Language of flowers
It was not uncommon to see Kakashi at the Yamanaka flower shop asking for beautiful and simple flowers. But this time the (now) silver haired retired ninja has a special request and it goes without saying that he was a little nervous about all that it meant.
"Hello. Good afternoon. I'd like to order a bouquet now, if it's not too much trouble."
The man who was tending the place (apparently a civilian) raised his head startled and grabbing a notebook, began to ask what kind of bouquet Kakashi wanted.
"Hello! If you do not have an order in advance, the cost of the bouquet will be 15% more expensive. Do you agree?"
"Sure, money is not a problem. These flowers are going to commemorate something special and it has to be as perfect as possible."
"Oh, then tell me how you want it to be and what flowers that bouquet will have."
"Okay. I'm not an expert in the language of flowers, but I want to make this something special."
"I want him to have sorrel, to represent the eternal patience of my beloved, achilleas because he was a fighter, oleanders to show that he seduced me the moment I saw him, lavender because I fell in love with him at first sight, wallflower to show that his beauty is eternal and because I love him in spite of everything, azaleas for his temperance and comfort, and red carnations with camellias to show that I love him and will love him until the day I die. And if you can put red and white flowers I would appreciate it."
The Yamanaka stared and thought about the specific flowers this client wanted, especially the final combination and diversity of flowers that showed the longing and love this client felt for the other person. However, work is work and he was nobody to judge.
"Mister. Do you want to wait here or have it shipped to an address? "
"I'll wait here, thank you very much."
And with that, the ex copy-nin went to wait in one of the many chairs that the place had to look forward to the bouquet of flowers. He had some very good news to share with Iruka and he was already eager to say it.
After 3 hours of waiting plus the payment of the flowers, Kakashi was ready and walking towards Iruka's direction. He only regret the delay, but he knew the other man was waiting for him.
But with each step more anxious he became and imagined the reaction of his love. Would he be happy he? Excited? Would he cry? Kakashi wasn't sure.
However, the uncertainty came as an uninvited friend when he stood in front of the place where the long-haired man was resting. He felt the courage go like water between his fingers but grasping the bouquet of flowers with more force, he entered the cemetery and went towards the direction of Iruka's grave. It didn't matter that his chest started to hurt every time he walked in, this time it was a special occasion.
With trembling breath and already feeling tears in her eyes, she stood in front of the eternal resting place of the person she had loved the most in life and left the beautiful bouquet of flowers on the tombstone.
"Iruka, forgive me. I know you never liked seeing me cry but now I couldn't help it.
"I have good news," he said in a shaky voice. "Naruto is getting married to Hinata, do you remember you always said "Hinata will be the one to propose because Naruto is such an idiot?" And yes, you were right, she was the one who proposed to Naruto.
Laughing a bit and reassuring himself, Kakashi continued.
"From what they told me, they were cooking ramen when she goes to her room and arrives with the rings while Naruto was on the stove stirring the noodles."
"It was kind of hilarious, according to Hinata, because Naruto stared like a fish ..."
"Besides, our favorite blonde is getting closer and closer to becoming a Hokage. I resigned from office two days ago and you don't know how much freedom it feels to not have so much burden on your shoulders."
"Obviously I told Naruto that I would always be there for him and his family, but that he would no longer be an active ninja. I am already too old for this new generation. And now I just hope to become the great and fabulous grandfather of his children."
"Iruka, I miss you, you don't know how much. I love you and I could never find a reason for fate to take you away from us."
Ignoring the hot tears running down his cheeks, Kakashi continued speaking.
"You left us so quickly Iruka. That illness was not fair to anyone, especially to you, who had so much desire to live. And seeing you so emaciated, so weak and so small, without much strength..."
"But life continued, as you told me it would but my pain has not disappeared. Naruto grew even more, the academy took your recommendations and the orphanage has more income towards orphans. You cannot imagine, Iruka, how much you helped to change and improve in Konoha and you are not here to see the changes."
"I just hope that you are waiting for me wherever you are because I am waiting to see you."
"Aaah. Bye Iruka. Hope to see you soon."
Looking a little more at the cold stone and the photograph of a smiling Iruka and not wanting to wipe his cheeks, Kakshi turned and left the cemetery, only smiling a little when a light breeze caressed his face.
End.