It's been two months since Iruka started the casual greeting tradition that he and Sakura had going on. And that was the only thing that happened.
Either Iruka was busy with a mission or the two would pass each other by in a crowd without even knowing.
Sakura didn't even get the chance to give Iruka the extra book she made her mom buy.
Letting out another sigh Sakura continued walking down the streets of Konagakure, the book she had for herself hugged tightly against her chest.
She was planning on heading to the library to read. The aroma of coffee and a nice shady corner as she read a book was pure bliss to a bookworm like her
Yet her eyes kept darting around the streets hoping to see Iruka.
She didn't know why she was so interested in him, perhaps it was because he saved her from Ami? That he actually complimented her hair? Or maybe because he was one of the nicest people she knew?
Regardless, Sakura knew she should get rid of her new pass time of purposely taking different routes on the risk that she'll be able to say hello to the boy.
She didn't want to come off as creepy.
'Speak of the devil...'
"And he shall appear" she finished out loud staring at Iruka's back
Iruka didn't seem to be aware of her gaze as he casually strolled through the village.
Without a second thought Sakura sped up to try and catch up with the boy's faster pace. It didn't take long for her to fall into step with him
"H-hi Iruka-san" she greeted still looking straight ahead, she wanted to play it cool. And yet she couldn't help but take small glances at him
"Oh, hey Sakura"
For some reason his greeting lacked the usual energy and vigor it usually does.
Sakura turned to him with a worried look "Is something wrong Iruka-san?"
Iruka blinked before turning to her as if he finally noticed her, "Sakura, could you help me out with something?"
Sakura nodded slowly, unsure if she can truly help the boy out but willing to try.
Iruka gave her an assuring smile before crouching down in front of her
"Umm..." Sakura frowned in confusion
"Get on" Iruka instructed
"Oh"
Sakura swears she could have died out of embarrassment in that very moment.
'Die after you help Iruka out'
Sakura was so out of her comfort zone that she nodded not even questioning the voice in her head
Hesitantly she wrapped her hands around the boy's neck.
She let out a small yelp when he suddenly held her legs and jumped towards a roof
Her heart was beating fast out of fright as Iruka ran from roof to roof as fast as the wind, her eyes were closed tightly as she hugged Iruka tighter
Iruka didn't make any comment at her reaction, but he had a slight smile filled with amusement
"Just a little longer, okay Sakura?"
He could feel Sakura nod hesitantly, her hair tickling his neck slightly
Sakura wasn't sure how long it took, but eventually her stomach did one last flip when Iruka jumped back down to the ground
She slowly got off of the older boy, though she couldn't help but feel a bit light headed. She checked to see if both she and the book were safe
Then Sakura surveyed her surroundings, she and Iruka stood in front of a flower shop making her even more curious
"Ano, why exactly are we here Iruka-san?" Sakura asked
"You take Kunoichi classes, right Sakura?" Iruka asked
Sakura nodded, "Hai"
"Then I'll be borrowing your brains a bit" Iruka said motioning for Sakura to enter the shop
Sakura followed his instructions by walking into the shop, her book still clutched against her chest as she quietly greeted the clerk
The clerk smiled at her and Iruka, "Good afternoon!"
Iruka smiled and greeted the clerk back.
After sharing greeting the clerk went back to reading a magazine while Iruka walked towards a shelve filled with different bouquets
Sakura stumbled behind him still confused as to why exactly she was there
"Ano, am I here to help pick flowers?" Sakura asked
"Ah, yes. I'm actually dense when it comes to flowers, so I don't know which ones are appropriate for the dead" Iruka explained sheepishly
"Oh"
"And I was wondering if you could help? They do teach you about flowers in the academy, right?"
Sakura nodded, "Hai, mostly for espionage, but the teachings could be applied for everyday situations too"
"I see, I hope I'm not bothering you"
"N-no! I'm happy to help!" Sakura assured stepping up in front of the flowers
Iruka stood quietly behind her as she observed the flowers
Sakura then nodded lifting her hands up to try and grab a bouquet, but she was too short to reach it
Iruka didn't even blink as he lifted her up earning a surprised yelp
Sakura couldn't help but flush in embarrassment as she quickly grabbed the bouquet "D-done!" she squeaked
She breathed a sigh of relief once her feet touched the ground
"Then let's go" Iruka easily said
Sakura nodded and followed behind Iruka as the boy paid for the flowers not even inquiring about them
This time they walked at a civilian pace making small talk
Iruka talking about some missions he had to complete during the week while Sakura talked about either books or what they were teaching in the academy
Sakura failed to notice the fact that they had walked to Konoha's cemetery, but when she did she didn't make any comment, she didn't want to make things awkward
Eventually Iruka paused in front of a grave causing her to stop walking as well
Ruka Umino
Irumaru Umino
Sakura wasn't an idiot, judging by the date of birth and the date of death she deduced that they were Iruka's parents
"My condolences" Sakura softly said
"Thank you" Iruka said in the same tone, only more sadness laced in it
Sakura merely nodded
"What does those flowers mean?" Iruka asked trying to change the subject
"They're orchids, mostly given on funerals, meaning I will always love you" Sakura explained as Iruka placed down the bouquet
"They're perfect, thank you Sakura"
"...you're welcome Iruka-san" Sakura gave a slight smile
She observed quietly as Iruka prayed for his parents
'I finally know how blessed I am to still have mine...it must have been hard for Iruka-san' she thought to herself
Without really thinking about it she crouched down next to Iruka, her eyes closed in order to pray as well
She never realized the surprised look Iruka sent her before he closed his eyes again, a more natural smile on his face
.
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Fifth stage we prayed together
.
.
"Why did you choose to visit them today Iruka-san?" Sakura curiously asked
Iruka blinked at the question as the two of them exited the cemetery "Today's my fifteenth birthday"
"Eh?! I didn't know that!" Sakura exclaimed in surprise
Iruka chuckled at her, "I probably didn't tell you, speaking of which when is your birthday?"
"Mine was two months ago, I turned eight" Sakura answered
"Then happy late birthday"
Sakura flushed, "T-thank you"
"Was there anything you wanted?" Iruka curiously asked
Sakura quickly shook her head no
"Oh, well is there anything you want now?" Iruka asked
Sakura took a moment to think about it, if there was something she wanted it would be to spend some more time with Iruka or for to get stronger
"Well?"
"Eh..?" Sakura snapped out of her trance before nodding, "I w-want you to train me for a w-week!" she blurted out
Iruka blinked at her, "Just that?" he asked in a surprised tone
Playing with the cover of the book Sakura nodded shyly
"Well if that would make you happy I guess I could teach you a thing or two" Iruka mused
Sakura perked up "Really?"
"Really" Iruka assured
Sakura couldn't help the smile that bloomed on her face, "Thank you!" she'd get to spend time with Iruka and train, it was like a gift from heaven!
"Then we'll start on Sunday, I'll pick you up from your home" Iruka said
Sakura nodded in agreement
"So I guess I should walk you home so I'll know the way?" Iruka suggested
"O-of course!" Sakura flushed out of embarrassment as she started walking to her house
Iruka easily keeped up with her
.
.
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Sixth stage we wished the other a happy birthday
.
.
"I'll see you on Sunday then" Iruka said ruffling Sakura's hair
"W-wait," Sakura mumbled causing Iruka to pause and look down at her curiously
"Happy birthday" Sakura smiled shyly handing Iruka the book she had in her arms the whole time
Iruka seemed surprised before he gave her a wide smile "Thank you"
A/N : Fluffy, but meh~!
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Disclaimer : I don't own Naruto
