Title: Flowers For Iruka-sensei
Author: SirenM
Category: Romance (definitely but the rest is unsure as of yet)
Keywords: Flowers. Secret Admirers. The wooing of Iruka-sensei.
Rating: Gen for now
Spoilers: none that I know of, anyway. It's AU set before the Chuunin Exams.
Summary: It happened one morning, Iruka finds a bouquet of flowers from a secret admirer. Then the next morning he receives yet another. Is someone hell bent on wooing everyone's favourite chuunin sensei? Last Update! Complete with explanations!
Disclaimer: The characters and world of Naruto was created and owned by Masashi Kishimoto. Honestly, if I owned this would I be writing fanfics? Oh, I forgot about this in the first few parts, I got the meanings of the flowers from these websites: Flowers and their Victorian Meanings, The Language of Flowers and Language of Flowers, by Meanings.
Chapter 5
Friday afternoon, Iruka was briefing the Hokage on the reports that the various Jounins and Chuunins had handed in that morning.
When the dolphin finally finished, Sandaime nodded, still puffing away at his pipe. Then the dark haired Shinobi looked up, in time to catch the elder smiling… scarily, Iruka's mind clicked warily. As if he was planning something mischevious. It didn't seem right that a smile like that would be on the lips of Sandaime, Naruto maybe, even on Iruka it wouldn't seem so out of place (he was a prankster once, after all) but the Hokage?!
Iruka had scratched his head, feeling a little worried (very worried actually). Then, he posed the question that had inevitably stamped 'Death by Embarrassment' on his own forehead.
"Hokage-sama, is there… has something happened? Why are you so happy?" Iruka asked naively.
"Oh no, nothing has happened," Sandaime inserted quickly. Then, with another twitch at the corner of his mouth, he asked, "So, Iruka, have you found out who sent you the flowers?"
Iruka stared wide-eyed at his father figure, knowing in horror, that his face must have turned beetroot red by now.
"Ah, Iruka, it's nothing to be embarrassed about," the kindly elder told him. "In fact, you should appreciate the fact that someone appreciates you."
"Sou ka," Iruka answered awkwardly. He didn't say anything as he stood under the scrutiny of the elderly. The Hokage sighed.
"Iruka, something is bothering you, isn't it?" Sandaime asked, "Why do you find it so difficult to accept the fact that someone values you?"
"But…but why? I don't understand. I just don't! Why would anyone want to waste so much time doing all this? Why waste time on me?" Iruka burst, frustration building within his chest. Clenching his fists, he tried to block the sadness and anger he felt when his mind conjured the possibility that this… this… sweet wondrous yet torturing experience is nothing but just a cruel prank. "I'm not… I'm not…" … worth it… he wanted to finish but the Sandaime didn't let him.
"Iruka, in your case, it's not a matter of why, it's a matter of who," Sandaime interrupted gently.
Iruka looked up from the ground. Sandaime was smiling kindly at him, not pitying nor mocking. Hokage was never mocking, not to Iruka. None of them were. They liked him too much to play any pranks like this to him. Even for revenge sake, those people who had fell victim to his pranks in the past had never shown any grudge towards him, only good natured humor.
"Iruka, perhaps what the person wants to tell you is that sometimes, you have to open your eyes to know that people love you for who you are," Sandaime advised, "and that perhaps what you are humble about are what people love about you. Maybe they only want to tell you that they appreciate you."
Iruka stared at the Hokage, blinking a few times before wiping away the tears of frustration. The elderly had seen him cry times before so he made no move to hide his tears.
Another point of his courage, Hokage thought to himself. While normally, men would keep from releasing their frustration and tears to give an impression of strength, Iruka never hid his feelings even in the possible event that he might get hurt. He believed in caring for people even when all rules of Shinobi dictate that one should not. And the Hokage trust that the dolphin-named teacher would continue to no matter what. That was why the Sandaime entrust Iruka wholeheartedly with the children, the future of Konoha. It was the care that made them stronger.
