CHAPTER 3
FLOWERS FOR A DOLPHIN
The first thing Iruka noticed when he finally drifted into consciousness was the sweet smell surrounding him. His well honed instinct identified the smell as flowers and vaguely he wondered where he was. Even through his hazed mind, he knew, somehow, that he was safe, but what was he doing in a flower shop ?
He tried opening his eyes, but everything was a white blur " W..wher…" he asked, or tried to. His voice sounded strange, more like a croak and way too weak to be coherent.
" Hush now…." A deep voice whispered " You're safe."
Deep in the recesses of his mind he knew that voice, knew it well, but in his current morphine induced condition, he just can't think of a face to relate it with. Then unexpectedly, he felt strong fingers gently messaging his scalp, threading though his hair with familiar strokes.
Who are you ?
Iruka began to feel drowsy again, lulled by the sense of security emanated by the gentle caress. He has not felt this safe for a long, long time and shamelessly, he wanted the feeling to never end. Using what's left of his strength, Iruka tried to fight back the fuzziness which was rapidly engulfing his senses. He wanted to know who the person was, but to his dismay his consciousness was slowly slipping back into the unwelcome darkness..
xxFlashbackxx
" Are you sure about this Ruka ? " the young Jounin asked nervously as they entered the flower shop.
" Yes Kashi" he answered sounding mildly annoyed at his best friend's antics. Grabbing his glove-covered hand, the Genin pulled his superior into the flower shop and almost startling the owner.
" Yes, what can I do for you Umino-san, Hatake-san ? " the old man said smiling at the two boys.
" Konichiwa Naoko-san. We're here to get some flowers for a friend " Iruka answered returning the smile while behind him Kakashi groaned in embarrassment.
" Really ? " the man said raising his silver eyebrows " What's the occasion ? "
" We're visiting a friend in the hospital "
" That's very thoughtful. How about roses ? "
" But Naoko-san, he's a boy ! " Kakashi whined sounding like his age for once.
" Pay no attention to him Naoko-san. He's in the impression that boys are not supposed to get flowers" Iruka explained nudging the taller boy on the ribs.
" Ouch ! "
The owner laughed " Where on earth did you get that impression Hatake-san ? "
The silver-haired boy had the decency to blush underneath his mask and muttered something that sounded like – " Flowers are not manly "
" That's where you are wrong Hatake-san"
" Eh ? "
There was a smug look on the old man's face. It's not everyday that you can pick the brain of a genius Jounin no matter what his age. " Flowers are languages in their own silent way" he began " You can also tell a person's character by his preference"
" Really ? "
The two boys found themselves intrigue by the mini-lecture they were getting from the shop owner and an hour later they left the shop happily carrying a huge bouquet of colorful roses.
" Do you think Gai would like this ? "
" Coming from us, he'll love it " Iruka answered confidently.
" Ne Ruka ? " Kakashi asked suddenly, looking uncharacteristically shy for a full fledged Jounin.
" Yes ? "
" What's you favorite flower ? "
There was a short pause before Iruka answered with the sweetest smile Kakashi had ever seen
" Violets"
The young Jounin's visible eye curved into a cute arch. " Yup, you're definitely a violet." He said happily and they skipped ( well, almost… )all the way to the hospital hand in hand.
xxEnd of Flashbackxx
" Iruka-sensei, you're fazing out again " Naruto said as he sat cross-legged at the foot of the narrow hospital bed. He was pouting cutely, emphasizing his annoyance at being ignored through his expressive facial expression " You didn't hear a word I was saying did you ? "
The Chuunin smiled tenderly and ruffled the boy's unruly golden hair " Sorry Naruto.I was just thinking " he answered slightly embarrassed at being caught day dreaming.
" Eh ? About what ? "
At the far end of the room, a dark haired boy frowned. " Don't be such a busy body Naruto. Maybe Iruka-sensei is thinking of something personal "
" What personal matters ? " the blonde Genin said looking rather confused. His Iruka-sensei never kept secrets from him, or so he thought.
" Like a girlfriend perhaps… " Sakura added simply as she arranged the colorful bouquets in a more presentable fashion on the table beside the window.
Naruto frowned in disgust." Iruka sensei does not need a girlfriend. He has a lot of people who loves him. Just look at the room."
True enough, the small hospital room looked more like Ino's flower shop.
" That's where you're wrong. Everyone needs to have that special someone. That one precious person " Sakura pointed out looking hopefully at Sasuke.
" Do you have a girlfriend Iruka-sensei ? " the blonde-haired boy finally asked
" No " the Chuunin teacher answered simply trying to keep his voice neutral. He really didn't like where this conversation was going.
" I don't believe a handsome man like you don't have one. " Sakura persisted.
" Sorry to disappoint all of you, but I really don't have one…never did actually"
" Are you gay ? " Sasuke asked suddenly, eyes narrowed into slits
Iruka's face flushed so brightly that it threatened to self combust. " N…no. I just don't have time for one " .
