Author's Note: Forgive me for the slow update. I won't even try to make excuses (although I had valid reasons) ... LoL

AznNarutoGrl-91 : Hi! I'm so glad that someone still likes this work! Heheh. Actually, I've had this file in my folder for a long time but I just didn't have the time to upload it. This isn't really a chapter 2, it's only Iruka's point of view (referring to the first chappy). I hope you'll enjoy this!

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I wiped my sweaty palms on my flak vest. "Hokage-sama..."

"Nani yo? I already said I'm going to let Izumo or Kotetsu bring the new scrolls and documents to the academy when they arrive at noon." Tsunade was busily scanning some papers. I could tell she hated that part of her job.

"Can I—" my voice sounded squeaky so I cleared my throat. "Could I ask you to let Kekoru Mitsuri deliver them instead?" There. I said it.

Tsunade stopped what she was doing and stared at me suspiciously. I squirmed and felt my face heat up when she grinned slyly. I was too damned obvious!

"Hmm..." she drummed her fingers on the desk and continued staring at me.

"What?" I finally asked.

"So, you like Mitsuri, eh?" Without waiting for my answer, she got up from her chair excitedly and clapped her hands. "It's about time, Iruka! I knew you couldn't stay uninterested in girls for long. Don'tcha worry, I'll help you, kid."

Unkown to most people, I had noticed Mitsuri ever since she was my student. She was smart, funny and pretty. No. Make that beautiful. I miss her grey eyes. Her green hair. Her sweet voice. Shit. I had to be crazy to fall for a girl nine years my junior. One who wasn't interested in me, too.

A few minutes later, when I couldn't handle any more of the Godaime's teasing, I left her office and went to the academy. Most of the kids were already there, and by the time the final bell rang, everyone was present.

I was so distracted I knew I wouldn't be able to discuss well. That's why I let them all read their scrolls while I stared at the wall opposite me. My eyes drifted to Mitsuri's old seat, at the very back of the room. After she graduated, I hadn't let anyone sit there, leading new students to other seats instead. Very sentimental of me, ne?

The door slid open and I saw Mitsuri standing there. Stifling my excitement, I was careful not to stand up too quickly. "Mitsuri!"

She came over and practically tossed the materials into my hands. Why wasn't she looking at me?

"I see you're still shy," I said with a grin. Those grey eyes that used to stare at me so intently during our classes were now looking everywhere except into mine.

"Iruka-sensei, these are from Hokage-sama. I have to go now," she said in one breath. Did she dislike seeing me? She obviously did. Ho hum.

I watched until she was out the door. She was the only one who bothered to call me 'Iruka-sensei' every time.

"Sensei!" Konohamaru called out from the center of the room. "Who was that?"

I could only say, "Oh, she's Kekoru Mitsuri. She was one of the best students that I ever had."

"Honto?" Moegi spoke up. "Sensei, she's so kawaii."

"Really?" I asked eagerly. Stupid me! What was I doing listening to these kids? "Ahem. You may keep your scrolls. It's lunchtime anyway."

I went out of the room and found Kurenai-san waiting for me. We walked to Ichiraku Ramen together. "Iruka, you must tell Mitsuri how you feel," she said. "You might be surprised with her reaction." I thought about that as we sat down on the stools of Ichiraku.

"What are those?" Kurenai pointed to the scrolls on my lap.

"These are some new edition scrolls—" That's right. Scrolls. Where were the documents from Sand? Something clicked in my head.

Don'tcha worry, I'll help you, kid.

Tsunade! That woman just had to put her two cents in. Sheesh. I was afraid Mitsuri would get tired of delivering things for crappy me.

Next day, I let the kids read again. I was so uncomfortable. Would Mitsuri come today? When lunchtime came around, I was sweating with anxiety. If she ever showed up that day, I promised to tell her everything. That I love her.

I had to get out of the classroom. Ahh... the fresh air helped make me feel better. I stiffened when I saw Mitsuri walk over to me. Don't chicken out now.

God help me!

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Author's Note: Hope ya liked that one! :) ... Lemme know what'cha think by submitting a review or by e-mailing me. By the way, I'm doing a Christmas special right now... the title is: Don't Allow Your Tears to Fall ... make sure to read it! Thankee!!!