"Iruka," the Hokage sighed, regret for causing pain to his favourite teacher gnawing at this heart. But it had to be done. "Maybe, just maybe, whoever is sending the flowers is not only trying to tell you that you should give them a chance but also to give yourself a chance."
Iruka looked up from staring at his feet in embarrassment from having blown up in a childish tantrum. He opened his mouth to ask what the Hokage meant but was once again interrupted.
"How long since the last time you went out with someone?" that Hokage asked blatantly. Iruka blushed three shades of red and closed his mouth.
Sandaime didn't bother to wait for an answer, he didn't need to. He already knew the answer to Iruka's non-existent love life.
"Perhaps it's my fault for having given you so many missions and duties that it kept you so busy that you didn't even have time to have a social life," the elderly man sighed.
"It's not!" Iruka intercepted quickly, alarmed. How could anyone blame them self for his own fault? It was clearly his own since he was the one that didn't give any thought and chance to…
Oh. Iruka thought to himself, suddenly feeling… enlightened.
Sandaime was looking at him, waiting.
Iruka closed his eyes and nodded in understanding. This time, he really did understand.
When Iruka reached the office, he found a small bouquet of frail white and lavender Heather sitting on his table.
On the purple card wrote:
Protection for the one I bestow my admiration.
May your wishes come true… Always…
The others at the office just smiled, not mocking, not mischievously, they just… smiled.
Iruka smiled back at them, a blush dusting lightly on his cheek. He moved the flowers to the side of his desk and continued on his work. It was in plain view of everyone but he didn't make any move to hide it.
That evening, he placed all the cards he had received in a box and kept it in his bedside drawer.
Looking back at his now colourfully flowered apartment, Iruka decided that he should visit his parents for a while. On the way to the cenotaph, he stopped by the Yamanaka flower shop and bought a bouquet of pink carnations.
The next day was a Saturday. He opened his front door and closed it after him as he left for work.
There were no flowers that day. There wasn't a need for it.
Naruto turned up at the Academy that afternoon, waiting for him to take him out to Ichiraku for ramen.
"We haven't gone for the entire week!" the blonde chirped enthusiastically, his big blue eyes scrunching adorably.
"Because you've so busy," Iruka quipped back in mock-sarcasm, "every time I went to look for you, you weren't at home."
Naruto gave an awkward laugh, scratching the back of his head nervously but didn't come up with any excuse.
Iruka didn't wait for any. He continued walking towards the Ramen stall as the teen squawked indignantly for being left behind. Iruka teased him all the way there.
It was on the way back home when Iruka glimpsed something at the corner of his eyes that made him double back. What he saw nearly made him burst out in laughter.
A street away, Gekkou Hayate was nodding shyly to something Shiranui Genma had said. Normally, it was nothing to fuss about but to see a blushing Genma was something to be reckoned with. Iruka ducked away, trying to hold down his laughter, but not before he caught a glimpse of Genma presenting a bouquet of colourful ranunculus to Hayate.
He passed Sunday as usual, cleaning up the house, drying the flowers that were beginning to wither and reluctantly throwing away the shrunken acacias. He cooked a large amount of food for that evening, expecting Naruto to arrive to have dinner with him. The thought that the eternally hungry blond would not come didn't even pass his mind.
It was evening when suddenly, there was a knock on his front door.
Iruka opened the door to find Kakashi with a bouquet of flowers. The dolphin blinked, more surprised to see Kakashi using the front door than seeing the flowers.
"Kakashi-sensei, what are you doing here?" Iruka asked, staring at the usually-casual-looking man, who looked strangely uncomfortable. There was a blush on his face that Iruka has never seen before. (Only because he hadn't looked closely ;o)
"Uh, It's for you," the silver haired jounin said somewhat awkwardly.
"Ah, Arigatou," Iruka took the flowers.
