Chapter 1: I've had better days
Sometimes in life, shit happens. We really, really, should except that. Especially if you're someone as air-headed and insane as me, where Murphy's law seems to thrive and where the sun is always below the horizon and I can never seem to catch my tail.
Even after all this time I've never truly been able to accept my fate, what's become of me, what I've done to create this. I've never been one to believe in karma or anything like that but as of right now it seemed that every last awful deed I did in this life and the last I'll pay for it for many more generations to come.
A door banged open and my eyes squinted at the halo of sunlight around the not-so-holy figure. I scoffed and turned my head away as he walked, tinkered some with the controls, and left to do other, better things.
It was a usual day for me today, chained up and having the power drained from my system every four to five hours. I sighed, how long have I been like this? How many weeks, no years have passed since I've seen sunlight? When was the last time I saw my child? When was-
Hold on, I'm way ahead of myself, I can't start a memoir from my current predicament. No, I need to start all the way back, how long was it? let's see if I was eighteen and I'm my age now... then it was seven, no eight, years. Yes it's been eight years, not to mention the five I spent in Konoha. No, no I'm still getting ahead of myself. Let's go back, back to that fateful - was it a Tuesday? - day.
It as a rainy day. A very rainy day.
I was bored to death and all I could think about at the moment was what was for dinner. My parents were still at work and I was awfully hungry. I would've have made something, anything, except that the power was out, and I mean way out. It was pitch black in my house and there was not even a speck of sunlight to help me find my way safely down the stairs. I decided to stay put by the light of my slowly dying laptop and sip at my flat soda then to risk my life on a flight of darkened steps.
The rain was heavy and it hit the window like hail, hard and loud and altogether unpleasant. I was typing away at my homework that I had procrastinated on and blasting my music from my iPod onto a tiny but powerful portable speaker and while I was currently jamming out to my song I hadn't even noticed that my window was open just a pinch.
A particularly strong gust of wind blew, forcing my shades to blow out, the plastic end hitting me square in the forehead. Yes, my computer and desk faced my window, it really wasn't the smartest place to be in a thunderstorm.
Anyway the bottom rod hit me and it hurt but I was sure the most it would bring was a large bruise. I shook it off and attempted to close the window. When my fingers touched the metal frame the lighting, or perhaps God himself, decided I should be electrocuted today.
The bright light coming towards my body was so brilliant that my eyes were forced shut. My other hand created the circuit as it was still attached to my keyboard and before I knew it the world around me had disappeared and been replaced by darkness.
In the dark I found several bits indicating I was dreaming, like floating post-it notes and duct tape flower and the like. I was in the middle of placing a band-aid onto a wall when the strange world and the blackness began to fade and the sound of birds woke me up.
Of course when I finally came to, I had a slight headache and I was just pissed at the moment. Like any normal person, having a headache makes us a bit peeved, and currently I was grumpy cat, with a massive frown and half-lidded unamused eyes. I sat up and I saw tons of leafy trees around me. I titled my head to get a better look at the sky but because of the greenery I couldn't see any blue. I was outside and there was no rain, and just a minute ago it had been pouring wet hell all over the earth.
I looked around, confused, "Dear God where am I? I must be dreaming?" as soon as the words left my mouth I realized that there was no way in hell I would say something like that in a dream, "I also wouldn't be thinking so hard about this..."
I shut my mouth, I needed to stop talking to myself, I'll do that later when I have my bearings.
I rubbed the back of my neck and pulled a twig out of my hair. I looked up again and saw a couple of snapped branches which could be why I have a headache; I just fell out of a tree.
In truth, I did live near a trail that was surrounded by greenery such as this but it was confusing because I would've recognized it. Even if I didn't houses are dotted along the trail and the road was usually right next to it.
Since this dirt path was wider then the one I lived near, and it looked well worn by feet instead of bike tires, I knew I was somewhere foreign. How I got here I may never know.
I stood and brushed some of the dirt off of me. My yoga pants were black and comfortable and last I remember I was inside, therefore no socks because I don't like wearing socks on the carpet.
I didn't have my scandals either so that was awkward. I didn't like the feel of dirt on my bare feet, but I had to walk to get somewhere, so as uncomfortable as it may be I have to start somewhere.
I walked up a hill and just as I cleared it a massive fence/gate whatever you want to call it came into view.
"God damn," I whispered to myself. I walked to the huge as colored door as I attempted to keep dusting myself off.
