful reality was that the one he did not have today he could have tomorrow.
He displayed his neck.
Naruto growled.
Having chosen, Sasuke cut the blowers and danced slowly away from Naruto, occasionally extending an arm or a leg or his neck.
Naruto threw his head back and howled.
Sasuke smiled because he could tell the difference between a Naruto howl and a growling-possessive-Naruto howl. That had been a Naruto howl; confirming that Naruto had yet to switch.
He stopped and waited for Naruto to join him. Naruto’s long arms went around him and pulled him close. A delicious shiver ran through Sasuke’s body. It felt so good.
They kissed; long, thorough but gentle. When it was over their lips parted slowly.
“You are the best thing that ever happened to me,” Sasuke whispered, deliberately evoking the memory of the first time they had fucked.
Naruto’s blue eyes darkened, confirming that he remembered. “You are the centre of my world,” he responded.
Sasuke smiled at him and then, suddenly, ducked out from Naruto’s arms and danced away, asking to be chased.
There was a howl; a growling-possessive-Naruto howl.
He was quickly captured, lifted, carried and deposited on their bed. Naruto prowled the surrounds, occasionally stopping to display.
The howls were particularly impressive tonight. Sasuke knew what that meant. He was going to be thoroughly fucked. The anticipation made his whole body tingle.
He grabbed the lube; Naruto would be in no mood for such niceties. Preparing his hole without drawing Naruto’s attention to it was a challenge, but Sasuke had standards of experience.
He was soon ready. He began drawing the pillows and cushion together into a mound. Naruto immediately froze. His whiskers arched forward. His erection, impressively rigid, twitched.
Sasuke squirted lube into his right hand and waited.
Naruto leapt. He landed above Sasuke on the bed and displayed one last time, throwing his head back and releasing an impressive series of howls.
Sasuke took full advantage of the length of the display to stroke lube over Naruto’s erection.
Then Naruto was on him with the usual mixture of phenomenal strength and exquisite care. Sasuke was caressed, nuzzled, nibbled and licked before being positioned and impaled.
Naruto’s slender, curved erection slid into him perfectly, massaging his button on the first stroke.
By the Lady, he had missed this while Naruto had been incapacitated.
Each thrust sent a burst of pleasure through his body, lifting him up, higher and yet higher. Then, when the pleasure threatened to plateau, just short, Naruto’s knot swelled.
The next stroke sent a starburst of pleasure though his body and into his brain. Thought vaporised. He was climbing, reaching and riding the crest.
Naruto howled and Sasuke screamed.
Throughout the household, the crew paused and smiled. All was as it should be with Uchiha.
The End
Author’s note
Small Fox and I have plans for a sequel, which will make a trilogy, which seems appropriate. However, I need a break and, after that break, I am determined to have at least ten chapters before I post the first.
That does not mean there will be nothing posted. I have the second half of ‘Wallflower’ to finish and I am sure we will need some ‘Tales in Tarrasade’ or equivalent to bridge the time gap between Iteration and its sequel. Even so, I think postings will be occasional rather than regular for a few months.
There is also a possibility of a small multi-chapter side story, using an idea suggested by another reader.
I send out an email whenever I post something on AFF. You may already be on the list but, if you aren’t, send me an email on mannahpierce@ntlworld.com and I shall add you to the list.
Thank you for reading.
Mannah Pierce
OK, this is it – the final chapter. As always, the story ended up being far longer and far more complex than I intended. Huge thanks to Small Fox for being my muse and my beta. Without him this story would have never been started, never mind having made it to the end.
And thank you to those readers who have written a review. I read and appreciate every one. There have been many times when it has only been feedback from readers (and Small Fox) that has kept me writing. After all, Iteration has taken over a year to write and runs to over 350,000 words.
Particular thanks to Midnight Essence, sadie237, toosweet05, TanuKyle, YamanashiOchinashiIminashi, liby318, silentnight, angelj232000, v, unneeded, Dorkchic, GreenEyedCat, KL, Aflyingmonkey123, Moonmoore, richon, SidonieStarr, disembodiedvoiceofthedying, cynaga and Prism0467 who reviewed after chapter 118 was posted.
See author’s note at the end for news about future stories.
Apologies if the characters have grown differently in their new environment.
This is posted in the Naruto/Sasuke section because it is part of a Naru/Sasu/Naru space saga. However, it does feature many other pairings (and a few threesomes). This chapter does contain some Naruto and Sasuke action.