"I, uh, found them on your porch," Kakashi said, just as the thought that what he said sounded very lame crossed his mind. He thought that Iruka would most likely not believe, and would probably react by throwing the flowers into his face and slamming the door or something like that.
But he didn't. Instead, the dolphin smiled.
"Thank you for telling me about them. Who knows how long they'd have ended out there without me knowing," Iruka said.
Kakashi merely blinked.
"Ah," the scarecrow replied awkwardly, and then he straightened. "Just came by to tell you that Naruto can't come because he passed out after this afternoon's training."
"Ah, Arigatou, Kakashi-sensei, for telling me," Iruka nodded, still smiling gently despite the fact that he felt his heart throbbed with pain at the thought of eating dinner at home alone.
"Your welcome," Kakashi answered back politely, smiling his single arch-for eye smile. Then the scarecrow turned around and was about to bid the dolphin goodbye when the said dolphin called him back.
"Kakashi-sensei."
Kakashi turned. Iruka was still standing at his front door, smiling.
"Would you like to have dinner with me?" the adorable pony-tailed teacher asked.
Kakashi felt his lips stretch into a smile. With his eyes closed to indicate that he was happy (very happy, in fact) with the idea, he nodded.
"Okay."
There was no card in the bouquet of Jonquils. There wasn't a need for there to be one. Iruka watered them, put them into a vase and placed them on the dinner table.
They ate in comfortable silence while Iruka wondered about things like did Kakashi liked his tempura? Was it too soggy? Does Kakashi want some more? Does he have enough to eat? Is his cooking alright?
Never once did his mind go to the flowers.
Kakashi commented off-handedly that he was a very lucky man to be eating food cooked by Iruka (he have no idea turns green with jealousy). Iruka smiled and blushed happily.
After the meal, Iruka served the scarecrow with a healthy helping of apple pie, which suspiciously seems as if it was home baked, so Kakashi asked. Iruka just blushed and replied, yes, its home made. Kakashi looked immensely impressed and asked if he could have another slice.
The evening ended when Kakashi finally announced that he had to go (because he had a mission and it doesn't help that he was already 3 hours late). Reluctantly, Iruka saw him to the door.
Both of them stood awkwardly at the door. Kakashi lingered for a while, before he shrugged. Iruka tilted his head to the side, wonderingly. Kakashi smiled at him.
"This feels like a date," the silver Jounin commented. Iruka ducked his head and then nodded.
"Then, I guess it has to end like one too, ne."
Iruka looked back up to ask what he meant but was stopped. Kakashi had leaned over him and kissed him on the lips (through his mask).
"Well," Kakashi said, eye in a half circle, "I'll see you tomorrow, na, Iruka-sensei? Ja na!"
Then the scarecrow disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
But Iruka continued to stare for a full minute, completely frozen over at the doorway. Then he slammed the door, face a total beetroot red.
I need… Iruka thought desperately, trying not to think about the kiss or Kakashi for that matter, I need…to clean up the house! No, wait, I need to check the children's homework! No, No, I already did that! I need… I need to…Gahhhhhhh, I need to think of what to cook tomorrow night!
Epilogue
The next morning, a large basket of flowers were sent from the Yamanaka Flower Shop.
Naruto was called to the office to see Sandaime that afternoon.
The blonde boy grinned happily at the sight of the large bouquet of mix flowers as Sandaime read the note from Ino about the basket consisting of stalks of purple Canterbury Bell, thin sprigs of Agrimonies, small white Bell Flowers and colourful Camellias. At the side of the artistically arranged basket, were small sprays of Hydrangeas.
In the middle of the bouquet, however, was a cluster of fiery red Rhododendron.
After words:
Before the explanations, I just wanted to tell you guys the meaning of the flowers.
Lavender Heather means Admiration or Solitude (both in which is true for Iruka)
White Heather means Protection or Wishes will come true.
Pink carnations means I'll never forget you.
Canterbury Bell, Bell Flower, Agrimony, Small White Bell Flower and Camellia all of them meaning Gratitude.
