Iruka waited until Naruto had finished the noodles in his ramen and was draining the broth before he spoke.
"I went to see Kakashi-sensei today—AH!"
He hadn't waited long enough. Naruto had slammed his bowl down, spattering Iruka with broth.
"Sorry!" he said quickly, searching around for a napkin. Iruka waved him off, brushing the drops off of his face with the back of his hand. He was suddenly, absurdly reminded of Kakashi wiping away his tears when he'd seen him the hospital.
"He asked about you. And how the how the mission went."
Naruto flicked at a drop of broth with one of his chopsticks, the other remaining trapped beneath his left hand. He grinned to himself, remembering how ignobly Kakashi had been brought low.
"He didn't remember anything about how it ended." Iruka remarked as he motioned for two more bowls. Naruto sat up straight and looked eager.
"I'm not surprised. I think people usually don't. Mmm!" He licked his lips as a fresh bowl was set down in front of him. He began slurping noodles and spoke with his mouth full.
"I would have paid money to see his face…" he swallowed, and his words were clearer, though he remained bent over his bowl. "…when he found out how he was hurt. What did he say?" he asked, turning to look at Iruka.
"Actually, he just sort of groaned and rolled over." Iruka started on his own ramen as Naruto laughed. They ate in silence for a few moments. When they both had drained their bowls, Iruka hesitantly spoke.
"He…uh," he rubbed his scar in discomfort, a nervous habit Naruto had noticed before. "He asked me to spar with him." He finished in a mumble.
Naruto was surprised for a moment, then shrugged as he pulled out his wallet. Iruka waved him off as he plunked his own money down on the counter. Naruto talked as they left the stand and started down the street.
"I guess it doesn't surprise me. You should get back to the basic training after something like that, and no one knows the basics like you, Iruka-sensei!"
Iruka quirked an eyebrow at him. "Really?"
"Uh, not like you're not good at other stuff too—I mean, you are—" He waved his hands wildly, and Iruka laughed. After a moment Naruto laughed too.
"Heh, sound just like a kid again, don't I? Well, I gotta go, Sai was being an ass about practice so I guess he's actually gonna train with us. I know he's trying, but…"
He shook his head, unaware of how adult he suddenly looked. Iruka smiled.
"Anyway, I'll see you!"
He waved goodbye and sped off down the street. Iruka waved back, then turned toward his own apartment, the smile slipping off his face.
He ignored the people he saw on the way and disabled the traps on the door with his usual care. He reset them after he slipped inside. After making a thorough check for intruders, one that he was thoroughly tired of, he stripped off his vest, and after a moment's thought, his hitai-ate and shirt as well. He flopped on his small couch and looked over at a drawer in his side table with a frown.
He got up again with a small sigh and walked over to the table. He opened it and lifted up the false bottom, scattering the old papers on top.
A small brown book lay inside. Iruka started to reach for it, then hesitated.
No one knows the basics like you, Iruka-sensei!
Kakashi was going to spar with him to ensure his basic moves were still in shape and up to speed. He didn't trust Iruka, and therefore, Iruka couldn't trust him with this.
Iruka replaced the false bottom and flopped back on the couch, throwing his arm over his eyes.
He lifted it to eye the drawer.
"Maybe."