If Only I could have spent a little more time with you.
I do not own Naruto.
''Naruto...'' Iruka lets the name slip from his lips. Naruto's gaze moves from the stone to him in a second. At first Iruka thinks he sees disappointment but then Naruto gives him a big bright smile.
''Hello Iruka-sensei.''
Iruka feels like he doesn't deserve that smile. He doesn't. He hasn't done anything for Naruto but Naruto smiles at him like he has given him the world. Guilt creeps into Iruka's feelings.
Why is he so happy to see me? I do nothing but avoid him!
''What are you doing here?'' Iruka hopes it doesn't come over as accusing.
''Just...hanging around.'' Naruto shrugs.
Iruka looks around them. It has gotten very dark and colder as the night arrives. It is also pretty late and Naruto is just hanging around here on his own? He eyes the clothes he is wearing. Those will not keep him warm in the evening.
''On your own?'' Iruka asks as he moves closer and places the flowers by the stone.
Naruto's smile shrinks. ''Yeah Sakura and Sasuke had to go home.''
''You don't?'' Iruka asks and then wants to slap himself. He always hated that himself when people asked that or something similar. No he doesn't have to go home because there is no one at home waiting for him. He doesn't want to go home. That place isn't home. There is no warmth there. Nothing but loneliness. It is especially lonely after you have spend the whole day surrounded by people and then in a few seconds you are totally alone.
Naruto shakes his head ''Nope I live on my own.'' He looks at the stone again and his eye turn sad.
Then it hits Iruka. Naruto lives on his own. He doesn't have anyone to look after him. The villagers either ignore him or are mean to him. He must have been lonely until Sakura and Sasuke became his friends. But at the end of the day they will go to their own home, their families and Naruto is left alone just like Iruka was.
Naruto doesn't have anyone to give him attention and the support a parent would have given, just like Iruka.
He pulls pranks in order for people to notice him. Just like Iruka.
He must feel Lonely, Just like Iruka felt.
He must have suffered, just like Iruka did.
Even if he has Sakura and Sasuke like he had Mitzuki, at the end of the day their friends would go home and they would have to return to an empty apartment.
Iruka knows how hard that life is and yet he hasn't done anything to help Naruto. He is a coward. He isn't a responsible person at all. He felt relieved that Naruto had friends because he could just continue to avoid Naruto. But that is just the easy way out.
He knows how much he would have wanted someone to reach out to him.
His thoughs are interrupted by the growling sound of a stomach. Iruka knows it isn't his so the only one it can be is Naruto's. Naruto's cheeks turn red. Iruka lets out a small laugh and lets the tension in his body fade away.
It is time he acts responsible. As a teacher he needs to set a good example for his students. As a person he doesn't want Naruto to suffer the same loneliness he had to.
He gives a small soft smile.
''Do you like ramen, Naruto?''
Naruto's eyes widen as he looks at Iruka and then they begin to shine. His smile turns as bright as the sun.
''I love ramen, Iruka-sensei!''
''I know this awesome place, do you want to go with me?''
''Yes!''
Author's note
Guys I just remember Mitzuki...How do I deal with him? Any suggestions?
I am sure you can use your own imagination for what happens next but in short it is the same they have in canon.
A quiker update as a thank you for over a 100 favs.
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