Chapter one hundred and nineteen: The Picnic - Realisation
Udon had been uneasy about attending the ‘picnic’. He had resisted giving an answer to Moegi’s invitation until two days ago but then Kamatari had sought him out and told him, bluntly, that Moegi would not enjoy the occasion if he was not with her.
So he was here, at the edge of the crowd of people that Moegi thought of as her family, feeling uncomfortable but trying to hide it. He distracted himself by watching the children, all of whom were excited and some of whom were rushing this way and that.
They set off for the ‘park’. Moegi had one of the smaller baskets and he another. They were walking behind Kisame-san, his two lovers and their children. The sharkman had a huge basket in his left hand and a small boy riding in a carrier high on his back. Itachi-san, who was and was not Uchiha-sama’s brother, walked to his right; he was carrying a small girl. The little girl looked remarkably like Haku-san, who was walking at Kisame-san’s left.
When he saw the huge doors, Udon was reminded of seeing the stars through the Level 1 viewport. However unlike space, which was black, infinite and cold, the decoration on the doors was rich and colourful and immediate.
Shikamaru-san spoke, the huge doors slid apart and the children ran off into...
Udon’s mind froze. The space beyond the doors was huge. The plaza had one tree in it and was big. This had countless trees in it and was...
“Udon, what is wrong?” Moegi demanded.
He managed a weak gesture towards the space through the door.
“It’s agoraphobia,” Itachi-san stated.
“No it isn’t,” Haku-san disagreed sharply. “It is a perfectly normal reaction to the unfamiliar. Not a phobia at all.”
Udon found himself clinging to Haku-san’s words. “Normal?” he managed.
“Quite normal,” Haku-san insisted. “Kisame will go get some things, we will use them to get you accustomed to not having a ceiling and it will be fine.”
“Fine?” Udon echoed.
“But...” Moegi began.
“No buts,” Haku insisted. He turned to Kisame. “Put the basket down and give Shou-chan to Ita-san.”
Kamatari came over. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
“We should have thought a little more about Udon-san’s unfamiliarity with open spaces,” Haku-san answered. “Nothing serious. We just need a few things from the household. Perhaps you could go with Kisame to find them.”
Kamatari smiled. “No problem. We’ll be quick, Udon-san, so there is no need to worry. Why don’t you and Moegi step back from the open door? Then there will be more ceiling.”
It was a good idea. Udon moved back until what he could see through the door was a view rather than a huge, cavernous space.
Itachi watched Haku reduce a potential phobia to temporary inconvenience by the sheer force of his will. Haku convinced Udon that he would be fine sheltering under a wide-brimmed hat as he walked through the park and then under the open-fronted tent Kamatari had erected.
It was one of Haku’s gifts; absolute and unshakeable belief. It was amazingly powerful; even infectious.
Like when Haku had taken the decision that ‘this Itachi’ was not ‘that Itachi’. ‘This Itachi’ was not the Itachi whom Haku loathed. ‘This Itachi’ was the Itachi whom Kisame loved. And, once the decision was made, Haku had never faltered or uttered one word that suggested that the two Itachis were one and the same.
Instead he had set out to mend Itachi for Kisame’s sake. And, although Itachi knew he would never be what he could have been without his father’s interference, he was now nicely and neatly repaired.
They settled on the beautifully woven rugs Haku had chosen to bring. Kisame was playing with Mai and Shou. Itachi watched them; three of the five people he loved.
The fourth was Sasuke.
And the fifth...
He moved closer to where Haku was kneeling setting out the dishes for their picnic. Haku paused and looked at him with suspicion. Itachi leaned closer.
“I love you, Haku-chan,” he whispered.
Haku’s huge brown eyes were momentarily vulnerable but then the usual defences were back. “That is good, Ita-chan,” he replied.
Kakashi sat next to Asuma near the crest of one of the small rises. He said nothing; he was there for support and it was up to Asuma if they talked.
He had been watching Kisame play with his children. Kisame had children; the thought alone made Kakashi want to smile.
Kisame had been a gift to Fugaku-kyou from some powerful ally and, even before the business with Itachi, Fugaku had been ambivalent towards him. He was the perfect spacer champion, unassailable, but Kakashi had always suspected that Fugaku was both repelled by him and feared him.
In many ways it had been Kisame who had led to Fugaku’s downfall. Fugaku could have tied Kisame to him personally but he had not, leaving the loophole that Kisame had persuaded Itachi to exploit. Once Kisame was sworn to Itachi as his Beloved Companion, Fugaku had lost his absolute grip.