Hydrangea means Thank You for Understanding Me.
Rhododendron, however, means BEWARE. Bwahahhahahah!!! :op
Btw, can anyone guess what Jonquils mean? wink
In explanation to all this, it started out years ago when Sandaime, who thinks of Iruka like a son, noticed Iruka's obvious obliviousness. XD
Every time Iruka is approached by someone who is interested in him, Iruka would either react: a) have totally no clue as to what the other is saying or b) if the other is too blatant, run the other direction, blushing all way through.
This really chagrined the Hokage but he couldn't do anything about it. He didn't want to interpose too much of Iruka's life. Besides, he was busy with…whatever Hokages do.
The time came for Iruka's 25th B-day when the innocent little dolphin was taken to a strip bar by one of his colleagues (who was later severely punished for telling Naruto about the Kyuubi) Obviously, it was a bad thing to do. Iruka steered clear of women after that and blushed even more whenever someone so much as hint anything sexual. He was severely traumatized.
So, Sandaime decided to recruit little Naruto, who was like a little brother to the dolphin to help implement plans on opening Iruka's eyes to the people who cared for and possibly even loved him. In the conversation with Iruka, what Sandaime meant was that given the chance, any of the Shinobis would love to spent time with Iruka, even if it wasn't in a romantic sense. Iruka just have to understand that.
Anyway, after a long long whining, protesting and even sulking argument, (he was keen on being the only one to have Iruka's affections and attention) Naruto, finally agreed to help. This was reason why he was not in the fic much, because he was too busy running around with the flowers and notes. The problem now was how to come up with a plan to help the oblivious dolphin to be more perceptive to the people around him (especially those interested in him).
And thus, came the mission "Flowers for Iruka-sensei!" (The title should have been a clue!!) ;op
Now, to quote Evil Kasumi, "understand very well that giving someone a gift such as a flower does not automaticaly mean love. There's the friendship pairings, and aquaintence pairings aside to romantic pairings." She is very right in that sense, because love can be defined in many ways. Naruto loves Iruka, so does Sandaime. It just that their type of love is not the romatic or sexual type. winks. Get what I mean? Also, in the conservation between Iruka and Sandaime, the Hokage said that perhaps the flowers were meant to compliment him on the things they loved about him. The flowers always meant that they loved his simplicity, innocence, sweetness and adored that part of him and more. It was never said that they wanted to get into his pants or something like that. Note that Red Roses were never used (which means Passionate Love).
Anyway, the turning point of the story came when Anko (the person that she is) announced out loud to everyone that Iruka has someone interested in him in Chapter 3. That was when those that ARE interested in him begin to feel more desperate for his attention, thus, the suspicious behaviour that all of them portrayed. As was the case for Gai and Ebisu (who was also working quite hard to find out who was sending out the flowers to Iruka, only that he didn't have time to check out the borrowers namelist in the book before Iruka found him).
Anko was not in the plan in actuality. It was coincidence that fired the plan into working so effectively. Heck, that was the reason why they decided to send a second bouquet to the administration office in plain view of everyone.
In Chapter 4:
Iruka went to ask Ino about the flowers. She answered truthfully that no one had bought any flowers that MORNING. She never said anything about the evening before. Snicker Also, she lied about the money order. Naruto approached her to buy the sunflowers and upon learning what Naruto was going to do, she bashed him up. But that was before she learnt that Sandaime had a hand in it too. So, after learning about their plans and everything, she agreed to help out in the plans too. After all, who else knows the language of the flowers better than the Yamanakas?
The part where Iruka runs across Asuma, buying yellow zinnias was in fact not just a coincidence. It was actually a Henge no Jutsu, Shikamaru who was supposed to sent the flowers. This was 'requested' by, who else, Ino, of course. Why he choose to go as Asuma? Because he wouldn't be caught dead delivering flowers, that's why. Ino couldn't go because she was going out (as you well know) so she ahem 'asked' Shikamaru to sent the flowers.
