"Sir, ma'am, I'm here!" Komatsu breathed a heavy sigh of relief; she'd made it.
"Ah, Komatsu-san, welcome!" A young woman, brown hair locked away by a strip of cloth, approached her. "Here's your apron, go get ready for a good night's work!"
"Y-Yeah! Thanks Ayame-san!" Slipping past her, Komatsu quickly stripped off her academy clothes and instead donned a white blouse, trousers, cap and shoes. The apron was still a little big for her, and read 'Ichiraku Ramen'. "Ready, Ayame-san," she called, but where the girl had been before was now a middle aged man. "Oh, Teuchi-san. I hope you are well," Komatsu bowed.
He gave her a wrinkled smile, placing a hand on her head. "No need to be so formal, kid," he chided lightly. "Now can you go and open up? I believe we already have a customer." Loud yelling could be heard from beyond the counter. Komatsu felt a little anxious as she turned on the lights, ringing the bell. Rowdy customers always intimidated her a little, but Teuchi always took care of it well enough.
"Welcome!" She called, biting her lip. Oh god what if they didn't hear her? What if they came in arguing? Maybe she could stay out the back, even if every time she tried to make ramen the broth would wash over her like hot, angry waves. "C-Come in!"
"Yesss! Ramen!" A blonde knucklehead bounded in, Iruka in tow. "You're paying, right Iruka-sensei?!" His eyes gleamed, fidgeting with his goggles.
"Sadly," the other man grumbled before catching sight of Komatsu. "Komatsu-san! I didn't know you worked nights?" He and his student took their seats and he gazed up at her inquisitively.
"You work here, Komatsu-san?! That's so cool! Hey old man, why couldn't I get a job here?!" Naruto demanded of the store owner, slamming his hand down on the counter.
"Because you're too loud, Naruto-kun," Teuchi replied casually approaching the counter. "And that'd be bad for business having our regular customer as an employee-you'd demand free stock!" He laughed heartily, patting Komatsu on the shoulder. "Komatsu-chan here on the other hand is quiet, respectful and doesn't even take anything!"
Naruto looked rather put out, but didn't say anything more on the subject and instead plopped onto his seat. "Well you know what I want! The usual, old man!"
"I guess I'll have the same as him," Iruka mumbled tiredly. He did however make the effort to ruffle his pupil's hair as he handed over the money. "So, have the two of you been studying hard for exams?" Both students froze in place. Naruto whistled nonchalantly glancing away, whilst Komatsu laughed in a jittery manner, not nearly as confident in her avoidance. "I'll take that as a no."
"It's not that I don't study!" Komatsu protested. "I just have...trouble with it..." She trailed off, twirling a piece of her hair. Iruka begged to differ but unfortunately, she was given an excuse to change the subject. "Here are your orders! Please enjoy them!" Ayame smiled from beside her, squeezing her shoulder as if to praise her. Well at least if I fail at being a ninja, I know I have a career as a waitress... Komatsu knew there wasn't any real point to her job. Ayame and Teuchi could easily handle all customers and cooking. But like always, they owed a favour to her grandmother and took pity on her. It used to bother her immensely, but like with all things, Komatsu learnt to adapt and accept.
She stepped backwards and turned; the two were having their own time now. Besides, there were dishes to be washed! The girl hummed to herself as she worked, forgetting future responsibilities and past tragedies. Sometimes, a little mundane was a good thing.
"Iruka-kun, you're not leaving without paying, are you?" Teuchi leant against the counter, grinning triumphantly as the teacher stopped in his path. "That wouldn't be a very good example to set to your students, would it?" Although Naruto had long fled, leaving Iruka with the tab. Komatsu giggled quietly to herself, turning the other cheek.
"N-No, T-Teuchi-san, I'd never!" Iruka stuttered, bringing his hands up. "I was, just, uh..." He didn't have the courage to continue and instead placed the appropriate amount in the old man's hands and walked out stiffly. "Don't forget to study, Komatsu-san!" He still managed to call out, making the said girl sigh.
"Yes Iruka-sensei..." She drawled when he was out of earshot, immersing herself in her cleaning...she had to do something right.
"You know, it is getting late Komatsu-chan. Your grandmother would want you home soon; do you need me to escort you?" Teuchi looked down at her wrinkled hands with a kind smile, petting her head. "You've done a good job tonight."
She flushed from the praise and quickly rinsed the dishes, shaking her head. "No! I'm fine, I swear! It's only a little walk, so it's fine!" She assured him, rubbing her hands and wiping them on her apron. "Thank you, Teuchi-san, Ayame-san!" Komatsu bowed to them, packing away her things.
"Until our next shift, Komatsu-san," Ayame waved her off, cheery as always.
She gets along fine without being a ninja...She thought to herself with a bitter taste in her mouth. But Teuchi also made money, one of the wealthier civilians of Konoha. And yet ninjas made more money than gardeners. Now she looked about, it was rather late. Most decent folk had already left the streets and were probably tucked away safely into their homes. The shadows crawled along the walls, and lurked in alleyways each side of her. Komatsu flinched every time they came close, waving her bag in its general direction in vain. Her granny had once told her; attack first and they may just retreat if they're a petty thug. If not then run. Well that last bit was her own advice. Her grandmother would have her hammer a ruffian into the ground with a melon if she had to.
"Grandmother? Are you awake?" She whispered as she entered their home, treading quietly on the floorboards. When no answer was given, she sighed, dropped the left over noodles and stumbled to her room. Her grandmother would be fine for a night. "Being a ninja better pay well," she mumbled into her pillow, letting sleep take her in its arms...
"Grandmother, it's sunrise." Komatsu gently prodded the wrinkled woman, grimacing as she shifted in her covers; maybe she should just leave her be? Unfortunately, she quickly stirred, grumbling and mumbling.
"I know what time it is, girl. Are you ready for the day?" She rubbed her eyes, squinting in the dimly lit room at her granddaughter.
"Yes, Grandmother."
"Good, because it's going to be a long one." A calloused hand pet her cheek and Komatsu winced.
Isn't it always?
Sorry this is a really filler like chapter ^^; As I write I want people to see Komatsu's character more than anything since yknow, yall know the plot of Naruto inside out by now. More very soon since I'm off school for the year, yay! Please review, I love to hear your suggestions, comments or requests!