Fugaku should have killed Kisame, Kakashi could see that. He had not, because he considered Kisame to be too great an asset. Kisame had protected Itachi, even when Itachi had proved to be the insane killer Fugaku had made him.
And Haku, somehow, incredibly, had picked up the shattered pieces of Itachi and Kisame’s tragic lives and created a family. Kakashi shook his head.
Asuma made an interrogative grunt.
“Kisame,” Kakashi explained. “Haku,” he clarified.
“Scary,” Asuma replied.
Kakashi agreed with him. Of the three of them, Kisame, Itachi and Haku, Haku was definitely the most terrifying.
Managing to have a whole conversation in three words and a grunt was strangely satisfying. Kakashi decided to change topics. From their vantage point they could see Akemi sitting with Shino and Anko, Keitaro refereeing some game the younger children were playing and Misora talking to Tenten and Shizune.
“Your three?” he asked.
“Good,” Asuma assured him. “She would have approved.”
Kakashi knew he meant Kurenai. “Yes,” he agreed.
Asuma shook his head and gave a short, low, deep laugh. “I used to treat her and the children so badly.”
Kakashi frowned; he could not remember Asuma being anything other than an excellent partner and father. Even so, he waited.
“I couldn’t tell anyone about them,” Asuma reminded him. “An Uchiha elite fighter wasn’t meant to have a family of his own. I had no credit to give them because we were never paid. Then Sasuke-sama came home and look.”
Kakashi looked with old Uchiha eyes. It was almost surreal.
“Thank you for making him what he is,” Asuma was saying.
Kakashi stiffened. “It wasn’t me. It was Ir-chan and Naruto.”
Asuma clapped him on the back. “And why was Iruka-san queen of the crew? Who decided to keep on a berserker hybrid as cat?”
Kakashi conceded that Asuma had a point. “Never underestimate Mikoto-san’s influence,” he insisted.
“No,” Asuma replied. Kakashi saw him looking at each of his children in turn. “That’s how I know that Kurenai will always be with them, like Mikoto-san is with Sasuke.”
Kakashi understood Asuma taking comfort in that.
At that moment there was a flash of gold among the trees, accompanied by much childish laughter; Naruto was chasing the children. Kakashi was uncertain of the rules but it appeared that ‘home’ was where Sasuke and Iruka were sitting with the triplets.
Kakashi watched him. Naruto would finish the job that Mikoto had started. While Sasuke could never be completely free of old Uchiha, his children would be. For them life would be about love, not fear. They would build rather than annihilate. If they had even a fraction of Naruto’s optimism and zest for life, new Uchiha’s future was assured.
Haru and Ran had darted from cover and were running towards ‘home’ with Naruto in pursuit. Kakashi watched as Haru was swept up and kissed, putting him out of the game.
Naruto put him down and Haru skipped off towards where the other captured children were sitting around Keitaro. Then Naruto was off, in pursuit of Ran, who had taken advantage of Haru’s elimination.
Instead of continuing to run towards Iruka and Sasuke, Ran was coming towards them. Naruto laughed and followed; closing the gap but not too quickly.
Ran raced up the slope and threw himself into Kakashi’s arms. “Home!” he gasped.
Kakashi found himself hugging his son, who was hugging him back. It was strange but good; very good.
Naruto stopped three-quarters up the slope. “Very clever, Ran-chan,” he acknowledged and dashed off after Yoshimi and Yasushi, who had taken advantage of Naruto’s detour to make a dash for Sasuke.
“You are my parent, so you can be home,” Ran explained.
Iruka was surprised when Ran changed direction but delighted to see him and Kakashi embrace.
“A big day for Ran-chan,” Sasuke observed. “Smiles, laughter and hugs for Kakashi-sensei.”
Iruka was distracted by Yo-chan and Ya-chan being swept up and kissed. When he looked back, Ran was sitting close to Kakashi. They were still touching.
“Yes.” He looked about. “This may prove to be a magical place.”
“Well, it was created by a wizard,” Sasuke reminded him.
Iruka could not see Shikamaru. Sumiko was with Ayame, Kotetsu and Izumo. He suspected that Shika was showing Neji the new onsen. On second thoughts, perhaps he was just lying on the grass listening to the leaves. Instead he studied Sasuke, who was watching Naruto chasing Kuuya.
The last seven divs showed in his face; when you looked at him you no longer thought how young he looked.
