Konoha Times {OC x Various} Naruto AU

Chapter 3

Nami got back to her apartment to find Genma wiggling her doorknob.

"You won't find anything valuable. A typewriter, but it will cost you more than it's actually worth."

"Ms. Umino, hello," Genma kept wiggling the doorknob. He eyed the coffee cup in her hand, "Ah, you went with Konoha's Cup. Too much milk, don't you think?"

"Yeah, actually, you're right. I think it was mostly milk," Nami frowned at her cup, it really wasn't a great latte. Not worth the five dollars.

"Well the doorknob is fixed, it shouldn't cause any trouble." Genma stood up and met Nami's eyes before he walked away. He passed by close to her purposely. He smelled clean and lightly of palo santo.

Six o'clock approached quickly. Iruka picked Nami up and they headed to Ichiraku Ramen, their childhood favorite. It was one of the few unchanged places in Konoha. To Nami's dislike, Iruka had brought his wife along. They were both elementary school teachers, the best in the district. Nami found that Ayako was entirely too aware of her reputation as one of Konoha's best teachers. It made her believe she was the best in every other aspect of life. She wasn't too sure what Iruka saw in her.

"So Nami, may I ask why you choose the East End? Iruka and I are worried for you, especially with the events back in Kiri," Ayako said while sipping her drink. Nami's face flushed and got hot.

Iruka's eyes widened, "Ayako, we agreed we wouldn't do this tonight."

"No it's alright brother. What happened in Kiri was..." Nami struggled to find the right words. "I'm not naïve, I know how to handle my own now."

"Well, I think it would be best if you moved in with us. At least until you find a better job," Ayako said.

"My job will lead to better opportunities. I just have to be patient. Thank you both for offering your home to me; but, I like my new place just fine."

"Oh please, you'll be playing servant to a girl who sucked the right dicks to be on a screen," Ayako said with a mean laugh.

"Alright, well I would like to talk about anything else right now," Iruka said. He looked...sweaty.

"Brother, this is seriously the best bowl of ramen. Next to you, this bowl of ramen is what I missed most during my time in Kiri!"

At this, Teuchi smiled wide and gave the three each a coupon for ten percent off their next visit. Iruka paid the bill and took the women to a nearby theater. During the movie Nami couldn't focus. Although she would never show it, Ayako's words cut deep. Nami was just beginning to put all the panic attacks behind her. She had been going to therapy for four years since she was assaulted during her freshman year in Kiri. When the movie ended the three drove to Nami's apartment.

Nami was silent as Iruka and Ayako talked about the movie. When they finished, the car got awkwardly silent.

"So Nami, do you think you'll finally get a boyfriend soon? It's a shame someone so pretty is single. Meeting your brother, getting married and having our little ones was the best thing that's ever happened to me!" Ayako said. Nami didn't have a chance to speak before Ayako spoke again, "Or do you hate men now? A wife would be equally as fulfilling I think... You could adopt!"

"Ayako!!! Stop! God, why are you doing this to Nami?"

"I'm just trying to help!"

"You aren't. Nami, I'm very sorry on Ayako's behalf. I'm proud of you."

In perfect timing, Iruka arrived at the apartment. Nami didn't speak as she got out of the backseat. Iruka left his wife in the car and ran to meet Nami.

"Why are you with her?!"

"She usually isn't like this. In her head, she thinks she is really trying to help. Nami..."

Nami held her tongue, Ayako had always been a privileged bitch, "Thank you for dinner brother. I'm glad you and the kids are well."

"Nami, I really am proud of everything you have and will accomplish. Mom and Dad are proud too, I just know it."

Nami didn't believe in the 'great beyond' like her brother did. She sighed and hugged Iruka before saying her goodbyes and going inside.