I brushed some dirt from my hands on my pants and looked around. I couldn't see anyone in the immediate area so I just walked on past the gates. Maybe no one was around or they didn't care.
It only occurred to me now that it was nighttime, what a fail. I did one of those palm to face things, you know, a face palm, and moved on. I looked around somewhat cautiously because I really did not know where I was and I didn't want to run into someone who could kidnap me and leave me in a ditch to die. Especially not at this time of night.
Suddenly something ran passed me, whatever it was came and went with super speed or something because I didn't even notice until I was already on the ground.
Dazed, I sat up, "Hello? What the hell?" I asked the air, looking around confusedly.
Suddenly a masked person came up out of no where. I shrieked and hopped away. The mysterious person lifted up their mask and laughed at me and oh my God do you know who it was?
"Naruto?" For a moment I couldn't possible wonder as to why I was staring at a younger Naruto. My eyes squinted for a moment, trying to get a better look at his bright orange outfit.
He stopped laughing abruptly, "Yeah," he spat at me.
I was taken aback by his actions, "Uh hi."
He raised an eyebrow but then there was some yelling and he took of in a flash.
I was left staring at his dust cloud and my mind supplied to me that I dreaming. I was still comfortably on the ground when a second figure made himself known and when I looked up I froze. I found that I was staring into brown eyes longer then I should have been and there was only one name to fit this description; it was Iruka. He held out his hand to me, God damn he was cute in this realistic dream!
"I'm sorry are you okay Miss?"
I nodded numbly, "Yes, thanks for helping me," he nodded and left as fast as he had come. I was left in the dust once again for a moment before blinking and walking on. My brain couldn't fully comprehend what was going on, the only understanding I was able to come to was that this was a very realistic continuation of my previous dream.
The silence around me was filled with my noisy thoughts and I was seriously wondering whether I was dreaming or not. Something hitting my nose wrecked my traing of thought and I looked around in confusion. Another dot hit my forehead and soon the down pour began. I ran around in circles like an idiot as it came down harder, until finally finding a large enough tree to keep me dry.
Taking shelter under said tree with ridiculously large branches and leaves, I tried to figure out what the hell was going on. I sat at the base of the trunk, waiting for the rain to let up and some time later I realized it would be like this for awhile. A rustle in the leaves alerted me to the presence of another. I tucked my hair behind my ear and looked up at the culprit.
What do you know? It was Naruto.
"Hey kid," I said as my teeth chattered, "care to join me in the freezing cold?" I asked with a shiver.
He tilted his head towards me, "Hey don't you have a place to stay?"
"Nope," I said frankly, "I'm a bit… new here. I'll figure it out soon enough, if you give me some company it would be all the better."
"Mm, nah, why don't come with me, dattebayo!"
I half smiled, "You got a place?" I asked even though I knew the answer. How Naruto got to live in an apartment with no supervision whatsoever was beyond me it must be a son-of-the-Hokage-who-saved-fucking-Konoha-and-is-now-an-orphan thing.
I blinked up at him and he had a half smile on his face, "Sure," I shrugged and stood up, "lead the way traffic cone," he gave me a look and I smiled to reassure him that I didn't mean anything by it.
So this is all how it started, and this is just the beginning. How I met Naruto, how for the next four years I got to know everyone. Of course, I was older then all of them and I was more like a big sister since I sucked at ninja stuff, but we'll learn about that later.
The Akatsuki you ask? Well, they come into the equation much, much later. I know, you probably expected some instant angst in a bottle right? Well, if that's what you really want then go ahead and skip a few chapters see if I care.
We arrived at Naruto's small apartment and he handed me some towels to wrap around myself. He scratched the back of his head and laughed sheepishly, "Sorry, I don't have any extra clothes for you, dattebayo."
I shrugged and noticed a fireplace tucked in the corner, "You've done more then enough man, but I wouldn't mind if you lit a warm fire over there," I smiled at him and he tilted his head before smiling softly back.
I watched as he lit the wood all by himself, of course he used a match instead of attempting something as ridiculous as a fire style jutsu. I shook my head, my dream was getting to me.
Crouching next to the fire, I warmed my hands and dried my clothes. When the dampness was finally gone I settled on the couch, Naruto watching the whole time. From what I guessed it was around midnight, if the lines on his face were anything to go by, and we were both yawning profusely.