“New Uchiha is you, Sasu-kun,” Iruka reminded him. “Not Shika-kun, not even Naru-kun. You.”
Sasuke coloured slightly. “It is all of us, Iruka-sensei. That is what makes it new Uchiha. People working together to build something wonderful instead of one man pursing unfettered power with no care for anyone else’s welfare.” He pulled Tsuneo to him for a hug and a kiss. “My job is to raise my children so that they understand that.”
Tsuneo decided he liked this new game and gave his Papa second helpings.
“By the Lady, I am the luckiest man alive,” Sasuke declared, burying his nose in Tsuneo’s hair.
Iruka looked towards Kakashi and Ran. Maybe he would not contest Sasuke’s claim to be luckiest, but he was sure he was within the top ten.
They had not decided in advance when the picnic would end; even Haku had been content to allow the event to play out. A moment came when the children were tired and it was obvious that they should go home, leaving the adults who were not parents to continue to enjoy the park and perhaps sample what the onsen had to offer.
Iruka helped Haku supervise an unhurried withdrawal. Decisions were made, rugs folded and baskets packed. Inari, Konohamaru and Tayuya offered to make sure the leftovers, props and debris made it back to the kitchen.
The little ones were lifted into carriers. Kisame had Mai and Shou. Fu had Naomi. Teruko and Takara were with Naruto. Sasuke had Tsuneo and Konan was carrying Nagato. Sumiko was insisting on walking, so Shikamaru and Neji had a hand each; Iruka expected to hear a demand to be carried before they reached the doors.
Ayame was between Kotetsu and Izumo. Keitaro, Misora and Akemi were staying a little longer.
The kits and Ryuu were still running about showing no sign of weariness. Kiba was keeping them together by herding them gradually towards the doors. Hikaru, Hoshi and Haru looked tired, particularly Haru.
Iruka’s heart jumped. Kakashi and Ran were walking towards him holding hands. As they came closer Ran sped up, pulling Kakashi with him. Once he was close enough he took Iruka’s hand, linking the three of them together.
“I won,” he told Iruka proudly. “I was the only one who made it home without being caught by Naruto-san.”
Sasuke could feel Tsuneo’s sleepy head against his shoulder as he walked at Naruto’s side towards the household. He checked each of the other children. Haru looked a little too weary; Sasuke was pleased when Kiba offered him a piggyback and Haru accepted.
It had been a fabulous outing.
“What next?” Naruto asked.
It was a good question. It was only mid-afternoon. “Snug?” he suggested.
Naruto smiled at him, confirming that he thought it an excellent idea. “Snug,” he agreed. “I’m going to persuade Kiba that he should spend the rest of the afternoon with Choza,” he added.
Sasuke watched him speak to Kiba and take Haru from him. Kiba stayed where he was while they flowed by him before turning around and walking back the way they had gone.
Before long they were in a messy, sleepy pile on the huge bed. He could hear Naruto’s deep purr and the kits’ high-pitched equivalents. It was soothing, like being stroked. Sasuke found his eyelids drooping.
When he woke, there was just him, Haru and Haru’s plushie in the bed. He smiled, imagining either Kazuki or Yuki making a dash to the nursery to get the plushie so that Haru could be left sleeping alone once Papa woke up.
Sasuke made Haru comfortable and went to find Naruto. He was on the floor of the playroom, entertaining the triplets. The other children were doing stuff they enjoyed.
Kazuki was at his side in a flash, rubbing against him. Sasuke fondled his ears. Reassured, Kazuki dashed off to check on Haru.
He crouched down next to Naruto and ran a hand down his back. Naruto turned to him and smiled. It was, as always, like bathing in sunshine.
“How’s the back?” he asked.
Naruto’s whiskers twitched. “Fine.”
Sasuke sat down and pulled Teruko to him for a tickle and a cuddle.
They drifted through the rest of the day in a haze of contentment. Haru finally woke up. They went to the kitchen where those who were hungry ate and those who weren’t merely nibbled. The triplets bath time, story time and bedtime went smoothly while the big litter entertained themselves in their nursery.
They chose to have Papa play and sing for them instead of a story.
When he went to check, Sasuke discovered that a formal evening meal had been deemed surplus to requirements. Most people were selecting food from the array of leftovers on the kitchen table but Choza handed him a basket. It was filled with the foods he and Naruto liked, including the cherry tomatoes Konan grew.