It was a pathetic answer even for him. However, it was the truth and besides, women only wanted1 him for the security he presented, a good homebody and a secured partner. They never bothered to look at his real self,.
" Hmmm….how about someone close to you " Sakura suggested, then added quickly " Besides Naruto"
" Well…" Iruka said after some consideration " I did have a real close friend when I was about your age "
The Genins' eyes seemed to sparkled with interest. " Really ? Who ? "
" Oh, he was a very talented boy and he was my closest friend, my best friend ever actually "
" Tell us more "
" Well, he used to teased me by calling me violet boy. I don't blame him though since I kind of like the flower "
The three Genins seemed to grimaced at the confession.
" Violets ? You like flowers Iruka-sensei ? " Sakura said not even trying to hide her shock
" What's wrong with that ! " Naruto answered to the rescue on behalf of his beloved sensei " Besides, violets are manly flowers"
Both Sakura and Sasuke were looking at him in an odd way as if he had sprouted another head. It was then that the Chuunin decided to give some explanation, just to lighten up the situation.
" Well each one of you will have some similarities to a typical flower if you really looked closely "
" Really ? " The three said simultaneously.
Iruka nodded and began to tell them about the flower language and the character they presented. Once finished, the four of them decided to play a little game in deciding the perfect flower to represent their character best.. It was a solid hour filled with light and playful arguments which Iruka thought will do the trick in distracting his former students from their earlier curiosity.
However, luck was not on his side.
" So sensei, what happened to this friend of yours."
Iruka couldn't contain the sadness the innocent question brought forth. There were times when he thought he was over Kakashi, but now he had a distinct impression that he never will. What they had was special and it was something that should not be forgotten, even if the other conveniently did.
" We just grew apart " he answered simply, forcing a smile on his face.
There was a long silence before Naruto finally spoke " It's kind of sad " he said in an uncharacteristically soft voice " To loose something like that ne ? If I have a friend that close, I'll never let him go "
Iruka noticed that when the boy spoke, his line of vision was directed towards his silent dark-haired teammate. There was something in those blue depths that Iruka could clearly relate and understand.
" Yeah you shouldn't " the Chuunin whispered sadly. For the blonde's sake, he wished with all his might that their friendship would survive the test of time even though both he and Kakashi's didn't.
xxxxx
The next day, Maito Gai came bringing a huge bouquet of colorful roses " How are you today sensei ? "
" I'm fine Gai " he answered with a warm smile " Are those for me ? "
" Yes. A gift for an esteemed teacher who has earned my respect countless of times "
" Stop it Gai " the Chuunin laughed " It won't work on me. We've known each other since… forever "
The green-clad Jounin threw back his head and laughed heartily. " Really, how are you Iruka "
" The truth is I'm still sore. Either than that I'll live "
" Glad to hear that " he said, sitting himself comfortably on the chair next to the bed " Tsunade said that you'll be discharged in a couple of days "
" Yeah. Can't wait to get out of here "
" I understand what you mean"
" Did the Hokage received the message ? " Iruka asked
" Thanks to you " Gai replied with a smile which quickly faded into regret." It was a trap from the beginning " he said " We should have known that the report was forged "
" It times such as these how would we have known "
" Yeah, you're right " he agreed " It could happen to anyone "
After a short pause, the Chuunin asked again " Did our Anbu Team managed to catch the missing-nins ? "
" Yeah they send out an Anbu to deal with them "
" You mean an Anbu team"
" No, I mean one Anbu"
Iruka's expressive brown eyes widened in horror. " What ? How could they ! "
" He volunteered "
" Who would be crazy enough to volunteered "
" The Hound "
The Chuuin stiffened visibly, looking suddenly pale.
" Iruka ? Are you all right ? "
" Yeah, I'm fine " he answered, forcing a smile " Just felt a little dizzy "
" In that case I'd better let you rest "
" Thank you for coming Gai. I really appreciate the company "
" Anytime Iruka. Call me if you need anything " the Jounin smiled as he got up to leave
Just before he got out of the room, Iruka asked him his final question " Was he hurt ? "
" Who ? "
" The Anbu "
Gai smiled kindly to his friend " He's fine, but you should see the missing nin though. Not a pretty sight for the weak stomach. "
Iruka nodded and the Jounin left silently.
Once the door was closed, he began to tremble violently.
xxxFlashbackxxx
There were too much smoke and the stench of blood was gagging him. Looking around he could see fallen leaf shinobis and wondered if he would join them soon. The Academy was their last refuge and thank the Gods that they have managed to evacuate the building as soon as the attack came.
But they need more time to reach the safety of the caves. He could still hear the cries of the children and his heart reached out to their innocent lives.
' I have to buy them more time'….he thought surveying the damage, ' I may not be strong enough, but at least the children will stand a chance'.