Shikamaru: Mendokusai na.
SirenM: nods nods
Iruka: glares This is all your fault so don't complain!
SiM: pouts
There was a hint of it when he looked up at the sky and commented on the weather (because he would rather watch clouds than to do something so bothersome). He only added the last comments for the heck of it.
Why Asuma?
Well, naturally, students would think better of their own teacher than anyone's else. So, it was only natural that the children would pair Iruka-sensei with the second best person that they know of. Not their parents, obviously. I know, Asuma is not really a good choice, but then again, is Kakashi?
How did Kakashi know that Naruto is supposed to be meeting Iruka that night at his house?
Obviously, Naruto faked conking out after the training, slipping the little fact of his dinner meeting with Iruka to Kakashi before that. Blond boy maybe dumb sometimes but he's not entirely stupid. And why did he do it? Because he thinks highly of Kakashi-sensei despite the fact that he's lazy, always late, most of the time irresponsible and is entirely not good enough for Iruka-sensei. (:op)
Chapter 5;
Hayate's writing seemed to match the writing in the cards because they weren't his writing. :op Iruka was looking at the wrong section of the file. The writing was Sandaime's. If you read the half sentence again, you'll find that the Hokage wrote that as a side note. To make it worst, Iruka was reading the wrong file too, he was supposed to file it not process it. But given his mentality at that moment, you can't blame him.
And Genma really did find the flowers left out at the front of the administration office. Someone planted it there. (a certain blondie…)
So, why was he smiling after Iruka left with the bouquet?
Because the meanie found Iruka's situation funny and he was actually contemplating on doing the same to a certain perpetually sick Shinobi we all know. Genma, You Copy Cat! :op (I made a mistake here when I wrote Garden Ranunculus when I meant to put Ranunculus which means You're radiant with charm. However, Garden Ranunculus means You are Rich. So sorry for the mistake.)
Also, why did Kakashi know that Sweet Basil means Good Luck / Best Wishes?
This, you'll have to think about it yourself. It's probably the same reason why he chose Jonquils, which incidentally means Desire for affections to be returned or Love me ;o) Whether or not he told the truth about finding the flowers on Iruka's porch is a matter of your own opinion.
Oh, and why was Kakashi in such a rush in Chapter 2?
Upon the sight of Iruka, he remembered that Icha Icha Paradise Book 4 is out and rushed to the book store to get it. Bad Kakashi! XD
This pairing was, as I have stated in the beginning, a result of your votes. A majority of the reviewers voted for KakaIru so I wrote the ending as such, not because I'm a KakaIru fan or something like that. So don't lynch me because the pairing that you liked best didn't come out just because you didn't care to vote or something like that. If the votes result have been different, then all these explanations would have been different too so don't think that I planned it out from the beginning that it would be a KakaIru fic. In fact, in the beginning, I have totally no idea as to who would win that was the reason why the chapters were so short, because I didn't want to give away too much to any of the characters.
The second place of the results belongs to Genma/Iruka but there's just not enough votes to push Kakashi out, so there. But in anyhow, the next fic WILL have scenes for that pairing, so dun worry, I haven't forgotten about poor Genma, he'll get his dolphin loving soon enough. Just have LOTS of patience over this one.
GenHaya is not in the votes but since their both single, well, heh heh, just thought they'll be better together. Snicker.
There are other pairings like HayaIru, and AsuIru got some surprising votes (enough for me to count in one hand) the former more than the latter, however, EbiIru only got one vote (pathetic). Poor Gai didn't stand a chance amongst all the fangirls' votes. (He'd have probably get swamped in all the KakaIru votes. Poor Thing.)
If I missed any thing, just e-mail me and tell me.
Oh, in case you're wondering, not ALL of Konohagakure knew what really happened. Just a few (at the office) and then some. ;o)
Anyway, here are all the credits for the reviewers:
afk - Thanx for all the reviews. Me really appreciate it. :o) and the votes too.
