Iruka had yawned loudly as he slipped down the stairs. Sheer and Celeste had been staying with him for the past six or so days and as much as he thought it would be weird, he was getting used to it. In fact, he rather enjoyed coming home to cooked meals by Sheer and smiles from Celeste.

The Hokage had been notified that they would be staying at his and she seemed to understand immediately, but it left him feeling slightly overwhelmed, as though there was something significant he was missing.

He had hoped to spend the days getting to know Sheer but he was only able to watch her through Celeste or from afar.

After visiting the hospital, she had been placed on the same high rank medic team as Shizune, resulting in her being busy for the most part of the day. Other than that, she'd find a slot in which she'd come round and prepare a dinner for everyone. It was always something different and tasty, but Iruka couldn't help but feel slightly put off, whatwith her being away all day long.

And even if she was around, she'd be tidying up, doing to laundry, chores etc. And to top it all off, if she wasn't out with Shizune or ironing the sheets she was fast asleep. Utterly exhausted and blatantly overworked.

Iruka felt sympathetic towards the girl as he tucked her up on the sofa one early afternoon. He had lingered on her hair for a moment longer than he usually would, staring and wondering how he could see what's behind her hard exterior.
He sighed, planting a ghost kiss on her cheek before beginning to walk away.

It took him completely by surprise when, with his back turned, he heard her sleep woven voice call out to him.
"Wait, Iruka..."
He turned hesitantly, smiling softly at his friend. He slowly returned to her side and squatted down to be on eye level with her.

"You need to get some rest. You're too tired and the festival later on will exhaust you even more."

She simply gazed at him, he cheeks flushing. But he didn't flush this time, he simply remained unreadable.

This made Sheer anxious.

"Can you do me a favor?"

"Depends what it is."

She slowly sat up, her eyes fixed on the ground.

"I've been thinking about it a lot, and I think-"

"What is it She-"

"Kiss me."

He looked shocked at her statement, unsure at how to act. He simply blinked and gazed right into her sad eyes.

He gulped, not knowing what to do with himself.

"I-I'm n-not the best at t-these things." he stumbled, face turning redder by the moment.

His heart was racing.

"You don't have to. I understand." She said sadly, smiling to her lap.

"No! Of course I want to kiss you-" he looked around to make sure Celeste wasn't lurking," I just didn't expect you to want one from me when there's others like Genma, Raidou, Kakashi..."

He hesitated, observing her reaction and he noticed her slight cringe at Kakashi. Something happened between them two...

But in that moment, he truly did not care. She asked him to kiss her and he truly wanted to. He wanted to bring back that light in her eyes. SO without further ado, he got to his knees and with a shaky hand, reached out towards her gentle jawline. His large hands cupped her face, pulling it upwards and forcing her golden orbs to meet his. His eyes searched hers for answers to her sould- why was she like this? What was in her past? Why did she keep it all locked up inside?

He continued to draw her closer, his heart pounding in his head, the blood rushing through his ears.

And at the moment in which their lips finally met, it felt euphoric. Ripples of sensation were sent tumbling through the two, causing their nerves to dance with complete joy.

It was a feather kiss-barely even there. But in that one kiss, it affected Sheer tenfold of what Kakashi had done to her that night.

One simple kiss was all she needed.

And as she pulled away, she smiled at him.