My Sunshine

Iruka's Good Friend - Haru

Iruka opened the door to the restaurant, letting her in first. BBQ's was loud and crowded, making her feel a little anxious. He leaned forward, pointing over her shoulder gently.

"There she is."

He was pointing to a kotatsu in the back, where the purple-haired woman was sitting.  She hadn't really met Anko before: only briefly in the hospital.  Iruka could pick up on her anxiety.

"She's a little abrasive, but very nice."

Haru turned and gave him a little smile over her shoulder.

"Okay."

Iruka guided her gently to the table, and the woman smiled.

"Hey, you two!"

She nodded shyly, sitting down across from Anko; Iruka sat next to Haru.

"Hey, Anko."

He grinned at her.

"Long time, no see."

"It's been busy. Haru, you've already met Anko, my good friend and the new assistant principal of the Academy."

Haru smiled at her.

"Congratulations."

Anko gave her a warm smile.

"Thanks."

The server came and took their orders. Anko poured herself another glass of plum wine from the bottle she ordered before they arrived.

"At least you've had some companionship this summer; it's been nothing but paperwork for me.  No missions, no good sex.  Just paperwork."

Anko downed her glass of wine quickly.  Iruka had a skeptical look on his face.

"Wait, I thought you were going on missions."

She shook her head no.

"Even with the rush of shinobi leaving on missions, I'm still here!  Damn blood disorder!"

Iruka laughed, which surprised Haru a little.

"You've been cured for years! Are you sure it isn't your age?"

She glared at him menacingly.

"Do you want to die today, old man?  We're the same age, asshole."

Haru couldn't help but giggle. Anko looked at her and grinned.

"You're adorable, and you look like you're feeling a lot better. How are you getting along with Iruka?"

Haru shrugged and laughed a little more.

"He's been very kind to me."

Anko glanced down at her bandaged hand, which Haru only noticed before she could pull it off the table.

"Oh yeah, if I find out he did this, he's a dead man."

Iruka began to defend himself, but Haru jumped in first.

"Oh no.  I did this.  I, um, I punched a hole in his wall..."

She felt the embarassment and shame rush to his face as tears began to flood her eyes.  She bent her head down, hoping they weren't noticed.  A second later, she felt Iruka's hand on her shoulder.  Touching her wasn't something he did very often. He was always around, but in more of a standoffish way as to not make her uncomfortable.  It was nice to be touched in a non-threatening way, though.

"Hey, it's okay.  There's nothing to feel bad about.  It's a wall, who cares?"

Anko filled her glass again, sipping from it slowly.