Noniechan - Hope this part is to you expectation ;o) Especially the cough genhaya cough part...
hotaruchan27 - so, how's the oroiru scene in you head, heh heh heh. And YYAAAYYY, it's not Ebisu, heh heh. ;o)
Isolde1 - Honestly, between you and Shi-chan, you guys really give me too much credit. blushes I'm not that good. twiddles fingers a la Hinata. But thanx a lot. :o) I really do appreciate it. You guys make me a really really happy person.
Suke-san - Reading your last review made me come to the conclusion that someone should really stop giving you Ribena. ;op It makes you sound like a hyperactive Naruto (only smarter)...scary...
Kami Beverly - sniff I'm not that mean... really... (Stop laughing!)
SilverLyght - Poor Ebisu, you're the second person to day that... And you... like OroIru?! O.O Woah....
Renn - Thanx for the reviews before too. ;o)
diamond - Don't worry. Just close your eyes and scroll down when there is a KisaIru scene... snicker... just kidding. (maybe just a little) Thanx for the reviews. ;o) And good luck and happy in your work. I happen to think that what your doing is very admirable :o)
Iceheart19 - Yes, the merpeople fusion AU fanfic called Of Sea and Land is already at work. Chapter 1 is in the process of, but I may not be sending it out too soon. Just be patient, k?
Rui Yazawa - O.O Another... pervert... OroIru fan huh? And you're right, someone cough genma cough isn't very creative are they...? .
RukaIayLomperGay - Maa...maa... calm down... sweats...
Eikou - reads review again eh...I think you misread, it's um... a preview of the next fic...
Shi-chan - ItaIru? Oh uh, you've just given me another idea. Dang! Now I can't get it out of my head. I swear, some of these plot bunnies are really scary and annoying. ohhhh.... And your making me blush like a beetroot from all your compliments. ;o) Thanx a lot.
cdkobasiuk - Wahhh! You got it right! It's more than one person. ;o) But it's not a prank.
Random Person - Yeahh! It's a KakaIru thanx to all your votes!
Spirit and Essence - I wonder too where have all the good guys gone. But then again, you know what they say. The good guys are either taken... or... gay. . like Iru-chan. Oh, and yes, the preview will be in the story. ;o)
Evil Kasumi - Yay! You updated Midnight Confessions! ;o) Liked the chapter! Update soon!
Yuen-chan - You're not the first to tell me that . (Luckily you guys don't know where I live...)
keitsu han'ei - don't worry, i'll be writing the fic. it'll just take a bl00dy long time that's all....
danton - I think you're the one and only one that voted for Ebisu... Thanks for all the reviews through out the fic, honestly.
me - Not all, just most of Konohagakure, heh heh heh. And please don't remind me of what Gai does. It's scary enough not having to think about it.
Riyo-sama - It's not a stalker (If it was, I would have put Oro under suspicion for the heck of traumatizing all the readers snicker)
Naruke - sorry to disappoint you, it's not HayaIru but if makes you feel better, in Of Sea and Land, the two of them are a couple (in the beginning anyway) ;o)
kakashiobsessedfool - glad you like the fic ;o) even if you don't like yaoi fics. hope you like the ending anyway ;o)
MoonSweet or is it Sweetmoons? Anyway, thanx for all the support that you've been generously giving me throughout the entire fic. Though, honestly, you scared me with your last review on the OroIru scene. T.T I think I'm traumatized... (Just kidding) And don't worry about your review. I was wondering about it but never mind, it's still in my e-mail account. ;o)
Thank you! Luv you guys for all the support you guys gave me! ;o) I hope I didn't forget anyone. All those that have reviewed in the chapters before. Thanx again. And those that didn't, thanx for staying and reading all the way to the end. ;o) Arigatou Gozaimasu!!! I'll see you guys again soon! ;o)
luv,
SirenM