They sat in the bath, floating a selection of the snacks between them. Sasuke had two mini-pies and some tomatoes before settling back to watch Naruto eat.
He waited until Naruto began pausing between snacks, taking time over the decision about what to eat next; it was a sure sign that he was almost full. Sasuke stood up slowly, stretched, turned and stepped up and out of the tub.
He took three more steps before checking over his shoulder. Naruto's attention was focused where Sasuke wanted it, on his butt.
Sasuke decided to push it. He began humming a tune and moving to it. Slowly he danced his way to the blowers, activated them and began moving this way and that in the stream of warm air, drying himself.
A splash, a golden blur and Naruto was beside him, sniffing his neck.
Sasuke kept humming and dancing. Naruto moved sinuously about him; almost but not quite touching. Occasionally Sasuke’s skin would be brushed by a whisker or the slightest suggestion of silken fur.
It was exhilarating. They were going to fuck and they both knew it. It showed in each part of their bodies and in every movement. At this moment it could go either way. It could be growling-possessive-Naruto or fluffy-soft-Naruto. Naruto was leaving it to Sasuke to choose.
Sasuke considered. Both were incredible and the wonderful reality was that the one he did not have today he could have tomorrow.
He displayed his neck.
Naruto growled.
Having chosen, Sasuke cut the blowers and danced slowly away from Naruto, occasionally extending an arm or a leg or his neck.
Naruto threw his head back and howled.
Sasuke smiled because he could tell the difference between a Naruto howl and a growling-possessive-Naruto howl. That had been a Naruto howl; confirming that Naruto had yet to switch.
He stopped and waited for Naruto to join him. Naruto’s long arms went around him and pulled him close. A delicious shiver ran through Sasuke’s body. It felt so good.
They kissed; long, thorough but gentle. When it was over their lips parted slowly.
“You are the best thing that ever happened to me,” Sasuke whispered, deliberately evoking the memory of the first time they had fucked.
Naruto’s blue eyes darkened, confirming that he remembered. “You are the centre of my world,” he responded.
Sasuke smiled at him and then, suddenly, ducked out from Naruto’s arms and danced away, asking to be chased.
There was a howl; a growling-possessive-Naruto howl.
He was quickly captured, lifted, carried and deposited on their bed. Naruto prowled the surrounds, occasionally stopping to display.
The howls were particularly impressive tonight. Sasuke knew what that meant. He was going to be thoroughly fucked. The anticipation made his whole body tingle.
He grabbed the lube; Naruto would be in no mood for such niceties. Preparing his hole without drawing Naruto’s attention to it was a challenge, but Sasuke had standards of experience.
He was soon ready. He began drawing the pillows and cushion together into a mound. Naruto immediately froze. His whiskers arched forward. His erection, impressively rigid, twitched.
Sasuke squirted lube into his right hand and waited.
Naruto leapt. He landed above Sasuke on the bed and displayed one last time, throwing his head back and releasing an impressive series of howls.
Sasuke took full advantage of the length of the display to stroke lube over Naruto’s erection.
Then Naruto was on him with the usual mixture of phenomenal strength and exquisite care. Sasuke was caressed, nuzzled, nibbled and licked before being positioned and impaled.
Naruto’s slender, curved erection slid into him perfectly, massaging his button on the first stroke.
By the Lady, he had missed this while Naruto had been incapacitated.
Each thrust sent a burst of pleasure through his body, lifting him up, higher and yet higher. Then, when the pleasure threatened to plateau, just short, Naruto’s knot swelled.
The next stroke sent a starburst of pleasure though his body and into his brain. Thought vaporised. He was climbing, reaching and riding the crest.
Naruto howled and Sasuke screamed.
Throughout the household, the crew paused and smiled. All was as it should be with Uchiha.
Author’s note
Small Fox and I have plans for a sequel, which will make a trilogy, which seems appropriate. However, I need a break and, after that break, I am determined to have at least ten chapters before I post the first.
That does not mean there will be nothing posted. I have the second half of ‘Wallflower’ to finish and I am sure we will need some ‘Tales in Tarrasade’ or equivalent to bridge the time gap between Iteration and its sequel. Even so, I think postings will be occasional rather than regular for a few months.
There is also a possibility of a small multi-chapter side story, using an idea suggested by another reader.
I send out an email whenever I post something on AFF. You may already be on the list but, if you aren’t, send me an email on mannahpierce@ntlworld.com and I shall add you to the list.
Thank you for reading.
Mannah Pierce