I saw the blond stand as he was about to go to bed when he looked at me lying on his couch, "How did you know my name?"
Smiling, I rolled over so my back was to him, "Maybe I'll answer in the morning, that is, if you want to talk to someone like me," and with that sleep claimed me.
The next day after my entrance failure, I found it strange waking up in the same room I had fallen asleep in. I had thought I was dreaming, even if it didn't seem relevant.
I yawned and stretched when suddenly breakfast was handed to me in a steaming cup.
"Here!" Naruto said with a bright smile, "I waited for you so you can eat."
"Thanks dude," I said just as my stomach let out a loud growl. I laughed it off and ate awkwardly with my chopsticks. Don't get me wrong I'm a natural when it comes to chopsticks; I just don't slurp up noodle very often.
Naruto produced a cup of his own and we ate in a somewhat awkward silence until Naruto finally piped up, "Uh lady I have to go to school. It was fun and all but you have to leave now…" I noticed he sounded a little sad and I gave him a smile reassuring that we'll meet again soon.
I smiled at him, "It's quite alright. Thanks for the help-" as I stood up he gripped my arm.
"Wait! I still want to know how you knew my name dattebayo!"
I blinked, "It's because... I know you're the holder of the nine-tails," his body stiffened as his hand fell from my arm. I squatted next to him, looking into his cerulean orbs, they were a lot bluer in real life, "but that doesn't matter. It's what in here that counts," I tapped him lightly on the chest, where his heart was. As I stood I got that feeling one only gets when they know they did something right without consequences.
Naruto looked up at me, half expecting me to flee from his presence, I could tell by the look in his eye.
I ruffled his hair before smiling and letting myself out.
When I turned around I saw an orange blur as he ran across the rooftops, the action made me grin.
As I walked I realized I had no where to go. Without anything to do the only thing I could do was walk around, shoeless as well.
I looked dirty, and I was gross, maybe I should have waited until he left so I could at least pop in a quick shower, no that would've been rude of me.
The day wore on and by the time afternoon was upon us my stomach was growling like a cat that has just been deprived of catnip, and my entire being was about ninety-nine percent filthier then it was this morning.
While I continued to wander, I came across a small stand with red Japanese writing across curtains. The smell of ramen assaulted my senses and if I was in Naruto's world that could only mean one thing, I was standing in front of Ichiraku's. My mind blew up in all kinds of ways, from the smell, there was no way I was dreaming, which left one question, why was I here to begin with? Ignoring said question, I felt myself move towards the delicious smell of the ramen, I've had some good ramen in my life, I even got to go to live in Japan for vacation once, but I've never smelled anything such as what was currently in front of me.
My thoughts were interrupted by a soft elderly voice, "Can I get you anything Miss?"
I looked up into the kind face of the ramen guy, I felt bad for forgetting his name at the moment but I'm sure it would come to me later.
Sadly, I shook my head, "Ah sorry I was just enjoying the smell, sorry to bother you I'll be going now…"
"Hold on a minute! I can't have customers simply come in and smell my food without tasting any! Here, come in and have a bowl, first one's on the house," he gave me a wink and within a few moments a bowl full of ramen was on the table. My mouth began to water uncontrollably.
I shook my head, "Oh, no I couldn't-" my stomach betrayed me as it howled like a wolf on a full moon.
"I think the rest of you says otherwise, come on I don't mind," with less reluctance, I sat down. After one bite, I think I forgot to chew and soon it was gone, Naruto was right, Ichiraku's ramen is the best.
With that notion, speak of the devil and he shall appear, Naruto walked in talking very animatedly to tired looking Iruka.
"And anyway… hey look Sensei it's that lady I was talking about earlier!"
He pointed at me and I stared back, water half raised to my lips, I put the glass down and smiled, "Hey there kid."
Iruka looked slightly shocked yet slightly amused that I seemed so well off with the isolated Naruto, "You two know each other?" he asked before sliding into a seat next to me.
I nodded and Naruto came over and I ruffled his hair, "Yeah last night when it was raining, he found me and let me stay the night since I had no where else to go."
Iruka smiled but his eyes revealed that he was slightly peeved, "That was very kind of you Naruto, but you shouldn't let strangers into your home."
Naruto's shoulders sank, "I know but… but she knew my name Iruka-sensei! I've seen everyone in Konoha so I know she's not from around, and she's wearing different clothes from us!"