He was only 16, the youngest Chuunin ever appointed such a post. The Hokage must have high expectation of him and he was not going to let the kind old man down with his self doubts and fear.
Reaching out his senses, he detected numerous chakra signatures, four at least and they were all Jounin levels. He frowned at the odds and decided that if he were to die today, then it will be as a shinobi protecting his village.
When they finally came, Iruka was more than ready. He leapt out of the way as half of the room erupted into flames. The enemy was obviously not expecting this as they staggered backwards. In their disorientation, Iruka launched his attack, raining kunais and shurikens towards them with precision accuracy.
He managed to take down one of the four enemies, but he knew that his element of surprise is now gone and sooner or later he has to deal with them face to face.
" Come out and play with us " one of them sniggered, eyes darting around the room scanning for their attacker. Then he smirked and threw a kunai at Iruka's direction. " There you are !"
Iruka dodged the weapon and was immediately exposed. Steeling himself, he prepared for what he thought was his final battle.
Suddenly, with an explosive crash, the wall behind him blew in. Iruka was thrown forward and through the smoke and dust, he caught a glimpse of a tall figure clad in black. His face was concealed by an Anbu trade-mark mask in an image of a dog.
' The Hound ! ' he gasped in both surprise and relief.
The said Anbu glanced towards him briefly before he sprinted forward so fast that within a fraction of a second, he was already in front of the Sand Jounins. This sudden act caught the enemies off guard and before they could react, the Anbu launched his attack……and the last thing they saw was a sharp set of claws slashing their throats open.
To ensure that the enemies were truly dead, the Hound took out his katana and with one swift motion decapitated the three Sand Jounins.
Iruka could only stare in horror. Although he was a shinobi, he had never, ever witnessed such animalistic rage. The Anbu's chakra flared brightly emanating bloodlust that sent shivers down his spine.
He had heard rumors of this mysterious Anbu from the other senior teachers. They say he was a man with no conscience or remorse, Konoha's most perfect killing machine. And Iruka, being himself of course, dismissed their stories immediately, refusing to believe that there was someone amongst them with such a description.
But now in front of him, fate has proved him wrong for he was now face to face with a living shinigami, an angle of death who was feared by all.
After satisfying himself that the enemies were indeed dead, the Hound turned towards him, blood dripping from the corner of his fingers.
"Are you okay sensei ?", the Anbu said, his deep baritone voice seemed to vibrate in the cold and silent corridor.
Iruka could only nod.
As the Anbu approached him, he instinctively backed away towards the cold wall, fear coursing through his body in shivering waves.
The man hesitated for a moment. Then, most unexpectedly, the Anbu reached out his hand and touched Iruka's cheek.
The Chuunin gasped at the gentle touch… ' How could such deadly hands be capable of such gentleness'. There was a strange familiarity in the touch and involuntarily, Iruka leaned into the caress.
" Ruka…"
Iruka pulled away immediately. Beautiful eyes widened in shock.
" K…Kashi ?"
They regarded each other for a moment before the Anbu disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
xxxEnd of Flashbackxxx
" Did he came and visit you Iruka-sensei ? " Naruto asked suddenly as they were walking back to the Chuunin's apartment.
A short pause before he answered " No"
The boy frowned " He's a jerk ! "
Iruka sighed, looking very tired " He's not a jerk Naruto "
" Why do you keep defending him ? "
That was a question Iruka often pondered.
Even though he knew that the Jounin would not come, deep down inside, Iruka had secretly hoped beyond hope that he would. This above all made him sad and wished that he could somehow easily forget the man as easily as he did him.
It was entirely his own fault after all, getting all messed up on something which was close to impossible.
Maybe he had hoped too much…
Maybe it was time to let go….
" Naruto, sometimes in life in order to move forward, you have to change " the Chuunin explained patiently trying his best to mask his sadness " and with that, your priority will change too, especially when you meet other people….people who are of your status and rank "
" That's not an excuse" the Genin protested " If it was me, I'll never forget my friends…ever "
The Chuunin smiled and ruffled the boy's messy blonde hair affectionately " Yeah I know that you won't "
They walked in silence until they came to Iruka's doorstep.
" At least he could have sent you flowers " the boy muttered grudgingly.
" Naruto you Baka ! " the Chuunin laughed as he opened his apartment door " I thought we were done discussing that. And just for the records, why the hell would he….."
The words were suddenly trailed off as the two entered the small apartment.
If he considered his hospital room as a flower shop, then he had no words to describe his apartment.
There were violets everywhere. On the tables, on the shelves, on the sofa on the bed…..And they came in all colors, sizes and arrangements, turning the small simple apartment into a beautiful violet haven.
After taking almost five minutes to recover himself, Naruto finally spoke with a wide fox-like grin.
" I think Iruka-sensei, your friend overdid it this time ne ? "