I was once again reminded how awful I must have looked and I unconsciously brushed off the dirt and smoothed down my greasy hair.
Iruka smiled again, damn it he was cute not going to lie here, he was adorable as fuck I literally wanted to squeeze him to mush… that was probably too much information.
Unfortunately he was one of my favorite yaoi pairs so I was a little sad to say no to my heart otherwise I probably would've tried to date him.
A bell chimed inside Ichiraku and I saw that it was nearing nine, I slid off the seat and waved to the duo, "It was nice to see you again Naruto but I should probably go now," I needed to find a nice secluded spot to sleep in.
"Wait Miss, do you have anywhere to stay?"
I shook my head, "At the moment no but it's alright I'll manage I only plan to be like this until I get my bearings properly."
"You could stay at my place if you'd like, I'd feel terrible for letting you sleep out on the streets granite they are very safe but still…"
So hot and so kind, God damn I was half wondering if he was gay, or if he hasn't had a girlfriend in a really long time.
Part of me was hoping it was the latter and the other half hoping for the former. I stared at him for a few moments before straightening my shirt. Looking at him I blinked a few times, "Are you sure?"
He nodded and smiled. I noticed a warmth in his eyes that I realized had been there even in the anime, no matter how brief his scene was, "It's no trouble."
Iruka and I sat, talking about whatever, while Naruto ate his fill of noodles. When the young lad was finally sated for the night we took him home and afterwords made a sharp turn towards another set of apartments, where Iruka lived.
We walked into his cozy little apartment, a few plants were on the patio and quite a few photos dotted the walls. Most of them I assumed to be former students of his when I saw the classroom with the rookie nine in it. I smiled at Naruto's beaming smile, Sasuke's angry glare, and Sakura's annoying fan girl look, at the time neither of them knowing yet that they'd make a three man squad.
Iruka let me shower and had left a fresh set of clothing for me to wear. It was a large shirt and comfortable loose pants that I could fully relax in. I walked out and saw Iruka marking papers and I stood next to him.
He finally noticed me after a few minutes and jumped, "Oh! You scared me sorry I was so focused I didn't see you there."
I smiled, "It's alright, by the way I wanted to say thanks for letting me stay here tonight. I'll try to find a way to repay you somehow."
He waved his hand in dismissal, "Oh it's no trouble I'm just glad you're alright I'd feel terrible if something had happened and I could have done something to prevent it."
I stuck out my hand, "Thanks anyway, name's Molly," it honestly wasn't but I've always liked the name Molly - even if it was a name for a drug - and if this was a world where no one knew me, it was way more fun to use a different name.
"Molly… that's an interesting name, I'm Iruka," he took my hand and shook it firmly and smiled before going back to marking.
"Would you like me to make you some coffee or something?" I asked.
"Um… no… well, sure actually could it be hot cocoa? I'm not a fan of coffee, I don't like the gritty taste it leaves sometimes, and I really don't like the bitterness... oh now I'm rambling, also help yourself to anything in the kitchen if you'd like."
Going into his tidy kitchen, I looked around for something that would help me make hot chocolate the only problem was that there wasn't any instant powder. Instead I used some of the chocolate I found stashed in the back of the cupboard, it was all white chocolate so I had absolutely no idea how it would taste but I made it anyway.
Even though I normally wouldn't go with the "go ahead and help yourself to anything" offer, I honestly couldn't resist what looked to be freshly made cookies.
The cookies were mint, and really good, when the chocolate was beginning to melt I put in some water to dilute the pure chocolate flavor and I found his spice rack and remembering an old recipe my mom used I made what I always considered to be the best hot cocoa ever.
As I brought the cup over to him I tried my hardest not to spill since as stated I can be quite clumsy sometimes.
Iruka stared at for a second before taking a sip, "Wow this is delicious! What's in it if I may ask?"
I nodded and sat in the chair that was close to his desk, "I could only find white chocolate, so I melted that and put in a little water along with a whole potluck of spices ."
He swirled the drink around before taking another sip, "It's very good thank you," Iruka continued to mark and sip his drink while I looked out the open window. The breeze was cool and it kept me comfortable since the room was so warm.
Soon I was dozing off and I found it was easier to just fall asleep on the chair rather than to fight it and so with one final blink of my eyes, I fell asleep right there, on Iruka's couch, in Iruka's house, in the village of Konohagakure.
